At CES 2026, TCL officially stepped into the ultra-premium TV space with its new flagship: the X11L SQD Mini-LED TV. Available in massive 75-, 85-, and 98-inch sizes, this TV packs serious display tech aimed at buyers who want top-tier performance without compromise. We’re talking 10,000 nits of peak brightness, full BT.2020 color coverage, and a whopping 20,000 local dimming zones—features that put it toe-to-toe with some of the most advanced TVs on the market from Samsung, LG, Sony, and Hisense.
Let’s break down what makes this new TCL model so interesting—and whether it really has what it takes to stand out in an increasingly crowded high-end TV space.
Instead of following other manufacturers down the RGB LED path, TCL is taking a different route with its new SQD Mini-LED setup. SQD stands for Super Quantum Dots, and they’re part of a larger system TCL calls its Deep Color System. This setup includes new quantum dots, an updated UltraColor Filter, and an Advanced Color Purity algorithm.
Together, these elements help the X11L hit 100% of the BT.2020 color gamut—a goal that many premium TVs claim, but often only achieve in lab tests. TCL says its system also avoids issues like color crosstalk, which can happen with RGB LED TVs and lead to less saturated or slightly muddy colors when watching real-world content.
The result? More precise color filtering per pixel and better consistency, even across very bright or dark scenes.
One of the most headline-grabbing features of the X11L is its peak brightness—up to 10,000 nits. That’s not just a number for the spec sheet—it’s the upper limit of what the Dolby Vision HDR format can support. Most content won’t push anywhere near that level, but having that headroom can be useful for displaying bright highlights more clearly, especially in sunny rooms.
Then there’s the dimming zone count, which hits up to 20,000 zones on the 98-inch model. That’s about triple the number on TCL’s previous high-end models, and it helps improve contrast by letting the TV dim specific areas of the screen more precisely. TCL also added a new 26-bit backlight controller and upgraded Halo Control system, both aimed at keeping halos and blooming effects to a minimum.
LCD-based TVs typically struggle with color and contrast at wider angles, but TCL is trying to fix that with a new WHVA 2.0 Ultra Panel. This panel boosts native contrast (rated at 7,000:1) and includes an anti-reflective layer to cut down on glare—something that’s especially helpful in bright living rooms.
TCL also went with a ZeroBorder design, which reduces visible edges and helps the screen blend in more naturally when mounted on a wall.
Running the show is TCL’s updated TSR AI Processor, which handles everything from motion smoothing and color tuning to upscaling lower-resolution content. That same processor also syncs with the backlight system for tighter control over dimming behavior.
In terms of software, the X11L runs on Google TV, now with Gemini integration. This adds conversational voice control, so you can ask your TV to find a movie or adjust settings just by speaking normally. There’s also a Sleep Sounds mode, hands-free control, and a backlit remote to make nighttime browsing easier.
TCL is clearly targeting gamers, too. The X11L includes four HDMI 2.1 ports with full 48Gbps bandwidth. That means 4K at 144Hz, FreeSync Premium Pro, and support for TCL’s Game Bar overlay, which gives you real-time stats like frame rate and latency.
Later this year, an OTA update will also bring Xbox Game Pass streaming, letting you play cloud-based games directly on the TV—no console required.
Audio is handled by Bang & Olufsen, and this time, it’s more than just branding. The X11L includes front-firing speakers, a dedicated center channel, side-mounted surround drivers, and a built-in subwoofer.
Want more bass or full surround sound? You can add TCL’s FlexConnect Z100 wireless speakers and Z100 subwoofer. The system can scale up to a 4.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos setup, and you won’t need a soundbar or AV receiver to get there.
Even with all this tech inside, the X11L stays impressively thin at just 0.8 inches deep. The back is completely flat, so wall-mounting is easy and clean. If you prefer to use the included feet, they’re adjustable for different setups.
TCL also added an Art Mode, letting you display artwork or photography when the TV isn’t in use—similar to Samsung’s Frame TVs. There’s also a built-in ATSC 3.0 tuner, so U.S. buyers can watch free 4K over-the-air broadcasts where available.
Here’s how the lineup shakes out:
| Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 75-inch | $6,999.99 |
| 85-inch | $7,999.99 |
| 98-inch | $9,999.99 |
The 85- and 98-inch models are up for preorder now. The 75-inch version is expected to launch later this year. If TCL’s pricing history is any indication, these numbers might drop as the year goes on, but that’s speculation for now.
The X11L isn’t trying to be a budget-friendly crowd-pleaser. Instead, it’s meant for people who want top-of-the-line performance in a really big screen, whether that’s for movies, gaming, or even showing off digital art in the living room.
TCL has made clear it’s not just chasing value anymore—it wants to compete head-on with the best TVs in the business. With the X11L, it’s making a strong case to be part of that conversation.
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