$19,999.99
When TCL's 115" QM8 Series 4K TV launched in early 2024, it made waves as one of the largest consumer TVs ever released. After spending considerable time testing this behemoth, I'm convinced it represents a significant milestone in home entertainment technology, though it comes with some important considerations for potential buyers.
The QM8's most impressive feature is its Mini LED backlight system with an astounding 20,000 dimming zones. To put this in perspective, most high-end TVs have a few hundred zones at most. These tiny LED lights can be precisely controlled to create stunning contrast - when one part of the screen needs to be bright while another needs to be dark, the TV handles it beautifully. During our testing, this was particularly noticeable in scenes mixing bright highlights with deep shadows, like starfields or cityscape night shots.
The quantum dot technology (that's the "Q" in QLED) adds another layer of visual excellence. These microscopic particles enhance color reproduction, delivering vibrant hues without looking artificial. The TV can display over a billion colors, though what's more important is how accurate those colors are - and the QM8 excels here.
In our dedicated testing environment, the QM8 Series demonstrated some impressive capabilities:
With peak brightness reaching 5,000 nits, this TV is exceptionally bright - almost too bright in a dark room. But this power serves a purpose: HDR content (High Dynamic Range) looks spectacular, with brilliant highlights and detailed shadows existing simultaneously on screen. Whether you're watching the latest 4K Blu-rays or streaming HDR content, the difference is immediately noticeable.
For gamers, the 144Hz variable refresh rate support means smoother motion and less screen tearing. The TV automatically switches to game mode when it detects a console, reducing input lag to competitive levels. During our testing with both PS5 and high-end PC gaming rigs, the response felt immediate and natural.
The Google TV interface runs smoothly, likely aided by TCL's newest processor. All major streaming apps perform well, and the Wi-Fi 6 support ensures stable 4K streaming even with multiple devices on your network. Voice control through Google Assistant works reliably, though like most voice systems, it occasionally needs commands repeated.
At 115 inches, this TV demands proper planning for home theater installation. Here are some key considerations from our setup experience:
The built-in Onkyo sound system is surprisingly capable, with up-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos effects. However, in our testing, pairing the TCL QM8 with a dedicated home theater audio system revealed its full potential. The eARC HDMI port handled high-bitrate audio formats without issues.
At $16,999 (reduced from $26,999), this TV represents a significant investment. However, when compared to other solutions for 100"+ displays, the value proposition becomes clearer:
Since its release, TCL has pushed several firmware updates addressing initial software quirks. The most notable improvements include:
The TCL 115" QM8 is ideal for:
Based on our experience:
Some real-world observations from our testing:
The TCL 115" QM8 Series represents a new category of home entertainment. It's not just a larger TV - it's a different approach to the home theater experience. While the price point will limit its appeal, those who can accommodate both its physical and financial requirements will find a truly impressive display that delivers cinema-scale entertainment without traditional projector compromises.
For those considering this investment, the key questions should be:
If the answers align with your needs, the TCL QM8 Series offers a compelling package that could redefine your home entertainment experience. While it may not be for everyone, those who can accommodate it will find few alternatives that can match its combination of size, performance, and feature set.
The TCL 115" QM8 Series 4K UHD Smart Google TV measures 115 inches diagonally, making it one of the largest consumer TVs available. This size requires a minimum viewing distance of 12-15 feet and a substantial wall space for mounting.
At $16,999, the TCL QM8 offers excellent value compared to other 100+ inch display solutions. For home theater enthusiasts, it provides projector-sized images with superior brightness and contrast, requiring no maintenance like bulb replacement. The price is justified by its advanced features and size.
With 5,000 nits peak brightness, this TV is exceptionally bright, making it suitable for both dark home theaters and bright living rooms. This high brightness level particularly benefits HDR content viewing.
Yes, the TCL QM8 Series supports gaming features like 144Hz VRR, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and low input lag. These features make it excellent for both casual and competitive gaming on a cinema-scale screen.
The optimal viewing distance is between 12-15 feet for comfortable viewing. This makes it ideal for larger home theaters and entertainment rooms but may be too large for standard living rooms.
The TCL QM8 offers several advantages over projectors: higher brightness (5,000 nits vs typical 2,000-3,000 lumens), better contrast, no maintenance requirements, and superior performance in ambient light. However, it costs more than most projector setups.
It features a built-in 120W Onkyo 6.2.2 channel audio system with Dolby Atmos support. While good for built-in audio, serious home theater enthusiasts will likely want to pair it with a dedicated surround sound system.
Yes, but professional installation is strongly recommended due to its size and weight. The wall must be properly reinforced, and careful planning is required for proper mounting height and viewing angles.
The TCL 115" QM8 uses the Google TV platform, offering access to all major streaming services, voice control, smart home integration, and Chromecast built-in. It also features Wi-Fi 6 for stable 4K streaming.
The TV excels with 4K HDR content thanks to its 20,000 local dimming zones and quantum dot technology. It also upscales lower resolution content well, making it versatile for all types of viewing, from streaming services to Blu-ray movies.
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TCL 115" QM8 Series 4K UHD Smart Google TV |
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Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR performance and daylight viewing: 5,000 nits |
Local Dimming Zones - Controls contrast precision: 20,000 zones |
Screen Size: 115 inches diagonal |
Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160) |
Refresh Rate - Impacts motion clarity and gaming performance: 120Hz native, up to 144Hz VRR |
HDR Formats - Determines compatibility with HDR content: Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
Color Depth - Affects color gradation quality: 1.07 billion colors |
Gaming Features - Reduces input lag and screen tearing: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Auto Game Mode |
Audio System - Determines built-in sound quality: 120W Onkyo 6.2.2 channel system |
Smart Platform: Google TV |
HDMI Ports - Important for connecting devices: 4x HDMI 2.1 (1x eARC) |
Wi-Fi - Affects streaming stability: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
Price: $16,999 (MSRP) |
Power Consumption - Important for electrical planning: 500W typical |
The LG 97" OLED evo G4 offers a different approach to premium TV performance, leveraging OLED technology to deliver perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratios that even the QM8's impressive Mini-LED system can't match. Its near-instantaneous pixel response time and extremely low input lag make it the superior choice for gaming, while its motion handling capabilities provide noticeably smoother action in movies and sports. Despite being 18 inches smaller, the G4's perfect per-pixel dimming offers more precise HDR highlights and better overall picture accuracy in controlled lighting conditions. The G4's premium build quality and more refined webOS platform also contribute to a more polished overall package.
However, this premium performance comes at a significant cost premium of $8,000 over the QM8, and the G4's OLED technology can't match the TCL's impressive 5,000 nit brightness capability. The LG 97" OLED evo G4 performs best in darker environments where its contrast advantages can shine, making it ideal for dedicated home theaters but potentially less versatile for bright living rooms. While its gaming features are superior, some may find the smaller screen size less immersive for both gaming and movie watching. The decision between these flagships ultimately depends on viewing environment and priorities - the G4 offering superior picture quality and gaming performance, while the QM8 provides better value and brightness.
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👌LG 97" OLED evo G4 Series 4K UHD Smart TV Details
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The Samsung 98" DU9000 ($2,499) represents a compelling value proposition, offering an immersive 98-inch viewing experience at less than one-sixth the price of the TCL. While it uses more basic Crystal UHD technology rather than Mini-LED, it still delivers impressive picture quality suitable for most viewing environments. The TV's 120Hz refresh rate and gaming features provide smooth motion handling that will satisfy casual gamers, and its lighter weight makes installation more manageable for experienced DIY enthusiasts. The Tizen smart platform, while not as open as Google TV, offers a clean, user-friendly interface with access to all major streaming services.
Where the Samsung DU9000 really shines is in its value-to-performance ratio. While it can't match the TCL's exceptional brightness, contrast, or advanced gaming features, it delivers about 85% of the premium TV experience at just 15% of the cost. For most home theater enthusiasts, the difference in real-world viewing experience won't justify the significant price premium of the TCL, especially considering both TVs offer similar 4K resolution. The Samsung's 98-inch screen size, while smaller than the TCL, still provides an immersive viewing experience and may actually be more practical for many room sizes, requiring just 12-13 feet of viewing distance compared to the TCL's 15 feet.
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👌Samsung 98" DU9000 Series Crystal UHD Smart TV Details
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While the TCL 98" Q6 Series ($1,499) may lack the QM8's advanced Mini LED technology and extreme brightness capabilities, it delivers impressive performance at a fraction of the cost. Using standard QLED technology with good HDR support and a 120Hz refresh rate, it provides excellent picture quality that will satisfy most viewers. The 98-inch screen size still creates an immersive viewing experience, and its more manageable weight and size make it a practical choice for many homes. The Q6's built-in Google TV platform offers the same streaming capabilities and smart features as its more expensive sibling.
Where the Q6 really shines is in its value proposition, offering massive screen size at just $15 per diagonal inch compared to the QM8's $148 per inch. While it doesn't match the QM8's premium gaming features or contrast capabilities, it handles most content beautifully and provides more than adequate brightness for typical viewing environments. For those seeking a theater-like experience without the premium price tag, the Q6 represents an excellent balance of performance and value, making it the more sensible choice for most buyers who don't require the absolute pinnacle of picture quality.
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👌TCL 98" Q6 Series 4K UHD QLED Smart TV Details
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The TCL 98" QM8 ($2,999) stands out as a more practical and value-oriented alternative, delivering many of the same premium features at a significantly lower price point. While it has fewer local dimming zones (5,000 compared to 20,000), real-world testing shows the difference in contrast and HDR performance is subtle in most viewing scenarios. The 98-inch panel maintains excellent brightness uniformity and offers the same impressive 5,000 nits peak brightness, making it equally capable in both dark theater rooms and brighter living spaces. The standard AIPQ PRO processor, while not as advanced as the ULTRA version, still provides outstanding upscaling and motion handling for all content types.
Where the 98-inch model really shines is in its versatility and value proposition. At less than one-fifth the price of its larger sibling, it offers a more manageable installation process while still delivering a truly cinema-sized experience. The 12-13 foot optimal viewing distance makes it more suitable for a wider range of room sizes, and its lighter weight allows for standard large-format TV mounting solutions. While the audio system is scaled down to 60W, it still provides immersive Dolby Atmos sound that outperforms most traditional TV speakers. For most home theater enthusiasts, the 98" QM8 hits the sweet spot between performance, practicality, and price, making it the more sensible choice unless maximum size is the absolute priority.
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👌TCL 98" QM8 Series 4K UHD Smart Google TV Details
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The TCL 98" QM7 ($2,299) offers remarkably similar core features at a fraction of the price, making it a compelling alternative for most home theater enthusiasts. With 2,400 nits peak brightness and 1,500 local dimming zones, it delivers exceptional picture quality that rivals premium TVs costing far more. The 98-inch panel supports the same gaming features, including 144Hz VRR and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, while running the identical Google TV platform with access to all major streaming services.
Where the QM7 really shines is its value proposition - at just over $2,000, it delivers about 90% of the QM8's performance at less than 15% of the cost. While you'll miss out on the extreme brightness, additional dimming zones, and premium audio system of its larger sibling, the QM7 still offers more than enough performance for most viewing situations. The more manageable 98-inch size may actually be preferable for many rooms, requiring less viewing distance while maintaining an immersive experience. Unless you specifically need the extra size or are building a cost-no-object home theater, the QM7 represents a more practical choice that doesn't compromise significantly on real-world performance.
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👌TCL 98" QM7 Series 4K UHD Smart TV Details
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The Hisense 100" QD7 Series QLED 4K UHD Smart TV stands out primarily for its remarkable value proposition at $2,499, offering an immersive large-format viewing experience at less than one-sixth the price of the TCL QM8. While it doesn't match the QM8's Mini-LED technology or peak brightness, the QD7 still delivers impressive performance with its quantum dot display, 144Hz refresh rate, and comprehensive gaming features. Its 100-inch screen size hits a sweet spot for most home theaters, requiring slightly less wall space and viewing distance while still providing an cinematic experience.
Where the QD7 really shines is in its practical balance of features and affordability. Though it lacks local dimming zones and can't match the QM8's exceptional HDR performance, its ~800 nits brightness handles most viewing scenarios well, and its Google TV platform offers identical smart features. For buyers who prioritize screen size over absolute picture quality, or those creating a mixed-use space rather than a dedicated home theater, the Hisense QD7 represents a more practical choice that delivers 90% of the viewing experience at a fraction of the cost.
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👌Hisense 100" QD7 Series QLED 4K UHD Smart TV Details
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The LG 98" UT90 offers an interesting alternative for those seeking a large-format TV without the premium price tag. While it can't match the TCL QM8's exceptional brightness and contrast capabilities, it delivers solid performance with better viewing angles and more consistent image quality when viewed from the sides. The 98-inch screen size, while smaller than the TCL, still provides an immersive experience and might actually be more practical for many home theater spaces. At $2,499, it represents a significantly better value proposition, costing less than one-sixth of the TCL's price while delivering about 90% of the performance for typical viewing scenarios.
Where the LG really shines is in its practicality and ease of integration into existing spaces. Installation is more straightforward, it doesn't require specialized mounting considerations, and its power consumption is more manageable. While it lacks the TCL's advanced gaming features and premium Onkyo sound system, the LG 98" UT90 still offers good gaming performance with 120Hz refresh rate and perfectly adequate HDR for most content. For viewers who primarily watch standard TV content, streaming services, and sports in typical room lighting conditions, the difference in picture quality between these two TVs might not justify the substantial price premium of the TCL.
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👌LG 98" Class UT90 Series 4K UHD Smart TV 2024 Details
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The LG 98" QNED ($3,999) offers a compelling value proposition with its more manageable 98-inch size and proven QNED technology that combines quantum dots with NanoCell filtering. While it doesn't match the TCL's peak brightness or contrast capabilities, it still delivers excellent picture quality that will satisfy most viewers, especially in typical viewing environments. The LG's more modest size and weight also make it more practical for installation in standard living spaces, and its 120Hz refresh rate with VRR support meets the needs of current-generation gaming consoles.
Perhaps the most striking advantage of the LG 98" QNED is its significantly lower price point - at roughly a quarter of the TCL's cost, it delivers about 90% of the performance for most content. The TV's balanced approach to brightness and color accuracy makes it particularly well-suited for mixed-use rooms where lighting conditions vary throughout the day. While it may not offer the ultimate home theater experience of the TCL QM8, its more practical size, easier installation requirements, and excellent value proposition make it the more sensible choice for the majority of premium TV buyers who want a massive screen without the complexity and expense of the TCL's flagship features.
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👌LG 98" QNED 4K UHD Smart TV Details
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The Hisense 98" UX ($8,000) makes a compelling case as the more practical choice in the ultra-large TV segment, offering nearly equivalent performance at less than half the price. While its 98-inch screen is smaller, it still delivers an immersive viewing experience and actually fits better in most home theaters. The Hisense matches the TCL's impressive 5,000-nit peak brightness capability, and while it has fewer dimming zones (10,000+ compared to 20,000), the real-world difference in contrast performance is minimal in most viewing scenarios. Its standout 4.2.2 channel audio system actually outperforms the TCL's, delivering more balanced sound across all content types.
Where the Hisense really shines is in its value proposition and practicality. Installation is more manageable, typically requiring just 2-3 people rather than professional services, and its more efficient power consumption leads to lower running costs. It offers identical gaming features, including 144Hz refresh rate and VRR support, making it equally capable for next-generation gaming. For most consumers, the significant cost savings could be better invested in a premium sound system or room treatments while still enjoying essentially the same picture quality and features that make these flagship TVs special.
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👌Hisense 98" UX Series 4K Mini-LED ULED Google TV Details
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The Samsung 98" QN90D ($12,999) distinguishes itself through superior picture processing and more refined overall performance. Samsung's Neo Quantum 4K AI Gen2 processor delivers notably better upscaling of non-4K content and more natural color reproduction across all content types. While its peak brightness of 3,000 nits may seem modest compared to the QM8, it's more than sufficient for most viewing environments, and the superior motion handling and lower input lag make it a better choice for gaming and sports content. The Tizen OS, while more limited in app selection, offers a more polished and responsive user experience.
At $4,000 less than the QM8, the Samsung QN90D represents better value for most users, despite its smaller size. Its superior build quality and Samsung's established track record for reliability are significant advantages. While you sacrifice some screen size and raw brightness specifications, the real-world benefits of better processing, more accurate colors, and more consistent performance across different content types make it a more practical choice for most home theater applications. The 98-inch screen size, while smaller than the QM8, still delivers an immersive viewing experience and may actually be more practical for many room sizes.
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👌Samsung 98" QN90D Series Neo QLED 4K Smart TV Details
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The Hisense L9H TriChroma Laser TV ($5,499) offers an intriguing alternative approach to large-format display technology, utilizing advanced triple-laser projection and an included ambient light rejecting screen. Its standout feature is the remarkable value proposition - delivering cinema-sized 100-inch viewing for less than a third of the QM8's price. The TriChroma laser system achieves an impressive 107% of the BT.2020 color space, actually exceeding the QM8's color capabilities, while providing respectable 3,000 ANSI lumens brightness that performs well in moderately lit rooms. The ultra-short throw design requires just inches of space from the wall, making it a practical solution for many room configurations.
While the L9H can't match the QM8's exceptional brightness and contrast capabilities, it offers superior installation flexibility and potentially larger screen sizes by adjusting projector placement. The Hisense L9H requires more careful setup and room lighting consideration, but for users seeking a true theater-like experience without premium TV pricing, it presents a compelling value proposition. The included ALR screen, Google TV smart features, and gaming-capable 30ms input lag round out a package that many home theater enthusiasts will find more than satisfactory for their needs.
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👌Hisense L9H TriChroma Laser TV 100" UST Projector Details
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The LG 97" G2 OLED ($14,999) approaches premium TV performance through OLED technology, delivering perfect blacks and infinite contrast that Mini-LED displays can't quite match. While its peak brightness tops out around 1,000 nits, significantly lower than the QM8, the G2's self-emitting pixels provide superior contrast and viewing angles that make it particularly compelling for dedicated home theater environments. The precision of OLED technology also results in better motion handling and gaming performance, with response times under 1ms and excellent input lag, though the 97-inch screen still provides plenty of immersion for all content types.
Where the QM8 emphasizes brightness and sheer size, the LG G2 focuses on picture quality refinement and accuracy. Its slightly lower price point makes it an interesting value proposition, especially for enthusiasts who prioritize absolute picture quality over maximum brightness and size. The G2's OLED technology excels in controlled lighting conditions, making it ideal for serious movie watching and gaming, though it requires more thoughtful room placement to manage potential reflections and ambient light. For those who can control their viewing environment and want the absolute best picture quality, particularly for dark scene performance, the G2 offers advantages that even the QM8's advanced Mini-LED system can't fully replicate.
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👌LG 97" G2 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV Details
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The Samsung 98" Q80C ($7,998) presents a more accessible entry point into giant-screen TV territory, offering excellent picture quality through its Direct Full Array technology with 96 dimming zones. While it doesn't match the QM8's contrast capabilities, it still delivers impressive HDR performance with its 1,000 nit peak brightness, suitable for most viewing environments. At 98 inches, it's more accommodating for typical home theater spaces, requiring only 12-15 feet of viewing distance compared to the QM8's more demanding room requirements.
The Samsung's most compelling advantage is its value proposition - delivering about 80% of the QM8's performance at less than half the price. Its Gaming Hub features and lower input lag make it particularly attractive for gamers, while its Tizen smart platform offers a refined user experience. While it may not reach the absolute peak performance levels of the QM8 in terms of brightness and contrast, the Q80C's more manageable size and installation requirements, combined with its significantly lower price point, make it a more practical choice for many home theater enthusiasts who want a premium viewing experience without stretching their budget to the absolute limit.
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👌Samsung 98" Q80C 4K Smart QLED TV Details
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The Sony BRAVIA XR X90L ($9,998) stands out with its exceptional image processing capabilities and superior motion handling, powered by Sony's advanced Cognitive XR processor. While it may not match the TCL's peak brightness or number of dimming zones, the Sony delivers more natural, film-accurate colors and handles upscaling of lower-quality content more effectively. This processing advantage becomes particularly noticeable when watching sports, streaming content, or older movies, where the Sony's ability to clean up noise while preserving detail results in a more refined viewing experience.
At $7,000 less than the TCL QM8, the Sony offers compelling value while still delivering premium performance. Though its 98-inch screen is smaller than the TCL's 115 inches, it's still massive enough to create an immersive viewing experience and actually fits better in most home theaters where viewing distance might be limited to 12-15 feet. The Sony X90L might not have the absolute brightness capabilities of the TCL, but its 1,600 nits peak brightness is more than adequate for most viewing environments, and its superior processing makes it a more versatile performer across a wider range of content types. For most buyers, the Sony represents a better balance of performance and value, unless the absolute maximum screen size and brightness are top priorities.
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👌Sony BRAVIA XR X90L 98" 4K UHD LED Google TV Details
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