Choosing Between Premium 98-inch TVs: A Complete Guide

The world of giant TVs has become surprisingly accessible, with 98-inch models now appearing in more homes than ever. Today, we'll compare two major contenders in this space: the LG 98" QNED priced at $3,999 and the TCL 98" QM7 Series at $2,299. Both launched in the past year, bringing cinema-sized experiences into living rooms at increasingly reasonable prices.

Understanding Large Format Premium TVs

Think of 98-inch TVs as home theater game-changers - they're literally wider than many people are tall. At this size, you're not just buying a TV; you're investing in a theatrical experience. The technology has evolved significantly since the first consumer 98-inch displays appeared around 2019, with prices dropping from $60,000+ to today's more attainable range.

What makes these particular models special is their timing. Both the LG QNED and TCL QM7 represent the latest advancements in their respective technologies, arriving in late 2023 and early 2024. They're riding the wave of recent innovations in LED backlighting and processing power.

Breaking Down the Differences

Display Technology and Picture Quality

The fundamental difference between these TVs lies in their backlight technology. The TCL uses Mini-LED, which means thousands of tiny LED lights create the backlight, allowing for more precise control of bright and dark areas. The LG uses a more traditional LED arrangement but adds both quantum dots (for better colors) and their NanoCell technology (which helps purify colors).

In practical terms, this means:

• The TCL can get remarkably bright (2,400 nits - think bright enough to see clearly even in a sunlit room)
• The LG offers more consistent overall performance but can't match the TCL's peak brightness
• Both handle colors beautifully, but in different ways

Having seen both technologies in action, the Mini-LED advantage is noticeable, especially in HDR content where bright objects appear against dark backgrounds - think starfields or cityscapes at night.

Real-World Performance

For everyday viewing, both TVs excel, but they have different strengths:

Movies and TV Shows:

• The TCL QM7 shines (literally) with HDR content, making movies look spectacular
• The LG QNED offers more natural colors out of the box
• Both handle motion well, crucial for such large screens

Gaming: TCL takes the lead here with:

• 144Hz variable refresh rate (means smoother gaming)
• Better gaming features overall
• Lower input lag (less delay between pressing a button and seeing the action)

The LG isn't far behind but focuses more on general performance than gaming-specific features.

Smart Features and Usability

Both TVs offer comprehensive smart platforms:

• LG uses webOS, known for its smooth operation and wide app support
• TCL uses Google TV, offering excellent integration with Google services and strong app selection

The interfaces are both user-friendly, but Google TV tends to have more frequent updates and better content recommendations.

Value Proposition

The $1,700 price difference between these TVs can't be ignored. Let's break down what that means:

The TCL QM7 at $2,299 offers:

• Better peak brightness
• More advanced gaming features
• Mini-LED technology
• Newer release date

The LG QNED at $3,999 provides:

• Established brand reliability
• Potentially better quality control
• Proven processing technology
• Excellent color accuracy

Home Theater Considerations

In a dedicated home theater setting, these TVs perform differently:

For Dark Room Viewing:

• The LG's consistent performance shines
• TCL's higher brightness might actually be unnecessary

For Mixed-Use Spaces:

• TCL's brightness handling provides more flexibility
• Both handle ambient light well, but TCL has an edge

The size of these TVs means you'll need significant wall space and proper mounting solutions. I'd recommend professional installation for either model - they weigh over 130 pounds each.

How to Decide

Your choice should depend on your primary use case:

Choose the TCL if:

• You want the absolute best value
• Gaming is a priority
• You watch a lot of HDR content
• Your room has varying light conditions

Choose the LG if:

• Long-term reliability is crucial
• You prefer established brands
• Color accuracy is your top priority
• You want proven processing technology

Looking Forward

Both TVs represent the current state of large-format display technology, but they're approaching it from different angles. The TCL embraces newer Mini-LED technology and aggressive pricing, while LG relies on refined traditional LED technology and brand reputation.

The good news is that either choice brings cinema-sized entertainment home at prices that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago. The TCL QM7 offers better value and performance in most metrics, while the LG QNED provides peace of mind through brand reliability and proven technology.

As these technologies continue to evolve, we'll likely see even better performance at lower prices, but for now, these represent excellent options for anyone ready to super-size their viewing experience.

LG 98" QNED 4K UHD Smart TV Deals and Prices

TCL 98" QM7 Series 4K UHD Smart TV Deals and Prices