Choosing Between Ultra-Large Premium TVs: A Complete Guide

When it comes to creating the ultimate home theater experience, few things make as big an impact as a massive premium TV. Today we're comparing two giants: the LG 97" G2 OLED evo ($14,999) and the TCL 98" Q6 QLED ($1,499). Both offer immersive viewing experiences, but they take very different approaches to delivering quality pictures.

Understanding the Category

Ultra-large TVs (95"+ class) have become increasingly popular as prices have dropped and technology has improved. These massive displays transform any room into a home theater, but they come with unique considerations. You'll need to think about viewing distance (ideally 10-15 feet), room lighting, mounting requirements, and of course, budget.

The Technology Face-Off

Let's break down the core technologies, as they fundamentally affect what you'll experience:

OLED Evolution

The LG G2 uses OLED evo technology, which means each pixel creates its own light and can turn completely off. Imagine having millions of tiny lightbulbs that can each be perfectly controlled - that's OLED. The "evo" part represents LG's latest advancement, using a brightness-boosting layer called Micro Lens Array (MLA) that helps overcome OLED's traditional brightness limitations.

Released in 2022, this TV represents the peak of OLED technology. Since its release, we've seen incremental improvements in newer models, but the G2 remains competitive with today's flagship TVs.

QLED Approach

The TCL Q6 uses QLED technology, which is fundamentally an LCD TV enhanced with quantum dots - microscopic particles that improve color performance. While it can't match OLED's perfect blacks, QLED excels in brightness and has no risk of burn-in (where static images can leave permanent marks on OLED screens).

Released more recently, the Q6 represents TCL's push to bring larger screens to more affordable price points. The technology has improved significantly over the past few years, narrowing the gap with premium offerings.

Real-World Performance

Picture Quality

In my experience testing both technologies, the difference is most noticeable in dark rooms. The LG G2 produces incredible contrast - blacks are truly black, not dark grey. This makes movies, especially darker scenes, look remarkably realistic. The TV can also display subtle details in shadows that might be lost on lesser displays.

The TCL Q6 performs admirably, especially considering its price point. Its higher brightness makes it excellent for bright rooms where the OLED's perfect blacks matter less. Colors are vibrant and punchy, though not quite as accurate as the LG.

Gaming Performance

For gamers, the LG offers premium features like:

• G-Sync and FreeSync support (prevents screen tearing)
• Sub-1ms response time (minimal motion blur)
• 120Hz refresh rate (smoother motion)
• HDMI 2.1 on all ports (supports highest quality gaming signals)

The TCL provides basic gaming features with a 60Hz panel and higher input lag. It's fine for casual gaming but might frustrate competitive players.

Processing Power

The α9 Gen 5 AI Processor in the LG handles upscaling (making lower-resolution content look better on the 4K screen) remarkably well. I've noticed it does an especially good job with older content, making even DVDs watchable on the massive screen.

TCL's processor performs adequately but sometimes struggles with complex scenes or lower-quality sources. You'll notice this most when watching cable TV or streaming compressed content.

Value Proposition

The price difference here is stark - you could buy ten TCL TVs for the price of one LG. But let's break down what you're getting:

LG G2 Investment

At $14,999, you're paying for:

• Best-in-class picture quality
• Superior processing
• Premium gaming features
• Gallery design (sits flush against the wall)
• Professional-grade color accuracy

TCL Q6 Value

At $1,499, you receive:

• Massive 98" screen
• Good brightness
• Decent picture quality
• Basic smart features
• Excellent price-per-inch value

Home Theater Considerations

For dedicated home theaters, the LG G2 is nearly perfect. Its perfect blacks and excellent contrast ratio create a truly cinematic experience, especially in controlled lighting. The superior processing helps with all content types, and the viewing angles mean everyone gets a great picture.

The TCL Q6 can still create an impressive home theater experience, particularly if you're willing to control ambient light. Its higher brightness can actually be an advantage for rooms that aren't completely dark, and the larger size (98" vs 97") provides slightly more screen real estate.

Making Your Decision

Choose the LG G2 if:

• Picture quality is your top priority
• You watch lots of movies in dark rooms
• You're a serious gamer
• You have a dedicated home theater
• Budget isn't a major constraint

Choose the TCL Q6 if:

• Value is paramount
• You watch in varying light conditions
• You need maximum screen size for minimum cost
• You're a casual viewer/gamer
• You want the biggest possible impact for your budget

Future-Proofing Considerations

Both TVs support modern standards like HDR and 4K resolution. The LG offers more headroom for future gaming standards and typically receives longer software support. However, the TCL's value proposition means you could potentially upgrade sooner without feeling the financial impact as heavily.

The Bottom Line

The LG G2 and TCL Q6 represent opposite ends of the ultra-large TV spectrum. The LG is the superior performer in almost every metric, but the TCL delivers 90% of the experience at 10% of the cost. For most buyers, the TCL's value proposition will be impossible to ignore. However, if you're building a premium home theater and want the absolute best picture quality available, the LG G2's perfect blacks and superior processing make it worth considering despite the premium price.

Remember to carefully consider your viewing environment, content preferences, and budget when making your final decision. Either way, you'll end up with an impressive centerpiece for your entertainment setup.

LG 97" G2 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV Deals and Prices

TCL 98" Q6 Series 4K UHD QLED Smart TV Deals and Prices