TCL has revealed its 2026 TV technology, headlined by the X11L flagship and its first two LCD models with RGB LED backlight, Q10M Ultra and Q9M. Initial launch will be in China.
The Chinese giant did not make big announcement at IFA in Berlin, choosing instead to announce its new TVs at a domestic event in China.
Announcements for the US and Europe are planned for CES 2026 in January, but we expect X11L to succeed the current X11K as TCL's 2026 flagship, while Q10M Ultra and Q9M may undergo changes before reaching Western markets.
Up to 10000 nits without RGB LED
Surprisingly, the new X11L flagship does not use RGB LED. Instead, it features TCL's "Super Quantum Dot" (SQD) miniLED backlight behind the LCD panel.
TCL claims the 98-inch X11L will deliver up to 10000 nits peak brightness (likely with boost), 20736 dimming zones (up from 14112 in the current 98" X11K) and 100% Rec.2020 coverage, essentially meeting the HDR specification, though practical limits on dimming zones are expected. X11L still features 4K resolution.
TCL X11L
The X11L will also come in 85 and 75 inches, all just 2 centimeters thick. They feature an improved WHVA Pro LCD panel. As you may recall, this year WHVA panel features improved viewing angles.
Also read: Review: TCL C8K (QM8K)
First RGB LED LCD TVs
TCL has been developing RGB LED technology since 2018, and its first LCD TVs with RGB LED – TCL calls it RGB miniLED – are now launching in China to compete with Hisense, Samsung, Sony and others.
Also read: Hisense and Samsung launch a new type of LCD TVs with RGB LED
The company noted that challenges remain in mixing red, green and blue LEDs. This is why the flagship X11L does not include RGB LED. Instead, RGB LED will be introduce in new 10 and 9 series TVs named Q10M Ultra and Q9M.
TCL Q10M Ultra
The Q10M Ultra, available in 115, 98 and 85 inches, deliver up to 9000 nits peak brightness, 100% Rec.2020 coverage and up to 16848 dimming zones, according to TCL.
Q9M offers RGB LED at a more affordable price, starting at 8000 yuan (1150 USD / 950 Euro) in 65 inches, with up to 2880 dimming zones in the 115-inch model, and up to 2000 nits peak brightness.
No details on Dolby Vision 2 were provided.
