Digression: QLED technology is an optimized form of LED backlighting. So-called quantum dots are used here. These tiny particles act as an additional color filter in front of the lighting and produce a finer display of color at the pixel level. QLED should not be confused with the similar-sounding OLED. Each pixel is actually lit up individually and there is no backlighting. OLED is still a good price level above QLED. There are only a few models under 1,000 euros. The 55-inch QLED TV from Xiaomi costs 699 euros at MediaMarkt (RRP: 799 euros).
Mi TV Q1E: design, first impression and setup
Compared to the conventional LED TVs from Xiaomi, the QLED TV shows its higher quality. The processing is excellent and seems almost noble. The screen has no visible frame at the top or sides. The device is delimited at the bottom by a narrow bar with a metal look, which, among other things, bears the logo lettering and below is a small box with an LED status light and the on/off switch for the integrated microphone for voice control.
The feet hold the television securely and are screwed onto the device from behind. A stand is attached to the left and right so that there is space for a receiver, additional peripherals or a soundbar in the middle under the television. You can also attach the TV to the wall using a bracket, there are standardized screw holes on the back for this purpose.
Narrow edge and noble-looking design applications of the Mi TV Q1E.
Sticking point first switching on: The included remote control is based on Bluetooth. So it has to be paired first. Now the TV didn't turn on right after plugging it in for the first time to prepare for pairing. Only the status LED flashed briefly. Otherwise there is no reaction and the remote control is ineffective without infrared and without a Bluetooth connection. The solution to the riddle: Under the black box below the Xiaomi logo there is an inconspicuous and only palpable power button, which is used to start the TV. The first step after that is to pair the remote control and get started. Works in principle, but intuitively is different.
Simply connect via Android smartphone
The setup itself is then quickly done, especially if you have an Android smartphone. The accounts are synchronized via the Google app and the playing area with the first apps is immediately ready for use. The Play Store with numerous apps optimized for Smart TV is available in the Android TV system for this purpose. There's no streaming service that isn't here. However, there is also a bit of bloatware with apps that are used less often, at least in large numbers – for example “PatchWall”, a service that is not even available in Germany.
The remote control is kept in a classic style and does not imitate the voice and pure navigation remote controls that Amazon or Samsung include with their devices. There is a directional pad that is used 80 percent of the time, but there are also some quick start buttons (e.g. for Netflix) and last but not least a number pad for linear TV.
Equipment and image quality
Android TV is pre-installed in version 10 and a MediaTek MT9611 processor provides all computing power. The 4K screen displays content with a refresh rate of 60 Hertz and HDR10+ support. Overall, the data underpins the fact that we are dealing with a mid-range TV here. With conventional LED technology, even with a 55-inch diagonal, it would cost around 500 euros – that's also the price for the LED brother Mi TV P1. So does the QLED technology make the difference and justify the surcharge? The answer: Yes!
The image technology shows its strengths in particular in bright backlight, with content that represents stronger contrasts and generally with rapid changes in light. LED screens noticeably can't keep up here. And so a niche has been created in the QLED corridor across manufacturers that fills in the immense (price) differences between LED and OLED televisions. The Xiaomi Mi TV Q1E fills this gap and is a really good alternative.
QLED is not OLED – but a noticeable corner better than conventional LCD technology.
Compared to the industry leader Samsung – here the Samsung GQ55Q60A is suitable as an equivalent with 55 inches, 60 Hertz and QLED technology – Xiaomi wins the price war and is 200 euros cheaper in terms of RRP.
The Mi TV Q1E in the multimedia check
Software: Android TV 10
The Android TV platform feels cluttered and disconcerting to anyone migrating from a non-smart or early-smart TV. It offers well-known functions from the smartphone operating system and displays everything full-screen. So it's more of a dashboard, a separate world that you use to control your television. This control is fast and fluid. However, attention should be paid to order.
The system is good if you mainly use streaming services via apps. If linear TV programs are your usual starting point when switching on the TV, Android TV is annoying and an only partially filling menu, as offered by Samsung, is more the means of choice.
However, if you are a friend of such dashboard solutions as Android TV, there are small-scale solution options and plenty of room for individualization. Your favorite apps are then always where you want them. In addition to the remote control, you can also use voice control – the system is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Android TV is used in version 10. Regular updates are promised.
Sound
In terms of audio, the Mi TV Q1E suffers from the well-known flat screen TV weakness. There's just no room for decent sound. What is still easily sufficient for watching the news in the bedroom becomes weak when the bass-heavy blockbuster is supposed to create a kind of cinema feeling. But: The Xiaomi television shares the same fate with almost all of its flat colleagues. A soundbar or the connection of a system are recommended here. The 2 x 15 watt speakers with Dolby audio support serve their purpose, but are not a selling point.
Some help articles on this point:
Soundbars under 500 eurosSoundbars under 300 euros… and up to 150 euros200-euro tip: Bose TV speaker in the testHigh-End+: Sonos Arc in the test
Gaming
The missing HDMI 2.1 slot is still a side note for most titles. It doesn't really have a negative impact that the console doesn't get the maximum out of it on paper. If something disturbs subconsciously, it is more likely the 60 Hertz frequency. Although – for the everyday gamer with FIFA 22 that is also overestimated. If PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X are more than just a side hobby, you should look around for more specialized televisions anyway.
Conclusion on the Mi TV Q1E
The Xiaomi Mi TV Q1E is a real TV tip for streaming fans. The Android operating system offers numerous options for adapting the Smart TV to your own needs. Linear television via triple tuner (cable, satellite or terrestrial) and gaming with an external console is possible without a doubt. However, if you are looking for televisions that are specially designed for this, you will have to dig deeper into your pocket.
And so we come full circle with the Mi TV Q1E: at around 700 euros for QLED image technology, it is a sophisticated and versatile device at an acceptable price.
Per
Cons
Overloaded operating system wall sound
About this article
We mark partner links with these symbols.
If you click on such a link or button or make a purchase via it, we will receive a small
Remuneration from the respective website operator. This has no effect on the price of a purchase.
But you help us to continue offering inside digital free of charge. Thanks very much!
This article is part of a cooperation with MediaMarkt.
The partner has no influence on the content of the article.
