TCL makes 'SQD-miniLED' its 2026 flagship tech – not RGB LED

TCL is not ditching RGB LED, but the TV maker believes that its miniLED with improved quantum dots delivers better picture quality, with 100% BT.2020, 10,000 nits and up to 20,000 dimming zones.

We first reported on the TCL X11L in September following its reveal in China.

At CES 2026, TCL has now made it official. X11L will also launch as the 2026 flagship model in America and Europe.

- "The industry has spent years debating which compromise is better: OLED's darkness or LED's brightness. The X11L ends that debate by harnessing 20,000 dimming zones and 10,000 peak nits to deliver both simultaneously," said Chris Hamdorf, EVP, TCL North America.


What is SQD-miniLED?
SQD-miniLED is short for Super Quantum Dots miniLED. The miniLED backlight uses blue LEDs with red and green conversion via the improved "super" quantum dots.

This allows X11L to reach 100% BT.2020 color, according to TCL, even without switching to an RGB LED backlight. X11L is also equipped with TCL CSOT's WHVA Ultra 2.0 LCD panel, which is an evolution of last year's WHVA LCD panel with expanded viewing angles. It has 4K resolution.

In addition, X11L delivers up to 10,000 nits peak brightness, according to TCL, and features up to 20,736 dimming zones on the 98-inch model for improved HDR picture quality. It is all powered by the new TSR AI Processor.

- "2026 will be the year of extraordinary color, and SQD-Mini LED will set the bar high with maximum color, accurately, and more consistently," said Scott Ramirez, VP of Product Marketing & Development, TCL North America.


Dolby Vision 2 Max, Gemini, B&O-tuned audio
Once again this year, TCL X11L is powered by Google TV with access to streaming apps including Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, Netflix and HBO Max.

X11L will be one of the first TVs to support Dolby Vision 2 Max following a free firmware update. This more or less confirms that TCL has switched from the MediaTek Pentonic 700 to Pentonic 800 chip, which also brings additional capabilities, with TCL also mentioning four HDMI 2.1 ports – up from two previously.


This year, Google TV will offer Gemini integration for improved voice control and search. The integrated speaker system is tuned by Bang & Olufsen. X11L also supports Dolby Atmos FlexConnect to wirelessly expand audio with FlexConnect compatible speakers.

TCL X11L is available in 75, 85 and 98 inches for $7,000, $8,000 and $10,000, respectively, with pre-orders starting now in the US. TCL will announce additional 2026 models later.

TCL X11L – specifications
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