TCL X11L Review: A remarkable combination of outstanding display quality and surprisingly impressive sound.

      **TCL X11L**

      - **MSRP**: $7,999.99

      - **Release Date**: January 2026

      “If you’re looking for a large, high-end television and want the finest picture quality that Mini-LED technology currently provides, the TCL X11L is definitely worth your attention.”

      **Pros**

      - Stunning brightness and color precision

      - Minimal blooming for a Mini-LED model

      - Best integrated audio among televisions

      **Cons**

      - Very pricey compared to TCL's usual offerings

      - Wide feet demand a substantial surface area

      For nearly a year, I've been informing anyone who would listen that TCL is entering the premium TV segment. The QM8K initiated this journey, the QM9K reinforced it, and now the X11L is the culmination. This is TCL's most ambitious television yet, without a doubt.

      What makes the X11L particularly intriguing is its underlying technology. While many companies are pursuing RGB Mini-LED backlights, TCL has opted for a different approach called Super Quantum Dot, or SQD. Instead of using separate red, green, and blue LEDs in the backlight, SQD utilizes a single-color LED backlight combined with a new generation of quantum dot particles and an enhanced color filter. The outcome is broader color, increased (dazzling) brightness, and a slimmer panel than what RGB Mini-LED currently achieves. After several weeks of using this TV, I believe TCL made a wise decision.

      However, it does come with a high price tag by TCL standards. The 85-inch version I tested is priced at $7,999, which diverges significantly from TCL's value-driven reputation. Nevertheless, when considering that OLED panels of a similar size are much costlier and cannot compete with this model's brightness, the X11L begins to seem much more justifiable.

      **TCL X11L Specs**

      - **Sizes**: 75, 85, 98 inches

      - **Pricing (MSRP)**: 75″: $6,999 | 85″: $7,999 | 98″: $9,999

      - **Panel Type**: SQD (Super Quantum Dot) Mini-LED with WHVA 2.0 Ultra Panel

      - **Operating System**: Google TV (Android 14)

      - **Screen Resolution**: 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160)

      - **HDR Support**: Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, IMAX Enhanced

      - **Native Refresh Rate**: 144Hz (288Hz at 1080p via Game Accelerator)

      - **Dimming Zones**: 20,736

      - **Peak Brightness (claimed)**: Up to 10,000 nits

      - **Audio**: Integrated Bang & Olufsen sound system with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X

      - **Connectivity**: 4× HDMI 2.1 (1× eARC, all 4K@144Hz), 1× USB 3.0, 1× USB 2.0, Ethernet (LAN), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, Optical S/PDIF, ATSC 3.0 Tuner

      **TCL X11L Design: Premium Has Arrived**

      **Quick Take**: This model appears and feels significantly different from last year's version.

      The TCL X11L features a panel that's approximately two centimeters thick, a remarkable slimness for a Mini-LED of this size, and much thinner than the company's earlier flagship models. The ultra-slim bezel treatment has been carried over from last year's products, enhancing the edge-to-edge effect on such a large screen.

      The cooler gunmetal finish seen on the QM8K and QM9K is replaced by a warm bronze-toned frame that surrounds the top, sides, and bottom of the display, creating a warmer aesthetic. Its two leg supports replace the previous center stand, contributing to a sleeker appearance. The build quality is exceptional, and the X11L feels robust and well-constructed without any creaking, flexing, or hollowness. It lives up to the expectations for an $8,000 television and is noticeably less plastic than previous models.

      A notable design change is the full-width Bang & Olufsen speaker system located beneath the screen, adding a couple of inches to the overall height. In a dim room with content playing, it isn't very noticeable, and I believe it enhances the visual appeal. More importantly, it delivers impressive sound quality, which I will discuss later.

      Connectivity is superb, featuring four HDMI 2.1 ports that all support 4K at 144Hz, with one supporting eARC. There's also a USB 3.0 port located along the right edge, which is beneficial for wall mounting, as