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| TCL’s QM7L TVs are now available in the US |
If you’ve been waiting for the next big leap in home entertainment, TCL just made your decision a lot more interesting. The electronics giant has officially started selling its much-anticipated QM7L and QM8L SQD-Mini LED 4K Smart TVs in the United States. First unveiled earlier this year at CES 2026, these new models are already turning heads with eye-watering brightness levels, massive local dimming zones, and gaming features that rival dedicated monitors. (European readers, take note: you’ll see these same TVs labeled as the C7L and C8L across the pond.)
Whether you’re a cinephile chasing reference-quality HDR or a competitive gamer who refuses to compromise on refresh rates, TCL’s latest lineup promises something for everyone. Let’s break down the pricing, specifications, and what makes these two series different.
TCL QM7L Pricing and Availability (US)
The QM7L serves as the more accessible entry point into TCL’s new SQD-Mini LED family, but don’t let that fool you – this is still a premium performer. You can grab the QM7L right now from TCL’s official online store or through its Amazon storefront. The lineup spans five screen sizes, with prices that undercut many OLED rivals while delivering superior brightness.
Here’s the full US pricing for the QM7L:
- 55″ – $1,199.99
- 65″ – $1,499.99
- 75″ – $1,999.99
- 86″ – $2,499.99
- 98″ – $3,999.99
For anyone building a dedicated home theater, the 98-inch variant is a statement piece that still comes in thousands less than comparable flagship TVs from Sony or Samsung. And if you’re looking to save a bit while upgrading from an older 4K set, the 55-inch model hits a sweet spot under $1,200.
TCL QM8L Pricing – Stepping Up to Premium
Sitting above the QM7L, the QM8L is TCL’s new flagship for 2026. It starts at a larger screen size and commands higher prices, but the performance leap is just as dramatic. The QM8L series currently includes four sizes:
- 65″ – $2,499.99
- 75″ – $2,999.99
- 85″ – $3,999.99
- 98″ – $5,999.99
If you’ve already been shopping around, you’ll notice the 65-inch QM8L costs exactly $1,000 more than the 65-inch QM7L. That premium buys you significantly higher brightness and more dimming zones – which we’ll dig into below. The 98-inch QM8L, at just under six grand, is aimed squarely at luxury home theaters and well-heeled gamers who want the absolute best Mini LED has to offer.
👉 Looking for the best deal? You can check current stock and pricing on Amazon here: TCL QM7L / QM8L on Amazon
Inside the TCL QM7L: 3,000 Nits and 144Hz Gaming
Let’s start with the QM7L’s specs, because they’re genuinely impressive for a TV that tops out under $4,000 even at 98 inches. TCL claims the QM7L delivers up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness – that’s more than enough to make HDR content explode off the screen, especially in well-lit living rooms where OLEDs can struggle.
Color reproduction is another highlight. The QM7L covers 100% of the BT.2020 color space, which is the wide color gamut standard used for modern HDR content (think Dolby Vision and HDR10+). In plain English, that means you’ll see richer reds, deeper greens, and more nuanced skin tones than most TVs on the market.
Gamers, pay attention: The QM7L features a native 144Hz refresh rate. But TCL includes its Game Accelerator tool, which can artificially boost that to 288Hz – perfect for PC gamers with high-end rigs or console players who want buttery-smooth motion in fast-paced shooters and racing games. Add in AMD FreeSync support, and screen tearing becomes a thing of the past.
Other key QM7L features:
- Google TV interface (with all major streaming apps preloaded)
- Dolby Vision IQ (adjusts HDR based on ambient room light)
- Dolby Atmos decoding (for immersive object-based audio)
- Multiple HDMI 2.1 ports (4K @ 144Hz, VRR, ALLM)
TCL QM8L: Double the Brightness, Four Thousand Dimming Zones
If the QM7L is a powerful all-rounder, the QM8L is an absolute beast. TCL has equipped this model with 6,000 nits peak brightness – yes, double the QM7L. That’s not a typo. At 6,000 nits, specular highlights (like sunlight glinting off a car or an explosion in a sci-fi film) approach real-world luminance levels. It’s the kind of brightness that makes HDR truly feel like a new format.
The QM8L also steps up its local dimming game significantly. While TCL hasn’t released the exact zone count for every screen size, the company confirms more than 4,000 Local Dimming Zones on the larger models. For context, most premium Mini LED TVs from 2025 topped out around 2,000–3,000 zones. More zones mean finer control over contrast, with almost no blooming around bright objects against dark backgrounds.
Like its smaller sibling, the QM8L covers 100% of BT.2020 and maintains that 144Hz native refresh rate with Game Accelerator VRR. You’ll also find AMD FreeSync, HDMI 2.1 ports, Google TV, and full Dolby Vision/Atmos support. In fact, the software and smart features are nearly identical between the two series – the QM8L’s advantage is purely in raw hardware performance.
European Shoppers: Look for C7L and C8L
One quick note for international readers: TCL uses different naming conventions in different regions. If you’re shopping in Europe, the QM7L is sold as the TCL C7L, and the QM8L becomes the TCL C8L. The specifications, pricing (converted to euros and pounds), and release timing are expected to mirror the US launch closely. So if you see those model numbers pop up on TCL’s European sites, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.
How Do They Compare to LG OLED and Samsung Neo QLED?
You’re probably wondering: why choose a Mini LED TV like the QM7L or QM8L over an OLED? The short answer is brightness and burn-in freedom. OLEDs still can’t hit 3,000 nits reliably, let alone 6,000. If your room has lots of windows or you watch a lot of news/sports with static logos, Mini LED eliminates any worry about permanent image retention.
Against Samsung’s Neo QLED lineup, TCL is playing the value card. A comparable Samsung 85-inch Mini LED TV with similar brightness often costs $1,000–$2,000 more. TCL’s aggressive pricing – especially on the QM7L – makes it a compelling alternative for budget-conscious buyers who still want flagship-level HDR.
That said, OLED still wins on pure black levels and viewing angles. But for most living rooms and dedicated media rooms, the QM8L’s 4,000+ dimming zones get so close to OLED black levels that you’d need a side-by-side comparison to notice the difference.
Where to Buy and Final Verdict
Both the TCL QM7L and QM8L are available now in the US through:
- TCL’s official US website (us.tcl.com)
- Amazon (TCL’s storefront)
- Major retailers like Best Buy and Target (rolling out over the coming weeks)
For direct links to the 98-inch models (because who doesn’t want to dream big?):
Our take: The QM7L is the smarter buy for most people. At $1,500 for 65 inches, you get 3,000 nits, 144Hz, and full BT.2020 coverage – features that were strictly flagship territory just two years ago. Spring for the QM8L only if you have a dedicated dark room and you watch a ton of Dolby Vision content where 6,000 nits makes a visible difference. Either way, TCL just raised the bar for what Mini LED can deliver at these price points.
Disclosure: This article includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through our Amazon link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Source: DisplaySpecifications (original news report)
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| The TCL QM7L SQD-Mini LED 4K Smart TV |
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| The TCL QM8L SQD-Mini LED 4K Smart TV |