If you're shopping for a massive TV that can deliver a true cinema experience at home, you've probably noticed two standout options: the Hisense 98" UX Series ($4,499) and the TCL 98" QM7 Series ($2,299). Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your setup.
The 90+ inch TV category has evolved dramatically in recent years. What was once an ultra-premium segment with $10,000+ price tags has become increasingly accessible, though still representing a serious investment. These massive displays compete directly with traditional projectors, offering some distinct advantages - they work well in bright rooms, require no lamp replacements, and deliver incredible HDR performance.
Both of these models were released in early 2024, representing the latest technology available. The most significant recent advances have been in brightness and local dimming capabilities, with mini-LED technology (tiny LED backlights that allow for precise brightness control) becoming standard at this level.
The Hisense UX is frankly incredible here, with over 5,000 nits of peak brightness. To put that in perspective, most HDR content is mastered for 1,000 or 4,000 nits - this TV can actually exceed the brightness levels of most content. The TCL QM7 is no slouch at 2,400 nits, which is still more than bright enough for stunning HDR, but the Hisense has a clear advantage.
What does this mean in real-world viewing? Both TVs will look fantastic with HDR content, but the Hisense can deliver more impactful specular highlights (think sunlight glinting off water or metal) and maintain better picture quality in bright rooms.
This is another area where the technical specs tell an interesting story. The Hisense UX boasts over 10,000 local dimming zones, compared to the TCL's 1,500. Local dimming zones are areas of the backlight that can be controlled independently - more zones mean better contrast and less "blooming" (light bleeding around bright objects on dark backgrounds).
In practice, both TVs deliver excellent contrast, but the Hisense's additional zones provide noticeably better performance in challenging scenes, like starfields or credit sequences. For most content, however, the difference isn't as dramatic as the numbers might suggest.
Both TVs support Variable Refresh Rate up to 144Hz (which helps eliminate screen tearing in games) and have low input lag modes. The TCL QM7 has a slight edge in gaming features, with better input lag performance and a more comprehensive gaming feature set including AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.
For console gaming on PS5 or Xbox Series X, either TV will provide an excellent experience. PC gamers might prefer the TCL's slightly better responsiveness, though both are entirely capable gaming displays.
If you're planning a dedicated home theater, there are some specific factors to consider. Both TVs support all major HDR formats (Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10) and have excellent black levels for movie viewing. The Hisense UX has a slight edge in overall picture quality, but the TCL QM7 might actually be the better choice for some theater setups.
Why? The TCL's lower brightness capability isn't a disadvantage in a controlled lighting environment, and its more affordable price point might leave room in the budget for better audio equipment - a critical component of any home theater.
For optimal viewing, you'll want to sit about 12-15 feet back from either display. Both TVs require substantial wall support if mounting (professional installation is highly recommended) and should be placed where there's minimal direct sunlight for the best picture quality.
This is where the comparison gets really interesting. The TCL QM7 delivers about 80% of the Hisense UX's performance at roughly half the price. For many users, the TCL's performance will be more than sufficient, and the $2,200 price difference could be better spent on other aspects of the setup (sound system, furniture, etc.).
However, if you're seeking the absolute best picture quality available and have the budget, the Hisense UX does justify its premium price tag with superior performance, especially in bright rooms or when viewing HDR content.
Consider these key factors when choosing between these TVs:
Both of these TVs represent incredible value compared to where large format TVs were just a few years ago. The TCL QM7 offers exceptional performance at a breakthrough price point, while the Hisense UX pushes the boundaries of what's possible with current TV technology.
For most users, the TCL QM7 represents the better value, delivering outstanding picture quality and features at a more accessible price point. However, if you want the absolute best picture quality available and have the budget, the Hisense UX's superior brightness and contrast capabilities make it the premium choice.
Remember: while these TVs are amazing, they're just one part of a complete home entertainment system. Consider your total budget and how it might be best allocated across all components before making your final decision.
| Hisense 98" UX Series ($4,499) | TCL 98" QM7 Series ($2,299) |
|---|---|
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room viewing | |
| 5,000+ nits (class-leading brightness) | 2,400 nits (excellent but not class-leading) |
| Local Dimming Zones - More zones mean better contrast and less blooming | |
| 10,000+ zones (exceptional contrast control) | 1,500 zones (very good for most content) |
| Panel Type - Affects viewing angles and contrast | |
| IPS-ADS (better viewing angles, slightly lower native contrast) | VA (better native contrast, narrower viewing angles) |
| Gaming Features - Important for console and PC gaming | |
| 144Hz VRR, moderate input lag | 144Hz VRR, lower input lag, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro |
| Smart Platform and Processing - Affects user experience and upscaling | |
| Google TV with AIPQ Processor (excellent upscaling) | Google TV with AIPQ Pro (very good upscaling) |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality | |
| 4.2.2 channel Cinestage X (superior built-in audio) | 2.1 channel ONKYO (good but basic) |
| Power Consumption - Impacts electricity costs | |
| 450W typical (higher due to brightness capability) | 350W typical (more efficient) |
| Value Proposition - Price to performance ratio | |
| Premium price for ultimate performance | Better value, 80% of performance at 50% cost |
For a dedicated home theater, the Hisense 98" UX Series ($4,499) offers superior picture quality, though the price premium may be hard to justify in a controlled lighting environment. The TCL 98" QM7 ($2,299) performs nearly as well in dark rooms, and the cost savings could be better spent on audio equipment.
The Hisense UX delivers superior HDR performance with its 5,000+ nit peak brightness compared to the TCL QM7's 2,400 nits. This results in more impactful HDR highlights and better overall HDR presentation.
Yes, professional installation is strongly recommended for both the Hisense UX and TCL QM7. These 98-inch TVs are extremely heavy and require proper wall mounting or specialized furniture for safety.
The Hisense UX performs significantly better in bright rooms due to its higher peak brightness and advanced anti-glare coating. While the TCL QM7 is still capable in bright conditions, it's not quite as effective at combating ambient light.
For both the Hisense UX and TCL QM7, the optimal viewing distance is between 12-15 feet. Minimum comfortable viewing distance is about 9 feet, making them best suited for larger rooms.
The TCL QM7 has a slight edge for gaming with lower input lag and more gaming features like AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. However, both TVs support 144Hz VRR and will provide excellent gaming experiences.
Yes, both the Hisense UX and TCL QM7 support Dolby Atmos passthrough via eARC, making them fully compatible with modern home theater audio systems.
The TCL QM7 offers better value, delivering about 80% of the Hisense UX's performance at half the price. For most users, the TCL's performance-to-price ratio makes it the smarter choice.
Yes, both TVs use Google TV and support all major streaming services including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and HBO Max with full 4K HDR compatibility.
Both handle motion extremely well, but the Hisense UX has an advantage in bright rooms for daytime sports viewing. The TCL QM7 still performs admirably and will satisfy most sports fans.
The Hisense UX features a superior 4.2.2 channel Cinestage X audio system compared to the TCL QM7's 2.1 channel system. However, for home theater use, external speakers or a soundbar is recommended for both.
Both the Hisense UX and TCL QM7 should last 7-10 years with normal use. Both manufacturers offer similar warranty terms, though professional installation is recommended to maintain warranty coverage.
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 - 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
