TCL today unveiled its new 2026 models. C8L (QM8L) and C7L (QM7L) feature 'super quantum dots', while RM9L and RM7L are the company's first LCD TVs with RGB LED.
The 2026 flagship was fully revealed in January at CES in the form of X11L, which is expected to be the highest-performing miniLED LCD TV on the market.
We first heard about 'super quantum dots' technology with X11L, and the Chinese manufacturer believes that it surpasses RGB LED technology in LCD TVs for picture quality – offering similar color depth along with very high brightness for HDR.
C8L with super quantum dots, Dolby Vision 2
These enhanced quantum dots will not be limited to the flagship. They will also be found in C8L, C7L and a new Q7D Pro in Europe and the identical QM8L and QM7L in North America. There are all LCD models with SQD-miniLED, as TCL calls it.
C8L (QM8L) has slightly more miniLED zones than its predecessor C8K (QM8K), but the bigger improvement lies in color reproduction, which now approaches 100% BT.2020 while brightness reaches up to 6000 nits, claims TCL – something we will need to verify once we get a unit in for testing.
Another key addition to C8L (QM8L) is Dolby Vision 2 Max, which will be introduced via a firmware update later, along with four HDMI 2.1 ports after an upgrade from the MediaTek Pentonic 700 to the Pentonic 800 chip.
Also read: All our Dolby Vision 2 questions, answered
TCL C8L / QM8L with SQD-miniLEDMore TVs with super quantum dots
One step down we find C7L (QM7L), which still has super quantum dots with the expanded color gamut. However, it drops the WHVA LCD panel with improved viewing angles and Dolby Vision 2. It also has fewer dimming zones and only two HDMI 2.1 ports.
Even so, we expect C7L (QM7L) to outperform, in performance and pricing, similarly prices LCD models from LG and Samsung.
A more trimmed-down Q7D Pro becomes TCL's most affordable LCD TV with 'super quantum dots'. It is confirmed for Europe and specifications can be found in the TV database below.
For the first time, TCL is bringing miniLED backlighting to its more affordable P series, specifically P8L in Europe. However, this model does not feature the enhanced 'super' quantum dots. TCL has also introduced A440 Pro, which can display artwork when not in use and is expected to surpass Samsung The Frame Pro in picture quality thanks to miniLED local dimming instead of edge-lit miniLED in Samsung's model.
RGB miniLED from TCL
Although TCL claims that its 'super quantum dots' outperform RGB LED technology – used by Hisense, LG, Samsung and Philips in their 2026 LCD flagships – the company will still offer RGB miniLED models. We first heard about RM9L with RGB miniLED in January.
Now a more affordable RM7L with RGB miniLED has been unveiled. It has fewer dimming zones and lower brightness, but still offers a claimed 100% BT.2020 color gamut. They will be called the RM series in Europe, North America and other regions.
TCL RM7L with RGB miniLEDTCL 2026 TV models – specifications
Flatpanels
