The home theater landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, with previously unimaginable screen sizes becoming not just possible, but practical. Today we're comparing two titans: the LG 98" QNED 4K UHD Smart TV ($3,999) and the TCL 115" QM8 Series 4K UHD Smart Google TV ($16,999). Both released in 2024, these displays represent the cutting edge of what's possible in home entertainment.
Before diving into specifics, let's talk about what makes these massive TVs special. Unlike standard 65" or 75" TVs, these 95"+ displays aren't just bigger - they're engineered differently to handle the unique challenges of super-sized panels. Think of it like scaling up a photograph - you need more than just a bigger piece of paper; you need higher resolution source material and better printing technology.
The LG 98" QNED uses what's called Quantum NanoCell technology - essentially combining quantum dots (tiny particles that produce very pure colors) with LG's NanoCell filter technology. Think of it like having both a color amplifier and a color purifier working together. This results in:
The TCL 115" QM8 takes a different approach with its Mini-LED technology. Instead of traditional LED backlighting, it uses thousands of tiny LEDs for more precise light control. Imagine traditional LED backlighting like using a floodlight to illuminate a painting, while Mini-LED is more like having thousands of tiny spotlights you can control individually. This provides:
In actual use, both TVs excel but in different ways. The LG QNED handles bright rooms better and provides more consistent performance across different content types. The TCL, however, delivers a more dramatic HDR experience - those bright highlights in movies really pop, and dark scenes show more detail.
For home theater use, the TCL's superior contrast and brightness control make it the better choice if you have a properly darkened room. However, the LG's more balanced approach might work better in multipurpose rooms where lighting isn't always controlled.
Both TVs support modern gaming features, but there are important differences:
LG 98" QNED:
TCL 115" QM8:
The LG runs webOS, while the TCL uses Google TV. Both are capable, but Google TV generally offers better app support and more frequent updates. However, LG's webOS is typically more stable and user-friendly.
The size difference between 98" and 115" might not sound huge, but it's significant in practice:
LG 98" QNED:
TCL 115" QM8:
Beyond the initial price difference ($3,999 vs $16,999), consider:
The LG 98" QNED represents excellent value in the large-format TV space. It delivers 90% of the premium viewing experience at 25% of the cost of the TCL. The TCL 115" QM8 pushes the boundaries of what's possible but at a significant premium.
Both TVs represent the pinnacle of current consumer display technology, but they serve different markets. The LG offers exceptional value and versatility, while the TCL pushes the boundaries of what's possible in home entertainment.
For most buyers, the LG 98" QNED hits the sweet spot of size, performance, and value. It's a practical choice that doesn't require extensive room modifications or professional installation. The TCL 115" QM8 is for those seeking the ultimate home theater experience and have the space, budget, and setup to maximize its capabilities.
| LG 98" QNED ($3,999) | TCL 115" QM8 ($16,999) |
|---|---|
| Screen Size - Impacts room requirements and viewing distance needed | |
| 98" (more flexible for standard rooms) | 115" (requires dedicated large space) |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room viewing | |
| 2,000-3,000 nits (good for most rooms) | 5,000 nits (exceptional but may be overkill) |
| Local Dimming Zones - More zones mean better contrast and black levels | |
| 96 zones (good for mixed content) | 20,000 zones (outstanding contrast, worth it for movies) |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| 120Hz VRR, ALLM (meets current gaming needs) | 144Hz VRR, FreeSync Premium Pro (future-proof but overkill for most) |
| Smart Platform - Affects ease of use and app availability | |
| webOS (stable, user-friendly) | Google TV (more apps, frequent updates) |
| Weight - Critical for mounting and installation | |
| 134.9 lbs (standard mount capable) | 180+ lbs (requires professional installation) |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality | |
| 40W 2.2 channel (adequate for casual use) | 120W 6.2.2 channel with Onkyo (superior but most will still want external audio) |
| Power Consumption - Impacts operating cost | |
| Standard consumption (economical) | Higher consumption due to brightness (consider for long-term cost) |
| Installation Requirements - Affects total cost and feasibility | |
| Standard wall mount compatible (DIY possible) | Professional installation required (add $1000+ to cost) |
The TCL 115" QM8 ($16,999) is superior for dedicated home theaters due to its 20,000 dimming zones and 5,000 nit peak brightness. However, the LG 98" QNED ($3,999) still performs excellently at a fraction of the cost.
The LG 98" QNED costs $3,999, while the TCL 115" QM8 is priced at $16,999 - a $13,000 difference.
The TCL 115" QM8 offers superior HDR performance with its 5,000 nit peak brightness and 20,000 dimming zones. The LG 98" QNED still provides good HDR but with lower peak brightness around 2,000-3,000 nits.
The TCL 115" QM8 requires professional installation due to its size and weight. The LG 98" QNED can be installed by experienced DIYers, though professional installation is recommended.
Both TVs support modern gaming features, but the TCL 115" QM8 offers slightly better specs with 144Hz VRR. The LG 98" QNED provides 120Hz gaming which meets current console needs.
For the LG 98" QNED, you need at least 12 feet viewing distance. The TCL 115" QM8 requires at least 14-15 feet and a wider room due to its larger size.
While both perform well, the TCL 115" QM8 handles bright rooms better due to its higher brightness. However, the LG 98" QNED still performs adequately in most lighting conditions.
The TCL 115" QM8 features a superior 120W Onkyo system, while the LG 98" QNED has a standard 40W system. However, for home theater use, external speakers are recommended for both.
The TCL 115" QM8 uses Google TV with more apps and frequent updates. The LG 98" QNED uses webOS, which is more stable but has fewer apps.
Both the LG 98" QNED and TCL 115" QM8 come with standard 1-year warranties for parts and labor.
The TCL 115" QM8 uses significantly more power due to its higher brightness and larger size. The LG 98" QNED is more energy efficient for daily use.
The LG 98" QNED offers better value, delivering 90% of the premium experience at 25% of the cost of the TCL 115" QM8. However, the TCL provides ultimate performance for those with unlimited budgets.
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 - greentoe.com - pcrichard.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - ecdcom.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - displayspecifications.com - techradar.com - youtube.com - kitele.com - youtube.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
