TCL X11L Review: A remarkable combination of outstanding display quality and unexpectedly impressive audio.
**TCL X11L**
**MSRP:** $7,999.99
**Release Date:** January 2026
“If you’re looking for a large, high-end television that offers the best Mini-LED picture quality available, the TCL X11L is definitely worth your attention.”
**Pros:**
- Remarkable brightness and color precision
- Minimal blooming for a Mini-LED
- Best audio quality from a TV
**Cons:**
- Quite pricey compared to TCL's usual offerings
- The wide-set feet necessitate a large surface area
For nearly a year, I have been telling anyone who would listen that TCL is making strides in the premium TV market. The QM8K was the initial move, the QM9K confirmed their intentions, and now the X11L is the definitive statement. This is TCL's most ambitious television to date by a significant margin.
What makes the X11L particularly compelling is its innovative technology. While many companies are focusing on RGB Mini-LED backlights, TCL opted for a unique approach called Super Quantum Dot (SQD). Instead of utilizing separate red, green, and blue LEDs, SQD employs a single-color LED backlight combined with an advanced set of quantum dot particles and an enhanced color filter. This combination results in broader color ranges, astonishing brightness, and a slimmer profile than RGB Mini-LED can currently provide. After weeks of using this TV, I believe TCL made a smart decision.
However, it is indeed costly for a TCL product. The 85-inch model I tested retails for $7,999, which is a considerable shift from TCL's value-centric reputation. Yet, when you compare it to similarly sized OLED panels that are significantly more expensive and can’t match this model's brightness, the X11L starts to seem more reasonable.
**TCL X11L Specifications:**
- 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 looks and feels distinct from last year’s version.
The TCL X11L features a panel that is merely two centimeters thick, which is impressively slim for a Mini-LED of this dimension, significantly thinner than TCL's previous flagship models. The nearly nonexistent bezel design from last year persists, and on a screen this expansive, the edge-to-edge effect is truly captivating.
The cooler gunmetal finish seen on the QM8K and QM9K has been replaced with a warmer bronze-toned frame that encases the display’s edges. This transition lends a cozier feel, and the new leg supports, replacing the central stand, further enhance its sleek appearance. The overall construction quality is top-notch, resulting in a sturdy assembly that doesn’t creak or flex, making it feel like an $8,000 TV should, with less reliance on plastic than older models.
A noticeable design shift is the full-width Bang & Olufsen speaker system positioned beneath the screen, which slightly increases the height of the TV. In a dimly lit room, it blends seamlessly, enhancing the aesthetic while delivering excellent sound quality, which I will expand on later.
Connectivity is outstanding, offering four HDMI 2.1 ports, all capable of 4K at 144Hz, with one featuring eARC. A USB 3.0 port is conveniently located on the right edge for easier access, especially for wall mounting. Additionally, it includes USB 2.0, Ethernet, optical audio out, and an ATSC 3.0 tuner for 4K over-the-air broadcasts, allowing direct connections without the need for external devices.
A word of caution regarding the stand: the feet are widely spaced, requiring a larger piece
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TCL X11L Review: A remarkable combination of outstanding display quality and unexpectedly impressive audio.
If you’re looking for a high-end, large television and seek the best picture quality available with Mini-LED technology, the TCL X11L should be on your shortlist.
