Choosing Between Today's Top 98-inch TVs: A Complete Guide

When it comes to creating a truly cinematic experience at home, nothing beats a massive 98-inch TV. Today we're comparing two flagship models: the Samsung 98" QN90D Neo QLED ($12,999) and the TCL 98" QM8 Series ($7,999). Both released in early 2024, these TVs represent the latest in large-format display technology.

The Big Picture: Why 98-inch TVs Matter

Let's talk about what makes these massive TVs special. At 98 inches (that's over 8 feet diagonally!), these displays create an immersive viewing experience that rivals many commercial theaters. For context, sitting 10-12 feet away from a 98-inch screen gives you roughly the same viewing angle as a middle row in a movie theater.

The technology in both TVs has come a long way since even last year. Both use mini-LED backlighting, which means thousands of tiny LEDs create the picture instead of a few hundred larger ones. This allows for much better control over bright and dark areas of the screen, resulting in better contrast and more detailed images.

Picture Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The Samsung QN90D takes the lead in pure picture quality. Its Neo QLED technology combines mini-LEDs with quantum dots (tiny particles that create more precise colors) and Samsung's latest processing chip. The result is extraordinary brightness - up to 4,000 nits in highlights - which means HDR content really pops, even in bright rooms.

The TCL QM8 isn't far behind, though. It also uses mini-LED technology and quantum dots, achieving impressive brightness levels around 3,000 nits. In real-world viewing, most people would be hard-pressed to notice the difference except in the most demanding scenes.

I've tested both TVs with a variety of content, and while the Samsung has a slight edge in processing quality (especially when upscaling lower-resolution content to 4K), the TCL performs remarkably well for its price point.

Smart Features and Daily Use

Here's where we see some interesting differences. The Samsung runs on their Tizen operating system, which is sleek but somewhat closed off. The TCL uses Google TV, which I find more user-friendly and better integrated with other services.

In practice, this means:

• TCL offers better integration with Google services (Photos, YouTube, etc.)
• Samsung has a more polished gaming hub with better integration for Xbox Game Pass
• Both support all major streaming services
• Google TV's recommendations tend to be more accurate

Gaming Performance

Both TVs excel at gaming, but in different ways:

Samsung QN90D:

• 120Hz refresh rate
• Lower input lag (under 10ms)
• Better HDR gaming performance
• Superior Game Hub interface

TCL QM8:

• Up to 144Hz refresh rate (PC only)
• Very good input lag (around 12ms)
• VRR support
• More affordable gaming features

For console gamers, either TV will provide an excellent experience. PC gamers might appreciate the TCL's higher refresh rate, though the Samsung's superior processing could provide a better overall experience.

Home Theater Considerations

If you're building a dedicated home theater, there are some specific factors to consider. Both TVs support Dolby Atmos passthrough, which is essential for modern home theater audio setups. The Samsung has slightly better anti-reflective coating, which matters less in a controlled lighting environment but could be crucial in a multi-purpose room.

The Samsung's superior processing becomes more noticeable in a home theater setting, especially with challenging content like dark scenes in movies or upscaled 1080p content. However, the TCL's performance is still impressive, and the $5,000 price difference could buy a high-end audio system to complement the TV.

Value Proposition

This is where things get interesting. The Samsung QN90D at $12,999 is undeniably the better TV, but the TCL QM8 at $7,999 delivers about 90% of the performance for about 60% of the price.

Consider what the $5,000 difference could buy:

• A high-end sound system
• Professional TV calibration
• Room treatments for better acoustics
• Multiple streaming service subscriptions for years

How to Decide

Here's my practical advice based on different scenarios:

For the Cinema Enthusiast:

• Choose the Samsung if you demand the absolute best picture quality and have the budget
• The TCL is more than adequate for most film buffs, especially in controlled lighting

For the Gamer:

• Samsung if you want the best possible HDR gaming experience
• TCL if you're a PC gamer who values high refresh rates

For the Value-Conscious Buyer:

• TCL is the clear winner, offering tremendous value
• The performance difference doesn't justify the price gap for most users

For Mixed-Use Rooms:

• Samsung's superior brightness and anti-reflective coating make it better for bright rooms
• TCL performs admirably but might struggle more with reflections

Final Thoughts

The Samsung QN90D is objectively the better TV, offering superior picture quality, processing, and overall refinement. However, the TCL QM8 is the more sensible choice for most buyers, delivering exceptional performance at a significantly lower price point.

Unless you're a videophile who demands the absolute best and has the budget to match, the TCL QM8 represents the better value proposition. The money saved could be better spent on other aspects of your home entertainment setup, ultimately providing a more complete and satisfying experience.

Samsung 98" QN90D Series Neo QLED 4K Smart TV Deals and Prices

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