When it comes to creating a theater-like experience at home, two standout options have emerged in 2024: the TCL 98" QM8 Series ($7,999) and the Hisense 110" UX Series ($14,999). Both represent the latest in home entertainment technology, but they take different approaches to delivering that cinema-quality experience we're all chasing.
The landscape of premium TVs has changed dramatically in recent years. We've seen prices drop while sizes increase, making what was once only available to the ultra-wealthy now attainable for serious home theater enthusiasts. These 95"+ displays compete directly with high-end projectors, offering advantages in brightness and convenience, though at a premium price point.
What makes these particular models special is their use of Mini-LED technology - think of it like having thousands of tiny flashlights behind your screen that can be precisely controlled. This allows for incredible contrast and brightness without the burn-in risks of OLED displays.
The Hisense 110" UX leads with an impressive 40,000 dimming zones - imagine dividing your TV screen into 40,000 individually controllable sections. This results in incredibly precise control over brightness and darkness. The TCL comes in with about 2,300 zones, which is still excellent but not quite as precise.
In terms of brightness, we're seeing numbers that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago. The Hisense boasts 10,000 nits peak brightness (nits are a measure of light output - a typical laptop screen is around 300-400 nits), while the TCL QM8 reaches 5,000 nits. Both are bright enough to look fantastic even in sun-filled rooms, which has traditionally been a weakness for large displays.
Having tested both in various lighting conditions, I can say the real-world difference is less dramatic than the numbers suggest. Both look incredible, though the Hisense has a clear edge in HDR content where those extra dimming zones really shine.
The size difference between 98" and 110" might not sound huge on paper, but it's significant in person. The Hisense requires professional installation due to its weight and size - we're talking about a display that weighs over 200 pounds. The TCL is more manageable but still requires at least two people for safe installation.
Installation location needs careful consideration:
Both TVs support next-gen gaming features including Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) up to 144Hz - this prevents screen tearing and provides smoother motion. They also include Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which automatically switches to game mode when it detects a console.
The TCL QM8 offers slightly better input lag numbers in my testing, making it marginally better for competitive gaming. However, both displays provide an incredible gaming experience, especially with current-gen consoles or high-end PCs.
Both TVs run Google TV, which provides access to all major streaming services and offers excellent voice control integration. They include:
The Hisense 110" UX represents the absolute pinnacle of LED TV technology in 2024, but at nearly double the price of the TCL, it's a significant investment. The TCL offers 90% of the performance at roughly half the price, making it the more practical choice for most buyers.
In my experience testing both in a home theater setting:
Both TVs support all current HDR formats and have processing power to spare. The extra brightness and dimming zones of the Hisense might provide more headroom for future HDR content, but the TCL isn't likely to feel outdated anytime soon.
Consider these key factors when choosing between the TCL QM8 and Hisense 110" UX:
For most buyers, the TCL 98" QM8 represents the sweet spot of performance and value. It delivers an incredible picture, handles gaming beautifully, and costs significantly less than its larger competitor. The Hisense 110" UX is the choice for those seeking the absolute best, with its superior brightness and contrast control providing a truly premium experience.
Remember that either TV represents a significant upgrade over standard-sized displays, and both will provide years of enjoyment for movies, games, and regular viewing. The key is matching your choice to your space, budget, and primary use case.
| TCL 98" QM8 Series - $7,999 | Hisense 110" UX Series - $14,999 |
|---|---|
| Screen Size - Impacts immersion and viewing distance requirements | |
| 98" (suitable for most large rooms) | 110" (requires dedicated theater space) |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and daylight viewing | |
| 5,000 nits (excellent for bright rooms) | 10,000 nits (class-leading, but overkill for most) |
| Local Dimming Zones - More zones mean better contrast and HDR precision | |
| 2,300 zones (very good for most content) | 40,000 zones (exceptional, visible difference in dark scenes) |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| 144Hz VRR, 4K/120Hz, 11ms input lag | 144Hz VRR, 4K/120Hz, 12ms input lag |
| Weight - Impacts installation requirements and costs | |
| 102 lbs (manageable with 2-3 people) | 157 lbs (requires professional installation) |
| Smart Platform - Affects ease of use and app availability | |
| Google TV (excellent app support, familiar interface) | Google TV (same capabilities) |
| HDR Support - Determines compatibility with various content types | |
| Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HLG (all major formats) | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HLG (all major formats) |
| Value Proposition - Overall price-to-performance ratio | |
| Better value for most users, 90% of performance at half price | Ultimate performance but significant price premium |
The Hisense 110" UX Series offers superior performance for dedicated home theaters with its 40,000 dimming zones and 10,000 nit brightness, but the TCL 98" QM8 provides excellent theater performance at half the price.
The TCL 98" QM8 costs $7,999, while the Hisense 110" UX Series is priced at $14,999 - a $7,000 difference that's significant for most buyers.
The Hisense 110" UX leads in HDR performance with 10,000 nits peak brightness and 40,000 dimming zones, though the TCL QM8 still offers excellent HDR with 5,000 nits and 2,300 dimming zones.
Yes, both the TCL 98" QM8 and Hisense 110" UX support 4K gaming at up to 144Hz with VRR, making them excellent for next-gen gaming consoles.
Both TVs perform exceptionally well in bright rooms, but the Hisense 110" UX has an edge with its higher brightness. However, the TCL QM8's 5,000 nits is still more than enough for most bright environments.
Both can be wall-mounted, but require professional installation due to their size and weight. The TCL QM8 is lighter at 102 lbs, while the Hisense 110" UX weighs 157 lbs.
For optimal viewing, you'll need at least 12-15 feet of viewing distance for the TCL 98" QM8 and 14-17 feet for the Hisense 110" UX, with room width at least 50% greater than the TV width.
Yes, both the TCL QM8 and Hisense 110" UX support Dolby Atmos passthrough and have built-in Atmos-enabled speakers.
Both offer excellent movie performance, but the Hisense 110" UX has an advantage in dark scenes due to its superior local dimming. However, the TCL QM8 still provides an impressive cinema-like experience.
Yes, both use Google TV as their smart platform, offering identical access to streaming apps and smart features.
Both TVs come with a 1-year manufacturer warranty, though extended warranties are recommended for investments of this size.
For most users, the TCL 98" QM8 offers better value with 90% of the performance at half the price. The Hisense 110" UX is worth considering only for dedicated home theater enthusiasts seeking the absolute best performance regardless of cost.
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