TCL 98C655 98"

Manufacturer: TCL

The TCL 98C655 is a 98-inch 4K smart television built on a QLED, LED-backlit LCD panel, making it one of the larger screen options in TCL's lineup. It runs a full built-in smart TV platform with integrated Chromecast and AirPlay, and is compatible with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice control. With support for HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG, the set covers all major HDR formats across streaming, broadcast, and physical media sources.

The display operates at a native 60Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync and AMD FreeSync Premium adaptive sync, a quoted contrast ratio of 6000:1, and a typical brightness of 450 nits, rendered through a 10-bit panel capable of 1.07 billion colors. Audio is handled by a stereo system rated at 2 x 20W with a built-in subwoofer, and the set decodes Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio alongside HDMI ARC and eARC. Connectivity covers three HDMI 2.1 ports, one USB port, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5, one RJ45 Ethernet port, and full DVB tuner support across DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-C, DVB-S, and DVB-S2. Operating power consumption is rated at 198W, and the TV carries a two-year warranty with an EU energy label of G.

Pros

QLED panel technology is paired with a 6000:1 contrast ratio and 450 nits of typical brightness, offering more luminance headroom than many LED-only sets in this class
All four major HDR formats — HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG — are supported, ensuring compatibility across all common HDR content sources
AMD FreeSync and AMD FreeSync Premium adaptive synchronization are included, reducing screen tearing for compatible variable frame rate content
The built-in audio system includes a subwoofer alongside stereo speakers rated at 2 x 20W, providing more low-frequency output than configurations without dedicated bass drivers
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio decoding are all present, covering a wide range of high-fidelity audio formats
DLNA certification is supported alongside Miracast, Chromecast, and AirPlay, giving the set a broad range of wired and wireless media sharing options

Cons

At 56,500 g, the set's considerable weight makes handling, repositioning, and solo wall installation physically demanding and potentially impractical without assistance
Operating power consumption of 198W combined with an EU energy label of G indicates high energy use relative to current efficiency standards
The native 60Hz refresh rate is lower than many contemporary televisions, limiting smoothness for motion-sensitive content beyond what FreeSync can compensate for
Only a single USB port is available, restricting simultaneous connection of USB storage or peripheral devices
USB recording is not supported, removing a convenient option for capturing broadcast content directly to external storage
Siri and Apple HomeKit are not supported, creating a gap for users who rely on Apple's smart home ecosystem

Who is this for?

The TCL 98C655 is aimed at users who want a genuinely large-screen viewing experience in a dedicated home cinema or spacious living room, where the 98-inch panel can be appreciated at appropriate seating distances. Its full HDR format support across HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG makes it well-suited to film enthusiasts and heavy streamers who encounter a mix of HDR standards across platforms. The inclusion of AMD FreeSync Premium also makes it a reasonable fit for casual gamers who want reduced screen tearing, and users in Google or Amazon smart home environments will benefit from native Assistant and Alexa integration alongside built-in Chromecast and AirPlay for seamless wireless casting. The built-in subwoofer and 2 x 20W speaker system further support users who want a more complete audio experience without immediately reaching for external equipment.

Who is this NOT for?

At 56,500 g, the TCL 98C655 is an exceptionally heavy set that is entirely unsuitable for users who require easy installation or plan to wall-mount the TV without professional assistance. The native 60Hz refresh rate will disappoint viewers who prioritize smooth motion in fast-paced sports or action content, and the absence of USB recording removes a practical convenience for those who rely on time-shifting broadcast content to external storage. Users committed to the Apple ecosystem will also find integration limited, as Siri and Apple HomeKit are not supported, and the EU energy label of G signals that this set is a poor fit for energy-conscious households where running costs are a consideration.

Display:

display resolution	4K (UHD)
Display type	QLED, LED-backlit, LCD
screen size	98"
resolution	3840 x 2160 px
pixel density	45 ppi
display colors	1070 million
bit depth	10-bit
brightness (typical)	450 nits
contrast ratio	6000:1
refresh rate	60Hz
supports HDR10	✓
supports HDR10+	✓
supports Dolby Vision	✓
supports HLG	✓
Adaptive synchronization	AMD FreeSync, AMD FreeSync Premium
response time	5.7 ms
has anti-reflection coating	✓
has an ambient light sensor	✓
maximum horizontal viewing angle	178º
maximum vertical viewing angle	178º

The TCL 98C655 uses a 98-inch QLED, LED-backlit LCD panel with a 4K UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels at 45 ppi, rendering up to 1.07 billion colors through a 10-bit pipeline. Typical brightness is rated at 450 nits with a contrast ratio of 6000:1, and the panel operates at a native 60Hz refresh rate with a response time of 5.7 ms. Adaptive synchronization is handled by AMD FreeSync and AMD FreeSync Premium, and HDR support covers all four major formats: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG. The display includes an anti-reflection coating and an ambient light sensor, with both horizontal and vertical viewing angles reaching a maximum of 178 degrees.

Connectivity:

Has Bluetooth	✓
HDMI version	HDMI 2.1
HDMI ports	3
supports Wi-Fi	✓
Wi-Fi version	Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Bluetooth version	5
USB ports	1
is DLNA-certified	✓
RJ45 ports	1
supports Miracast	✓
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack	✓
has an external memory slot	✕
has a VGA connector	✕
DVB standards	DVB-C, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-T, DVB-T2
has a DVI connector	✕

The TCL 98C655 offers three HDMI 2.1 ports, a single USB port, and one RJ45 Ethernet port for wired connections, with no VGA, DVI, or external memory slot available. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) alongside Bluetooth 5.0, and the TV supports both Miracast and DLNA certification for network-based media sharing. A 3.5 mm headphone jack is also present. Tuner support spans DVB-C, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-T, and DVB-T2, covering the full range of terrestrial, cable, and satellite broadcast standards without requiring an external receiver.

Audio:

supports Dolby Digital	✓
audio output power	2 x 20W
supports Digital Out	✓
supports Dolby Digital Plus	✓
has SRS TheaterSound HD	✕
has stereo speakers	✓
has Dolby Atmos	✓
has Dolby Audio	✓
supports Dolby Virtual	✕
has a subwoofer	✓
has a DTS-HD High Resolution	✓
has DTS:X	✓
HDMI ARC / eARC	HDMI eARC, HDMI ARC

The TCL 98C655 features a stereo speaker system rated at 2 x 20W with a built-in subwoofer, providing more low-frequency output than configurations without one. Supported Dolby formats include Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Audio, and Dolby Atmos, while Dolby Virtual and SRS TheaterSound HD are not included. On the DTS side, both DTS:X and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio are supported, and Digital Out is available for connecting external audio equipment. Both HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC are present, allowing compatible soundbars and receivers to be integrated and controlled through a single HDMI connection.

Design:

width	2179 mm
weight	56500 g
thickness	71 mm
height	1247 mm
volume	192922.123 cm³
Supports VESA mount	✓
maximum operating temperature	35 °C
lowest potential operating temperature	5 °C

The TCL 98C655 measures 2179 mm wide, 1247 mm tall, and 71 mm thick, with a total volume of approximately 192,922 cm³ and a weight of 56,500 g. VESA mounting is supported for wall installation, and the set is rated to operate within a temperature range of 5 °C at the minimum up to a maximum of 35 °C.

Features:

has Chromecast built-in	✓
has AirPlay	✓
has built-in smart TV	✓
compatible with Google Assistant	✓
works with Alexa	✓
works with Siri/Apple HomeKit	✕
supports a remote smartphone	✓
has a rechargeable remote control	✕
supports USB recording	✕
operating power consumption	198W
standby power consumption	0.5W
has PiP	✕
has a search browser	✓
has a sleep timer	✓
has a child lock	✓
warranty period	2 years
has voice commands	✓
EU energy label	G

The TCL 98C655 runs a built-in smart TV platform with an integrated web browser and includes Chromecast built-in and AirPlay for wireless casting from a wide range of devices. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa compatibility is present alongside onboard voice commands, though Siri and Apple HomeKit are not supported. Smartphone remote control is available, while the physical remote is not rechargeable. USB recording and Picture-in-Picture are not supported on this model. Operating power consumption is rated at 198W with a standby draw of 0.5W, the set is backed by a two-year warranty, and it carries an EU energy label of G alongside a sleep timer and child lock for basic household controls.

Miscellaneous:

has a front camera	✕

Final Verdict

The TCL 98C655 is a 98-inch QLED television that makes a clear case for itself in large-screen home cinema setups, combining comprehensive HDR format coverage across all four major standards with AMD FreeSync Premium adaptive sync, a built-in subwoofer, and an extensive audio decoding suite that includes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The broad connectivity lineup, DLNA certification, and native support for both Chromecast and AirPlay round out a feature set that covers most everyday viewing and smart home integration needs. Where the set falls short — notably its native 60Hz refresh rate, considerable physical weight, high energy consumption, and absent USB recording — these are real constraints that prospective buyers should weigh carefully against the scale and specification of the panel. For users with the right room, the right setup, and a genuine appetite for a large-format viewing experience, the 98C655 delivers a well-specified package that few screen sizes can match in terms of sheer presence.