TCL 98-Inch QLED 4K Smart TV 98Q651G review with Dolby Vision and HDR Pro+

Description

Striking Design and Immersive Display

I’ve had my fair share of TVs, but the 98-inch TCL Q65 QLED 4K UHD Smart TV truly stands out. Its bezel-less design is sleek and modern, making it a centerpiece in my living room. At nearly 100 inches, the size itself is jaw-dropping. Watching movies, sports, or even casual TV shows on this massive screen feels like being in a cinema. The QLED Quantum Dot Technology ensures rich and vibrant colors that pop, covering nearly the entire DCI-P3 color space. Honestly, I found myself mesmerized by the depth and accuracy of the colors—it’s unlike anything I’ve seen on other TVs.

The 4K UltraHD resolution paired with HDR PRO+ (Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG) enhances contrast and fine details. Even the shadows and highlights in darker scenes are crystal-clear, which I noticed while binge-watching a thriller series. The High Brightness+ LED backlight works wonders, especially in my brightly lit room, making it easy to enjoy shows without any annoying glare.

Performance That Feels Unmatched

When I tested this TV for gaming, the Game Accelerator 240 blew me away. The responsiveness is incredible, with up to 240Hz Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) ensuring buttery-smooth gameplay. Whether it was fast-paced racing games or intense shooter matches, there was no lag or stutter. The Auto Game Mode (ALLM) automatically kicked in, offering ultra-low input latency—a dream for competitive gaming.

For general viewing, the Motion Rate 480 with MEMC frame insertion ensured smooth transitions, especially in fast-moving scenes. I watched a high-action movie, and there wasn’t a single moment of motion blur, which is a big deal for me. It’s clear the TCL AIPQ PRO Processor with Deep Learning AI is doing some heavy lifting, optimizing color, contrast, and clarity in real time.

Key Benefits

• Massive 98-inch screen for a true cinematic experience.
• QLED PRO technology delivers vibrant, lifelike colors.
• Game Accelerator 240 and ALLM cater perfectly to gamers.
• HDR PRO+ with Dolby Vision enhances detail and contrasts.
• Motion clarity that’s second to none, even in fast-paced scenes.

Audio: An Enhanced Experience

The sound quality on this TV is surprisingly good for built-in speakers. The Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X technologies create an immersive audio experience that fills the room. I didn’t feel the need to immediately hook up a soundbar, which is rare for me. The built-in subwoofer adds a richer bass, perfect for action-packed movies or concerts.

One feature I particularly appreciated was the Enhanced Dialogue Mode. It’s a lifesaver when watching shows where characters mumble or whisper (looking at you, British dramas). It elevates the clarity of voices without cranking up the volume on everything else.

Areas for Improvement

• The sheer size of the TV may not be suitable for smaller spaces.
• The 120.15-pound weight makes mounting a challenge, so plan ahead for installation.
• While the audio is good, audiophiles might still prefer external speakers or a sound system.

Smart Features: Convenience at Your Fingertips

Navigating the smart features on this TV is seamless thanks to Google TV. I was able to use voice commands through the voice remote, which works with Alexa as well. The built-in Chromecast made it easy to mirror content from my phone or laptop. I loved how effortlessly I could switch between apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube.

It’s worth mentioning the TV’s wide color enhancer plays a significant role in streaming platforms. Shows look as close to their intended quality as possible, with no weird oversaturation or flat tones.

Competing Products

Compared to other brands like Samsung QLED and LG OLED TVs, this TCL model holds its ground remarkably well. While LG’s OLED technology might offer slightly better blacks and contrast, it lacks the brightness levels achieved by this TCL QLED model. Samsung’s QLED lineup matches TCL in brightness and color vibrancy but often comes at a steeper price point.

One area where TCL shines is gaming performance. The Game Accelerator 240 and ALLM are features that outpace most competitors in this price range. However, brands like Sony tend to have more robust built-in audio, though they require a higher investment.

Price Performance

I believe the value this TV offers is exceptional. Despite its impressive array of features, the cost remains competitive when compared to similar QLED TVs on the market. The price-to-quality ratio is hard to beat, especially if you’re looking for a TV that excels both as a home theater centerpiece and a gaming monitor. Although it’s an investment, the 98-inch screen size, cutting-edge technology, and gaming enhancements make it worth every penny.

Would I recommend this TV? Absolutely. It’s not perfect, but the pros far outweigh the cons, and it’s a treat for anyone who loves an immersive viewing or gaming experience.

Additional information