Walmart has discounted Vizio's Mini LED Quantum TV, with the 65-inch model available for $358 and the 85-inch for $698, as buyers can disable the TV's built-in operating system during setup and use their own streaming device without worrying about what data Vizio and Walmart might be collecting.
The Verge review lists the 65-inch model as $40 off and the 85-inch model as $100 off. A 55-inch version is also listed at Walmart for $248.
The TV, which uses a mini-LED panel with quantum dots, offers vivid color and high brightness; The Verge's testing showed it can reach 936 nits when calibrated. However, its IPS panel does not have the best black levels, and a touch of motion blur during faster scenes may hurt its appeal for gamers, the review notes. The set has three HDMI 2.0 ports and supports up to 4K at 60Hz.
During setup, users can push past the manufacturer's warnings about “missing out” on smart TV features and bypass the agreements; the review names Roku and Apple TV 4K as examples of external streaming devices.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Shoppers can get a discounted Mini LED TV with strong brightness for under $700 on the 85-inch model, a price point that undercuts many competing sets.
- The option to skip smart TV agreements addresses growing privacy concerns among consumers who prefer external streaming devices.
- The sale reflects continued price competition in the TV market, particularly from Walmart-owned Vizio.
Background
Vizio, owned by Walmart, produces budget-friendly TVs. Mini LED technology uses smaller LEDs for improved brightness and contrast compared to standard LED TVs, though the Vizio model reviewed uses an IPS panel that compromises black levels. The sale aligns with typical retail promotions.
Key Perspectives
The Verge: Reports that the TV offers a bright image and the ability to bypass built-in smart TV features during setup, but notes compromises on black levels and motion handling due to its IPS panel.
What to Watch
- Whether Walmart extends the discount beyond current availability or applies it to other Vizio models.
- Consumer response to the option of disabling smart TV features, which could signal a shift in how TVs are marketed.
- Any potential firmware updates from Vizio to address motion blur or black level performance.
Checked
11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 11 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedThe Vizio Mini LED Quantum TV is discounted at Walmart and buyers can skip its smart-TV features.The Verge: “And right now, it’s discounted at Walmart, with the 65-inch model going for $358 ($40 off) and the 85-inch model going for $698 ($100 off).”
- SupportedThe 65-inch model is priced at $358, $40 off.The Verge: “the 65-inch model going for $358 ($40 off)”
- SupportedThe 85-inch model is priced at $698, $100 off.The Verge: “the 85-inch model going for $698 ($100 off)”
- SupportedDuring setup, buyers can disable the built-in operating system and use their own streaming device without worrying about what data Vizio and Walmart might be collecting.The Verge: “you can disable the built-in operating system, letting you use your own streaming device like a Roku or Apple TV 4K without worrying about what data Vizio and Walmart might be collecting.”
- SupportedA 55-inch version is listed at Walmart for $248.The Verge: “$278 $248 at Walmart (55-inch)”
- SupportedThe TV uses a mini-LED panel with quantum dots, which provide vivid color and high brightness; testing showed it can reach 936 nits when calibrated.The Verge: “The TV features quantum dots for full, vivid color and high brightness (our testing showed it can reach 936 nits when calibrated thanks to its mini-LED panel).”
- SupportedThe IPS panel does not have the best black levels.The Verge: “The IPS panel doesn’t have the best black levels, as you might see on more expensive sets”
- SupportedA touch of motion blur during faster scenes may hurt the TV’s appeal for gamers.The Verge: “there’s a touch of motion blur during faster scenes, which may also hurt its appeal for gamers.”
- SupportedThe TV has three HDMI 2.0 ports and supports up to 4K at 60Hz.The Verge: “It also has three HDMI ports, but they’re only 2.0, although the screen only supports up to 4K at 60Hz”
- SupportedUsers can push past the manufacturer's warnings about “missing out” on smart-TV features and bypass the agreements during setup.The Verge: “you can bypass the TV’s host of agreements during setup. By pushing past the manufacturer’s warnings about “missing out” on smart TV features”
- SupportedThe review names Roku and Apple TV 4K as examples of external streaming devices.The Verge: “letting you use your own streaming device like a Roku or Apple TV 4K”
