Shopping for a TCL 98-inch QM8 QLED TV means choosing between two closely matched 2024 listings, not between different screen sizes or display families. Both pair QD-Mini LED backlighting with QLED color, Google TV, Dolby Vision IQ, and headline brightness claims of up to 5,000 nits. My best overall pick is the TCL 98-Inch QM8 QD-Mini LED 4K Smart TV with Google TV (2024), whose listing spells out a 144 Hz refresh rate and extensive gaming details. The TCL 98-Inch QM8 QLED 4K Smart QD-Mini LED TV is my best for specification clarity: it explicitly separates its native 120 Hz panel from variable refresh rates up to 144 Hz, and lists a 90-day limited warranty.
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The practical tradeoff is less about image technology than about interpreting the listings. One describes 144 Hz directly; the other clarifies that 120 Hz is native and higher rates are variable or motion-related. Both are enormous 98-inch televisions, so wall space, installation, and viewing distance matter as much as their picture features. I compare the supplied specifications rather than treating either listing’s peak figures as a guarantee of everyday performance.
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Key Takeaways
- Both listings describe the same core proposition: a 98-inch 4K QD-Mini LED and QLED television with Google TV and up to 5,000 nits peak brightness.
- The first listing is my overall pick because it clearly names a 144 Hz refresh rate and lists Game Accelerator 240, Auto Game Mode, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.
- The second listing is more explicit about panel behavior: it states a native 120 Hz rate with variable refresh up to 144 Hz, helping buyers distinguish native from variable rates.
- Warranty deserves attention: the second listing specifies a 90-day limited warranty; the first listing does not provide a warranty term in the supplied details.
- Neither is a space-saving choice: the nearly 86-inch listed width and missing stand measurement for the first model make room planning and setup checks essential.
| TCL 98-Inch QM8 QD-Mini LED 4K Smart TV with Google TV (2024) |  | Best Overall | Screen size and resolution: 98 inches; 4K | Display technology: QD Mini-LED and QLED | Refresh rate: 144 Hz listed | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TCL 98-Inch QM8 QLED 4K Smart QD-Mini LED TV with Google TV (2024 Model) |  | Best for Specification Clarity | Model and year: 98QM851G; 2024 | Screen size and resolution: 98 inches; 4K | Display technology: QD Mini-LED and QLED | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| tcl 98 inch qm85 qled tv review | Screen size and resolution | Display technology | Refresh rate | Peak brightness and dimming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCL 98-Inch QM8 QD-Mini LED 4K | 98 inches; 4K | QD Mini-LED and QLED | 144 Hz listed | Up to 5,000 nits; up to 5,000 local dimming zones |
| TCL 98-Inch QM8 QLED 4K Smart | 98 inches; 4K | QD Mini-LED and QLED | 120 Hz native; variable refresh up to 144 Hz | Up to 5,000 nits; up to 5,000 local dimming zones |
More Details on Our Top Picks
TCL 98-Inch QM8 QD-Mini LED 4K Smart TV with Google TV (2024)
This listing is my best overall choice for a buyer who wants a giant QM8 with the key picture, streaming, and gaming features spelled out. Its 98-inch 4K panel combines QD Mini-LED backlighting and QLED color, and it supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision IQ, and HLG. That breadth gives a mixed streaming library a better chance of using its supported HDR format without requiring the buyer to choose content around one standard.
The strongest differentiator here is the way the gaming package is presented: the listing specifies a 144 Hz refresh rate, Game Accelerator 240, Auto Game Mode, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. Those features make it more compelling for someone connecting a capable gaming PC or console than a large screen intended only for films and television. The other listing also cites gaming features and variable refresh up to 144 Hz, but its native panel rate is explicitly 120 Hz; this one’s headline refresh description is simpler, though buyers should still check the exact signal modes they plan to use.
Brightness and local dimming claims are ambitious, with up to 5,000 nits and up to 5,000 dimming zones listed. They signal a design aimed at bright HDR and contrast control, but “up to” figures are peak specifications, not a promise that every scene will reach those levels. Audio is more substantial on paper than basic television speakers: Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X, and an ONKYO system with a built-in subwoofer are included. Still, buyers building a dedicated cinema room may prefer a separate sound system.
The main drawback is physical, not a missing headline feature. At about 85.75 inches wide, the television needs a suitable wall or furniture plan, and the listed dimensions do not include a stand measurement. The supplied details also omit a warranty term, while the companion listing explicitly states 90 days. I would confirm the included stand dimensions, delivery access, and warranty coverage before committing. Compared with the second QM8, this is the more straightforward gaming-led pick, but not the clearer choice for buyers who prioritize native refresh-rate wording and documented warranty information.
Pros:- 98-inch 4K screen with QD Mini-LED backlighting and QLED color
- Supports Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG
- Lists a 144 Hz refresh rate, Game Accelerator 240, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
- ONKYO audio system includes a built-in subwoofer and Dolby Atmos support
Cons:- Its 98-inch width calls for careful room, wall, and delivery-access planning
- The supplied dimensions do not include a stand measurement, and no warranty term is listed
Best for: Buyers who want a 98-inch TCL QM8 for mixed HDR streaming and gaming, and value a listing that directly names 144 Hz plus key gaming features.
Not ideal for: Shoppers with limited wall or doorway clearance, buyers who need documented stand dimensions or warranty terms before purchase, and those seeking a compact or simple television setup.
- Screen size and resolution:98 inches; 4K
- Display technology:QD Mini-LED and QLED
- Refresh rate:144 Hz listed
- Peak brightness and dimming:Up to 5,000 nits; up to 5,000 local dimming zones
- HDR formats:HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
- Gaming:Game Accelerator 240, Auto Game Mode, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
- Smart platform and audio:Google TV; Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X, ONKYO speakers with built-in subwoofer
- Connections:4 HDMI ports; Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi
- Listed dimensions:1.61 in D × 85.75 in W × 49.21 in H; stand measurement not included
Our verdict“I would choose this QM8 for a feature-rich 98-inch gaming and HDR setup, provided I verified the stand fit and warranty details first.”
TCL 98-Inch QM8 QLED 4K Smart QD-Mini LED TV with Google TV (2024 Model)
This second listing makes the most sense for buyers who want the refresh-rate language stated carefully rather than reduced to a single headline number. It identifies the native panel rate as 120 Hz and variable refresh as up to 144 Hz. That distinction is useful when checking compatibility with a gaming source: native refresh and variable refresh describe different aspects of operation, and the higher figure should not be read as a constant panel rate in every mode.
For most of the core experience, this TV sits close to the first pick. It has the same 98-inch 4K format, QD Mini-LED and QLED combination, up-to-5,000-nit peak brightness claim, up-to-5,000 local dimming zones, Google TV, and support for Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG. It also lists Game Accelerator 240, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and Auto Game Mode. The first listing is easier to read as a direct 144 Hz proposition; this one is better for a buyer who wants the native-versus-variable distinction made explicit.
The audio specification is a potential plus for an all-in-one setup. The listing names Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X, and an ONKYO system with up-firing drivers and a built-in subwoofer. Those features may help provide fuller sound than a basic built-in speaker arrangement, but they do not remove the need for external audio if a buyer wants a more separate, room-filling cinema system. As with the first model, the specification sheet alone cannot establish how the TV will sound in a particular room.
Ownership details cut both ways. This listing names a 90-day limited warranty, which is more concrete than the first listing’s supplied information, but buyers should read the actual warranty terms and decide whether that stated period suits their needs. Its main stated tradeoff is the 120 Hz native panel, with higher refresh figures applying to variable refresh or motion features. Since both products are very large and closely aligned on picture technology, this option is less about gaining a different display and more about choosing transparent refresh-rate wording and having a stated warranty detail. I would skip it if I specifically wanted the listing to present 144 Hz as its straightforward headline panel rate or need a longer documented coverage period.
Pros:- Clearly identifies a native 120 Hz panel and variable refresh up to 144 Hz
- Combines QD Mini-LED and QLED with support for multiple HDR formats
- Lists Auto Game Mode, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and Game Accelerator 240
- Names an ONKYO system with up-firing drivers, a built-in subwoofer, and Dolby Atmos
Cons:- Native panel refresh is 120 Hz; higher refresh figures refer to variable or motion features
- The supplied listing states a 90-day limited warranty, so buyers should inspect coverage terms
- Its 98-inch size still demands substantial clearance and careful installation planning
Best for: Buyers who want the native 120 Hz and variable refresh up to 144 Hz distinction stated clearly, plus a listed warranty term.
Not ideal for: Shoppers who prefer a direct 144 Hz headline specification, need a longer warranty than the listed 90-day limited term, or cannot accommodate a 98-inch television.
- Model and year:98QM851G; 2024
- Screen size and resolution:98 inches; 4K
- Display technology:QD Mini-LED and QLED
- Refresh rate:120 Hz native; variable refresh up to 144 Hz
- Peak brightness and dimming:Up to 5,000 nits; up to 5,000 local dimming zones
- HDR formats:Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
- Gaming and smart platform:Game Accelerator 240, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Auto Game Mode; Google TV
- Audio and connections:Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X, ONKYO speakers with up-firing drivers and subwoofer; 4 HDMI ports
- Warranty:90-day limited warranty
Our verdict“I would pick this version when clear refresh-rate wording and a stated warranty matter more than a simple 144 Hz headline.”
How We Picked
I ranked these options for shoppers specifically seeking a 98-inch TCL QM8 QLED TV, not for general television buyers. The supplied descriptions make the central comparison unusually close: both are 2024 98-inch 4K models with QD Mini-LED and QLED technology, Google TV, multiple HDR formats, four HDMI ports, and similar gaming and audio claims. I did not treat repeated marketing figures as proof that one will look brighter or perform better in every room.
My ranking favors how clearly each listing helps a buyer make a decision. The first earns Best Overall because its specs directly present a 144 Hz refresh rate alongside named gaming functions and broad HDR support. The second earns Best for Specification Clarity because it identifies a native 120 Hz panel and distinguishes that from variable refresh up to 144 Hz. That distinction helps buyers who want to know what the panel rate means before connecting a console or PC.
I also considered fit and ownership information, since a 98-inch set can be difficult to accommodate and install. The first listing gives width and height but says its dimensions exclude a stand measurement; the second names a 90-day limited warranty. These details are not minor for a television this large. Neither listing provides enough information to establish actual room-by-room HDR performance, full stand dimensions, or long-term support beyond what is stated, so I call out those gaps rather than guessing.
| tcl 98 inch qm85 qled tv review | HDR formats |
|---|---|
| TCL 98-Inch QM8 QD-Mini LED 4K | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG |
| TCL 98-Inch QM8 QLED 4K Smart | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Tcl 98 Inch Qm85 Qled Tv Review
Because both options are 98-inch QM8 televisions with closely overlapping features, I would focus on the details that change setup, gaming expectations, and ownership confidence. The following checks help separate a genuine fit from an impressive specification sheet.
Start with room access and mounting
A 98-inch screen is a major installation, not a routine upgrade. The first listing gives a width of 85.75 inches and a height of 49.21 inches, but its supplied dimensions exclude the stand measurement. Measure the intended wall, furniture, and route into the room, including hall turns, stairs, elevators, and door openings. Ask for the complete dimensions in the configuration you plan to use. A screen this wide can dominate a modest room, and a mount or stand needs to support the set’s actual size and weight. Neither listing’s core picture features can solve an access problem after delivery is scheduled.
Read refresh-rate claims in context
The listings use different wording that matters most to gaming buyers. The first presents a 144 Hz refresh rate; the second states a 120 Hz native panel with variable refresh up to 144 Hz. Variable refresh can help a display respond to changing game frame rates, but it is not the same specification as native panel refresh. Game Accelerator 240 is also a named gaming feature, not a substitute for checking supported input modes. Before choosing, compare the television’s supported resolutions and refresh rates with the actual console or PC you intend to connect, and check which HDMI input supports the mode you want.
Treat peak brightness as a ceiling, not a viewing promise
Both listings advertise up to 5,000 nits of peak brightness and up to 5,000 local dimming zones. Those figures point to a television designed for bright HDR highlights and contrast control, but peak output is not the same as sustained brightness across an entire screen or in every picture mode. QD Mini-LED and QLED describe the backlight and color approach; HDR format support determines which signals the TV can accept. Both models support Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, so format support does not offer a major reason to choose one over the other.
Weigh built-in sound against a separate system
Each television lists Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X, and ONKYO audio with a built-in subwoofer. The second listing also names up-firing drivers, while the first calls out an ONKYO speaker system. These details suggest more audio capability than a minimal speaker setup, but built-in processing and drivers do not guarantee the same effect in every room. If you already own a soundbar or receiver, check how you plan to connect it and whether the built-in system will be a temporary solution or your main audio. Choose based on your room and listening expectations, not the format name alone.
Check warranty and listing details before ordering
The second listing specifies a 90-day limited warranty; the supplied details for the first do not state a term. That makes the second listing clearer on this point, but the stated period is short enough that I would read the actual terms, exclusions, and seller information before deciding. For the first, ask the seller or manufacturer for the applicable coverage rather than assuming it matches the other model. Also verify included accessories, stand dimensions, delivery service, and return arrangements. These questions have extra weight for a television of this size because moving or replacing it is more involved than with a smaller set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these two TCL 98-inch QM8 listings different televisions?
The supplied information describes two closely matched 2024 TCL 98-inch QM8 televisions with 4K resolution, QD Mini-LED and QLED technology, Google TV, similar HDR support, and four HDMI ports. Their clearest stated differences are how refresh rate is described and what warranty information is provided. I would verify the exact model number and included accessories on the listing before ordering, since the names alone do not explain every possible package distinction.
Which model should I choose for gaming?
I would lean toward the first listing if I want a straightforward 144 Hz headline with Game Accelerator 240, Auto Game Mode, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro named in the specifications. The second may suit a buyer who prefers the explicit distinction between a 120 Hz native panel and variable refresh up to 144 Hz. In either case, check the supported resolution and refresh mode for your console or PC and the HDMI input you plan to use instead of assuming every source will run at the highest listed rate.
Does up to 5,000 nits mean the TV stays that bright all the time?
No. The listings state peak brightness of up to 5,000 nits, which is a maximum-style specification rather than a guarantee of sustained brightness across all content, screen areas, and picture settings. Actual viewing depends on the image, selected mode, room conditions, and other factors not fully established by the supplied descriptions. Both sets share the same headline brightness claim, so I would not use it alone to distinguish them.
Is the 90-day limited warranty a difference between the two options?
The second listing explicitly states a 90-day limited warranty; the supplied details for the first do not give a warranty term. That does not prove the first has no coverage, only that the information provided here does not specify it. I would confirm the applicable manufacturer and seller terms for either option, including what is covered, any exclusions, and how service is arranged before buying a screen this large.
What should I measure before choosing a 98-inch TV?
Measure the display area, stand or mount location, and the full delivery route into the room. The first listing gives a width of 85.75 inches but does not include a stand measurement, so request the complete dimensions for the setup you plan to use. Check doorways, corners, stairwells, elevators, and wall strength as well as the final viewing position. A suitable viewing distance and secure installation matter just as much as having enough wall width.
Conclusion
For a buyer who wants the clearest all-around gaming-and-HDR feature pitch, I recommend the TCL 98-Inch QM8 QD-Mini LED 4K Smart TV (B0CZM9BW6B). Its listing directly names 144 Hz and includes a strong set of gaming features, though I would first confirm stand dimensions and warranty coverage. For someone who values precise refresh-rate wording and wants a stated warranty term, the TCL 98-Inch QM8 QLED 4K Smart QD-Mini LED TV (B0HK1MJG2L) is the better match; its tradeoffs are a 120 Hz native panel and a listed 90-day limited warranty.
I would not choose between them based on their shared 5,000-nit peak claim or similar HDR list. Both target the same buyer: someone with room for a very large 4K display who wants Mini-LED contrast, QLED color, Google TV, and gaming support. If your space, delivery access, or installation plan is uncertain, pause and measure first. With those practical questions answered, choose the first for the more direct 144 Hz pitch, or the second for clearer native-rate and warranty details.
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