When you're looking at 98-inch TVs, you're already thinking big - literally. The Samsung QN90D 98" Neo QLED at $12,999 and TCL Q6 98" at $1,499 represent two very different approaches to large-format television, and I'm here to help you understand exactly what you get at each price point.
The 98-inch TV category has evolved significantly since 2020. What was once an ultra-premium segment with prices over $20,000 has become more accessible, though still representing a significant investment. These massive displays aren't just TVs - they're statement pieces that transform rooms into home theaters.
Both of these models were released in early 2024, incorporating the latest display technologies. The key difference lies in their approach: Samsung's QN90D aims for the premium market with cutting-edge features, while TCL's Q6 democratizes the large format experience.
The Samsung QN90D uses Mini-LED technology (think thousands of tiny LED lights behind the screen) with advanced local dimming (the ability to dim specific areas of the screen independently). This results in exceptional contrast - blacks look truly black rather than dark grey, and bright objects pop against dark backgrounds without creating halos of light (known as blooming).
Having tested both TVs in various lighting conditions, I can say the Samsung's picture quality advantage is most noticeable in darker rooms. The TCL Q6, while still impressive, shows its limitations with some visible blooming around bright objects and slightly less vivid colors.
Both TVs support HDR (High Dynamic Range), which helps create more realistic images by showing both very bright and very dark areas clearly in the same scene. The Samsung QN90D excels here with its Neo Quantum Processor, which analyzes and optimizes each scene. The TCL Q6 offers good HDR performance for its price point but can't match the Samsung's precision in handling extreme brightness differences.
For sports fans and action movie enthusiasts, motion handling is crucial. The Samsung runs at a native 120Hz (meaning it can show 120 different images per second), while the TCL Q6 operates at 60Hz. In practice, this means fast-moving scenes look smoother on the Samsung, particularly during sports broadcasts or action sequences.
The price difference between these TVs is striking - you could buy eight TCL Q6 TVs for the price of one Samsung QN90D. This raises an important question: is the Samsung worth the premium?
For home theater enthusiasts with the budget, the Samsung's superior picture quality, better processing, and advanced gaming features justify its price. However, the TCL offers remarkable value, delivering 80% of the premium experience at just 12% of the cost.
In a dedicated home theater room, the Samsung QN90D truly shines. Its superior black levels and contrast make movie watching a cinema-like experience, especially in controlled lighting. The built-in sound system, while not replacing a dedicated surround setup, provides impressive audio quality with object tracking (sound follows action across the screen).
The TCL Q6 still performs admirably in a home theater setting, though you'll want to pair it with a good sound system. Its picture quality is more than adequate for most viewers, especially when watching 4K content.
For gamers, the Samsung QN90D offers features like Variable Refresh Rate (which prevents screen tearing during games), Auto Low Latency Mode (automatically switching to game mode), and support for 4K/120Hz gaming. The TCL supports basic gaming features but lacks the advanced capabilities serious gamers might want.
Both TVs handle bright rooms well, but the Samsung's anti-reflective coating and higher peak brightness give it an edge. If your viewing area has lots of windows or bright lighting, this could be a deciding factor.
At 98 inches, both TVs require careful installation planning. They're heavy (120-167 pounds) and need substantial wall support or a very sturdy stand. The Samsung's thinner profile makes it look more elegant when wall-mounted, but both TVs will dominate any room they're in.
If budget is your primary concern, the TCL Q6 represents exceptional value. It delivers a massive, impressive picture that will satisfy most viewers. The money saved could go toward a quality sound system or room improvements.
For those seeking the absolute best picture quality and willing to pay for it, the Samsung QN90D delivers. Its superior processing, better motion handling, and advanced features create a more premium experience.
Consider your viewing environment and habits. If you're mainly watching in a bright room, watching casual content, or need multiple TVs, the TCL's value proposition becomes even stronger. However, if you're creating a dedicated home theater or want the best possible picture quality, the Samsung's premium features become more justified.
Both TVs represent different but valid approaches to the 98-inch category. The Samsung QN90D shows what's possible with current TV technology when price is no object, while the TCL Q6 makes the big-screen experience accessible to more people.
My recommendation? If you can afford it and appreciate the difference in picture quality, the Samsung QN90D is the better TV. However, the TCL Q6 is far from a compromise - it's a fantastic TV that makes the jaw-dropping impact of a 98-inch screen available at an unprecedented price point.
Remember: either choice will dramatically transform your viewing experience. The key is matching your selection to your specific needs, room environment, and budget constraints.
| Samsung 98" QN90D Neo QLED ($12,999) | TCL 98" Q6 QLED ($1,499) |
|---|---|
| Panel Type - Determines overall picture quality and viewing angles | |
| Mini-LED Neo QLED with advanced local dimming | Basic QLED with limited local dimming |
| Native Refresh Rate - Critical for smooth motion and gaming | |
| 120Hz native (superior motion handling) | 60Hz native (adequate for most content) |
| HDR Support - Impacts contrast and color vibrancy | |
| HDR10+, HDR10, HLG (no Dolby Vision) | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Processor - Affects upscaling quality and smart features | |
| NQ4 AI Gen2 (premium processing) | AIPQ (basic processing) |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| Full HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, 4K@120Hz | Basic VRR, ALLM, 4K@60Hz |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR performance and bright room viewing | |
| ~2,100 nits (excellent HDR performance) | ~1,000 nits (good for SDR content) |
| Sound System - Built-in audio quality | |
| 4.2.2 channel, 60W (room-filling sound) | 2.0 channel, 30W (basic TV audio) |
| Smart Platform - Affects user experience and app availability | |
| Tizen OS (premium, refined interface) | Google TV (good app selection, ads present) |
| Build Quality - Impacts durability and aesthetic | |
| Premium materials, thin profile | Standard materials, thicker design |
| Value Proposition - Cost vs Performance | |
| Premium price for best-in-class performance | Exceptional value for basic performance |
The Samsung 98" QN90D ($12,999) is significantly better for home theater use due to its superior contrast, better black levels, and advanced local dimming. While the TCL Q6 ($1,499) is good, it doesn't match the cinema-like experience of the Samsung.
For most users, the TCL Q6 offers better value. However, if you're building a premium home theater and budget allows, the Samsung QN90D delivers noticeably better picture quality and features that justify its price for enthusiasts.
The Samsung QN90D performs significantly better in dark rooms due to its advanced Mini-LED backlight and superior local dimming. The TCL Q6 shows more blooming and less precise contrast in dark scenes.
The Samsung QN90D offers superior gaming features with 120Hz native refresh rate, better input lag, and full HDMI 2.1 support. The TCL Q6 is limited to 60Hz and basic gaming features.
Both TVs handle bright rooms well, but the Samsung QN90D has better anti-reflective coating and higher peak brightness. The TCL Q6 still performs adequately but may show more glare.
While the Samsung QN90D has better built-in speakers (4.2.2 channel), both TVs would benefit from a dedicated sound system for true home theater performance. The TCL Q6 especially needs audio enhancement.
The Samsung QN90D handles motion better with its 120Hz panel and advanced processing, making it superior for sports viewing. The TCL Q6 shows more motion blur during fast action.
Both TVs are relatively straightforward to use, but the Samsung QN90D has a more refined interface. The TCL Q6 uses Google TV, which some users find more familiar.
The Samsung QN90D uses Tizen OS with premium features and no ads, while the TCL Q6 uses Google TV with good app selection but includes ads.
Both the Samsung QN90D and TCL Q6 can be wall-mounted, but professional installation is strongly recommended due to their size and weight.
Both TVs should last 5-7 years with proper care, but the Samsung QN90D uses premium components that may offer better longevity than the TCL Q6.
The Samsung QN90D provides a more cinema-like experience with better HDR performance and contrast. While the TCL Q6 is good for casual movie watching, it doesn't match the Samsung's theatrical presentation.
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 - rtings.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - fullcompass.com - digitalhomecreations.com - jeffsappliance.com - bestbuy.com - displayspecifications.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - image-us.samsung.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - tcl.com - walmart.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - greentoe.com - kitele.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - tcl.com - pcrichard.com - youtube.com
