TV Comparisons
TCL QM8L vs Hisense UR9SG Series: Which One Should You Buy?
The 2026 TCL QM8L is a premium SQD-Mini LED Google TV offered in 65-, 75-, 85- and 98-inch sizes. Its strongest features include a native 144Hz panel, four HDMI 2.1 inputs with 4K 144Hz support, broad HDR compatibility, full-array local dimming and an expandable Bang & Olufsen audio system. Tech Steve's first look at the 75-inch model found strong contrast, clean shadow detail, natural-looking Filmmaker Mode video and a fast Google TV interface. Exact brightness and local-dimming performance still vary by size and require a complete measured evaluation.
TCL QM8L vs Hisense UR9: SQD Mini-LED or RGB MiniLED?
The TCL QM8L and Hisense UR9SG are premium 2026 Mini-LED TVs with different strengths. In Tech Steve’s side-by-side comparison of a 75-inch QM8L and 65-inch UR9, the TCL generally produced stronger contrast, richer color volume, smoother gradients and faster transitions. The Hisense remained competitive in glare control, motion, blooming and upscaling while offering the higher native 4K refresh ceiling of 180Hz, an RGB MiniLED backlight and USB-C DisplayPort connectivity. TCL supplies more local-dimming zones at every corresponding size, four HDMI 2.1 inputs and lower launch pricing; Hisense emphasizes native high-refresh gaming, direct RGB backlighting and more substantial integrated audio.
| Feature | QM8L | UR9SG Series | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backlight and color system | SQD-Mini LED with Super Quantum Dots | Direct RGB MiniLED with separate red, green and blue light sources | The technologies take different approaches to producing wide color, and backlight architecture alone does not establish an overall picture-quality winner. |
| Picture presentation in the comparison | Stronger apparent contrast, color volume, gradients and transitions | Strong overall picture with occasional advantages in visible fine detail | The TCL consistently held the advantage in the demonstrated HDR, color-volume, gradient and star-field tests. |
| Glare control | Reflections appeared similar to the Hisense | Reflections appeared similar to the TCL | Tech Steve described glare performance as nearly identical. |
| Viewing angles | WHVA 2.0 Ultra Panel maintained the image slightly better off-axis | Good near the center, with more visible degradation farther to the side | The TCL appeared slightly better during the cell-phone viewing-angle demonstration. |
| Motion handling | Multiple presets and custom blur/judder controls | Multiple presets and custom judder adjustment | Motion looked broadly identical in the side-by-side demonstration. |
| Native refresh rate | 144Hz | 180Hz | The Hisense has the higher verified refresh rate at native 4K resolution. |
| Reduced-resolution high-refresh mode | Game Accelerator 288, reported at 1080p | Game Booster/Game Rate 330 at reduced resolution | Both modes reduce resolution, and an exact resolution for the Hisense 330Hz-class mode is not established. |
| HDMI 2.1 inputs | 4 | 3 | The fourth HDMI 2.1 input accommodates an additional console, PC or media device. |
| Computer-oriented video connectivity | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.1 plus USB-C DisplayPort with up to 10W charging | USB-C DisplayPort broadens compatibility with laptops and compatible mobile devices. |
| Local-dimming zone counts | 2,040 / 2,584 / 3,200 / 4,032 by ascending size | 1,056 / 980 / 1,320 / 1,920 by ascending size | The TCL provides more individually controlled zones at every corresponding size, although zone count alone does not determine total local-dimming quality. |
| Advertised peak HDR brightness | 5,000 to 6,000 nits depending on size | Up to 5,000 nits across all sizes | The 75-, 85- and 98-inch TCL models carry higher manufacturer peak-HDR claims, while both 65-inch models are rated at 5,000 nits. |
| Integrated and expandable audio | Bang & Olufsen-branded audio with optional FlexConnect speakers and wireless subwoofer | Devialet-tuned 80W 4.1.2 or 110W 6.2.2 integrated audio | Hisense offers the more substantial integrated system, while TCL provides the more flexible wireless expansion path. |
| Launch MSRP | $2,499.99 / $2,999.99 / $3,999.99 / $5,999.99 | $3,499.99 / $4,999.99 / $5,999.99 / $8,999.99 | The TCL launched at a lower price in every listed size class. |
QM8L Series SQD-Mini LED 4K UHD HDR Smart TV with Google TV
A 2026 SQD-Mini LED television with a WHVA 2.0 Ultra Panel, four 4K 144Hz HDMI inputs, Google TV and expandable Bang & Olufsen audio.
Key technology
SQD-Mini LEDCombines Mini LED backlighting with TCL's Super Quantum Dot color system to increase color gamut while retaining full-array local-dimming control.
TCL Deep Color SystemA color system combining Super Quantum Dots, the CSOT UltraColor Filter and an Advanced Color Purity Algorithm. TCL claims typical units can achieve 100% of the BT.2020 color ratio.
CSOT WHVA 2.0 Ultra PanelA high-contrast VA-family panel designed for wider color viewing angles, with an anti-reflective layer and TCL's edge-to-edge ZeroBorder design.
Enhanced Halo Control SystemCoordinates the Mini LED chips, condensed lenses, reduced optical distance, fast transient response and 26-bit backlight control to improve local-dimming precision and reduce visible halos.
TSR AI Pro ProcessorAnalyzes incoming video and dynamically controls clarity, contrast, color, motion, upscaling and backlighting.
Game Accelerator 288Provides a 288Hz gaming mode at reduced 1920 x 1080 resolution. Native-resolution 4K input remains limited to 144Hz and the physical panel rate is 144Hz.
Audio by Bang & OlufsenThe integrated TV audio system is voiced or tuned in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen; TCL does not publish the built-in speaker power or driver configuration.
Dolby Atmos FlexConnectAllows compatible wireless TCL Z100 speakers and the Z100-SW subwoofer to expand the TV's built-in audio system, with automatic location calibration after pairing.
Google Gemini Interactive AIAdds conversational content discovery, voice-based control and supported smart-TV assistance through Google TV.
Dolby Vision 2 MaxAnnounced as a future over-the-air update for QM8L. It should not be treated as an available format until TCL confirms that the update has been released.
Buyer advantages
- Four HDMI 2.1 inputs support 4K at up to 144Hz, allowing multiple current-generation consoles and gaming PCs to remain connected.
- Native 144Hz panel with VRR, ALLM and FreeSync Premium Pro supports high-refresh gaming at the TV's full 4K resolution.
- SQD-Mini LED backlighting and full-array local dimming provide local contrast control rather than basic edge lighting.
- Initial viewing on the 75-inch model showed strong contrast, clean dark scenes and useful shadow detail.
- Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG cover the major consumer HDR formats.
- The 65-, 75- and 85-inch sizes use narrow center pedestals that fit on relatively compact furniture.
- Google TV navigation appeared fast, with Gemini, Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and broad app support.
- Optional FlexConnect speakers and wireless subwoofer provide an upgrade path beyond the integrated Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Things to consider
- Game Accelerator 288 reduces the input resolution to 1920 x 1080 and does not provide 288Hz gaming at 4K.
- TCL's up-to-6,000-nit and up-to-4,000-plus-zone claims are series-level figures rather than clearly documented specifications for every size.
- The 98-inch model's feet require approximately 73 inches of furniture width unless the TV is wall-mounted.
- Optional FlexConnect speakers and the wireless subwoofer are sold separately.
- A compatible wall mount is not included.
- Tech Steve noticed a small amount of motion blur during the initial movie demonstration.
- Bluetooth audio can introduce lip-sync delay with some headphones or speakers.
- Built-in speaker power and driver configuration are not published.
Sizes, mounting and buying details
| Size / model | Peak HDR | VESA | Feet width | Viewing distance | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65"65QM8L | — | 300 x 300 | 15.3 in | 7.4–10.1 ft | — |
| 75"75QM8L | — | 400 x 400 | 15.3 in | 8.6–11.7 ft | — |
| 85"85QM8L | — | 600 x 500 | 16.1 in | 9.7–13.2 ft | — |
| 98"98QM8L | — | 600 x 500 | 73 in | 11.2–15.2 ft | — |
Complete specifications
Audio
Speaker SystemAudio by Bang & Olufsen; Dolby Atmos FlexConnect-capable expandable system
Included SubwooferNo
Included Rear SpeakersNo
Compatible Rear Speaker KitUp to four TCL Z100 wireless speakers, with one optional Z100-SW wireless subwoofer
Dolby AtmosYes
Dolby Audio FormatsDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital
DTS SupportYes
DTS Audio FormatsDTS:X
Sound ModesMovie, Music, Speech, Game, Night, Sport, Custom
Room CorrectionAutomatic speaker-location calibration is supported when compatible TCL Z100 FlexConnect speakers are paired
Dialogue EnhancementSpeech sound preset
Voice AssistantsGoogle Assistant, Google Gemini
Optional AccessoriesTCL Z100 Dolby Atmos FlexConnect wireless speakers, TCL Z100-SW wireless subwoofer, Compatible VESA wall mount
Connectivity
HDMI Ports4
HDMI 2 1 Ports4
HDMI Inputs4
HDMI Outputs0
HDMI eARCYes
Optical Inputs0
AirPlayYes
ChromecastYes
Design & Installation
Wall Mount IncludedNo
Gaming
Native Refresh Rate Hz144 Hz
Maximum Refresh Rate Hz144 Hz
VRRYes
ALLMYes
Picture
Display TechnologySQD-Mini LED QLED with full-array local dimming
Panel TypeCSOT WHVA 2.0 Ultra Panel
Resolution3840 x 2160
Local DimmingYes
Peak Brightness Nits6000 nits
HDR FormatsDolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Size Details
Dimensions Without Stand Inches56.5 x 32.4 x 2.0 in
Weight Without Stand lb46.5 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches65.3 x 37.4 x 2.0 in
Weight Without Stand lb62.6 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches74.0 x 42.2 x 2.1 in
Weight Without Stand lb85.8 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches85.3 x 48.7 x 2.1 in
Weight Without Stand lb121.3 lb
Smart Features
Operating SystemGoogle TV
ProcessorTSR AI Pro Processor
Specifications
Screen Sizes65, 75, 85, 98
VESA By Size65": 300 x 300 mm, 75": 400 x 400 mm, 85": 600 x 500 mm, 98": 600 x 500 mm
Stand Width By Size65": 15.3 inches, center-pedestal width, 75": 15.3 inches, center-pedestal width, 85": 16.1 inches, center-pedestal width, 98": 73.0 inches, stand separation distance
Stand Depth By Size65": 14.5 inches, based on assembled product depth, 75": 14.5 inches, based on assembled product depth, 85": 14.9 inches, based on assembled product depth, 98": 16.5 inches, based on assembled product depth
Picture Modes SDRIntelligent, Vivid, Low Power, Sports, Movie, Game, PC, Filmmaker
Picture Modes Dolby VisionDolby Vision IQ, Dolby Vision Bright, Dolby Vision Dark
UR9 Series RGB MiniLED 4K Google TV
A 2026 premium 4K television combining an independently controlled RGB MiniLED backlight, native 180Hz panels, Google TV and Devialet-tuned multi-channel audio.
Key technology
RGB MiniLED powered by Chromagic TechnologyUses separately controlled red, green and blue MiniLED light sources in the backlight rather than producing color by filtering a conventional white or blue backlight.
Advanced Color DimmingControls both the intensity and color of the RGB backlight zones to manage highlights, shadows and color reproduction.
Hi-View AI Engine RGBAnalyzes scenes and coordinates the RGB backlight with picture processing to adjust brightness, contrast and color.
Ultra-Low Reflection Obsidian PanelAn anti-reflection screen treatment intended to reduce visible room reflections and preserve contrast in brighter rooms.
Game Booster 330A gaming mode advertising VRR operation up to 330Hz. It is separate from the panel's native 180Hz capability; Hisense did not clearly publish the required reduced-resolution mode on the reviewed US specification pages.
Enhanced Game BarProvides an on-screen gaming interface for checking and changing items such as frame rate, VRR and HDR settings.
AI RGB Light SensorUses ambient-light information to adjust picture brightness and color temperature for the room.
AI HDR UpscalerApplies HDR-oriented processing to SDR and HDR10 material to increase perceived color and contrast.
4K AI UpscalerProcesses lower-resolution material for display on the television's 4K panel, including detail reconstruction and noise reduction.
Hi-ConcertoAllows compatible Hisense audio equipment and the television's speakers to operate together as a combined sound system.
AI Clear VoiceProcesses speech and background sound to make dialogue easier to understand.
Calman ReadySupports integration with Portrait Displays Calman software for assisted professional calibration.
Multi-Functional USB-CAccepts DisplayPort video from compatible devices and supports data functions and up to 10W device charging.
Buyer advantages
- RGB MiniLED backlighting independently controls red, green and blue light sources for expanded color capability.
- Native 4K/180Hz panels across all four sizes support high-frame-rate PC and console gaming.
- Three HDMI 2.1 inputs plus USB-C DisplayPort provide flexible high-bandwidth connectivity.
- Supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ dynamic-HDR ecosystems.
- Strong perceived black levels and natural-looking color in the initial 65-inch demonstration.
- Ultra-Low Reflection Obsidian screen treatment is designed to reduce room reflections.
- Every size includes multi-channel Devialet-tuned audio with height channels and built-in bass.
- Responsive Google TV interface with Gemini, AirPlay and HomeKit support.
- Calman Ready support benefits professional calibration workflows.
- Adjustable stand configurations improve soundbar and furniture compatibility.
Things to consider
- The 65-inch unit showed slight magenta tinting near portions of the screen border, which may be distracting on uniform backgrounds.
- Some haloing was visible around bright objects during the 65-inch blooming test, particularly in Vivid mode.
- There are only three HDMI inputs, and using HDMI 3 for eARC leaves two HDMI connections for source devices.
- Game Booster 330 is not native 4K/330Hz operation; the panel remains native 180Hz at 4K.
- The up-to-5,000-nit figure is a peak manufacturer claim and does not describe sustained or full-screen brightness.
- The 75-inch model has 980 dimming zones, fewer than the smaller 65-inch model’s 1,056 zones.
- The 100-inch version weighs 155.9 pounds without its stand and requires a substantial 1000 x 600 mm mounting solution.
- The LCD subtype is unspecified, so native contrast and off-axis viewing characteristics cannot be predicted from a VA, IPS or ADS designation.
Sizes, mounting and buying details
| Size / model | Peak HDR | VESA | Feet width | Viewing distance | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65"65UR9SG | 5,000 nitsManufacturer claim of up to 5,000 nits; not a Tech Steve measurement | 400 x 400 | 16.6 in | 7.4–10.1 ft | — |
| 75"75UR9SG | 5,000 nitsManufacturer claim of up to 5,000 nits; not a Tech Steve measurement | 600 x 400 | 18 in | 8.6–11.7 ft | — |
| 85"85UR9SG | 5,000 nitsManufacturer claim of up to 5,000 nits; not a Tech Steve measurement | 600 x 400 | 19.2 in | 9.7–13.2 ft | — |
| 100"100UR9SG | 5,000 nitsManufacturer claim of up to 5,000 nits; not a Tech Steve measurement | 1000 x 600 | 65.8 in | 11.5–15.6 ft | — |
Complete specifications
Audio
Speaker System4.1.2-channel Devialet-tuned system on 65-, 75- and 85-inch models; 6.2.2-channel Devialet Opéra de Paris system on the 100-inch model
Woofer Count1
Included SubwooferYes
Included Rear SpeakersNo
Audio Output Watts80W on 65-, 75- and 85-inch models; 110W on 100-inch model W
Dolby AtmosYes
Dolby Audio FormatsDolby Atmos
DTS SupportYes
DTS Audio FormatsDTS audio through IMAX Enhanced, DTS:X
Sound ModesAI Sound, AI Sports Mode
Dialogue EnhancementAI Clear Voice
Voice AssistantsGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Optional AccessoriesCompatible Hisense soundbar for Hi-Concerto
Connectivity
HDMI Ports3
HDMI 2 1 Ports3
HDMI Inputs3
HDMI Outputs0
HDMI eARCYes, HDMI 3
Optical Inputs0
AirPlayYes
Design & Installation
Wall Mount IncludedNo
Gaming
Maximum Refresh Rate Hz180 Hz
VRRYes
ALLMYes
General
Power Consumption Watts280W for 65 inches; 300W for 75 inches; 400W for 85 inches; 550W for 100 inches W
Picture
Display TechnologyRGB MiniLED-backlit LCD
Resolution3840 x 2160
Local DimmingFull-array RGB color local dimming; Hisense calls the implementation Advanced Color Dimming
Local Dimming Zones By Size65": 1056, 75": 980, 85": 1320, 100": 1920
Peak Brightness Nits5000 nits
HDR FormatsDolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, HLG, Dolby Vision Gaming, HDR10+ Gaming
Picture Modes HDR10Filmmaker Mode
Size Details
Dimensions Without Stand Inches57.0 x 33.0 x 1.8 in
Weight Without Stand lb53.8 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches65.7 x 37.9 x 1.8 in
Weight Without Stand lb76.1 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches74.6 x 43.0 x 1.9 in
Weight Without Stand lb104.5 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches88.1 x 50.4 x 1.7 in
Weight Without Stand lb155.9 lb
Smart Features
Operating SystemGoogle TV with Gemini
ProcessorHi-View AI Engine RGB
Specifications
Screen Sizes65, 75, 85, 100
VESA By Size65": 400 x 400 mm, 75": 600 x 400 mm, 85": 600 x 400 mm, 100": 1000 x 600 mm
Stand Width By Size65": 16.6 inches, 75": 18.0 inches, 85": 19.2 inches, 100": 65.8 inches wide position or 28.5 inches narrow position
Stand Depth By Size65": 11.4 inches, 75": 13.4 inches, 85": 14.2 inches, 100": 19.7 inches
Picture Modes SDRFilmmaker Mode
Picture Modes Dolby VisionDolby Vision IQ
Which one should you buy?
The TCL QM8L is the stronger value-oriented choice for shoppers who want impactful HDR, dense local dimming, four HDMI 2.1 inputs and a lower launch price. It also held the picture-quality advantage in the demonstrated content, especially for contrast, color volume, gradients and pixel transitions. Its principal gaming tradeoff is that 4K tops out at 144Hz; the advertised 288Hz mode reduces resolution. The Hisense UR9SG is aimed at enthusiasts who specifically want direct RGB MiniLED color generation, native 4K at up to 180Hz, USB-C DisplayPort and a stronger built-in speaker configuration. It costs more at every listed size, has three rather than four HDMI inputs and uses fewer local-dimming zones, but its native refresh ceiling and computer-friendly connectivity are meaningful advantages. Buy the TCL for the best balance of picture impact, connectivity and price; buy the Hisense for native 180Hz gaming, RGB MiniLED experimentation and more capable integrated sound.
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