As the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 unfolds in Las Vegas, the television landscape is witnessing a significant technological divergence. While many manufacturers are heavily promoting their latest Micro RGB displays, TCL has taken a different path, unveiling its new flagship model, the X11L. This television is not just another iteration of existing technology; it represents a bold statement in the premium TV market, combining extreme brightness with advanced color science to challenge the current industry trends.
TCL's SQD Mini LED Technology Takes Center Stage
At the heart of the TCL X11L is what the company calls its Super Quantum Dot (SQD) Mini LED panel. This technology is designed to address a common criticism of ultra-bright displays: color blooming or crosstalk. By integrating the SQD layer with a CSOT UltraColor Filter and an Advanced Color Purity Algorithm, TCL claims the X11L can achieve 100% of the demanding BT.2020 color gamut. The goal is to deliver vibrant, accurate colors without the haloing or bleeding effects that can sometimes plague high-contrast scenes, especially in HDR content. Early hands-on impressions from journalists at CES noted the panel's impressive color consistency and natural edge definition, even in dark viewing environments.
Key Specifications of the TCL X11L TV:
- Display Technology: SQD (Super Quantum Dot) Mini LED with CSOT UltraColor Filter
- Peak Brightness: 10,000 nits
- Local Dimming Zones: 20,000
- Color Gamut: 100% BT.2020 (claimed)
- Smart Platform: Google TV with Gemini AI features
- Audio: Built-in Bang & Olufsen soundbar with Dolby Atmos support
- Additional Feature: Dolby Atmos FlexConnect support
Unprecedented Brightness and Contrast Control
The headline-grabbing specification of the X11L is its peak brightness of 10,000 nits, doubling the output of TCL's previous high-end model, the QM9K. This immense luminance is paired with an equally staggering 20,000 local dimming zones. This combination allows the TV to achieve extreme highlights—like the dazzling neon signs of Las Vegas shown in demos—while maintaining deep, inky blacks in adjacent areas. The precision control offered by so many dimming zones is crucial for minimizing bloom and preserving detail in both shadows and highlights, creating a dynamic range that is visually impactful, to the point where observers reported needing to squint during bright scenes.
A Premium Audiovisual and Smart Experience
Understanding that a flagship TV demands a complete ecosystem, TCL has partnered with Bang & Olufsen to integrate a high-quality soundbar directly into the X11L. This built-in audio system supports Dolby Atmos and is designed to provide a immersive experience without the need for external speakers, though the TV also supports Dolby Atmos FlexConnect for creating a wireless surround sound setup. On the smart TV front, the X11L runs on Google TV and will support the latest Gemini AI features. These include enhanced voice search capable of adjusting TV settings, more detailed answers to queries, and other generative AI tools, aiming to make the user interface more intuitive and powerful.
Pricing and Model Availability:
| Screen Size | Price (USD) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 75-inch | $6,999 | Available for pre-order |
| 85-inch | $7,999 | Available for pre-order |
| 98-inch | $9,999 | Available for pre-order |
Market Positioning and Availability
The TCL X11L is positioned unequivocally as a premium, enthusiast-grade product. Pre-orders are available now, with pricing that reflects its flagship status: USD 6,999 for the 75-inch model, USD 7,999 for the 85-inch, and USD 9,999 for the massive 98-inch variant. These prices place it in direct competition with the highest-end offerings from other brands at CES. By focusing on its proprietary SQD Mini LED technology and pushing the boundaries of brightness and contrast, rather than following the Micro RGB crowd, TCL is making a clear play for videophiles and early adopters who prioritize picture performance above all else. The full verdict on its day-to-day performance and value will come with in-depth reviews, but its CES debut has certainly made it a model to watch.