Hisense 100E7Q Pro 100" VS TCL 98QM9K 98"

At a foundational level, the Hisense 100E7Q Pro and TCL 98QM9K share the same display DNA: both are 4K (3840 x 2160) QLED LED-backlit LCD panels running at 144Hz, supporting the full suite of HDR formats — HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG — and offering identical adaptive sync support up to AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. Viewing angles, color depth (10-bit, 1070 million colors), anti-reflection coating, and ambient light sensor are also matched across the board. For most display fundamentals, these two televisions are evenly aligned.

The most consequential differentiator is the TCL 98QM9K's inclusion of Mini-LED backlighting. Compared to the Hisense's conventional LED-backlit approach, Mini-LED enables a dramatically higher number of local dimming zones, which translates to deeper blacks, reduced blooming around bright objects on dark scenes, and the ability to push higher peak brightness while maintaining shadow detail. This is a structural image quality advantage that affects everyday HDR performance, not just benchmark tests. The second distinction is pixel density: at 54 ppi versus the Hisense's 44 ppi, the TCL packs more pixels per inch despite its nominally smaller 97.5″ panel — though at typical large-screen viewing distances, this difference is unlikely to be perceptible to most viewers.

Overall, the TCL 98QM9K holds a clear display technology edge thanks to its Mini-LED backlight. The Hisense 100E7Q Pro counters with a marginally larger screen footprint, which may matter in specific room setups, but from a pure image quality standpoint, Mini-LED's contrast and brightness control advantages give the TCL the upper hand in this category.

Much of the connectivity picture here is shared territory: both TVs arrive with four HDMI 2.1 ports, two USB ports, a single RJ45 ethernet jack, Miracast wireless casting support, and the same baseline Wi-Fi 4/5 dual-band capability. HDMI 2.1 across all four ports is a meaningful strength for both — it ensures full 4K@144Hz passthrough and VRR support for next-generation gaming consoles and PCs on any port, not just a dedicated one.

Where the two sets diverge meaningfully is wireless and Bluetooth. The TCL 98QM9K adds Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) support, which the Hisense lacks. In a congested home network with many simultaneous devices, Wi-Fi 6's improved efficiency and throughput can reduce buffering and latency — a tangible benefit for 4K streaming households. On the Bluetooth front, the TCL also steps ahead with Bluetooth 5.4 versus the Hisense's Bluetooth 5.0, offering modestly better range, connection stability, and energy efficiency for wireless audio devices and peripherals. Conversely, the Hisense 100E7Q Pro includes a 3.5mm audio jack that the TCL omits — a small but practical advantage for users who want to plug in wired headphones directly to the TV.

On balance, the TCL 98QM9K edges ahead in connectivity. Wi-Fi 6 and the newer Bluetooth version represent forward-looking upgrades that benefit wireless-heavy setups, and the gap in wired and port selection is otherwise identical. The Hisense's 3.5mm jack is a convenience win for some users, but it does not offset the TCL's broader wireless advantage.

The audio format support between these two televisions is essentially identical — both handle Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS:X, and both offer HDMI ARC and eARC for external soundbar or receiver integration. For anyone routing audio through a dedicated sound system, this parity means neither TV imposes any limitations on what formats can be passed through.

The single but meaningful split comes down to built-in hardware: the Hisense 100E7Q Pro includes a subwoofer, while the TCL 98QM9K does not. On a screen this large, low-frequency reproduction matters more than it might on a smaller set — action sequences, cinematic scores, and even dialog intelligibility can benefit from the added bass foundation a dedicated subwoofer driver provides. Without one, the TCL's internal speakers are likely to sound comparatively thinner in the lower registers, a gap that becomes more noticeable at higher volumes.

For users who plan to add an external soundbar or AV receiver regardless, this distinction largely disappears — eARC support on both sets ensures high-quality audio handoff. But for those relying primarily on the TV's built-in speakers, the Hisense holds a clear audio advantage in this category thanks to its onboard subwoofer.

Given the screen size difference between these two sets, it is expected that the Hisense 100E7Q Pro occupies more wall real estate — and it does, running slightly wider and taller than the TCL 98QM9K. More striking, however, is the difference in depth: the Hisense measures 95mm thick compared to the TCL's 54.1mm, making the TCL nearly 43% slimmer. This has a cascading effect on overall volume — the Hisense displaces roughly 271,893 cm³ versus the TCL's 144,830 cm³, meaning the TCL takes up dramatically less physical space relative to its footprint. For wall-mounted installations where the panel's protrusion from the wall matters aesthetically, the TCL presents a noticeably more streamlined profile.

The weight dynamic runs in the opposite direction. Despite its smaller screen, the TCL weighs 56kg against the Hisense's 52kg — the TCL's Mini-LED backlighting hardware likely contributing to that additional mass. In practical terms, both are heavy enough to require at least two people and appropriate wall anchoring for a safe installation, but the Hisense's slightly lower weight is a marginal handling advantage during setup. Both sets support VESA mounting, and operating temperature ranges are identical, so neither has an edge in placement flexibility.

In design terms, the TCL 98QM9K has the clearer advantage for wall-mount-focused buyers, thanks to its significantly slimmer chassis. The Hisense is slightly lighter and physically larger, which may suit stand-mounted living room setups, but for a premium, low-profile installation, the TCL's depth reduction is the more impactful design characteristic here.

Across the smart feature set, these two televisions are remarkably well-matched. Both offer AirPlay, Google Assistant, Alexa, smartphone remote support, USB recording, voice commands, and a full suite of everyday conveniences like sleep timers and child lock. Neither supports Apple HomeKit/Siri natively, and both idle at an efficient 0.5W standby consumption. For the vast majority of users, the day-to-day smart TV experience will be functionally indistinguishable between the two.

The single factor that decisively separates them in this category is the warranty period. The Hisense 100E7Q Pro covers three years, while the TCL 98QM9K offers only one year. On a television at this screen size and price tier, that gap carries real financial weight — panel replacements or component repairs on a 98″+ set can be substantial costs, and two additional years of manufacturer coverage provide meaningful peace of mind. It also signals a degree of confidence in long-term reliability from Hisense's side.

Given that every other feature in this group is identical, the Hisense holds a clear advantage here solely on the strength of its 3-year warranty. For a high-investment purchase like a 100-inch television, longer coverage is a practical benefit that directly affects the total cost of ownership over time.