I’ll be honest, the first time I unboxed TCL’s 98-inch 4K Ultra HD Google TV, it didn’t feel like I was setting up a television. It felt more like preparing for a private movie screening at home. At 248 cm, the size is massive, and once you switch it on, it only gets better.
TCL has come a long way as a brand, and this model shows just how much they’ve evolved. The QLED panel is sharp, colors are vibrant without looking overly saturated, and it holds up incredibly well in both dark rooms and bright living spaces. Watching content in Dolby Vision or HDR10+ adds a noticeable punch, especially during fast-moving scenes or wide-angle shots.
Navigating through Google TV is smooth, and it actually learns what you like over time—something I ended up appreciating more than I expected. There’s voice control too, which works well even from a distance thanks to the built-in far-field mics. Sound-wise, the 30W speakers surprised me. Powered by Onkyo and enhanced with Dolby Atmos, the audio has weight and clarity, which means you don’t necessarily need a soundbar right away.
Overall, this feels like more than just a “big TV.” TCL has given it the kind of feature set and performance you’d expect from top-tier brands but at a price that’s far easier to digest. And that’s probably why so many people are paying attention to this model right now.
TCL: From Underdog to Big-Screen Disruptor
- TCL actually started way back in 1981 in China, originally making cassette tapes. It was founded by Li Dongsheng, who still plays a major role in the company’s direction today.
- Back then, no one would’ve guessed that the brand would go on to become one of the largest TV manufacturers in the world but here we are.
- Over the years, TCL has quietly built a reputation for offering solid hardware at prices that make sense. It didn’t rely on flashy marketing in the beginning, just consistently better tech value.
- What’s interesting is that TCL isn’t just assembling TVs it actually makes its own panels, through its company CSOT (China Star Optoelectronics Technology). That’s a huge deal in the TV world. Very few brands do that.
- It’s also one of the reasons why TCL can offer QLED displays, high refresh rates, and Dolby Vision support even on models that are way more affordable than big-name rivals.
- The brand made a serious push in India over the past few years, and while it faced the usual “new brand trust gap,” that’s changing quickly especially after they started delivering TVs with specs that rival Samsung and LG, but at half the price.
- Personally, what I’ve noticed is TCL’s focus on big-screen entertainment. Whether it’s their 75-inch, 85-inch, or now this 98-inch monster, they’re carving out a space that others are hesitant to enter, mostly due to pricing.
- TCL’s strength lies in making premium feel accessible. You get features like Dolby Atmos, Google TV interface, MEMC, hands-free voice control, and surprisingly good build quality without needing to spend six digits.
- While brands like Sony and LG still lead in color tuning and design finesse, TCL has become the go-to for buyers who want maximum screen, modern tech, and a balanced price.