When you're looking to create a truly cinematic experience at home, today's massive 95"+ TVs offer incredible possibilities. I've spent time with both the LG 97" OLED evo G4 ($19,999) and the TCL 98" QM7 ($2,299), and I'll help you understand the key differences that matter for your setup.
Large format premium TVs have evolved dramatically in the last few years. While 65" used to be considered massive, manufacturers now regularly offer sizes approaching 100 inches. These TVs serve as the centerpiece of high-end home theaters or luxury living rooms, providing an immersive experience that rivals commercial cinemas.
The two main technologies competing in this space are OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) and Mini-LED. Think of OLED like having millions of tiny lights that can each turn completely off, while Mini-LED uses thousands of small backlight zones to approximate the same effect. Each has distinct advantages we'll explore.
The LG G4 OLED represents the latest evolution in OLED technology, released in early 2024. Its self-emitting pixels create perfect blacks by completely turning off – imagine having infinite dimming zones. This results in spectacular contrast that's especially noticeable in dark scenes. Having tested it in a home theater setting, I can say the black levels are simply unmatched.
The TCL QM7, launched in late 2023, uses Mini-LED technology with around 1,500 dimming zones. While it can't match OLED's perfect blacks, it achieves significantly higher brightness levels – up to 2,400 nits compared to the OLED's roughly 1,000 nits. In bright rooms, this extra punch makes a real difference in picture visibility and HDR impact.
In dark room viewing, which is typical for home theaters, the LG's perfect blacks and infinite contrast create an almost three-dimensional image quality. When I watched dark scenes from movies like "Dune," the starfields and shadow detail were simply breathtaking.
However, in bright rooms, the TCL's higher brightness can be a game-changer. Sports viewing and daytime TV look more vivid and punchy. The Mini-LED technology has also improved significantly in recent years, with better local dimming algorithms that minimize the blooming (light bleed) that used to plague LED TVs.
Both TVs support modern gaming features, but there are important differences:
The LG G4 offers:
The TCL QM7 provides:
For competitive gamers, the LG's faster response time and lower input lag make it the clear choice. However, casual gamers will likely find the TCL's performance more than adequate.
Both TVs use advanced processors to improve picture quality, but their approaches differ:
The LG uses its α11 AI Processor, which leverages machine learning to enhance images. During testing, I noticed it did an excellent job upscaling lower resolution content and reducing noise without making the picture look artificial.
TCL's AiPQ Engine isn't quite as sophisticated but still performs admirably. It handles most content well, though you might notice slightly less refined processing with challenging content like compressed streaming video.
These are massive TVs that require careful planning for installation. The LG G4 weighs about 141 pounds, while the TCL QM7 is slightly heavier at 150 pounds. Both require at least two people for installation, and I strongly recommend professional mounting.
For home theater use, consider that the LG's OLED technology provides consistent picture quality at wider viewing angles, which can be important for larger seating arrangements. The TCL's Mini-LED display shows some color and brightness shift at extreme angles, though it's less noticeable than older LED technologies.
The price difference between these TVs cannot be ignored. At $19,999, the LG G4 costs nearly nine times more than the TCL QM7 at $2,299. This massive gap makes the value proposition very different for different buyers.
The LG justifies its premium price with:
The TCL offers tremendous value with:
Consider these key factors when choosing:
After extensive time with both TVs, I can confidently say they both excel in their respective categories. The LG G4 OLED represents the pinnacle of picture quality and performance, while the TCL QM7 offers remarkable value and excellent brightness for bright room viewing.
For most buyers, the TCL QM7 provides the better value proposition. Its picture quality is impressive, and the money saved could be invested in a quality sound system or room treatments for a complete home theater setup.
However, if you're building a dedicated home theater and want the absolute best picture quality available, the LG G4's perfect blacks and superior contrast make it worth considering despite the premium price.
Remember that both TVs represent significant investments in your home entertainment setup. Take time to consider your specific needs, room conditions, and budget before making a decision. If possible, try to view both TVs in person, as specifications alone don't tell the complete story of picture quality and overall experience.
| LG 97" OLED evo G4 ($19,999) | TCL 98" QM7 ($2,299) |
|---|---|
| Display Technology - Determines overall picture quality and viewing conditions | |
| OLED (perfect blacks, best for dark rooms) | Mini-LED (brighter, better for lit rooms) |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and daytime viewing | |
| 1,000 nits | 2,400 nits |
| Local Dimming - Affects contrast and black levels | |
| Self-emitting pixels (infinite contrast) | 1,500 dimming zones (good but some blooming) |
| Response Time - Important for gaming and fast motion | |
| <1ms (exceptional for gaming) | 5ms (good for casual gaming) |
| HDMI 2.1 Ports - Affects connectivity options for 4K/120Hz gaming | |
| 4 ports | 2 ports |
| Color Volume - Impact on HDR and overall vibrancy | |
| 100% DCI-P3 (superior color accuracy) | 95% DCI-P3 (excellent color range) |
| Processor - Affects upscaling and smart features | |
| α11 AI Processor (best-in-class processing) | AIPQ Engine (good but less refined) |
| Weight - Installation consideration | |
| 141 lbs (professional mounting recommended) | 150 lbs (professional mounting recommended) |
| Value Proposition - Price vs Performance | |
| Premium price for ultimate performance | Excellent value with minor compromises |
The LG 97" OLED evo G4 ($19,999) is superior for dedicated home theaters due to its perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio. In controlled lighting, OLED technology provides a more cinematic experience than the TCL 98" QM7 ($2,299).
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: rtings.com - marketplace.sce.com - abt.com - youtube.com - walts.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - youtube.com - fullspecs.net - big-georges.com - techradar.com - youtube.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
