When it comes to creating a truly immersive home theater experience, bigger is often better. Let's dive into comparing two of the most impressive large-format TVs available today: the Hisense 100" U8 Series ($2,999) and the TCL 98" QM7 Series ($2,299).
The landscape of large-format TVs has changed dramatically in recent years. What was once a luxury reserved for the ultra-wealthy has become increasingly accessible, thanks to manufacturers like Hisense and TCL bringing competitive options to market. These 95"+ displays represent the pinnacle of home theater technology, offering a genuine cinema-like experience in your living room.
When shopping for a TV this size, several factors become critically important:
Both TVs use Mini-LED technology, which places thousands of tiny LEDs behind the screen for precise brightness control. This is a significant improvement over traditional LED backlighting, offering better contrast and reduced "blooming" (that halo effect around bright objects on dark backgrounds).
The Hisense U8 excels in color accuracy and motion handling. Its 144Hz refresh rate means fast-moving scenes appear smoother, particularly noticeable in sports and action movies. The quantum dot technology (QLED) helps produce vibrant, lifelike colors that really pop off the screen.
The TCL QM7 counters with superior brightness, reaching up to 2,400 nits. For context, most TVs max out around 1,000 nits. This extra brightness helps combat glare in bright rooms and makes HDR content really shine. It also features more local dimming zones, allowing for better contrast in complex scenes.
If you're a gamer, these differences become even more important:
Hisense U8:
TCL QM7:
The Hisense clearly takes the lead for gaming, especially if you're connecting a PC. The higher refresh rate and broader compatibility make it the better choice for serious gamers.
At $700 less, the TCL QM7 presents compelling value. You're getting nearly the same size screen (98" vs 100") with superior brightness and very good overall performance. For most users, the difference in gaming features and refresh rate won't justify the price premium of the Hisense.
Both TVs were released in late 2023, representing current technology. They've incorporated improvements like:
In a dedicated home theater setting, both TVs shine but in different ways. The Hisense U8's superior color accuracy and motion handling make it excellent for movie purists who can control their room lighting. The TCL QM7's brightness advantage becomes less important in a dark room, but its local dimming performance helps deliver deep blacks that rival OLED technology.
For audio, both TVs support Dolby Atmos passthrough, but you'll want a separate sound system for a proper home theater setup. Neither TV's built-in speakers can match their impressive visual performance.
Both TVs run Google TV, offering:
The interface is identical on both models, so this shouldn't factor into your decision.
Choose the Hisense U8 if:
Go with the TCL QM7 if:
For most buyers, the TCL QM7 represents the better value. Its superior brightness and lower price point make it an excellent choice for general entertainment and casual gaming. The Hisense U8's premium features are notable but may not justify the cost unless you're specifically looking for its gaming capabilities or slightly larger screen size.
Remember that either TV will require careful consideration of your room setup and viewing distance. These aren't just TVs; they're room-defining pieces of technology that can transform your home entertainment experience.
Before making your final decision, measure your space carefully and consider professional installation. These massive displays require proper mounting and may need additional support compared to smaller TVs.
| Hisense 100" U8 ($2,999) | TCL 98" QM7 ($2,299) |
|---|---|
| Screen Size - Larger is more immersive, but requires more wall space and viewing distance | |
| 100 inches | 98 inches (negligible real-world difference) |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room viewing | |
| 1,500 nits | 2,400 nits (noticeably better in bright rooms) |
| Refresh Rate - Higher rates mean smoother motion, especially for gaming | |
| 144Hz (excellent for serious gaming) | 120Hz (still great for most users) |
| Local Dimming Zones - More zones mean better contrast and less blooming | |
| 1,000+ zones | 1,500+ zones (better contrast control) |
| Gaming Features - Important for console and PC gamers | |
| FreeSync Premium Pro + G-Sync, 144Hz VRR | FreeSync Premium Pro only, 120Hz VRR |
| Smart Platform - Affects daily usability | |
| Google TV (current version) | Google TV (current version) |
| HDR Support - Affects color and contrast capability | |
| Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Audio Output - Built-in sound quality, though external speakers recommended | |
| 50W 2.1.2 channel system | 40W 2.1 channel system |
| Value Proposition - Price vs Performance | |
| Higher price, better gaming features | Better value, brighter screen, similar overall quality |
For dedicated home theaters, the Hisense 100" U8 ($2,999) has a slight edge due to superior color accuracy and motion handling. However, the TCL 98" QM7 ($2,299) offers similar performance at a lower price point.
The TCL QM7 is $700 less expensive at $2,299, while the Hisense U8 costs $2,999. The price difference is significant considering their similar sizes and features.
The Hisense U8 is superior for gaming with 144Hz refresh rate and both FreeSync and G-Sync support. The TCL QM7 offers good gaming performance at 120Hz but lacks G-Sync support.
The TCL QM7 performs better in bright rooms with its 2,400 nits peak brightness, compared to the Hisense U8's 1,500 nits.
Yes, both TVs require robust wall mounting solutions rated for 100+ pounds. Professional installation is recommended for both the Hisense U8 and TCL QM7.
For both the Hisense 100" and TCL 98", the ideal viewing distance is 10-15 feet. Minimum recommended distance is 8 feet for comfortable viewing.
Yes, both TVs support Dolby Atmos passthrough and have eARC HDMI ports for connecting to modern AV receivers and soundbars.
Both the Hisense U8 and TCL QM7 use the same Google TV platform with identical smart features and streaming capabilities.
No, both TVs use standard household power. The Hisense U8 and TCL QM7 can be plugged into normal 120V outlets.
The TCL QM7 has better HDR performance due to higher peak brightness, though both TVs support all major HDR formats including Dolby Vision IQ.
Yes, but installation requires careful planning. Both the Hisense U8 and TCL QM7 need at least 8 feet of wall height for proper mounting.
The TCL QM7 offers better value with similar performance and only 2 inches less screen size for $700 less than the Hisense U8, unless gaming features are a priority.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses 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: bestbuy.com - valueelectronics.com - pcrichard.com - youtube.com - cnet.com - bargainoutletandmore.com - bestbuy.com - files.hisense-usa.com - fouanistore.com - bestbuy.com/6561416) - salesindia.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - business.walmart.com - avsforum.com - tcl.com - circuitworldonline.com - tcl.com - bestbuy.com/6580694) - rtings.com - bestbuy.com - displayspecifications.com - tcl.com
