TL;DR
TCL introduced the X11L SQD‑Mini LED TV at CES, pairing blue LED backlighting with newly formulated quantum dots and an UltraColor filter to expand color and brightness. The set promises high peak brightness, extensive dimming zones, Dolby Vision 2 support via OTA, and three screen sizes now available for preorder.
What happened
At CES, TCL unveiled the X11L SQD‑Mini LED, a large‑format TV that departs from the RGB‑LED approach many manufacturers are highlighting this year. The X11L retains a blue LED backlight but relies on reformulated quantum dots and TCL CSOT’s UltraColor Filter to produce per‑pixel color, a combination the company says allows the panel to cover 100 percent of BT.2020, DCI‑P3 and Adobe RGB gamuts. TCL also pushed peak brightness figures — the display is rated up to 10,000 nits — and has as many as 20,000 local dimming zones (the highest count is expected on the 98‑inch model). The set will receive Dolby Vision 2 via an over‑the‑air update later in the year, offers four HDMI 2.1 inputs, includes Gemini for Google TV, and will add an Xbox Game Pass app via OTA. TCL is taking preorders for 85‑ and 98‑inch models now, with a 75‑inch arriving months later.
Why it matters
- Presents an alternative to RGB‑LED panels by using quantum dots and an improved color filter to generate saturated colors without colored backlight LEDs.
- Extremely high reported peak brightness and a very large number of local dimming zones could improve HDR impact and contrast on large screens.
- Adds future HDR compatibility with planned Dolby Vision 2 support, positioning the set for upcoming content and formats.
- Includes modern connectivity and platform features (HDMI 2.1, Google TV’s Gemini, Xbox Game Pass app via OTA) that address gamers and streaming audiences.
Key facts
- Backlight: blue LEDs paired with reformulated quantum dots and TCL CSOT’s UltraColor Filter.
- Color coverage: TCL claims 100% of BT.2020, DCI‑P3 and Adobe RGB color gamuts.
- Peak brightness: rated up to 10,000 nits.
- Local dimming: up to 20,000 dimming zones, with the 98‑inch model expected to reach that count.
- HDR: Dolby Vision 2 support will arrive as an over‑the‑air update later in the year.
- Inputs and apps: four HDMI 2.1 ports, Gemini for Google TV, and Xbox Game Pass app support via OTA.
- Audio: ships with built‑in Bang & Olufsen speakers; reviewer reported strong immersive sound and deep bass during a demo.
- Availability and pricing: 98‑ and 85‑inch sizes are on preorder (98" $9,999.99; 85" $7,999.99); 75" listed at $6,999.99 and coming later with no firm date.
- Comparative note: TCL says its approach avoids the color crosstalk that can affect RGB‑LED designs with real content.
What to watch next
- How the X11L’s quantum dot + UltraColor Filter approach performs against RGB‑LED TVs on real‑world content, not just test patterns.
- Timing and availability of Dolby Vision 2 content to make use of the TV’s forthcoming update.
- Whether TCL follows its past pattern of cutting launch prices for large TVs later in the year (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Quantum dots: Nanoparticles that emit specific wavelengths of light when stimulated; used in TVs to expand color range and improve saturation.
- Local dimming (dimming zones): A backlight control method that adjusts brightness in discrete areas of the screen to improve contrast and black levels.
- BT.2020: A wide color gamut standard used for high dynamic range video and future‑proof color reproduction benchmarks.
- Dolby Vision 2: An advanced HDR format that adds dynamic metadata and, in its latest iterations, new scene‑by‑scene processing features (availability of content varies).
- HDMI 2.1: A version of the HDMI specification that supports higher bandwidth, variable refresh rates, and features useful for next‑gen gaming and high‑frame‑rate video.
Reader FAQ
Does the X11L use RGB LEDs for its backlight?
No. The X11L uses blue LEDs for backlighting and produces color with reformulated quantum dots and an UltraColor Filter.
Will the TV support Dolby Vision 2 at launch?
Dolby Vision 2 will be added via an over‑the‑air update later in the year, not at initial shipping.
What sizes and prices are available?
Preorders are open for 85‑ and 98‑inch models (98" $9,999.99; 85" $7,999.99). A 75‑inch model is planned at $6,999.99 with no firm release date.
Does it support gaming features and apps?
The set includes four HDMI 2.1 ports and will gain the Xbox Game Pass app through an OTA update; it also runs Gemini for Google TV.
TECH GADGETS NEWS TCL challenges RGB LED at CES with its X11L SQD-Mini LED TV The X11L is one of the brightest and most colorful TVs of CES. by John…
Sources
- TCL challenges RGB LED at CES with its X11L SQD-Mini LED TV
- TCL Unveils X11L Series SQD-Mini LED TV at CES 2026, …
- TCL launches next-gen SQD mini-LED TV at CES
- I went hands-on with TCL's first SQD Mini-LED TV
Related posts
- Cozyla’s 55-inch Calendar Plus Max concept is a TV-sized smart calendar
- TCL revives Max Ink Mode on updated NXTPaper 70 Pro smartphone
- Twelve South Valet: a stylish catchall tray that also charges gadgets