TCL 98QM8K 98" VS TCL 98X11K 98"

Across every Display spec provided, the TCL 98QM8K and TCL 98X11K are a perfect match. Both share a 97.5″ QLED Mini-LED LCD panel at 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD), a 144Hz refresh rate, 10-bit color depth rendering up to 1.07 billion colors, and identical 45 ppi pixel density — meaning sharpness, motion clarity, and color volume are equivalent on paper.

HDR coverage is equally identical: both support HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG, covering every major HDR format in use today. For gamers, both offer the full AMD FreeSync Premium Pro suite, enabling variable refresh rate with low-framerate compensation and HDR gaming support. Viewing angles top out at 178° horizontally and vertically on both models, and each includes an anti-reflection coating and ambient light sensor for adaptive brightness.

Based solely on the Display specs provided, these two TVs are completely tied — there is no differentiator in this category. Buyers choosing between them should look to other spec groups such as sound, processing, or connectivity to find meaningful distinctions.

The two TVs share a strong connectivity foundation: both offer 4 HDMI 2.1 ports — critical for 4K/120fps gaming from multiple consoles simultaneously — along with 2 USB ports, a dedicated RJ45 ethernet jack for a stable wired connection, Bluetooth 5.4, and Miracast wireless casting support.

The one meaningful split comes down to wireless networking. The 98QM8K tops out at Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), while the 98X11K adds support for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). In practice, Wi-Fi 6 delivers notably better performance in congested network environments — common in homes with many connected devices — thanks to technologies like OFDMA and improved MU-MIMO, which reduce latency and improve throughput stability. For 4K HDR streaming or cloud gaming where consistent bandwidth matters, this is a tangible real-world advantage rather than a spec-sheet footnote.

The 98X11K holds a clear, if narrow, edge in this category purely due to its Wi-Fi 6 support. For users on wired ethernet, the difference is irrelevant. But for those relying on Wi-Fi — particularly in busy households — the X11K offers a more future-proof and reliable wireless connection.

Audio hardware is identical across both models. Each TV includes stereo speakers with a built-in subwoofer — a setup that adds low-frequency body to movie soundtracks and music without requiring an external speaker system. Both also support HDMI ARC and eARC, which is the most practical spec here: eARC in particular enables high-bandwidth audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS:HD Master Audio to pass through a single HDMI cable to a soundbar or AV receiver, eliminating the need for separate optical cables.

Neither model supports Dolby Virtual or SRS TheaterSound HD, meaning there is no virtual surround processing built in. Users after a more immersive soundstage will likely want to pair either TV with an external audio system — which the eARC port facilitates cleanly.

With every audio spec matching exactly, this category is a complete tie. Neither the 98QM8K nor the 98X11K holds any advantage here, and the audio decision should not factor into choosing between them.

At nearly identical footprints — roughly 2178 mm wide and 1240 mm tall — these two 98″ panels occupy essentially the same wall or stand space. That similarity ends, however, when you look at depth and weight. The 98QM8K measures 54.1 mm thick compared to just 27 mm for the 98X11K, making the X11K roughly half as deep. For wall-mounted installations where a slim profile is a priority — especially in minimalist or home-theater setups — that difference is visually significant.

Weight tells a more nuanced story. Despite its slimmer chassis, the 98X11K is actually heavier at 70.3 kg versus the QM8K's 56 kg. That 14 kg gap is meaningful during installation — both TVs require at least two people and ideally a professional mount team at this size, but the X11K places greater demands on wall anchoring and VESA mount hardware rated for higher loads. Both models support VESA mounting, and operating temperature ranges are identical across the two.

The design trade-off here is clear-cut: the 98X11K has the edge in slimness, which matters most for wall-mount aesthetics, while the 98QM8K is notably lighter, easing installation logistics. Neither is strictly superior — the right choice depends on whether a thinner profile or lower installation weight is the higher priority for a given setup.

Both TVs arrive with a well-rounded smart feature set: Chromecast built-in, AirPlay, Google Assistant, smartphone remote support, USB recording, and a full smart TV platform. For most users, this shared foundation covers the essentials without requiring any additional streaming hardware.

Two specs split the models apart. The 98QM8K adds Alexa compatibility, which is a meaningful plus for households already invested in Amazon's smart home ecosystem — it allows the TV to respond to Alexa routines and commands alongside other Echo devices. The 98X11K, meanwhile, drops Alexa but includes a rechargeable remote control, eliminating the recurring cost and inconvenience of replacing disposable batteries. Neither model supports Siri or Apple HomeKit, so Apple ecosystem integration beyond AirPlay is off the table for both.

Which trade-off matters more depends entirely on the buyer's setup. The 98QM8K has the edge for Amazon smart home users who rely on Alexa automation, while the 98X11K is the more practical daily-use choice thanks to its rechargeable remote. Neither product holds a decisive overall advantage in this category — it comes down to ecosystem preference versus convenience.