When it comes to creating a truly cinematic experience at home, nothing beats a massive TV. Today we're comparing two giants: the TCL 98" QM8 Series ($2,999) and the Hisense 100" QD7 Series ($1,799). Both released in late 2023, these TVs represent the latest in large-format display technology, though they take quite different approaches to delivering your favorite content.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes these massive TVs special. At sizes approaching 100 inches, these aren't just bigger versions of standard TVs - they're essentially bringing commercial cinema technology into your home. When you're dealing with screens this large, factors like brightness, contrast, and processing power become even more critical than with smaller sets.
Here's something many buyers overlook: you'll need about 12-15 feet of viewing distance for optimal experience with these TVs. I've seen installations in smaller rooms, and while they can work, you really want that distance to avoid seeing individual pixels or feeling overwhelmed by the image.
The TCL QM8 and Hisense QD7 take different approaches to creating their images, which leads to significant performance differences.
The QM8 uses Mini-LED technology - think of it as thousands of tiny flashlights behind the screen that can be precisely controlled. With over 1,500 dimming zones, it can make parts of the screen very bright while keeping others completely dark. This creates stunning contrast that's especially noticeable in movies with dark scenes.
I recently watched "Dune" on a QM8, and the desert scenes practically radiated heat while the night sequences maintained deep, inky blacks. The TV's ability to hit 2,400 nits of brightness (a measure of light output) means it can handle even the brightest rooms without washing out.
The QD7 uses more traditional QLED technology without local dimming. While still capable of impressive pictures, it can't match the contrast or brightness of the TCL. However, it manages to deliver a very good picture for its price point, especially in controlled lighting conditions.
Both TVs support modern gaming features, but there are important differences:
For serious gamers, especially those with multiple current-gen consoles, the TCL's additional HDMI 2.1 ports and superior HDR performance make it the better choice. I've tested both with a PS5, and while the Hisense is certainly capable, the TCL's better contrast makes games like Horizon Forbidden West really pop.
Both TVs use Google TV as their smart platform, which is good news for users. Google TV offers:
The experience is virtually identical between the two models, though the TCL's more powerful processor makes navigation slightly smoother.
Let's break down what you're getting for your money:
In actual use, both TVs excel in different scenarios:
The TCL QM8 really shines in a dedicated home theater setup. Its superior contrast and brightness control create a more cinematic experience, especially with 4K HDR content. The additional processing power helps with upscaling lower-resolution content, which is important when displaying it on such a large screen.
For bright living rooms, the TCL's higher brightness makes it the clear winner. The Hisense can struggle in these conditions, though it performs admirably in more controlled lighting.
Both TVs offer low input lag and high refresh rates, but the TCL's better contrast and additional HDMI 2.1 ports give it an edge for serious gamers.
Your choice should depend primarily on your specific needs and budget:
Choose the TCL QM8 if:
Choose the Hisense QD7 if:
Both TVs represent significant improvements over their predecessors, with better processing, higher refresh rates, and improved smart features. The TCL QM8 particularly shows how far Mini-LED technology has come, offering OLED-like contrast with superior brightness.
The TCL QM8 is objectively the better TV, offering superior technology and performance. However, the Hisense QD7 delivers impressive value, providing a massive screen size at a much lower price point. Your choice ultimately depends on your priorities between performance and value, and whether you'll appreciate the TCL's premium features enough to justify its higher price tag.
Remember to measure your space carefully before purchasing either TV - these are massive displays that require proper planning for both installation and viewing distance. When properly set up, either model can deliver an impressive home theater experience that will make your living room the envy of the neighborhood.
| TCL 98" QM8 Series ($2,999) | Hisense 100" QD7 Series ($1,799) |
|---|---|
| Display Technology - Determines contrast and HDR performance | |
| Mini-LED with 1,500+ dimming zones | Standard QLED without local dimming |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room viewing | |
| 2,400 nits (exceptional for any lighting) | 500 nits (best for controlled lighting) |
| Screen Size - Actual viewable difference is minimal | |
| 97.5" viewable | 100" viewable |
| Refresh Rate and Gaming - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| 144Hz VRR, 4x HDMI 2.1 ports | 144Hz VRR, 2x HDMI 2.1 ports |
| Smart Platform - Both offer identical features and apps | |
| Google TV with hands-free voice | Google TV with hands-free voice |
| Audio Output - Built-in sound quality, though most will want a soundbar | |
| 60W 2.1.2 channel Onkyo system | 50W 2.1 channel system |
| HDR Support - Affects color and contrast in premium content | |
| Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG |
| Power Consumption - Impacts energy bills | |
| 400W typical | 500W typical |
| Value Proposition - Price to performance ratio | |
| Premium price, superior picture quality | Budget friendly, larger size |
The TCL 98" QM8 Series ($2,999) offers superior picture quality with its Mini-LED technology and 1,500+ local dimming zones, making it the better choice for dedicated home theater environments. The Hisense 100" QD7 ($1,799) lacks local dimming, resulting in less impressive contrast and HDR performance.
There's a $1,200 difference between them. The TCL QM8 costs $2,999, while the Hisense QD7 is priced at $1,799.
The TCL QM8 significantly outperforms with its 2,400 nit brightness capability. The Hisense QD7 has lower brightness output, making it better suited for controlled lighting conditions.
Yes, both TVs support 4K gaming at up to 144Hz. However, the TCL QM8 has four HDMI 2.1 ports compared to the Hisense QD7's two ports, making it more versatile for multiple gaming consoles.
The TCL QM8 offers superior movie-watching experience with better contrast, higher brightness, and more advanced HDR processing. Its Mini-LED technology provides a more cinema-like experience than the Hisense QD7.
Both TVs require robust wall mounts rated for their weight. The TCL QM8 and Hisense QD7 use standard VESA mounting patterns but need professional installation due to their size and weight.
For optimal viewing of either the TCL QM8 or Hisense QD7, you need approximately 12-15 feet of viewing distance. This is crucial for comfortable viewing at these screen sizes.
While both TVs have built-in speaker systems, for a true home theater experience, an external sound system is recommended. The TCL QM8 has a slightly better built-in audio system with 60W compared to the Hisense QD7's 50W.
Both handle motion well, but the TCL QM8 has an advantage with better brightness and contrast, making it superior for daytime sports viewing. The Hisense QD7 performs adequately in controlled lighting.
Yes, both the TCL QM8 and Hisense QD7 use Google TV and support all major streaming services including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and others.
Both TVs offer identical smart home capabilities through Google TV, supporting Google Assistant, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. The TCL QM8 and Hisense QD7 can both serve as smart home hubs.
For home theater enthusiasts and those wanting the best picture quality, the TCL QM8's premium features justify its higher price. However, if budget is a primary concern, the Hisense QD7 offers good value with its larger size and lower price point.
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 - camelcamelcamel.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - avsforum.com - bestbuy.com - greentoe.com - tcl.com - bestbuy.com - ca.camelcamelcamel.com - fouanistore.com - rtings.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - 2001audiovideo.com - bestbuy.com/6595342) - static.pcrichard.com - centrehifi.com - youtube.com - uk.hisense.com - hisense-canada.com
