Hisense QD5 Hi-QLED 98QD5SF 97.5"

The Hisense QD5 Hi-QLED 98QD5SF is a 97.5-inch 4K QLED TV that delivers massive screen size for around $2,500. It has surprisingly good audio with a built-in subwoofer and solid HDR format support, but the 60Hz panel and mediocre picture quality hold it back. It's a great value for size-obsessed buyers, less so for picture quality purists.

Let's talk numbers. The audio system here is a standout, landing in the 90th percentile of our database. That 2.1 channel setup with 50W total output and a built-in subwoofer means you get actual bass, not the tinny nonsense most flat panels pump out. Dolby Atmos support is there too, though at this price you're getting virtualized Atmos, not a true height-channel experience. Still, for a TV this size, the sound is one of the best parts of the package.

HDR performance sits at the 77th percentile, which is well above average. Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG are all supported, so you're covered no matter what format your content uses. The display itself is more middle of the pack at the 54th percentile. It's a Direct LED panel, not mini-LED, so you won't get the deep blacks or precise local dimming of pricier sets. Picture quality overall lands at the 36th percentile, which is mediocre. The Hi-QLED Color does help with vibrancy, but this isn't a TV that will wow you with contrast or shadow detail. Gaming is right at the 50th percentile. You get VRR, ALLM, and Game Mode Plus, but the 60Hz panel and HDMI 2.0 ports cap you at 4K 60fps. Fine for casual console gaming, not ideal for a high-end PC rig.

Stacked against the competition, the Hisense QD5 is really about size versus refinement. The LG C5 OLED55C5PUA will absolutely destroy it in picture quality, contrast, and gaming performance, but you're getting a 55-inch screen for similar money. The Sony BRAVIA XR XR77A95L is in another league entirely for color accuracy and processing, but it's also a 77-inch TV that costs significantly more. The Samsung Neo QLED QN75QN990FFXZA brings mini-LED brightness and better HDR punch, though again at a smaller size and higher price.

The TCL QM8K Series 75QM8K is probably the closest philosophical competitor. It's a value-oriented QLED with better picture quality and gaming features, but it's 75 inches, not 97.5. The Roku Pro Series 55R8C5 is a different beast altogether, smaller and simpler, aimed at Roku loyalists. If you want the biggest screen for the least money, the Hisense wins. If you want the best image quality and don't mind a smaller panel, almost every other competitor here beats it.

At around $2,500, the Hisense QD5 98QD5SF is one of the most affordable ways to get a screen this size. You're paying for square inches, not cutting-edge picture tech. Compare that to something like the TCL QM8K Series 75QM8K, which is smaller but packs mini-LED and better overall performance, or the LG C5 OLED55C5PUA, which is dramatically better in picture quality but costs more for a much smaller panel. If your priority is a giant screen for a media room or basement theater, this is a solid deal. If you want the best picture quality per dollar, you can do better with a smaller, higher-end set.

The Hisense QD5 Hi-QLED 98QD5SF is a massive 97.5-inch 4K QLED TV that sits in the budget-friendly end of the giant screen market. At around $2,500 in the US, it's one of the cheapest ways to get a near-100-inch display without selling a kidney. You're getting a Direct LED panel with Hi-QLED Color, Dolby Vision, and a built-in 2.1 channel 50W audio system with a subwoofer. It runs Fire TV, so Alexa is baked right in, and you get Apple AirPlay support too. For a screen this size, that's a pretty solid feature list.

But let's be real about what this is. The QD5 is not a flagship TV. It's a value play for people who want sheer screen size above all else. The 60Hz panel, HDMI 2.0 ports, and middle-of-the-pack picture quality scores tell you that. If you're hunting for the best 4K QLED TV for a bright living room, this will do fine. If you're a pixel peeper who notices every frame drop, you'll probably want to look elsewhere.

So is the Hisense 98QD5SF good for movies and sports? For movies, yes, mostly. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support mean you'll get decent HDR performance, and the audio setup is genuinely above average for a TV. For sports, the AI Smooth Motion with MEMC helps keep fast action from turning into a blurry mess, though the 60Hz refresh rate means it's not as smooth as 120Hz sets. It's a big, bright, loud TV that gets the basics right.

Skip the Hisense QD5 if you're a serious gamer who wants 120Hz or HDMI 2.1, or if you're picky about picture quality. The 60Hz panel and Direct LED backlight mean you're leaving a lot of contrast and motion clarity on the table. If you care more about image quality than screen size, look at the TCL QM8K Series or the LG C5 OLED instead. Also skip it if you're short on space or need to mount it on a weak wall, this thing weighs nearly 49kg and needs a 600x400 VESA mount.

Should you buy the Hisense QD5 98QD5SF? If you want a near-100-inch TV and you don't want to spend five figures, yes. This is a big, loud, colorful TV that gets the job done for movies, streaming, and casual sports watching. The built-in audio is genuinely impressive for a flat panel, and Fire TV makes it easy to use. You're not getting flagship picture quality, but at this price and this size, you shouldn't expect it.

But if you care about gaming at high refresh rates, deep blacks, or the best possible HDR performance, this isn't your TV. The 60Hz panel and HDMI 2.0 ports are real limitations. For most people who just want a huge screen for movie nights and streaming, the trade-offs are worth it. For enthusiasts, they'll be dealbreakers.