Hisense 100U8QG 100" VS TCL 98QM9K 98"

Both the Hisense 100U8QG and the TCL 98QM9K share the same fundamental display architecture — QLED Mini-LED LCD panels with a 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, identical HDR format support (HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG), identical color depth (10-bit, 1.07 billion colors), and the same wide 178° viewing angles in both directions. Both also include anti-reflection coatings and ambient light sensors, meaning neither has a meaningful edge in those areas.

The most significant differentiator is the refresh rate: the Hisense reaches 165Hz versus the TCL's 144Hz. For everyday TV viewing, this distinction is largely academic, but for PC gaming or fast-motion content, the Hisense's higher ceiling offers a smoother experience — particularly relevant since both support the full AMD FreeSync Premium Pro suite. The other notable difference is pixel density: despite being physically larger at 99.5″, the Hisense actually has a lower pixel density (44 ppi) compared to the TCL's 54 ppi at 97.5″. In practice, at typical large-screen viewing distances this gap is unlikely to be perceptible, but it does mean the TCL's image is technically sharper per inch.

Overall, the Hisense 100U8QG holds a narrow edge in gaming performance thanks to its higher refresh rate, while the TCL 98QM9K counters with a marginally sharper pixel density. For most home theater users, the two displays are effectively matched; the Hisense tips ahead specifically for those prioritizing gaming fluidity at the largest screen size.

At the foundation, both TVs are well-equipped: HDMI 2.1 across all ports (essential for 4K/120Hz gaming), dual USB ports, a wired Ethernet jack, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Miracast support. The meaningful differences emerge in the details. The TCL 98QM9K pulls ahead with 4 HDMI ports versus the Hisense's 3 — a practical win for users running a full entertainment setup (console, soundbar, streaming stick, and Blu-ray player simultaneously without a switch).

On the wireless side, the gap flips. The Hisense 100U8QG supports Wi-Fi 6E, while the TCL tops out at Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 6E opens up the 6GHz band, which means less interference and more headroom in congested home networks — a tangible benefit in apartments or homes with many connected devices. Bluetooth tells a similar story: the TCL carries the newer Bluetooth 5.4 versus the Hisense's 5.3, though this difference is minor in day-to-day use. More consequential is the Hisense's inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, which the TCL omits — a small but real convenience for private listening without a wireless headset.

Neither TV dominates outright, but each suits a different user. The TCL 98QM9K has a slight edge for multi-device wired setups thanks to its extra HDMI port, while the Hisense 100U8QG is the stronger pick for wireless-heavy households, offering Wi-Fi 6E and the added utility of a headphone jack.

For the most part, these two TVs are mirror images in audio capability: both carry Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS:X, stereo speakers, Digital Out, and full HDMI ARC/eARC support. The eARC port is worth noting for anyone pairing with a high-end soundbar, as it carries enough bandwidth for lossless audio formats — a shared strength that makes either TV a capable hub for an external audio system.

The one concrete differentiator is hardware: the Hisense 100U8QG includes a built-in subwoofer, while the TCL 98QM9K does not. In a TV of this size, a dedicated subwoofer means the onboard sound system can reproduce low-frequency content — explosions, bass-heavy music, cinematic rumble — without relying entirely on the main drivers. For users who plan to use the TV's built-in speakers rather than an external soundbar or audio system, this is a meaningful real-world advantage.

The Hisense 100U8QG takes a clear edge in audio for standalone use. If you are already committed to an external speaker setup, the gap effectively disappears since both TVs offer identical audio format support and eARC passthrough. But for out-of-the-box sound quality with no additional hardware, the Hisense's subwoofer gives it a tangible lead.

Predictably, the Hisense 100U8QG is the larger unit given its bigger screen, but the gap between these two TVs goes well beyond the 2-inch diagonal difference. The most striking distinction is thickness: the TCL 98QM9K measures just 54.1mm deep compared to the Hisense's 81.3mm — nearly 34% slimmer. That translates directly to a more wall-friendly profile and a cleaner aesthetic in modern living spaces where a flush or near-flush wall mount is the goal.

Weight follows a similar pattern. The Hisense tips the scales at 63.5 kg versus the TCL's 56 kg — a difference of roughly 7.5 kg that is highly relevant at installation time. At this size class, both TVs require at least two people and ideally a professional mount, but the Hisense's additional mass makes positioning and wall anchoring meaningfully more demanding. Both support VESA mounting, so neither has a structural advantage there. Operating temperature ranges are identical and unremarkable.

The TCL 98QM9K has a clear design edge: it is substantially thinner and lighter, making it easier to install, less intrusive on a wall, and more practical in rooms where depth clearance is a concern. The Hisense's larger footprint is partly a function of its bigger screen, but the thickness gap in particular suggests a design philosophy difference that favors the TCL for space-conscious installations.

Across the smart feature set, these two TVs are remarkably alike. Both offer a built-in smart platform, AirPlay, Google Assistant, Alexa, smartphone remote support, USB recording, voice commands, and identical 0.5W standby consumption. Neither supports Apple HomeKit/Siri, and neither ships with a rechargeable remote. For the vast majority of smart TV use cases — streaming, voice control, multi-ecosystem integration — the experience on paper is functionally identical.

The only differentiator in this entire category is the warranty period: the Hisense 100U8QG comes with 2 years of coverage versus the TCL 98QM9K's 1 year. On a TV at this size and price tier, that extra year is not trivial. Large-screen panel repairs or replacements are expensive, and manufacturer coverage provides meaningful financial protection during the second year of ownership that TCL buyers would need to source through a third-party extended warranty at additional cost.

The Hisense 100U8QG holds a clear edge here, but it is a narrow, single-point advantage. The double warranty period is the sole reason — every other feature in this group is a dead heat. Buyers who prioritize long-term peace of mind will appreciate the Hisense's coverage, while those indifferent to warranty terms will find no functional difference between the two.