[This article is written in collaboration with TCL.]
When it comes to entertainment, display size matters and it matters a lot.
So when I heard that our office would be testing out two 98-inch TVs from TCL, I was more than excited. What do the 98C655 QLED TV and 98C855 Premium QD-Mini LED 4K TV have to offer?
Quite a lot and in different ways, surprisingly.
Despite being of the same dimensions and sporting slim designs, TCL’s 98C655 and 98C855 TVs each boasts an impressive array of features.
First things first, who is TCL?
Hailing from China, TCL is one of the top global tech companies that develops, manufactures, and sells its tech appliances to improve consumer lifestyles. This includes mobile phones, air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines.
But TCL is actually best known for its TVs. Just last year, TCL was recognised by Omdia (a British technology research and advisory group) as the Global Top 2 TV Brands, with a total of 25.26 million units in TV shipments representing a 12.5% market share.
Part of this is thanks to its American consumers, who make up a bulk of the company’s customer base.
Vibrant and strong picture quality on both TVs
Of course, we have to start with the 98C655 and 98C855’s TCL QLED Pro display technology.
Quantum-dot (or QLED) screens are essentially a more advanced version of LED-backlit LCD screens. It uses tiny crystals called quantum dots which are less than 500 nanometres in size to produce precise and vibrant colours.
As a result, the colours displayed are more vivid, accurate, and saturated compared to standard LED screens.
Pair that with TCL’s in-house technology called T-Screen Pro (in the 98C655) and T-Screen Ultra (in the 98C855), and the images that show up are stronger and more emphasised. I found this especially useful when the room was brightly lit and the glare was reduced. This is more obvious in the 98C855 as it has a low-reflection film.
Both the T-Screen Pro and T-Screen Ultra panels are produced at TCL-owned China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT) plant.
The CSOT plant operates using the Generation 11 lineup, making it a major panel producer for premium brands like Sony, Samsung, and even LG. TCL has recently acquired a significant share of the LG plant in China, making them the sole proprietor of the CSOT plant.
| T-Screen Ultra (used in the C855 model) | T-Screen Pro (used in the C655 model) |
| 5x contrast enhancement | |
| Anti-glare | |
| No halo | |
| >178° viewing angle | |
| Low reflection film | – |
| Enhanced contrast with reduced reflections, thanks to the low reflection film | High performance with vivid colours |
But what really makes the 98C655 and 98C855 captivating to watch is another of TCL’s in-house innovations.
Called the AiPQ Pro Processor, it optimises image quality through features like Ai-Contrast, Ai-Clarity, and Ai-Color. For example, it automatically adapts contrast to highlight bright and dark details, upscales low-resolution content to near-HD quality, and manages colours for natural and vibrant visuals.
Cinephiles or binge-watchers can also rest easy knowing that the TVs come with Multiple Eye Care.
This includes flicker-free technology to ease eye strain, low blue light to reduce fatigue, natural light optimisation for energy efficiency, and ambient tone to make movie-watching comfortable regardless of the time of day.
As both devices run on Google TV, it’s easy to navigate as I’m familiar enough with the interface and the available apps. It can also easily screen cast from a variety of devices, including iPhones, Windows laptops, and the like.
But this is where the key similarities between the two TVs end.
TCL 98C855: The premium choice packed with cool features
The 98C855 stands out as a premium choice, featuring TCL’s QD-Mini LED technology.
Launched just last year, this display combines the best of QLED and OLED technologies to deliver superior picture quality. The 98C855’s current retail price is RM42,999, and during promotional periods, it is around RM33,811.
Sharing with us, TCL explained that its QD-Mini LED delivers contrast and colour gamut that’s similar to OLED while offering higher peak brightness and longer lifespan without screen burn-in.
Burn-in happens when a static image is left on the screen for too long, leaving a permanent mark that won’t go away no matter what you’re watching or doing. This issue is commonly seen in OLED TVs, but TCL’s technology aims to eliminate that concern.
| Features | QD-Mini LED | OLED |
| Peak brightness | 3,500 nits, using 6-crystal emitting chips that increase brightness by 27.5% compared to standard direct LED displays | Depending on the TV model, it can range from 800+ to 3,000+ nits. |
| Colour accuracy | Comparable to OLED | Wider colour gamut |
| Contrast | Pixels can be turned off individually to achieve perfect black, and there are more partitions for local dimming zones. This gives a higher contrast than OLED. | Pixels can be turned off individually to achieve perfect black, but there are fewer partitions for local dimming zones. |
| Lifespan | According to TCL, there is no fading for 100,000 hours as their tech ensures effective light emission for at least 100,000 hours. | Around 100,000 hours. However, it’s more susceptible to burn-in because OLED panels are made from organic materials. |
In our experience, the colours that showed up on the 98C855 were more striking and the dark details had better contrast. The latter is partly thanks to the TV’s 2,304 local dimming zones that cast pixel-level light control.
This effectively improves luminous efficiency because of high-efficiency lamp beads, refractive lens, and matrix layout.
In layman terms, this simply means the TV can control the brightness of different parts of the screen independently. So it can dim precise areas for deep, inky blacks while keeping brighter parts vivid and bright. As a result, you get more dynamic visuals that enhance details with incredible accuracy.
Other neat features of the 98C855 are the AMD FreeSync tech and 144Hz refresh rate which promise seamless gameplay. I tested this out by playing a cosy game called Little Kitty, Big City, and the motions were certainly smooth.
I also liked that it had other features like Aiming Aid, Shadow Enhancement, and Game Picture Mode to elevate the gaming experience, though these are more suited for First-Player Shooter (FPS) games.
TCL TVs—particularly the C655 and C855 models—come equipped with high-quality Onkyo speakers for an enhanced audio experience, claimed TCL.
Onkyo is a premium home theatre brand from Japan. Onkyo sound systems cater to home audio enthusiasts who prefer separate amplifiers and home theatre systems.
The built-in Onkyo 2.2.2 channel speakers (which support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X) are designed to provide an immersive sound experience mimicking a theatre-like environment. Its six speakers create an enveloping soundstage, making it feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.
However, it could’ve packed more punch as it sounded softer than I expected. Perhaps this could have been avoided if we had placed the TV slightly higher above the ground like what we did with the 98C655.
Even then, you don’t need a separate soundbar or home theatre system unless you’re particular about spatial audio.
TCL 98C655: The budget-friendlier entertainer
When compared to the 98-inch TV we reviewed above, this 98C655 model that’s priced at RM19,999 is a more budget-friendly option.
The 98C655 retails for RM19,999, but during promotional periods, it is available for around RM12,811.
It’s equipped with a 120Hz DLG refresh rate, which basically provides smooth motion. So, you won’t miss out on any action when watching live sports matches or more action-packed films.
I found this paired with the ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) great for gaming as well because there were fewer lags. I don’t play many fast-paced games but the difference is noticeable even when playing cosy games like Stray.
In terms of audio, the 98C655 offered quite standard sound features with the built-in Onkyo 2.1 channel speakers (which support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X). The TV has three speakers in total, with two at the bottom and one behind the TV. The enhanced bass and immersive sound are more than adequate for everyday viewing.
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Depending on what your needs are, both TCL’s 98C655 and 98C855 are promising options if you’re looking to upgrade your home entertainment system.
If you’re more budget-conscious and want a massive screen for general entertainment purposes like casual movie nights and gaming, then you could consider the 98C655.
But if you’re someone who wants a high-quality home theatre experience, then the visuals offered by the 98C855 model might suit your needs better.
Regardless of which model you choose, both TVs provide something distinctive to upgrade your viewing experience.
One thing to keep in mind before purchasing these TVs is to prepare a suitable space and TV console beforehand, as they’re large and heavy. Without stands, the 98C655 weighs 54.5 kg, while the 98C855 weighs 65 kg.
So it’s more advisable to get expert help unpacking and assembling them, such as TCL’s installation service which can be booked separately.
Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post
