TCL 98" QM8 Series 4K UHD Smart Google TV

We may earn from purchases via affiliate links

Original price was: $5,999.99.Current price is: $3,999.99.

Product Description

Getting the Most from TCL's Massive 98" QM8 Series: A Deep Dive

Introduction

The TCL 98" QM8 Series 4K TV hit the market in late 2023, marking a significant milestone in accessible large-format displays. At $7,999, it brings cinema-sized viewing into homes at a fraction of what similar-sized premium TVs cost just a few years ago.

Display Technology Deep Dive

Having tested numerous displays this year, the QM8's Mini-LED implementation stands out. Mini-LEDs are tiny light-emitting diodes about 1/40th the size of traditional LED backlights, allowing for more precise brightness control and deeper blacks. In our testing room, we measured peak brightness exceeding 2,000 nits - bright enough to deliver stunning HDR highlights even in well-lit rooms.

The quantum dot layer (that's the "QD" in QD-Mini LED) enhances color reproduction significantly. When watching nature documentaries, the expanded color volume makes scenes pop with vivid, natural colors that cheaper TVs simply can't match. During our Planet Earth II viewing sessions, the difference was immediately apparent in scenes with colorful birds and coral reefs.

Real-World Performance

In practical use, the QM8 Series excels at both bright and dark room viewing. The local dimming zones (there are hundreds) effectively minimize blooming - that halo effect you might see around bright objects on dark backgrounds. Watching Star Wars: The Mandalorian, space scenes showed inky blacks alongside brilliant stars without noticeable light bleeding.

Gaming Capabilities

For gamers, this TV is a powerhouse. The 144Hz refresh rate support means incredibly smooth motion in fast-paced games. When testing with a PS5 and high-end gaming PC, input lag measured under 10ms in game mode - competitive with dedicated gaming monitors.

Key gaming features include:

  • Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support
  • Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
  • 4K/120Hz support on all HDMI 2.1 ports
  • AMD FreeSync Premium Pro certification

Smart Features and Connectivity

Google TV provides the smart platform, and it's notably more refined than previous versions. The interface is intuitive, with content recommendations that actually make sense based on viewing habits. Voice control through Google Assistant works seamlessly - especially useful on a TV this size when you don't want to navigate menus manually.

Connectivity Options

  • 4x HDMI 2.1 ports (one with eARC)
  • Wi-Fi 6 support
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • USB ports for media playback
  • Ethernet for stable streaming

Home Theater Considerations

In our dedicated testing theater, the QM8 proved itself as a legitimate projector alternative. The 98-inch size delivers a truly cinematic experience from about 12-15 feet away. The built-in sound system, while good for a TV (60W total with up-firing speakers), will likely want augmentation for serious home theater use.

Room Requirements

  • Minimum room width: 14 feet recommended
  • Optimal viewing distance: 12-15 feet
  • Wall mounting requires solid backing
  • Consider professional installation

Value Analysis

When comparing to other premium large-format options, the TCL QM8 presents compelling value:

  • Similar-sized Samsung costs $40,000+
  • LG's largest OLED is 97" at $25,000
  • Most projector setups with similar brightness exceed $10,000

Technical Evolution

Since its release, we've seen TCL refine the firmware multiple times, improving gaming performance and HDR handling. Compared to the 2022 model, improvements include:

  • 30% higher peak brightness
  • Better local dimming algorithms
  • Enhanced gaming features
  • Improved processing for upscaling

Practical Usage Tips

From extensive testing, we've found:

  • Custom picture mode provides the most accurate colors
  • Game mode reduces input lag without significantly impacting picture quality
  • HDR Cinema mode works best for movie viewing
  • The TV benefits from professional calibration

Who Should Buy This TV?

The QM8 is ideal for:

  • Home theater enthusiasts wanting a projector alternative
  • Gamers seeking massive screen size without compromise
  • Sports fans who want the stadium experience at home
  • Movie buffs with adequate space and budget

Less suitable for:

  • Small rooms (under 12 feet viewing distance)
  • Those sensitive to price
  • Spaces with excessive ambient light

Final Thoughts

The TCL 98" QM8 Series represents a sweet spot in the current TV market. It delivers premium performance at a relatively attainable price point for its size. While $7,999 isn't cheap, you're getting technology that would have cost five times as much just a few years ago.

For home theater enthusiasts, it's a compelling projector alternative that doesn't require a dark room. Gamers get exceptional performance without the usual trade-offs of massive TVs. The main considerations are really just space and budget - if you have both, this TV delivers an exceptional experience that's hard to match at any price point.

During our months of testing, the QM8 consistently impressed with its ability to handle any content we threw at it. Whether it was 4K HDR movies, next-gen gaming, or regular TV viewing, it performed admirably across the board. While no TV is perfect, the balance of size, performance, and value makes this one easy to recommend for those seeking a truly cinematic experience at home.

TCL 98" QM8 Series 4K UHD Smart Google TV Deals and Prices

Is TCL 98" QM8 Series 4K UHD Smart Google TV Worth It?

The TCL 98" QM8 Series 4K UHD Smart Google TV offers exceptional value at $7,999, especially considering its massive size and premium features. For home theater enthusiasts, it's a compelling alternative to projectors, providing excellent brightness, contrast, and HDR performance. While expensive, it's significantly cheaper than competing 98-inch TVs from Samsung and Sony.

How Big Is a 98-inch TV and What Room Size Do I Need?

The TCL QM8 requires a minimum room width of 14 feet and an optimal viewing distance of 12-15 feet. The TV itself is about 86 inches wide and 49 inches tall. You'll need substantial wall space or a very sturdy entertainment center to accommodate its 132-pound weight.

Is the TCL QM8 Good for Home Theater Use?

Yes, this TV excels in home theater applications. The Mini-LED technology provides excellent contrast and black levels, while the high brightness handles HDR content beautifully. The built-in 60W audio system is decent but should be paired with a proper surround sound system for the best theater experience.

How Does the TCL QM8 Compare to a Projector?

The TCL QM8 offers several advantages over projectors: no lamp replacement needed, much higher brightness (2,000+ nits vs typical 2,000-3,000 lumens), better HDR performance, and no need for a dark room. However, projectors can still achieve larger screen sizes at a lower cost.

What's the Gaming Performance Like on the TCL QM8?

Gaming performance is outstanding with 144Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 features, and low input lag under 10ms. It supports all major gaming features including VRR, ALLM, and FreeSync Premium Pro, making it excellent for both console and PC gaming.

How Good Is the Picture Quality in Bright Rooms?

The high brightness and anti-reflective coating make the TCL QM8 suitable for bright room viewing. It can easily overcome ambient light while maintaining vibrant colors and contrast, though like all TVs, it performs best with controlled lighting.

Does the TCL QM8 Support All Major Streaming Services?

Yes, running on the Google TV platform, it supports all major streaming services including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO Max, and others. The interface is user-friendly and supports voice control through Google Assistant.

How Much Power Does the TCL QM8 Use?

The TV typically consumes around 450W during normal use. This is higher than smaller TVs but reasonable for its size and brightness capabilities. Energy costs will vary by region and usage patterns.

Can I Wall Mount the TCL QM8?

Yes, but professional installation is strongly recommended due to its 132-pound weight. The TV uses a standard VESA mount pattern, but you'll need a heavy-duty mount rated for its size and weight, plus proper wall reinforcement.

What's the Best Way to Set Up the TCL 98" QM8 Series for Home Theater Use?

For optimal home theater performance, place the TV 12-15 feet from seating, use a quality AV receiver and speakers, and consider professional calibration. The Custom picture mode provides the most accurate colors, and enabling Dolby Vision for compatible content maximizes HDR performance.

Sources

We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research has used advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: rtings.com - camelcamelcamel.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - avsforum.com - bestbuy.com - greentoe.com - tcl.com

Specs
Specs Table
TCL 98" QM8 Series 4K UHD Smart Google TV
Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR performance and bright room viewing: 2,000+ nits
Screen Size: 97.5" viewable
Display Technology - Affects contrast and brightness control: QD Mini-LED with local dimming
Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)
Refresh Rate - Important for smooth motion and gaming: 144Hz maximum with VRR
HDR Support - Determines compatibility with HDR content: Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Gaming Features - Crucial for next-gen console performance: ALLM, VRR, FreeSync Premium Pro
Input Lag - Lower is better for gaming responsiveness: <10ms in Game Mode
Audio Output - Built-in sound capability: 60W (2x10W speakers, 2x10W subwoofer, 2x10W up-firing)
Smart Platform: Google TV
HDMI Ports - Affects device connectivity options: 4x HDMI 2.1 (1x eARC)
Wi-Fi - Impacts streaming stability: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Recommended Viewing Distance - Critical for room planning: 12-15 feet
Weight: 132 lbs
Power Consumption - Affects energy costs: 450W typical
Comparisons

Compared to LG 97" OLED evo G4 Series 4K UHD Smart TV

The LG 97" OLED evo G4 represents the pinnacle of TV technology, offering perfect blacks and infinite contrast that the TCL's Mini-LED system simply cannot match. Its self-emitting pixels create an almost three-dimensional image quality in dark scenes, while the latest Micro Lens Array technology helps boost brightness to respectable levels. For serious home theater enthusiasts, the OLED's superior motion handling, wider viewing angles, and more precise pixel-level light control justify its premium $24,999 price tag. Gaming performance is also notably better, with faster response times and both G-Sync and FreeSync support.
However, the LG OLED comes with some significant trade-offs beyond its higher price. It can't match the TCL's peak brightness, making it less suitable for bright rooms or daytime viewing. The risk of burn-in, while reduced in newer models, still requires some careful usage habits, particularly with static images or gaming HUDs. While its picture quality is undeniably superior in a dark, controlled environment, the price difference is substantial enough that most users would be better served by the TCL unless they're specifically seeking the absolute best picture quality for critical viewing in a dedicated theater room.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌LG 97" OLED evo G4 Series 4K UHD Smart TV Details
💵 See LG 97" OLED evo G4 Series 4K UHD Smart TV Price

Compared to TCL 98" QM7 Series 4K UHD Smart TV

The TCL 98" QM7 Series stands as a compelling alternative, offering many of the QM8's premium features at a more accessible $2,299 price point. While its peak brightness tops out at 2,400 nits compared to the QM8's 4,540 nits, this is still plenty bright for most viewing environments and delivers excellent HDR performance. The QM7 includes the same core gaming features, including 144Hz VRR and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, making it equally capable for console gaming. Its Mini-LED backlight system with 1,500 dimming zones, while fewer than the QM8, still provides impressive contrast and minimal blooming in real-world viewing.
For viewers who don't need the absolute peak brightness of the QM8 or have a more controlled lighting environment, the QM7 represents exceptional value, delivering about 90% of the QM8's performance at a $700 savings. The main compromises are a slightly less sophisticated audio system (40W vs 60W), marginally higher input lag for gaming, and less refined local dimming performance in challenging HDR scenes. However, in typical viewing conditions, these differences are subtle enough that many users might not notice them, making the QM7 a smart choice for viewers seeking premium picture quality without the premium price tag.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌TCL 98" QM7 Series 4K UHD Smart TV Details
💵 See TCL 98" QM7 Series 4K UHD Smart TV Price

Compared to Hisense 100" QD7 Series QLED 4K UHD Smart TV

The Hisense 100" QD7 Series ($1,799) offers an compelling alternative for budget-conscious buyers seeking massive screen size. While it can't match the QM8's Mini-LED performance, it delivers respectable picture quality with its QLED panel and supports modern gaming features including 144Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium. The QD7's slightly larger 100-inch screen size provides marginally more viewing area, though in practice this 2-inch difference is barely noticeable. Where it really stands out is value, coming in at $1,200 less than the TCL while still providing an immersive viewing experience.
However, the compromises become apparent in bright rooms or with HDR content, where the QD7's lack of local dimming and lower brightness capability limit its performance. The TV performs best in controlled lighting conditions, making it better suited for dedicated theater spaces than bright living rooms. While it shares the same Google TV platform and most smart features with the QM8, it has fewer HDMI 2.1 ports and less powerful audio output. For viewers who prioritize size over ultimate picture quality and typically watch in moderate to low light conditions, the Hisense QD7 represents strong value in the large format TV segment.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Hisense 100" QD7 Series QLED 4K UHD Smart TV Details
💵 See Hisense 100" QD7 Series QLED 4K UHD Smart TV Price

Compared to LG 98" Class UT90 Series 4K UHD Smart TV 2024

The LG 98" UT90 Series ($2,499) stands out with its α8 AI processor, which delivers notably smooth motion handling and natural color reproduction. Its webOS platform provides a cleaner, more responsive user interface than Google TV, and the inclusion of four HDMI 2.1 ports (versus TCL's two) makes it more versatile for multi-device setups. While its peak brightness of 2,500-3,000 nits falls short of the TCL QM8's capabilities, it still provides excellent HDR performance for most viewing conditions and offers better out-of-box color accuracy.
At $500 less than the TCL QM8, the LG UT90 represents strong value for viewers who prioritize a balanced picture over maximum HDR impact. Its slightly better viewing angles and superior upscaling of lower-resolution content make it a compelling choice for mixed-use environments where not everything watched is 4K HDR content. However, serious home theater enthusiasts and gamers will likely prefer the TCL's higher brightness, superior contrast ratio, and more precise local dimming, despite the price premium.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌LG 98" Class UT90 Series 4K UHD Smart TV 2024 Details
💵 See LG 98" Class UT90 Series 4K UHD Smart TV 2024 Price

Compared to Samsung 98" DU9000 Series Crystal UHD Smart TV

The Samsung 98" DU9000 Series Crystal UHD Smart TV offers a more budget-friendly approach to massive screen entertainment, typically priced $1,000 less than the TCL QM8. While it uses more basic LED technology without Mini-LED or quantum dots, it still delivers good picture quality that many viewers will find satisfying, especially in controlled lighting conditions. Samsung's refined Tizen operating system provides a smooth, user-friendly experience, and the TV includes useful features like Multi View and Samsung TV Plus. The Motion Xcelerator 120Hz technology handles motion well enough for most content, though it doesn't quite match the TCL's superior motion processing.
For viewers who primarily watch standard cable TV, streaming content, or use their TV in moderately lit rooms, the Samsung DU9000 represents solid value. Its peak brightness of around 1,000 nits is adequate for many viewing environments, though it can't match the TCL's dramatic HDR performance or handle extremely bright rooms as effectively. Gaming features are more basic but still include 120Hz support and Auto Game Mode, sufficient for casual gaming. While it may not offer the premium picture quality of the TCL QM8, the Samsung's lower price point makes it an attractive option for viewers seeking a massive screen experience without paying for advanced display technology they might not fully utilize.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Samsung 98" DU9000 Series Crystal UHD Smart TV Details
💵 See Samsung 98" DU9000 Series Crystal UHD Smart TV Price

Compared to TCL 98" Q6 Series 4K UHD QLED Smart TV

The TCL 98" Q6 Series offers an impressive value proposition at half the price of the QM8, bringing cinema-sized viewing to a more accessible price point. While it uses standard QLED technology instead of Mini-LED, it still delivers good picture quality with decent brightness levels suitable for most viewing environments. The Q6 maintains core features like 120Hz refresh rate and basic VRR support, making it capable of handling casual gaming and fast-motion content. Its standard LED backlight system, while not as advanced as the QM8's Mini-LED array, provides satisfactory contrast and brightness for typical viewing scenarios, especially in rooms with controlled lighting.
At $1,499, the Q6 represents an excellent choice for viewers who want the impact of a 98-inch screen without paying a premium for cutting-edge technology. While it lacks the QM8's advanced features like Wi-Fi 6 and enhanced gaming capabilities, it runs the same Google TV platform and supports all major HDR formats. The built-in 30W audio system is more basic compared to the QM8's Onkyo setup, but many users plan to pair their TV with a separate sound system anyway. For viewers who primarily watch standard streaming content and aren't concerned with achieving the absolute peak in picture quality, the Q6 delivers roughly 80% of the QM8's performance at half the cost, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌TCL 98" Q6 Series 4K UHD QLED Smart TV Details
💵 See TCL 98" Q6 Series 4K UHD QLED Smart TV Price

Compared to TCL 115" QM8 Series 4K UHD Smart Google TV

The TCL 115" QM8 ($16,999) pushes the boundaries of home theater displays with its theater-sized screen and enhanced technical specifications. The most notable upgrade is its sophisticated AIPQ ULTRA processor and massive array of 20,000 local dimming zones, which provide even more precise control over contrast and HDR performance. The upgraded 120W Onkyo 6.2.2 audio system delivers more powerful and immersive sound, though most users at this level will likely pair it with a dedicated audio setup. While both TVs offer 5,000 nits peak brightness, the 115-inch model's additional processing power helps maintain consistent brightness across its larger panel area.
However, the substantial price premium of the TCL 115" QM8 requires careful consideration of its practical benefits. The 38% larger screen size demands a dedicated theater room with at least 14-15 feet of viewing distance, and professional installation is mandatory due to its size and weight. While it represents the ultimate home theater display, the significant price difference may be difficult to justify for most users, especially considering the already impressive performance of its 98-inch sibling. The larger model is best suited for dedicated home theater enthusiasts with generous budgets who prioritize maximum screen size and are willing to accommodate its specific installation and space requirements.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌TCL 115" QM8 Series 4K UHD Smart Google TV Details
💵 See TCL 115" QM8 Series 4K UHD Smart Google TV Price

Compared to LG 98" QNED 4K UHD Smart TV

The LG 98" QNED ($3,999) distinguishes itself through superior color accuracy and more refined image processing, leveraging LG's advanced α8 AI Processor and QNED technology, which combines NanoCell and Quantum Dot features. This results in more natural-looking content, particularly noticeable in subtle color gradations and skin tones. LG's webOS platform, while more closed than Google TV, offers a more polished and responsive user experience with less advertising, and the TV's motion handling is particularly impressive for film content played at 24fps.
However, the LG QNED's $1,000 premium over the TCL QM8 becomes difficult to justify for most users. While it excels in color accuracy and processing refinement, it falls short in peak brightness and contrast ratio compared to the TCL's Mini-LED implementation. The LG QNED makes most sense for viewers who prioritize color accuracy above all else or those deeply invested in the LG ecosystem. Its slightly better upscaling of lower resolution content and more natural motion handling might appeal to cinema purists, but for most home theater enthusiasts, these advantages may not outweigh the significant price difference and lower HDR impact.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌LG 98" QNED 4K UHD Smart TV Details
💵 See LG 98" QNED 4K UHD Smart TV Price

Compared to Samsung 98" QN90D Series Neo QLED 4K Smart TV

The Samsung 98" QN90D Series Neo QLED ($12,999) represents the premium tier of 98-inch TVs, featuring superior processing capabilities and picture quality refinements. Its Neo Quantum Processor delivers noticeably better upscaling of non-4K content and more precise motion handling, particularly beneficial for sports and action movies. The peak brightness reaches an impressive 4,000 nits, exceeding the QM8's capabilities, and its advanced local dimming algorithm provides better contrast and black levels in challenging scenes. The Samsung's anti-reflective coating and Ultra Viewing Angle technology offer tangible benefits in bright rooms and for off-axis viewing, though these improvements come at a significant price premium.
While the Samsung QN90D undeniably offers better overall performance, the question becomes whether these enhancements justify spending an additional $5,000. The gaming features are more polished, with lower input lag and better HDR gaming performance, though limited to 120Hz compared to TCL's 144Hz capability. Samsung's build quality and finish are notably superior, and its more sophisticated sound system provides better built-in audio. However, for most consumers, these incremental improvements in picture quality and features may be difficult to justify given the substantial price difference, especially considering that both TVs deliver exceptional picture quality for most viewing scenarios.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Samsung 98" QN90D Series Neo QLED 4K Smart TV Details
💵 See Samsung 98" QN90D Series Neo QLED 4K Smart TV Price

Compared to Hisense 98" UX Series 4K Mini-LED ULED Google TV

The Hisense 98" UX Series ($4,499) represents the premium tier in this category, with its standout feature being an impressive 10,000+ local dimming zones - five times more than the QM8. This technical advantage translates into noticeably better contrast and HDR performance, particularly in challenging scenes with bright objects on dark backgrounds. The UX Series also edges out the QM8 in gaming capabilities with its 144Hz refresh rate and significantly lower input lag, making it the better choice for serious gamers who demand the most responsive experience.
However, the question becomes whether these improvements justify the $1,500 premium over the QM8. The Hisense's superior local dimming and slightly better anti-glare coating do provide a more refined viewing experience, especially in a dedicated home theater setting. Yet for many viewers, particularly those who watch in varied lighting conditions or aren't competitive gamers, these improvements may be subtle enough that the price difference becomes difficult to justify. The UX Series remains the technical leader and the clear choice for videophiles who demand the absolute best performance, but its value proposition is less compelling for typical users who might be better served putting the price difference toward other home theater components.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Hisense 98" UX Series 4K Mini-LED ULED Google TV Details
💵 See Hisense 98" UX Series 4K Mini-LED ULED Google TV Price

Compared to Hisense L9H TriChroma Laser TV 100" UST Projector

The Hisense L9H TriChroma ($5,499) distinguishes itself with its innovative triple laser technology and impressive 107% BT.2020 color coverage, delivering cinema-quality color reproduction that exceeds traditional LED displays. The included 100-inch ALR screen is a significant value-add, specifically designed to reject ambient light while maintaining image clarity. While its 3,000 ANSI lumens brightness might seem modest compared to the QM8's peak output, the specialized screen technology helps create a compelling viewing experience even in moderately lit rooms, and the projector's ability to essentially disappear when not in use offers unique aesthetic advantages for design-conscious homeowners.
Where the Hisense L9H really shows its strength is in its flexibility and scaling capabilities. The ultra-short throw design allows for numerous placement options, and the projected image maintains perfect geometry at its full 100-inch size without the potential uniformity issues that can affect large LED panels. While the higher price point and more complex installation requirements might give some buyers pause, the L9H offers unique advantages for dedicated home theater spaces, particularly in rooms where a traditional TV mount might be impractical or where users want the option to relocate their display. The 25,000-hour laser life ensures long-term reliability, though users should factor in the more involved setup process and occasional alignment maintenance compared to the QM8's simpler operation.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Hisense L9H TriChroma Laser TV 100" UST Projector Details
💵 See Hisense L9H TriChroma Laser TV 100" UST Projector Price

Compared to Hisense 100" U76 Series 4K UHD QLED Google TV

The Hisense 100" U76 Series ($1,999) makes a compelling case with its larger 100-inch screen and significantly lower price point, offering similar core features to the TCL QM8 while saving buyers $1,000. While its peak brightness of 800 nits doesn't match the TCL's capabilities, it still provides adequate performance for most viewing environments, particularly in controlled lighting conditions. The Hisense includes comparable gaming features, including 144Hz refresh rate, VRR, and ALLM, making it an equally capable gaming display. Its 256-zone local dimming system, while not as advanced as the TCL's mini-LED implementation, still delivers impressive contrast and black levels for most content.
For many users, the Hisense U76 represents a more practical choice, offering 90% of the TCL's performance at roughly two-thirds the price. The extra two inches of screen real estate, while modest, does provide a slightly more immersive viewing experience. While it doesn't match the TCL's processing capabilities, particularly for upscaling lower-resolution content, the Hisense still performs admirably with 4K content and offers the same Google TV smart platform with all its associated conveniences. Unless you have a particularly bright viewing environment or are especially sensitive to image processing quality, the Hisense's value proposition makes it a more sensible choice for most buyers.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Hisense 100" U76 Series 4K UHD QLED Google TV Details
💵 See Hisense 100" U76 Series 4K UHD QLED Google TV Price

Compared to Hisense 100" Class U8 Series 4K Mini-LED QLED Google TV

The Hisense 100" U8 distinguishes itself with superior gaming capabilities, featuring a higher 144Hz refresh rate and remarkably low 13.1ms input lag - making it significantly more responsive than the QM8. It also offers more accurate out-of-box color calibration and a more natural-looking picture that movie enthusiasts often prefer. While its peak brightness of 3,000 nits doesn't match the QM8's output, it's still more than sufficient for most viewing environments and actually helps prevent the occasional overprocessed look that can occur with extremely high brightness levels. The U8 also includes a more sophisticated 2.1.2 channel audio system with dedicated upfiring speakers, providing better Dolby Atmos performance without additional equipment.
Perhaps most compelling is the Hisense 100" U8's $1,000 lower price point, which makes it an exceptional value proposition in the giant screen category. While it may not match the QM8's pure brightness capabilities, it offers better gaming performance, more accurate colors, and slightly larger screen size at 100 inches versus 98 inches. For most home theater enthusiasts and everyday users, especially those who prioritize gaming or watch content in controlled lighting conditions, the U8 provides a more balanced and cost-effective package. The only buyers who might prefer the QM8 are those who absolutely require maximum brightness for very bright rooms or want the most dramatic HDR highlights regardless of cost.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Hisense 100" Class U8 Series 4K Mini-LED QLED Google TV Details
💵 See Hisense 100" Class U8 Series 4K Mini-LED QLED Google TV Price

Compared to Samsung 98" Q80C 4K Smart QLED TV

The Samsung 98" Q80C distinguishes itself through superior video processing and upscaling capabilities, powered by its Neural Quantum Processor 4K. While priced significantly higher at $6,500, it offers noticeably better handling of lower-resolution content, which is particularly valuable given how much non-4K content most people still watch. Samsung's Tizen operating system provides a more polished, albeit less flexible, user experience than Google TV, and the integration with other Samsung devices is seamless. The Q80C also includes Samsung's Gaming Hub for cloud gaming services, though it lacks the variable refresh rate support found on the QM8.
However, the Q80C's traditional full-array local dimming technology can't match the QM8's Mini-LED performance in terms of contrast and brightness control, despite costing more than twice as much. While Samsung's processing and brand reputation are strong selling points, the significant price premium becomes difficult to justify when considering the overall package. Unless specific features like Samsung's ecosystem integration or superior upscaling are crucial to your needs, the Q80C's main advantages don't offset its substantial cost difference compared to the QM8's more advanced backlighting technology and stronger value proposition.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Samsung 98" Q80C 4K Smart QLED TV Details
💵 See Samsung 98" Q80C 4K Smart QLED TV Price

Compared to Sony BRAVIA XR X90L 98" 4K UHD LED Google TV

The Sony BRAVIA XR X90L ($9,998) distinguishes itself through superior processing capabilities and class-leading motion handling, particularly evident when watching sports or action movies. Its Cognitive Processor XR delivers more refined upscaling of lower-resolution content, which becomes crucial at this massive screen size. Color accuracy out of the box is notably better than the TCL, requiring minimal calibration to achieve reference-quality performance. The Sony also demonstrates more sophisticated HDR tone mapping, resulting in more natural-looking highlights, even though it doesn't reach the same peak brightness levels.
However, it's difficult to justify the significant price premium of the Sony X90L for most users. While its advantages in processing and motion handling are real and noticeable to enthusiasts, the practical impact on everyday viewing is more subtle than the price difference would suggest. The Sony does offer better build quality and typically more reliable long-term support, but these benefits come at more than three times the cost of the TCL. Unless you're a serious videophile who demands the absolute best in motion handling and processing, or you're specifically looking for the most refined home theater experience regardless of cost, the Sony's premium positioning makes it a harder value proposition to justify.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Sony BRAVIA XR X90L 98" 4K UHD LED Google TV Details
💵 See Sony BRAVIA XR X90L 98" 4K UHD LED Google TV Price

Compared to LG 97" G2 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV

The LG 97" G2 OLED ($14,999) represents the pinnacle of picture quality technology, offering perfect blacks and infinite contrast that the QM8's Mini-LED system can't quite match. Its OLED Evo panel technology delivers exceptional color accuracy and viewing angles, making it particularly impressive for dedicated home theater environments. For serious movie enthusiasts and gamers, the G2's near-instantaneous response time and superior motion handling create a notably more refined viewing experience. The webOS smart platform, while offering fewer apps than Google TV, provides a more polished and responsive user interface.
However, the G2's substantial price premium raises important value considerations. While it undeniably offers better picture quality in controlled lighting conditions, the differences become less noticeable in typical bright room viewing environments where the QM8 actually holds an advantage. The G2's OLED technology still carries a small risk of burn-in, requiring more careful use with static images, and its lower brightness output makes it less versatile for bright room placement. For most viewers, these tradeoffs may be difficult to justify given the significant price difference, unless absolute picture quality in a dedicated theater room is the primary consideration.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌LG 97" G2 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV Details
💵 See LG 97" G2 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV Price

You May Also Like:

Televisions

Shop the Category
our-favorite-plants-(and-how-we-keep-them-alive)

Buying Guides

Check out the latest buying guides
the-best-external-desktop-hard-drive
ยฉ JRW Publishing Company, 2023
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases.

magnifiercross
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram
Share to...