When it comes to creating the ultimate home theater experience, few things can compete with the latest generation of massive premium TVs. Today we're comparing two impressive contenders: the TCL 115" QM8 Series ($16,999) and the Hisense 110" UX Series ($14,999).
The 110"+ TV category represents the pinnacle of home entertainment technology. These aren't just big TVs - they're transformative viewing experiences that can rival or exceed what you'd get at a movie theater. Unlike projectors, which have traditionally dominated this size range, these TVs can deliver exceptional brightness and contrast even in well-lit rooms.
Let's dive into what makes these particular models special and who they're really for.
Both TVs use Mini-LED technology, which is like having thousands of tiny flashlights behind the screen that can be precisely controlled. This allows for incredible contrast - think starfields where each star truly sparkles against a pitch-black sky. But there are some important differences in how each manufacturer implements this tech.
The Hisense UX leads with an impressive 40,000 dimming zones and can reach a blindingly bright 10,000 nits. For context, most high-end TVs max out around 1,000-2,000 nits, and your smartphone probably hits about 500-800 nits at maximum brightness. This extreme brightness capability means HDR content (shows and movies with extra brightness range) looks absolutely stunning.
The TCL QM8 isn't exactly dim either, with 20,000 dimming zones and 5,000 nits peak brightness. While these numbers are lower on paper, they're still far beyond what most TVs can achieve, and in real-world viewing, both sets look exceptional.
Having seen both TVs in action, I can say that either one will transform your viewing experience. However, there are some notable differences:
The Hisense has a slight edge in overall picture quality, particularly in challenging scenes with both very bright and very dark elements. Think of a nighttime scene with street lamps - the Hisense's additional dimming zones mean less light "blooming" (where bright objects appear to glow into dark areas).
Both TVs support high refresh rates up to 144Hz, which means smoother motion in games and sports. The Hisense offers broader compatibility with gaming features, supporting both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync technologies for tear-free gaming. The TCL supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, which is still excellent but slightly less flexible.
Before getting excited about either TV, consider these practical points:
Both TVs run Google TV, but there are some differences in implementation:
The TCL QM8 has a more polished user interface, with smoother transitions and better app integration. The remote control is particularly well-designed, with good button layout and backlight.
The Hisense UX offers similar smart features but with slightly different optimization. While both provide access to all major streaming services, some users report the TCL interface feels more responsive.
Despite both being premium products, there's a clear value proposition to consider:
The Hisense UX offers:
The TCL QM8 provides:
Both TVs represent 2023-2024 technology, with the Hisense launching in late 2023 and the TCL arriving in early 2024. The key technological advancement they share is the implementation of high-zone-count Mini-LED backlighting, which represents a significant improvement over previous generations.
For home theater use, both TVs excel, but in slightly different ways:
The Hisense's superior contrast and brightness control make it particularly good for dedicated theater rooms where you have complete light control. The higher number of dimming zones means better performance in challenging movie scenes.
The TCL's slightly larger size might be preferred in larger theater rooms, and its user interface makes it easier to switch between different content sources, which can be important in complex home theater setups.
Choose the TCL QM8 if:
Choose the Hisense UX if:
Both of these TVs represent the cutting edge of what's possible in home entertainment. While the Hisense offers better specifications and value on paper, either choice will provide an exceptional viewing experience that will impress for years to come.
The decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you're after the absolute best picture quality and don't mind saving some money in the process, the Hisense is your best bet. If you want the largest possible screen and prefer a more refined user experience, the TCL might be worth the premium.
Remember to factor in professional installation and proper room setup - these investments will help ensure you get the most from whichever TV you choose.
| TCL 115" QM8 Series ($16,999) | Hisense 110" UX Series ($14,999) |
|---|---|
| Peak Brightness - Higher brightness means better HDR and daytime viewing | |
| 5,000 nits (excellent for bright rooms) | 10,000 nits (class-leading brightness) |
| Local Dimming Zones - More zones mean better contrast and less blooming | |
| 20,000 zones (excellent control) | 40,000 zones (superior precision) |
| Screen Size - Impacts viewing distance and immersion | |
| 115" (largest mainstream TV available) | 110" (still massive but slightly smaller) |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| 144Hz VRR, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro | 144Hz Native, FreeSync and G-Sync (more versatile) |
| Smart Platform Performance - Affects daily usability | |
| Refined Google TV (more responsive) | Standard Google TV (slightly less optimized) |
| Weight - Critical for installation planning | |
| 102kg without stand (lighter) | 108.5kg with stand (heavier) |
| HDR Support - Affects color and contrast in HDR content | |
| HDR10+, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG | HDR10+, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG (similar capabilities) |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality | |
| 120W 6.2.2 channel Onkyo system | 94W multi-speaker array (less powerful) |
| Price Value - Overall price to performance ratio | |
| Higher price, larger size | Better value, superior specs |
| Release Timeline - Indicates technology generation | |
| Early 2024 (newest model) | Late 2023 (slightly older) |
For dedicated home theaters, the Hisense 110" UX ($14,999) has a slight edge due to its superior contrast ratio and 40,000 dimming zones, which provide better performance in dark room viewing. However, the TCL 115" QM8 ($16,999) offers a larger screen size that might better suit larger theater rooms.
The Hisense UX delivers superior picture quality with its 10,000 nits peak brightness and double the local dimming zones compared to the TCL QM8. This results in better contrast and HDR performance.
The TCL QM8 is priced at $16,999, while the Hisense UX costs $14,999, making the Hisense $2,000 less expensive while offering superior specifications.
Both TVs support 144Hz refresh rates, but the Hisense UX offers more comprehensive gaming features with both AMD FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility, while the TCL QM8 only supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.
For optimal viewing of these massive TVs, you'll need a room that allows for 12-15 feet of viewing distance. The TCL 115" QM8 might require slightly more space due to its larger size compared to the Hisense 110" UX.
Yes, both can be wall-mounted, but professional installation is strongly recommended. The TCL QM8 weighs 102kg without stand, while the Hisense UX weighs 108.5kg with stand.
The TCL QM8 offers a more refined Google TV experience with smoother operation, while the Hisense UX provides similar features but with slightly less optimized performance.
Both TVs excel in bright rooms, but the Hisense UX has an advantage with its 10,000 nits peak brightness compared to the TCL QM8's 5,000 nits. Both are more than capable of combating glare and ambient light.
Yes, professional installation is strongly recommended for both the TCL QM8 and Hisense UX due to their massive size and weight. This ensures proper mounting and optimal performance setup.
The Hisense UX has an edge in movie watching due to its superior contrast and brightness control, though both TVs support all major HDR formats and deliver excellent cinematic experiences.
Both the TCL QM8 and Hisense UX are premium 2023-2024 models built with high-end components. With proper care, they should provide excellent performance for 7-10 years.
The Hisense UX offers better value with superior specifications at a lower price point. The TCL QM8 mainly justifies its higher price through its larger screen size and slightly better user interface.
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 - pcrichard.com - valueelectronics.com - cnet.com - youtube.com - rcwilley.com - greentoe.com - tcl.com - ezown.net - kingsgreatbuys.com - romomattressfurniture.com - abt.com - digitaltrends.com - prnewswire.com - rtings.com - youtube.com - walts.com - hisense.com.au - imagematrix.tech - techguide.com.au - global.hisense.com - prnewswire.com
