Today TCL dropped some juicy details on its 2023 premium LED/LCD line-up, including pricing and availability. With sizes from 32 inches all the way up to 98 inches and pricing from $200 to $10,000, it's safe to say TCL has a TV for everyone this year. TCL's 2023 premium TV models fall into two categories or classes: the "S Class" offers more affordable pricing while the "Q Class" represents the current state of the art in TV design and performance.
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Every new 2023 model in both the S Class and Q Class features a modern "bezel-less" design with the screen stretching practically from edge to edge: no chonky old-fashioned bezels to be found here. All models also feature true LED backlighting, not the inferior edge lighting that we see on many budget LED/LCD TVs. TCL has also beefed up its proprietary AIPQ Engine picture processor to improve picture performance over last year's already impressive-looking sets.
At the affordable end of the spectrum, TCL's new S3 model is a bit unusual in that it includes support for HDR (high dynamic range) without being an actual 4K TV. The S3 TV supports full HD resolution (1920x1080 pixels) but can handle the color gamut and dynamic range of 4K Ultra HD content. HDR10 and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) HDR formats are supported. The feeling is that at the smaller screen sizes, 4K resolution would be overkill and not worth the additional expense for many consumers. And as the ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) has noted, picture quality elements like contrast, color reproduction and color saturation are rated more critical to overall picture quality than the actual number of pixels on the screen, particularly on smaller TVs. Able to double as a PC Monitor, the TCL S3 Smart TV can also pair with Bluetooth headphones for a private listening experience. The S3 is available in 32-inch, 40-inch and 43-inch screen sizes, starting at $199.99 MSRP.
The step-up S4 model provides a full 4K Ultra HD resolution experience and adds support for Dolby Vision dynamic HDR in addition to HDR10 and HLG. The S4 model also includes Bluetooth headphone or speaker support, Auto Game Mode with Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and three high speed HDMI inputs. The S4 series 4K TV starts at $279.99 for a 43-inch model (shipping now) and is available in sizes up to 85 inches diagonally.
The "S Class" Smart TVs are available in two versions: models ending in "R" incorporate Roku TV streaming while models ending in "G" feature Google TV. The higher end "Q Class" QLED models are only offered with Google TV on-board. Either platform offers a rich selection of streaming apps, gaming options, Smart TV and smart home features.
Stepping into the higher performance "Q Class," all models feature QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode) technology with UltraWide Color Gamut for high brightness, excellent color accuracy and rich saturated colors. The Q Class includes three models: Q6, Q7 and QM8.
TCL's Q6 QLED TV for 2023 incorporates a high brightness LED backlight, and "Motion Rate 240" processing with MEMC frame insertion for exceptional brightness and motion clarity. The Q6 also includes a new Game Accelerator 120 feature, allowing up to 120 VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) gaming for more responsive gameplay without lag, and automatic game mode with Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). The Q6 line supports AMD FreeSync to automatically enable the lowest possible input lag.
HDR PRO+ processing lets Q6 owners enjoy enhanced contrast, accurate colors and fine details with support for not just HDR10 and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) but also both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ dynamic HDR formats. For audio, Dolby Atmos sound can be passed through to a compatible receiver or soundbar while DTS Virtual:X processing is on-board to create a more immersive sound from the existing TV speakers. Additional features include adjustable width feet, and Bluetooth personal audio for headphone connections.
Stepping up to the Q7 models, we start to see performance normally associated with the established top tier brands. In addition to features from the Q6 model, the Q7 adds a High Brightness PRO LED backlight with up to 1,000 Nits of peak luminance and Full Array PRO local dimming technology for superior contrast. Q7 models offer up to 200+ independent local dimming zones in order to support high contrast and deep blacks without image blooming. The Q7 also includes a native 120Hz panel refresh rate making it a good fit for action movies, video games, and live sporting events.
The Q7's "Motion Rate 480" with MEMC Frame Insertion yields exceptional motion clarity while TCL's new "Game Accelerator 240" feature allows for high speed gaming at up to 240 Hz variable refresh rate. Like the Q6, the Q7 includes an automatic game mode with ALLM, but the Q7 offers upgraded "AMD FreeSync Premium Pro" support which should satisfy hard-core gamers.
TCL's upgraded AIPQ Engine Gen3 with Deep Learning AI has been enhanced to automatically optimize color, contrast, and clarity for an enhanced 4K HDR experience. This processing allowed TCL to receive its first "IMAX Enhanced" certification on both the Q7 and QM8 televisions. The Q7 surpasses the Q6 models with "HDR ULTRA" - this includes support for Dolby Vision IQ as well as HDR10+, HDR10, & HLG. Like the Q6, the Q7 offers DTS Virtual:X for enhanced TV sound. The Q7 also includes a hands-free voice control-enabled and backlit remote, adjustable reversable feet, Bluetooth connections, and four high-speed HDMI inputs.
Beyond the features and performance of the Q7, TCL's top-of-the-line QM8 features mini-LED backlighting with up to 2,300+ local dimming zones. Precise zone control utilizes TCL's latest AIPQ Engine Gen3 picture processor to deliver a high quality image in virtually any lighting. The QM8 features a High Brightness ULTRA LED Backlight, with up to 2,000 Nits peak brightness, and Full Array ULTRA Local Dimming for preservation of both subtle shadow details and bright highlights. The QM8 also features enhanced audio with a built-in subwoofer and Wi-Fi 6 for improved connectivity, as well as a height adjustable pedestal stand to allow for greater versatility when choosing TV furniture or a sound bar.
In 2023, the company sees a particularly lucrative opportunity for extra large displays - TVs larger than 65 inches. TCL's Senior Vice President Chris Hamdorf told us a press briefing earlier this month that the company sold over 50,000 of its 98-inch TV last year, in China alone. Hamdorf sees even greater potential in the North American TV market.
Having now seen many of these TVs up close and in person (including this year's and last year's 98-inch models), I am inclined to agree. To have the option to bring home a massive flat panel TV that can provide a truly cinematic viewing experience without requiring a second mortgage is something that many American consumers will find compelling. Above 75-inch screen sizes, many consumers turn to projectors: either UST (Ultra Short Throw) projectors or traditional long throw projectors. But if you can get an 85-inch 4K flat panel TV for under $1,400 or a massive 98-inch flagship model for under $10K, the case for a huge flat panel TV becomes more compelling.
TCL plans to continue its aggressive pricing strategy to bring higher performance TVs to consumers at affordable prices. The 32-inch S3 Smart TV lists for $199, but sells for even less online. The S4 Model with 4K resolution starts at $279 MSRP in a 43-inch size but can be had for under $250 online. TCL's Q6 QLED models feature quantum dot color technology starting at under $500 for a 55-inch model and under $1600 at the 85-inch size. Even their new flagship, the 98-inch QM850 - an advanced QLED TV with Mini LED backlighting - will top out at $9,999 MSRP - thousands less than similarly sized competitive models. Actual street pricing will normally be lower than MSRP, sometimes significantly lower.
Lower prices don't necessarily mean lower quality. At the press event, TCL put one of their Q Class Quantum Dot LED TVs head to head against a competitive model selling for thousands of dollars more. On challenging content like the "Death Eaters" assault on Hogwarts in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II," The TCL set availed itself quite admirably. Voldemort's creepy noseless visage became even creepier and shadow details in the darkly lit scene were easier to make out without looking washed out or bland. Bright 4K UHD content also looked stunning on the new set with sunsets actually bordering on blinding in their peak luminance. These sets put the "High" in High Dynamic Range.
The new 98-inch QM8 model (98QM850G) includes over 2,300 individually controlled backlight zones for enhanced local contrast, deep blacks and bright saturated colors without blooming or haloing. All Q Class sets include support for not just HDR10 and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) but also Dolby Vision and HDR10+ dynamic HDR, meaning they can squeeze every last detail from all manner of premium 4K content, from streaming to next generation gaming consoles to UHD Blu-ray Discs.
Most of the new sets are available now from authorized TCL dealers or will begin shipping early next month. The new 98-inch flagship model is expected a little later in the year. The company's existing 98-inch model from 2022 (Model 98R754) is being carried over into 2023 and will sell alongside the new models. Note: Links for Roku TV versions of the S3 and S4 models will be added as they become available (Amazon is expected to have these in mid-June).
S3 Full HD 1080P LED/LCD TVs with HDR:
S4 4K LED/LCD TV with HDR:
Q6 QLED 4K Smart TV with HDR:
Q7 QLED 4K Smart TV with HDR and Local Dimming:
QM8 QLED 4K Smart TV with HDR and Mini LED Backlighting
Related Reading:
TCL's Massive 98-inch 4K TV Just Went on Sale at a Huge Discount
