TCL 98QM9K 98" specifications and in-depth review

TCL 98QM9K 98"

Manufacturer: TCL

The TCL 98QM9K is a large-screen television built around a 97.5-inch QLED Mini-LED LCD panel, offering a 4K UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels at 54 ppi. Designed for expansive viewing environments, it supports a wide range of HDR formats and integrates a built-in smart TV platform with Chromecast, AirPlay, Google Assistant, and Alexa compatibility, alongside voice command functionality and a built-in browser.

On the technical side, the TCL 98QM9K runs at a 144Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro adaptive sync, making it suitable for fast-motion content. Connectivity includes four HDMI 2.1 ports with ARC and eARC support, two USB ports, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and an RJ45 Ethernet port. The audio system features Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS:X decoding, with stereo speakers built in. The panel covers 178-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angles and includes an ambient light sensor with anti-reflection coating.

Pros
  • Supports all four major HDR formats — HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG — covering a wide range of content sources
  • 144Hz refresh rate combined with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro adaptive sync reduces screen tearing for fast-motion content
  • Four HDMI 2.1 ports provide ample connections for high-bandwidth devices simultaneously
  • Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 offer up to date wireless connectivity
  • Comprehensive audio format support including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and HDMI eARC for external sound systems
  • Built-in Chromecast, AirPlay, Google Assistant, and Alexa cover multiple smart home and streaming ecosystems
Cons
  • At 56 kg, the set is very heavy, making installation and repositioning physically demanding
  • No 3.5mm headset jack limits direct headphone connectivity
  • Does not support Siri or Apple HomeKit, leaving out part of the Apple ecosystem
  • The remote control is not rechargeable, requiring disposable batteries
  • No built-in subwoofer, so the stereo speaker setup may not deliver deep bass without an external audio system
  • Warranty period is limited to one year
Who is this for?

This TV is well suited to large living rooms or dedicated home theater spaces where a 97.5-inch 4K Mini-LED display can be appreciated at a comfortable viewing distance. The 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support make it a practical choice for console and PC gaming setups that benefit from reduced screen tearing, while the comprehensive HDR format coverage — including Dolby Vision and HDR10+ — serves users who consume a wide variety of streaming and physical media content. The broad smart platform integration with Chromecast, AirPlay, Google Assistant, and Alexa also makes it fitting for households already invested in multi-ecosystem smart home environments.

Who is this NOT for?

The set's physical dimensions and weight of 56 kg make it entirely impractical for small or medium-sized rooms, where the screen size would be excessive and safe installation difficult without dedicated structural support. Users who rely on headphones for private listening will find the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack a notable limitation, as direct wired headphone connection is not possible. Additionally, households within the Apple ecosystem expecting full Siri and HomeKit integration will find that functionality absent, and those seeking a self-contained audio experience without external equipment may find the stereo-only speaker configuration without a subwoofer insufficient for bass-heavy or cinematic audio.

Display:

display resolution 4K (UHD)
Display type QLED, LED-backlit, LCD, Mini-LED
screen size 97.5"
resolution 3840 x 2160 px
pixel density 54 ppi
display colors 1070 million
bit depth 10-bit
refresh rate 144Hz
supports HDR10
supports HDR10+
supports Dolby Vision
supports HLG
Adaptive synchronization AMD FreeSync, AMD FreeSync Premium, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
has anti-reflection coating
has an ambient light sensor
maximum horizontal viewing angle 178º
maximum vertical viewing angle 178º

The TCL 98QM9K features a 97.5-inch QLED Mini-LED LCD panel with a native 4K UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels and a pixel density of 54 ppi, rendering up to 1.07 billion colors at 10-bit depth. It supports a broad range of HDR standards including HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG, and its 144Hz refresh rate is complemented by AMD FreeSync, FreeSync Premium, and FreeSync Premium Pro adaptive sync for smoother motion handling. Viewing angles reach 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically, while an anti-reflection coating and ambient light sensor help adapt the image to different lighting conditions.

Connectivity:

Has Bluetooth
HDMI version HDMI 2.1
HDMI ports 4
supports Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Bluetooth version 5.4
USB ports 2
RJ45 ports 1
supports Miracast
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
has an external memory slot
has a VGA connector
has a DVI connector

The TCL 98QM9K offers a well-rounded connectivity setup, headlined by four HDMI 2.1 ports and a single RJ45 Ethernet port for wired networking. Wireless options include Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 6, along with Bluetooth 5.4 and Miracast support. Two USB ports are available for peripheral use, though the TV does not include an external memory slot, a 3.5mm headset jack, or legacy video connectors such as VGA or DVI.

Audio:

supports Dolby Digital
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 DTS:X
HDMI ARC / eARC HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC

The TCL 98QM9K includes stereo speakers and supports a broad set of audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus, as well as DTS:X. Digital Out is available for connecting external audio equipment, and the TV supports both HDMI ARC and eARC for streamlined audio passthrough. Dolby Virtual and SRS TheaterSound HD are not supported, and there is no built-in subwoofer.

Design:

width 2166.1 mm
weight 56001 g
thickness 54.1 mm
height 1235.9 mm
volume 144830.189759 cm³
Supports VESA mount
maximum operating temperature 35 °C
lowest potential operating temperature 5 °C

The TCL 98QM9K has a width of 2166.1 mm and a height of 1235.9 mm, with a thickness of 54.1 mm and a total volume of approximately 144,830 cm³. It weighs 56,001 g and supports VESA mounting for wall installation. The unit is rated to operate within a temperature range of 5 °C to 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
standby power consumption 0.5W
has a search browser
has a sleep timer
has a child lock
warranty period 1 years
has voice commands

The TCL 98QM9K runs a built-in smart TV platform with Chromecast and AirPlay built in, and is compatible with both Google Assistant and Alexa for voice commands, though it does not support Siri or Apple HomeKit. Smartphone remote control is supported, while the remote control itself is not rechargeable. Additional features include USB recording, a built-in web browser, a sleep timer, and a child lock. Standby power consumption is rated at 0.5W, and the TV comes with a 1-year warranty.

Final Verdict

The TCL 98QM9K is a large-format television that brings together a capable set of display and smart platform specifications in a single unit. Its 97.5-inch Mini-LED panel with 144Hz refresh rate, full adaptive sync support, and comprehensive HDR format coverage make it a technically well-equipped option for dedicated viewing spaces and gaming setups alike. That said, its considerable size and weight demand thoughtful installation, and users expecting a complete out-of-the-box audio experience or full Apple ecosystem integration may need to supplement accordingly. For those with the right environment and setup, the TCL 98QM9K represents a technically thorough choice in the large-screen TV category.

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