TCL X11L review: One of the best out-of-the-box TVs that's entered our testing lab
Source: ZDNet
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The TCL X11L is available now for $8,000 (85‑inch model).
- Its all‑new SDQ‑Mini LED panel delivers great colour accuracy, a peak brightness of 10,000 nits, and 20,000+ local‑dimming zones.
- It’s offered in very limited screen sizes and at a premium price.
$6,962.79 at Amazon – Mar 2026
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In January 2026, TCL reached a tentative agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Sony’s Bravia TV brand. Electronics—including new TVs—co‑branded by TCL and Sony are expected to hit shelves in 2027.
For a brand once seen as a budget option, TCL has made significant strides. Hardware refreshes such as updated LED and QLED panels and support for high‑resolution audio (e.g., Dolby Atmos) have pushed picture and sound quality to compete with Samsung, Sony, and LG.
Also: The best 85‑inch TVs you can buy
The 2025 generation introduced flagship models like the TCL QM8K, offering premium features that rival OLED. With the release of the TCL X11L, the brand has proven it can meet the exacting standards of the Bravia line.
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“The pictures don’t do it justice.” – ZDNET lab engineer Samantha De Leon
Straight out of the box, the X11L is one of the most gorgeous televisions I’ve seen in my 15‑year career. With minimal adjustments you’ll get a picture that outshines many OLED options.
Also: How to disable ACR on your TV
In our lab we use a specialised imaging camera to test colour accuracy, brightness, and contrast across several preset picture modes. The X11L delivers some of the most impressive out‑of‑the‑box results we’ve ever recorded on a consumer‑grade TV.
The brand claims its new LED technology can reproduce 100 % of the BT.2020 colour gamut; our measurements came exceptionally close, requiring only minor tweaks.
Taylor Clemons / Samantha De Leon / ZDNET
Each square on the chart represents a target colour; the dots show the actual colours produced by the screen. The Standard mode (the one most users will use) is already remarkable, while Filmmaker and Game modes push colour accuracy even further.
Also: The top 6 TVs our readers bought this year (No. 1 isn’t a Sony or Samsung)
The X11L shows far less of the dreaded blue‑shift that can plague other LED and some OLED panels, keeping images vivid and lifelike. Paired with speakers designed by Bang & Olufsen, the TV delivers top‑notch audio to complement its bright colours, deep blacks, and high peak brightness.
ZDNET’s Buying Advice
Product: TCL X11L
Type: 4K UHD HDR SQD Mini‑LED Smart TV with Google TV
First Impressions
The TCL X11L feels like a proof‑of‑concept that shows TCL can produce a TV that rivals Sony’s premium Bravia OLED line. Out of the box, the picture quality is among the most impressive I’ve ever seen—practically perfect.
Pricing & Size Options
| Size | Approx. Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 85‑inch | $8,000 | High‑end flagship price. |
| 98‑inch | $10,000 (≈ ten‑stack price) | Only the larger model currently available. |
Note: At the moment, TCL has not announced any smaller‑size variants of the X11L series.
Verdict
While the price is steep, the X11L demonstrates that TCL can extract elite image quality from LED technology. It’s an encouraging sign for future collaborations—especially if TCL applies this expertise to Sony’s OLED panels.