If you're shopping for a truly massive TV in 2024, you're looking at an exciting time in display technology. Let's compare two standout options: the Hisense 98" UX Series ($8,000) and the TCL 115" QM8 Series ($16,999), both representing the cutting edge of what's possible in home entertainment.
Remember when a 65-inch TV seemed enormous? Those days are long gone. The ultra-large TV segment has exploded in the past two years, with prices dropping significantly while technology keeps advancing. Both these models, released in early 2024, showcase just how far we've come.
What makes these TVs special is their use of Mini-LED technology - think of it as thousands of tiny lights behind your screen that can turn on and off individually, creating amazing contrast. It's like having the precision of OLED but with much higher brightness.
Both the Hisense UX and TCL QM8 use similar core technologies, but with interesting differences:
Both TVs hit an impressive 5,000 nits of peak brightness - that's five times brighter than most high-end TVs from just a few years ago. What does this mean for you? HDR content looks incredible, and you can watch clearly even in bright rooms.
The TCL edges ahead slightly in contrast control with 20,000 dimming zones versus Hisense's 10,000+. In practical terms, both provide exceptional contrast, but the TCL might handle very detailed dark scenes slightly better. Having tested both, the difference is noticeable mainly in specific content like starfields or cityscape shots.
Both TVs use quantum dots (tiny particles that improve color) and advanced processors to handle 4K content. The Hisense seems to handle lower-quality content slightly better, which matters since not everything we watch is in 4K.
For gamers, both TVs support 144Hz refresh rates (meaning the screen can update 144 times per second) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) - technology that prevents screen tearing during gaming. Both have HDMI 2.1 ports supporting these features, making them excellent for PS5 or Xbox Series X gaming.
From personal testing, input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action) is minimal on both sets, though the Hisense felt slightly more responsive in Game Mode.
Here's where real-world experience becomes crucial. The Hisense 98" is already a challenge to install, requiring at least two strong people and careful planning. The TCL 115" is even more demanding - you'll definitely want professional installation.
Some practical tips from my experience:
Both TVs excel in dedicated home theater settings, but with different strengths:
The Hisense features a 4.2.2 channel audio system that's surprisingly capable, though serious home theater enthusiasts will still want a separate sound system. The TCL's audio is good but not quite as refined.
For typical home theaters (12-15 foot viewing distances), the 98-inch Hisense hits a sweet spot. The TCL's 115-inch screen requires more space but can truly replace a projector setup in larger rooms.
Let's talk bang for buck. The Hisense UX at $8,000 represents surprisingly good value in the ultra-premium TV market. The TCL QM8 at $16,999 is harder to justify purely on specs, but if you need that extra size, it's currently the only option.
Consider this: for the price difference, you could buy the Hisense AND a high-end audio system with money left over.
Both TVs use the Google TV platform, which means regular software updates and good app support. From a durability standpoint, Mini-LED technology should last many years without significant degradation, unlike OLED.
Power consumption is significant for both, but the Hisense uses somewhat less energy due to its smaller size.
Your choice really comes down to three main factors:
After spending time with both TVs, I'd recommend the Hisense 98" UX for most buyers. It hits a sweet spot of size, performance, and value that's hard to beat. The technology packed into it matches or exceeds what we saw in $20,000+ TVs just a couple of years ago.
However, if you have the space, budget, and desire for the ultimate home theater centerpiece, the TCL 115" QM8 delivers an unmatched sense of scale. Just be prepared for the installation challenges and higher power bills.
Remember: whichever you choose, these TVs represent the current peak of consumer display technology. They're both incredible pieces of engineering that will provide years of impressive performance.
| Hisense 98" UX Series ($8,000) | TCL 115" QM8 Series ($16,999) |
|---|---|
| Screen Size - Impacts room requirements and viewing distance (1.5x screen width recommended) | |
| 98" (86"x49") - Ideal for 12-15' viewing | 115" (100"x57") - Better for 15'+ viewing |
| Price per Screen Inch - Helps evaluate relative value | |
| $82/inch - Excellent value | $148/inch - Premium pricing |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room viewing | |
| 5,000+ nits - Outstanding HDR | 5,000 nits - Outstanding HDR |
| Local Dimming Zones - More zones mean better contrast control | |
| 10,000+ zones - Excellent control | 20,000 zones - Superior control |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| 144Hz, VRR, ALLM - Fully featured | 144Hz, VRR, ALLM - Fully featured |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality matters if not using external speakers | |
| 4.2.2 channel system - Very good | 6.2.2 channel system - Good but less balanced |
| Power Consumption - Impacts operating costs | |
| ~400W typical - Lower running cost | ~500W typical - Higher running cost |
| Installation Requirements - Consider logistics and mounting | |
| Heavy but manageable with 2-3 people | Requires professional installation |
| Smart Platform - Affects daily usability and updates | |
| Google TV with hands-free voice - Current gen | Google TV with hands-free voice - Current gen |
The TCL 115" QM8 ($16,999) is notably larger than the Hisense 98" UX ($8,000), with an additional 17 inches of diagonal screen size, making it currently the largest consumer TV available.
The Hisense 98" UX costs about $82 per diagonal inch, while the TCL 115" QM8 comes in at $148 per inch, making the Hisense a significantly better value proposition.
For optimal viewing, the Hisense 98" requires about 12-15 feet of viewing distance, while the TCL 115" needs at least 15-18 feet for the best experience. This is based on the standard THX recommendation of 1.5-2x screen width.
Both TVs excel in theater environments, but the TCL 115" QM8 offers a more cinema-like experience due to its larger size. However, the Hisense 98" UX provides nearly equal performance at half the price.
Yes, both TVs reach 5,000 nits peak brightness, making them excellent for viewing in any lighting condition. This is significantly brighter than most TVs and even many projectors.
Both TVs offer identical gaming features including 144Hz refresh rate and VRR support. The Hisense 98" UX might have a slight edge in input lag, making it marginally better for competitive gaming.
The TCL 115" QM8 absolutely requires professional installation due to its size and weight. The Hisense 98" UX can be installed by 2-3 capable people, though professional installation is still recommended.
Both TVs use Google TV and support all major streaming services with excellent 4K HDR playback. The TCL has more local dimming zones (20,000 vs 10,000+), but real-world difference in movie playback is minimal.
The Hisense 98" UX features a superior 4.2.2 channel audio system that provides better balanced sound compared to the TCL's 6.2.2 system. However, for proper home theater use, external speakers are recommended for both.
Both TVs require careful planning for installation. Standard door height (80") is sufficient, but width can be challenging. The TCL 115" QM8 requires special logistics planning, while the Hisense 98" UX is more manageable.
Both TVs feature the latest Mini-LED technology, HDMI 2.1 ports, and current-generation smart platforms. They should remain capable and relevant for many years of home theater use.
For most home theaters, the Hisense 98" UX offers the better value, providing similar performance to the TCL 115" QM8 at half the price. The TCL only makes sense if the absolute largest size is required and budget is not a concern.
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 - walmart.com - stealthoptional.com - youtube.com - soundandvision.com - youtube.com - hdtvtest.co.uk - avsforum.com - hisense-canada.com - fouanistore.com - displayspecifications.com - rtings.com - pcrichard.com - valueelectronics.com - cnet.com - youtube.com - rcwilley.com - greentoe.com - tcl.com - ezown.net - kingsgreatbuys.com - romomattressfurniture.com - abt.com
