TCL · Television Reviews · QM851G

TCL QM8 98-Inch TV Review: A Massive Mini-LED Home Theater

The 98-inch TCL QM8 QM851G delivers the scale and impact shoppers expect from an ultra-large television, backed by a bright QD-Mini LED system, strong local-dimming performance and broad HDR support. Tech Steve found HDR particularly impressive, with natural skin tones, strong black levels and very little visible blooming in the demonstrated material. Its 120Hz panel accepts up to 4K at 144Hz through HDMI 1, while Google TV, substantial built-in audio and legacy connections make it unusually versatile. The main considerations are its immense footprint, 152.1-pound installed weight, widely spaced feet and the need for high-quality sources at this screen size.

Video summary

Tech Steve reviews the 98-inch 98QM851G as a home-theater-sized television measuring more than seven feet wide. He walks through its Google TV interface, backlit remote, voice controls, four HDMI inputs, ATSC 3.0 tuner and extensive audio connections. In the picture demonstrations, he finds the TV exceptionally bright, praises its HDR presentation, natural skin tones, black levels and minimal visible blooming, and says lower-resolution material is handled surprisingly well. Movie mode produces a warmer image, while the reviewed unit showed much brighter default settings in Vivid and HDR modes. He also notes some mild screen nonuniformity in the dirty-screen test. The built-in 2.1.2-channel audio system offers extensive adjustment options, although he still recommends an external audio system for the best cinematic experience. Gaming coverage highlights VRR, ALLM, the game bar and high-frame-rate support.

Bottom line

Tech Steve Takeaway

Buy the 98-inch QM8 if you want movie-theater scale, powerful HDR and serious gaming support without moving to a projector. It is best for a large room with high-quality 4K sources and a properly sized stand or wall-mount installation. The smaller QM851G sizes retain the core picture and gaming features while being much easier to accommodate.

The 2024 TCL QM8 QM851G combines a VA LCD panel, QD-Mini LED full-array local dimming, quantum-dot color and an anti-glare screen. It supports Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, VRR, ALLM and FreeSync Premium Pro. The reviewed 98-inch version adds theater-like scale, a 60-watt Onkyo 2.1.2 audio system and widely spaced feet that require careful installation planning.

Picture quality

The QD-Mini LED-backlit QLED LCD combines quantum-dot color with full-array local dimming. On the reviewed 98-inch set, Tech Steve described colors and skin tones as natural, black levels as strong and blooming around bright objects as barely visible in the demonstrated content. He also found SDR content attractive and said the processing made older, lower-resolution sources look better than expected. A dirty-screen test revealed that uniformity was not perfect, so sports fans and shoppers sensitive to panel nonuniformity should inspect their individual set.

HDR performance

HDR is the QM8's main picture-quality strength. It supports Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG, covering both major dynamic-HDR formats. TCL advertises up to 5,000 nits of peak brightness, although that maximum is not tied to published test-window or duration conditions. Tech Steve found HDR highlights, shadow detail and overall impact especially convincing on the 98-inch screen and considered HDR noticeably more impressive than everyday SDR viewing.

Gaming performance

The QM851G has a physical 120Hz panel and accepts up to 4K at 144Hz through HDMI 1. HDMI 2 supports up to 4K at 120Hz, while HDMI 3 and HDMI 4 are limited to 4K at 60Hz. VRR, ALLM and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro are supported, and the game bar reports information such as frame rate, HDR, VRR and low-latency status. Game Accelerator 240 can accept up to 240Hz only when resolution is reduced to 1920 x 1080; it is not a native 240Hz panel mode and does not deliver 4K at 240Hz. HDMI 4 handles eARC, so connecting an eARC audio system does not consume either high-frame-rate gaming input.

Motion handling

The physical panel refresh rate is 120Hz, with verified 4K input support up to 144Hz. TCL's Motion Rate 480 branding refers to motion processing and does not change the panel's physical refresh rate. Game Accelerator 240 is a reduced-resolution 1080p mode. Tech Steve described gaming motion as smooth and highlighted the TV's VRR support, while movie motion can be adjusted through the available motion-processing controls.

Sound quality

The 98-inch model uses a 60-watt Onkyo 2.1.2-channel system with left and right speakers, two woofer drivers and two up-firing speakers. Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X are supported. Tech Steve found the television well equipped for viewers who do not want a soundbar, with options including adaptive volume, AI Sonic Adaptation and vertical sound-field adjustment shown in the interface. Bluetooth audio, eARC and optical output broaden the available upgrade paths, but an external sound system remains the better match for the cinematic scale of a 98-inch screen.

Smart TV experience

Google TV supplies streaming apps, recommendations and voice control. The television includes Chromecast built in, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Tech Steve also demonstrates the backlit remote and hands-free voice option. Disabling the television's microphones illuminates four front LEDs to show that the microphone is muted. An ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV tuner is included for compatible over-the-air broadcasts.

Calibration notes

On the reviewed television, Vivid mode used an aggressive brightness setting, while Movie mode produced a warmer image and showed a 30% brightness preset. Tech Steve considered the Movie presentation natural but noted that brightness could be increased for the room. Dolby Vision options shown included Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Vision Bright and Dolby Vision Game. These observations are useful starting points rather than universal settings because room lighting, source quality and personal preference will affect the ideal setup.

What we like

Immersive 98-inch image with strong home-theater impact
Bright QD-Mini LED HDR presentation with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
Tech Steve observed strong black levels and very little blooming in the demonstrated content
Physical 120Hz panel with verified 4K/144Hz input support on HDMI 1
VRR, ALLM and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for gaming
Two high-frame-rate HDMI inputs remain available when HDMI 4 is used for eARC
Onkyo 2.1.2-channel audio includes woofer and up-firing hardware
Google TV with Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and ATSC 3.0
Useful optical, analog and legacy AV connectivity
Anti-glare screen is designed for brighter viewing environments

What to consider

The 98-inch model weighs 152.1 pounds with its feet and requires careful installation planning
Widely spaced 67.2-inch feet require substantial furniture
Only HDMI 1 supports 4K at 144Hz; HDMI 2 tops out at 4K/120Hz
Game Accelerator 240 works only at reduced 1920 x 1080 resolution
The 5,000-nit figure is a manufacturer maximum without published standardized measurement conditions
Tech Steve observed some screen nonuniformity during the dirty-screen test
Lower-quality sources become easier to notice on a 98-inch screen
A wall mount is not included

Tech Steve verdict

The TCL QM8 QM851G is a strong choice for shoppers who want a very bright Mini-LED television with broad HDR compatibility and high-frame-rate gaming. The 98-inch model stands out for its theater-like scale, controlled black levels, impactful HDR and capable built-in audio, but it demands a large room, substantial furniture and careful installation. Its 4K/144Hz support is limited to HDMI 1, and the advertised 240Hz gaming mode requires dropping to 1080p. Choose the 98-inch version for maximum immersion, the 85-inch version for large-screen impact with a somewhat easier installation, or the 65- and 75-inch versions when the narrow central pedestal and 80-watt audio system are more practical.

Choose your size

Size-by-size buying guide

Brightness measurements are shown only for the exact size researched. Recommended distance uses a 30°-40° field-of-view range for mixed TV and cinematic viewing.

Size / model	Panel / finish	Refresh	Dimming zones	Peak HDR	VESA	Feet width	Viewing distance	Buy
65"65QM851GMSRP $1,999.99	VA LCDAnti-glare	120 Hz native Up to 144 Hz at native resolution	—	5,000 nits Manufacturer claim of up to 5,000 nits peak brightness on the size-specific product page; test window, picture mode and duration are not stated.	400 x 400	13.46 in	7.4-10.1 ft	Check price ↗
75"75QM851GMSRP $2,699.99	VA LCDAnti-glare	120 Hz native Up to 144 Hz at native resolution	—	5,000 nits Manufacturer claim of up to 5,000 nits peak brightness on the size-specific product page; test window, picture mode and duration are not stated.	500 x 400	13.46 in	8.6-11.7 ft	Check price ↗
85"85QM851GMSRP $3,999.99	VA LCDAnti-glare	120 Hz native Up to 144 Hz at native resolution	—	5,000 nits Manufacturer claim of up to 5,000 nits peak brightness on the size-specific product page; test window, picture mode and duration are not stated.	600 x 500	55.3 in	9.7-13.2 ft	Check price ↗
98"98QM851GMSRP $7,999.99	VA LCDAnti-glare	120 Hz native Up to 144 Hz at native resolution	—	5,000 nits Manufacturer claim of up to 5,000 nits peak brightness on the size-specific 98QM851G product page; this is not a Tech Steve measurement, and TCL does not state the test window, mode or duration.	600 x 600	67.2 in	11.2-15.2 ft	Check price ↗

What makes it different

Exclusive technology

QD-Mini LED ULTRA

Combines a dense Mini LED backlight, full-array local dimming and quantum-dot color reproduction.

QLED PRO

TCL's quantum-dot color system, promoted as covering nearly the entire DCI-P3 color space.

High Brightness ULTIMATE

The branded high-output Mini LED backlight associated with TCL's claim of up to 5,000 nits peak brightness.

TCL AiPQ PRO/ULTRA Processor

TCL's picture processor analyzes content and adjusts clarity, contrast and color.

Game Accelerator 240

Accepts up to a 240Hz VRR gaming signal when resolution is reduced to 1920 x 1080. It is not a 240Hz native panel mode and does not operate at native 4K resolution.

Motion Rate 480 with MEMC

Motion interpolation and backlight-related processing intended to improve perceived motion clarity; it does not change the physical 120Hz panel rate.

FullView 360 Metal Bezel-less Design

An edge-to-edge glass and metal exterior with narrow visible borders.

Anti-Glare Screen

A screen coating designed to reduce visible room reflections in brighter environments.

IMAX Enhanced

Certification indicating compatibility with IMAX Enhanced content requirements.

Specifications

Audio

Speaker SystemOnkyo 2.1.2-channel system with front speakers, built-in subwoofer channel and up-firing speakers

Included SubwooferYes

Included Rear SpeakersNo

Dolby AtmosYes

Dolby Audio FormatsDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, PCM

DTS SupportYes

DTS Audio FormatsDTS Virtual:X

Voice AssistantsGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa

Optional AccessoriesCompatible VESA wall mount, TCL USB webcam

Connectivity

HDMI inputs2 HDMI 2.1, 2 HDMI 2.0

HDMI Inputs4

HDMI eARCYes

AirPlayYes

ChromecastYes

Design & Installation

Wall Mount IncludedNo

Gaming

Native Refresh Rate120 Hz

Maximum Refresh Rate144 Hz

VRRUp to 144Hz at 4K on HDMI 1; up to 120Hz at 4K on HDMI 2; AMD FreeSync Premium Pro

ALLMYes

Picture

Display TechnologyQD-Mini LED-backlit QLED LCD

Panel TypeVA LCD

Resolution3840 x 2160

Local DimmingFull-array QD-Mini LED local dimming. TCL advertises up to 5,000 zones for the series but does not publish an exact zone count for each size.

Peak Brightness Nits5000 nits

HDR FormatsDolby Vision IQ, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG