HDTV 4K & 8K TV

TCL Sets Sights on Dominating U.S. TV Market with 2023 Premium LED/LCD TVs

The Chinese TV maker has unveiled details on its premium LED and QLED TVs: high performance at affordable prices.

Published

May 15, 2023

Today TCL unveiled details including pricing and availability of its extensive line-up of premium TVs for 2023. The 4K LED/LCD displays span from a 43-inch S Class model ($279.99) all the way up to a new 98-inch flagship Q Class QLED TV ($9,999.99). For smaller screen sizes, TCL is offering the “S3″ model, sized from 32″ to 43,” starting at $199.99 MSRP. The S3 is a full HD 1080p TV with support for HDR (high dynamic range) usually only found on 4K TVs.

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The company is offering a full spectrum of Smart TVs at virtually every size and price point. TCL has made a particular effort to improve picture quality, usability, gaming capabilities and overall aesthetics while keeping the price points extremely competitive. The company’s “S Class” Smart TVs will be available in two options: models ending in “R” include Roku TV while models ending in “G” feature Google TV. The higher end “Q Class” QLED models are only offered with Google TV on-board. Either platform offers a rich selection of streaming apps, smart TV and smart home features.

This year, every new model in TCL’s S Class and Q Class TV lineup will feature a modern “bezel-less” design that we normally only see on pricier models. TCL has also enhanced its proprietary AIPQ Engine picture processor to improve picture performance over last year’s already impressive-looking sets. TCL sees a particular opportunity for extra large displays – those larger than 65 inches. TCL’s Senior Vice President Chris Hamdorf told us a press briefing earlier this month that the company sold over 50,000 of its enormous 98-inch TV last year, in China alone. Hamdorf sees even greater potential in the North American TV market.

98QM850G_AngledRight-900px — *TCL’s 98-inch flagship QM850 TV features over 2,300 local dimming zones for precise picture control.*

Having seen many of these sets up close, I am inclined to agree. To have the option for a massive flat panel TV that can provide a truly cinematic viewing experience at home without requiring a second mortgage is something that many American consumers will find compelling. Hamdorf also discussed the company’s close partnership with the NFL. The exec sees this as a great opportunity to increase the visibility of the brand among U.S. consumers.

TCL plans an aggressive pricing strategy to bring higher performance TVs to consumers at affordable prices. S3 Smart TVs start at under $200 MSRP for the 32-inch models, while the entry-level S4 model with full 4K resolution starts at $279 in a 43-inch size. Their Q6 QLED models feature quantum dot color technology starting at under $500 for a 55-inch model and under $1600 at the 85-inch size. Even their new flagship, the 98-inch QM850 – an advanced QLED TV with Mini LED backlighting – will top out under $10,000 – thousands less than similarly sized competitive models. Actual street pricing will normally be lower than MSRP, sometimes significantly lower.

Hamdorf had this to say about the new line-up: “TCL has been a top 2 best-selling TV brand in the U.S. for four consecutive years and with the incredible new products we’re launching today, I have no doubt that we’ll maintain that leadership position in the television space. Our focus on the consumer, coupled with our innovation and vertical integration advantages, has proven to be a winning formula for delivering high-performance and high quality TVs.” He continued, “With TCL’s immersive extra-large screens and higher resolution content, consumers can replicate the same cinematic field of view found in theaters without worrying about viewing distance. Whether it’s movies, sports, shows, or videogames, TCL is poised and motivated to make TVs that will meet everyone’s entertainment needs.”

In the living room, a stand alone TV is empty. Generative AI — *TCL’s Q6 4K TV features Quantum Dot color technology, starting at $499 MSRP.*

At the event, TCL put one of their Q Class Quantum Dot LED TVs up against a competitive model selling for thousands more. On challenging content like the “Death Eaters” assault on Hogwarts in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II,” The TCL set held its own, and then some. Voldemort’s creepy visage became even creepier and shadow details in the darkly lit scene were easier to make out without looking washed out or bland. Bright 4K UHD content also looked stunning on the new set. Peak luminance was so high I wished I had brought a pair of sunglasses.

TCL 2023 Premium Q Class QLED TV Pricing/Availability

For a full chart with pricing and links to buy online, scroll to the bottom of this article.

The TCL Q Class Q6 is now available in a 55” model (55Q650G) at $499.99 MSRP, 65” model (65Q650G) at $699.99 MSRP, 75” model (75Q650G) for $899.99 MSRP and 85” model (85Q650G) for $1,599.99 MSRP.

The step-up Q7 is available in a 55” model (55Q750G) at $749.99 MSRP, 65” model (65Q750G) at $999.99 MSRP, 75” model (75Q750G) for $1,399.99 MSRP, and an 85” model (85Q750G) for $2,199.99 MSRP.

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The flagship QM8 (QM850) 4K TV is available in sizes from 65 inches to 98 inches. The QM8 is shipping now in a 65” model (65QM850G) at $1,699.99 MSRP, a 75” model (75QM850G) for $2,299.99 MSRP, and an 85” model (85QM850G) for $2,799.99 MSRP. The 98-inch model (98QM850G) will be coming later
this year for $9,999.99 MSRP. The company’s existing 98-inch model from 2022 (Model 98R754) is being carried over into 2023.

The new 98-inch QM8 model includes over 2,300 individually controlled backlight zones for enhanced local contrast, deep blacks and bright saturated colors without blooming or haloing. The Q Class sets include support for not just HDR10 and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) but also Dolby Vision and HDR10+ dynamic HDR, meaning they can squeeze every last detail from all manner of premium 4K content, from streaming to next generation gaming consoles to UHD Blu-ray.