TCL X11L 98X11L 98"

The TCL X11L 98X11L hits 10,000 nits peak brightness and packs 20,000+ dimming zones into a 97.5-inch Mini-LED panel, earning a 100th percentile picture quality score in our database. Gaming is top-tier too, with 144Hz, FreeSync Premium Pro, and four HDMI 2.1 ports. Prices range from USD 7,200 to USD 10,000, so hunt for the low end before you buy.

Let's talk about that 10,000 nits peak brightness first, because it's the headline act. That's not just best-in-class, it's the absolute best right now. Most flagship TVs top out around 2,000 to 3,000 nits, so this thing is in a different league. The 20,000+ dimming zones mean the backlight can isolate tiny bright objects against deep black backgrounds without the blooming you'd see on lesser Mini-LED sets. The WHVA 2.0 Ultra Panel keeps contrast strong from wide angles too, which matters when you've got a screen this big.

Gaming is no afterthought either. You get a 144Hz native refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, and HDMI 2.1 across all four ports. That puts it in the top tier for gaming performance in our rankings. The TSR AI Processor handles upscaling and motion smoothing on the fly, and Motion Rate 480 means fast sports and action scenes stay crisp. The 2.1.2 channel audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support is solid for built-in speakers, landing in the top 12% of TVs we've tested.

Against the Sony BRAVIA XR XR77A95L, the TCL wins on raw brightness and size, but Sony's QD-OLED panel will have better per-pixel contrast and likely better motion handling for purists. The Samsung Neo QLED QN75QN990FFXZA is closer in spirit, but it's smaller and doesn't hit anywhere near 10,000 nits. The Hisense U8 Series 100U8QG is the value play at this size, but its dimming zone count and peak brightness are a step down from the TCL. The LG G5 OLED65G5WUA is a different animal entirely, smaller and OLED, so it's really for a different buyer. If you want the biggest, brightest Mini-LED on the market, the TCL is the one to beat.

Pricing on this thing is all over the map. We're seeing USD 7,200 to USD 10,000 across six US listings, which is a USD 2,800 spread. That's not pocket change. Best Buy is the retailer to watch here, with their price match guarantee and everyday low pricing angle. At the low end of that range, you're getting a 97.5-inch Mini-LED with 10,000 nits for less than many 77-inch OLEDs. At the high end, you're paying a premium for the privilege of being an early adopter. Shop around before you commit, and don't be shy about asking for that price match.

The TCL X11L 98X11L is a 97.5-inch Mini-LED monster that hits 10,000 nits peak brightness and covers 100% of the BT.2020 color space. Those are chart-topping numbers in our database, putting it at the 100th percentile for picture quality. If you want a TV that can fight off a sunny living room and still deliver HDR highlights that make you squint, this is it. The 20,000+ local dimming zones are the secret sauce here, giving you OLED-like blacks without the OLED price tag at this size.

But this is a 66kg beast that demands a serious wall or a very sturdy stand. It's not portable in any meaningful sense, and that's the trade-off. You're buying a statement piece, not something you'll shuffle between rooms. The Google TV platform with Gemini AI is snappy, and the Bang & Olufsen-tuned 2.1.2 channel audio is a nice bonus, though you'll probably want the optional wireless subwoofer for real impact.

If you're renting or move frequently, skip this. The 66kg weight and 97.5-inch size make it a logistical nightmare to relocate, and the portability score of 51.7 is the weakest area in our testing. If you don't have a dedicated media room or a very large living space, you'll also struggle to appreciate the sheer scale. And if you're sensitive to blooming or want perfect per-pixel contrast, an OLED like the LG G5 might suit you better, even if it can't match the TCL's brightness.

The TCL X11L 98X11L is the brightest TV we've ever seen in our database, and it pairs that with a dimming zone count that makes HDR content genuinely jaw-dropping. The 100th percentile picture quality score isn't marketing fluff, it's backed by the numbers. If you have the space, the wall support, and the budget, this is the big-screen TV to get in 2026. Just make sure you're paying closer to USD 7,200 than USD 10,000.