Review of TCL 98-Inch Q65 QLED 4K Smart TV for Gaming and Movies

Description

Sleek Design and Immersive Display

The TCL 98-Inch Q65 QLED 4K UHD Smart TV (98Q651G) is undeniably massive, and its sleek build makes it a centerpiece for any living room. Setting it up was a bit of a workout, but the sheer size of the screen, combined with its ultra-thin bezels, immediately impressed me. The 4K UltraHD resolution is stunning, delivering incredible detail that makes you feel like you can dive right into the scene. Paired with QLED PRO technology, the colors are vibrant and lifelike, covering nearly the entire DCI-P3 color space. This TV truly brings movies and shows to life, almost like having a personal theater at home. And let’s not forget the High Brightness+ LED backlight, which ensures every frame is bright and sharp, even in a well-lit room.

Game-Changing Performance

As someone who enjoys gaming, I was particularly curious about the Game Accelerator 240 and the 120Hz panel refresh rate with variable refresh rate up to 144Hz. Once I fired up my console, I could immediately notice the difference. The gameplay was buttery smooth, and the Auto Game Mode (ALLM) reduced input lag to practically nothing. Whether you’re dodging enemies in fast-paced shooters or exploring open-world games, the motion clarity with Motion Rate 480 and MEMC frame insertion ensures a fluid and immersive experience. It’s clear that this TV isn’t just for watching—it’s built to perform for gaming enthusiasts as well.

Audio Quality That Packs a Punch

Let’s talk sound. Built-in TV speakers are usually, well, meh. However, this model surprised me with its built-in subwoofer. The deeper bass added richness to the audio, especially during action scenes or when listening to music. While it’s no substitute for a dedicated sound system, the audio quality is a noticeable step up from standard TV speakers. Watching a movie with Dolby Atmos enabled truly feels like being wrapped in sound—dialogues are crisp, and background scores feel immersive.

Positives

• Stunning 4K UltraHD resolution ensures unparalleled image clarity.
• QLED PRO technology delivers rich and vibrant colors.
• Game Accelerator 240 is perfect for gaming enthusiasts.
• Built-in subwoofer adds depth to sound without needing external speakers.

Areas for Improvement

• The sheer size of the TV might not suit smaller living spaces.
• Audio clarity at higher volumes could use some refinement—it tends to distort slightly.
• The interface could feel sluggish at times, especially when switching between apps.

Smart Features and Usability

Navigating through the Google TV interface was straightforward for the most part. Voice commands with the included remote that works with Alexa made searching for content a breeze, though I did notice slight delays occasionally. Streaming services loaded quickly, and the TV offers support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, ensuring you’re covered for virtually any content format. However, I found myself wishing the interface were just a tad more responsive, especially on such a premium device.

Market Rivals

Compared to other large TVs, like those from Samsung or LG, this TV holds its own in terms of image quality and gaming features. The Quantum Dot technology rivals Samsung’s QLED lineup, and the 144Hz variable refresh rate stands out as a key advantage for gamers. That said, LG’s OLED TVs offer better black levels and contrast, which might appeal more to cinephiles. On the other hand, TCL offers better overall value for those prioritizing size and gaming performance without breaking the bank.

Cost-Effectiveness

This TV is undeniably a significant investment, but the features it offers—like HDR PRO+, Motion Rate 480, and the TCL AIPQ PRO processor—justify the price tag, especially for gamers and movie lovers. While it might not be the most budget-friendly option, the bang for the buck is evident when you consider its impressive performance across multiple use cases. If you’re looking for a massive screen with top-tier features, it’s worth every penny—provided you have the space to accommodate it.