Samsung QN98QN90FAF 98" VS TCL 98X11K 98"

At the panel level, the Samsung QN98QN90FAF and the TCL 98X11K are built on identical foundations: both are 98-inch QLED Mini-LED LCD panels running at 4K (3840 × 2160) resolution, 45 ppi pixel density, 10-bit color depth, and 1.07 billion displayable colors. Viewing angles are a matching 178° in both axes, and both include anti-reflection coating and an ambient light sensor. For most picture-quality fundamentals, these two sets are effectively tied.

The differences emerge in two meaningful areas. First, the TCL 98X11K pulls ahead on refresh rate with 144Hz versus the Samsung's 120Hz. In practice this matters primarily for gaming and fast-motion content — the extra headroom can reduce motion blur and judder, and it pairs naturally with high-frame-rate PC or console sources. Second, and arguably more significant for a wide range of viewing scenarios, the TCL supports Dolby Vision while the Samsung does not. Both sets handle HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, but Dolby Vision uses dynamic, scene-by-scene metadata that typically produces more precisely graded highlights and shadows on compatible content from streaming services like Netflix and Apple TV+. The Samsung's omission of Dolby Vision is a real gap for users who consume a lot of streaming HDR content.

Both televisions share the same AMD FreeSync Premium Pro adaptive sync stack, so variable-rate gaming performance is equal. Overall, the TCL 98X11K holds a clear edge in this display group: its higher refresh rate is a tangible plus for gaming and motion clarity, and Dolby Vision support broadens its HDR compatibility in a way the Samsung simply cannot match at the panel spec level.

The wired connectivity backbone is identical on both sets: 4× HDMI 2.1 ports, 2 USB ports, and a single RJ45 Ethernet jack. HDMI 2.1 across all four ports is a genuine strength shared by both — it means full 4K 120Hz passthrough and VRR support are available on every input, not just a privileged few, which matters when connecting multiple high-bandwidth sources simultaneously.

Where they diverge is on wireless. The TCL 98X11K adds Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) to the same Wi-Fi 4/5 base the Samsung offers, and steps up to Bluetooth 5.4 versus the Samsung's Bluetooth 5.3. Wi-Fi 6 is the more impactful upgrade: in a congested home network with many connected devices, it delivers better throughput efficiency and lower latency through technologies like OFDMA and target wake time — practically translating to more stable 4K streaming and quicker app response. The Bluetooth version gap is marginal in day-to-day use, but 5.4 does bring minor improvements in connection reliability and power efficiency for wireless audio accessories.

The TCL 98X11K takes a modest but clear edge in connectivity. The wired story is a dead heat, but Wi-Fi 6 support is a forward-looking advantage that becomes more valuable as home networks grow denser — something the Samsung's Wi-Fi 5 ceiling simply cannot match.

Across every audio specification provided, the Samsung QN98QN90FAF and the TCL 98X11K are a perfect match. Both include stereo speakers with a built-in subwoofer, digital audio output, and full HDMI ARC and eARC support. The presence of eARC is the standout shared feature here — it carries enough bandwidth to pass lossless audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS:X to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver without compression, which is a meaningful advantage over older ARC connections for users investing in a premium audio setup.

This is a straightforward tie. The provided specs reveal no differentiator between the two sets in the audio category, and any real-world difference in sound quality would depend on factors — such as amplifier wattage or speaker tuning — that are not reflected in the available data.

For two 98-inch televisions, the physical footprints are remarkably close — within 8mm in width and 3mm in height. Weight is effectively identical at roughly 70 kg for both, meaning installation effort and wall-mount requirements are comparable. Both support VESA mounting, which is expected at this size.

The one design spec worth noting is thickness. The TCL 98X11K measures 27 mm deep versus the Samsung's 31.1 mm, a difference that contributes to a meaningfully lower total volume — approximately 73,239 cm³ against the Samsung's 84,898 cm³. On a set this large, a slimmer profile has a real aesthetic impact, particularly on a wall mount where depth is visible from the side. The operating temperature ranges diverge slightly: the Samsung tolerates up to 40 °C while the TCL extends lower to 5 °C, but neither difference is likely to matter in a typical indoor installation.

The TCL 98X11K holds a narrow design edge, primarily on account of its slimmer chassis. With weight and footprint essentially tied, the reduced depth is the only meaningful differentiator here — a modest but real advantage for aesthetics-conscious installations.

The smart feature foundation is strong on both sets — Chromecast built-in, AirPlay, USB recording, smartphone remote control, and voice commands are all present on each. For cord-cutters and multi-device households, these shared capabilities mean neither TV is at a disadvantage on the basics.

The meaningful split comes down to smart home ecosystem alignment. The Samsung QN98QN90FAF supports Alexa and Apple HomeKit but lacks Google Assistant, making it the natural fit for Amazon or Apple-centric households. The TCL 98X11K flips this entirely — it integrates Google Assistant but has no Alexa or HomeKit support, suiting users already invested in the Google ecosystem. Neither approach is objectively superior; the right choice depends entirely on which ecosystem the buyer lives in. The TCL also adds a rechargeable remote control, a small but genuinely convenient everyday advantage that eliminates the recurring cost and hassle of disposable batteries.

This group is effectively a contextual tie on the ecosystem question — each TV wins for a different type of user. The TCL's rechargeable remote is a practical bonus, but it is unlikely to be a deciding factor at this price tier. Buyers should treat smart assistant compatibility as the primary filter here and choose accordingly.