Enterprise & Industry

TCL X11L review: Our lab tests revealed this Mini LED TV's elite color accuracy

Lab tests show TCL's new flagship Mini LED TV delivers elite color accuracy that challenges Sony and LG.

Deep Dive

ZDNET's independent lab testing has revealed that TCL's new flagship X11L Mini LED TV delivers picture quality on par with the best OLED models from established leaders like Sony and LG. The 85-inch model, available now for $8,000, utilizes TCL's new SDQ-Mini LED panel technology. This launch is particularly significant as TCL is in the process of acquiring a controlling stake in Sony's Bravia TV brand, signaling a major strategic move into the premium market. Lab engineers noted the out-of-box performance is among the most impressive they've seen, requiring minimal calibration to achieve stunning results that challenge the long-standing dominance of OLED in high-end home theater.

The X11L's technical prowess is anchored by two key specs: a remarkable peak brightness of 10,000 nits and an industry-leading count of over 20,000 local dimming zones. These features combine to produce exceptional contrast and elite color accuracy, as measured by ZDNET's specialized imaging equipment. The performance validates TCL's multi-year journey from a budget brand to a serious high-end contender, following previous successes like the QM8K model. For consumers, this introduces a formidable new option that blends the intense brightness of Mini LED with the deep blacks and precision once exclusive to OLED, potentially reshaping the premium TV landscape as TCL prepares to integrate Sony's Bravia expertise.

Key Points
  • Features a new SDQ-Mini LED panel with a peak brightness of 10,000 nits for stunning HDR performance.
  • Boasts over 20,000 local dimming zones, enabling exceptional contrast and black levels that rival OLED technology.
  • Priced at $8,000 for the 85-inch model, positioning TCL directly against premium offerings from Sony and LG.

Why It Matters

Challenges OLED's premium dominance, giving consumers a high-brightness, high-contrast alternative and signals TCL's ascent as a top-tier TV maker.