When it comes to creating the ultimate home theater experience, size definitely matters. Today we're looking at two giants in the TV world - the TCL 115" QM8 Series priced at $16,999 and the LG 98" UT90 at $2,499. Both were released in early 2024, representing the latest in large-format TV technology.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes these TVs special. We're way beyond standard living room TVs here - these are home theater centerpieces that rival commercial cinema screens. For context, most people buy TVs between 55" and 75", so these monsters are in a completely different league.
The technology has come a long way in the last few years. Just three years ago, a TV this size would have had significant compromises in picture quality. Now, thanks to advances in display technology, we're seeing cinema-quality performance at these sizes.
The TCL 115" QM8 is currently the largest consumer TV you can buy. At nearly 10 feet wide, it's literally wider than some rooms. You'll need:
The LG 98" UT90 is still massive but more manageable. You'll want:
Here's where things get really interesting. The TCL uses what's called Mini-LED technology with quantum dots (tiny particles that enhance color). It has 20,000 individual dimming zones, meaning it can control the brightness of very small areas of the screen independently. Think of it like having 20,000 tiny flashlights behind the screen that can each be adjusted separately.
In practice, this means:
The LG uses a more traditional LED backlight system. While still capable of excellent picture quality, it can't match the contrast or brightness of the TCL. However, it does offer better viewing angles, meaning the picture stays more consistent when viewed from the sides.
I've had the chance to see both TVs in action, and here's what stands out:
The TCL QM8 is simply spectacular with HDR content. When watching movies like "Dune" or "Blade Runner 2049," the picture has an almost three-dimensional quality. The brightness and contrast make every scene pop in a way that's genuinely impressive.
The LG UT90 performs admirably for its price point. While it can't match the TCL's peak brightness or contrast, it produces a very pleasing image that most people would be more than happy with. It actually handles regular TV content (like news or sports) more naturally in some cases, as it doesn't over-emphasize brightness differences.
Both TVs support 4K gaming, but there are important differences:
TCL QM8:
LG UT90:
The TCL QM8 runs Google TV, which provides:
The LG UT90 uses WebOS, offering:
Here's where we need to have a serious discussion about value. The TCL costs about 6.8 times more than the LG. Is it 6.8 times better? In terms of pure performance, no. But that's not really the point.
The TCL QM8 is for someone who:
The LG UT90 is for someone who:
Consider these key factors:
For most people, even those building a high-end home theater, the LG 98" UT90 at $2,499 represents the more sensible choice. It delivers 90% of the experience at less than 15% of the price. However, if you're building the ultimate home theater and budget isn't a concern, the TCL 115" QM8 offers an unmatched experience that truly rivals commercial cinema.
Remember, either of these TVs will provide an incredible viewing experience that was simply unavailable to consumers just a few years ago. The choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs, space, and budget rather than absolute performance metrics.
| TCL 115" QM8 Series ($16,999) | LG 98" Class UT90 ($2,499) |
|---|---|
| Screen Size - Impacts immersion and required viewing distance | |
| 115" (requires 12-15ft viewing distance) | 98" (requires 10-13ft viewing distance) |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room viewing | |
| 5,000 nits (exceptional HDR, any lighting) | 500 nits (good for normal viewing) |
| Local Dimming Zones - Determines contrast and black level quality | |
| 20,000 zones (cinema-quality contrast) | Standard LED (decent contrast) |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| 144Hz VRR, FreeSync Premium Pro (premium gaming) | 120Hz Basic VRR (good for casual gaming) |
| Smart Platform - Affects app availability and updates | |
| Google TV (wider app selection, frequent updates) | WebOS (streamlined, fewer updates) |
| Installation Requirements - Consider total cost | |
| Professional install required (~$1000+) | Standard mounting possible (~$200-300) |
| Viewing Angles - Important for wide seating arrangements | |
| Limited viewing angle (focused front viewing) | Better off-angle viewing |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality | |
| 120W Onkyo 6.2.2 system (excellent built-in) | Basic TV speakers (external recommended) |
| Value Proposition - Cost per inch and features | |
| Premium price, ultimate performance | Better value, good performance |
The TCL 115" QM8 is significantly larger at 115 inches compared to the LG UT90's 98 inches. This 17-inch difference is noticeable in a home theater setting, though both provide an immersive experience.
The TCL 115" QM8 costs $16,999, while the LG 98" UT90 is priced at $2,499. The price difference is substantial, with the TCL commanding a premium for its larger size and advanced features.
The TCL 115" QM8 is ideal for dedicated home theaters due to its superior contrast, brightness, and larger screen size. However, the LG UT90 still performs well and offers better value for most home theater setups.
Yes, particularly for the TCL 115" QM8 which requires professional installation due to its size and weight. The LG UT90 can use standard mounting but still requires careful installation due to its large size.
The TCL 115" QM8 performs significantly better in bright rooms with its 5,000 nit brightness and advanced anti-glare features. The LG UT90 performs adequately but isn't as bright.
For the TCL 115" QM8, you need 12-15 feet minimum viewing distance. The LG UT90 requires slightly less at 10-13 feet for optimal viewing.
The TCL 115" QM8 offers superior gaming features with 144Hz VRR and FreeSync Premium Pro. The LG UT90 provides basic gaming features with 120Hz refresh rate.
The TCL 115" QM8 features a premium 120W Onkyo sound system. The LG UT90 has basic TV speakers, so you'll likely want a separate sound system.
The TCL 115" QM8 significantly outperforms with its 20,000 dimming zones and 5,000 nit brightness. The LG UT90 offers standard HDR performance suitable for casual viewing.
Both handle sports well, but the TCL 115" QM8 offers better motion handling and brightness. The LG UT90 still provides a good experience for sports viewing.
The TCL 115" QM8 uses Google TV with broader app support and frequent updates. The LG UT90 uses WebOS, which is user-friendly but has fewer features.
The LG UT90 at $2,499 offers better value for most users. While the TCL 115" QM8 provides superior performance, its $16,999 price tag represents a significant premium for the additional features and size.
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 - rtings.com - shopjetson.com - abt.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - pcrichard.com - lg.com - rcwilley.com - lg.com - elechid.com - lg.com
