NEW YORK, April 17, 2026, 12:45 EDT
On Friday, TCL widened its 2026 TV lineup in the U.S., rolling out the QM8L and QM7L SQD-Mini LED models and opening pre-orders for its first RGB-Mini LED, the RM9L. This followed the introduction of a more affordable UK series just one day before. In the U.S., pricing begins at $1,199.99 for the 55-inch QM7L, topping out at $29,999.99 for the massive 115-inch RM9L. Across the Atlantic, the new UK range kicks off at 379 pounds.
Put together, these consecutive launches show TCL is aiming for both the high-end U.S. market and the more budget-friendly QLED and Mini LED segments in Britain. The timing coincides with a broader push by TV brands to tout color tech: RGB backlights rely on separate red, green, and blue LEDs. TCL’s SQD-Mini LED setup—Super Quantum Dots—combines mini-LED backlighting, enhanced quantum dots, and a dedicated color filter.
So TCL sits on both ends of the debate. Samsung Electronics America rolled out its 2026 Micro RGB series this week, covering sizes from 55 all the way up to 115 inches. Hisense, for its part, has been working to bring RGB MiniLED to a broader range of screens. TCL’s own RM9L jumps into this crowded field, but the company is making the case that its less expensive SQD models could offer better value for most shoppers.
Chris Hamdorf, executive vice president for TCL North America, said pushing the latest color technology further than just the X11L flagship was the goal with the new lineup. “It’s amazing to see SQD-Mini LED deliver on that promise like no tech before it,” Hamdorf said in a statement. PR Newswire
TCL’s QM8L lineup is hitting shelves now, available in 65, 75, 85, and 98 inches, with sticker prices ranging from $2,499.99 up to $5,999.99. According to the company, these models pack as many as 4,000 local dimming zones—each one manages its own backlight, aimed at boosting contrast. Peak brightness tops out at 6,000 nits. Bang & Olufsen handles the audio tuning, and Google TV with Gemini is onboard.
The QM7L comes in 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, and 98-inch models, now up for pre-order, with prices starting at $1,199.99 and topping out at $3,999.99. According to TCL, the set can hit 2,100 dimming zones and peak brightness of 3,000 nits. However, as Gizmodo noted, it’s running a less powerful chip and, out of the gate, won’t have support for Dolby Vision 2 Max—the latest HDR format from Dolby.
TCL’s RM9L is its new RGB model, with pre-orders now up: $7,999.99 for the 85-inch, $9,999.99 for 98 inches, or $29,999.99 if you want the 115-inch version. According to TCL, the TV uses dedicated red, green, and blue LEDs, packs more than 3,800 local dimming zones, and boasts over 11,000 “color zones.” Dolby Vision 2 Max is promised via software update down the line. PR Newswire
Still, TCL isn’t mincing words about its value proposition. Scott Ramirez, vice president of product marketing and development for TCL North America, told Gizmodo the 85-inch QM8L may deliver “comparable” picture quality to the 85-inch RM9L, but at just half the cost. That’s a striking message coming from a company introducing both models simultaneously. Gizmodo
TCL added details for its UK lineup in a separate statement Thursday, fleshing out the cheaper end. As PC Guide notes, models P8L, P7L, V6D, and C6K will land in stores in May, with screen sizes stretching from 43 to 98 inches. Pricing starts at 649 pounds for the P8L, 379 pounds for the V6D Fire TV, and jumps to 1,999 pounds for the 98-inch C6K.
Still, TCL’s bold promises aren’t without caveats. The company touts 100% BT.2020 coverage—a high bar for color—but footnotes indicate actual results may differ depending on the unit or testing setup. Some headline features, such as Dolby Vision 2 Max and upgraded Google TV functions, also hinge on over-the-air updates that haven’t rolled out everywhere yet.
Third-party tests aren’t clearing things up. Reviews out on 2026 premium TVs point to strong color and brightness from the latest Mini-LED and RGB models, but also highlight compromises on viewing angles, value, and price. That leaves TCL’s wide lineup looking just as relevant as the specs themselves.
