In 2025, the TCL QM8K was one of the best TVs of the year. Its bright, quantum dot-bolstered picture and frequent discounts made it an attractive option for those looking for a bargain on a high-performing TV.
The TCL QM8L is a brand-new TV for 2026. Unlike its predecessor, the QM8L leverages a new type of Mini-LED display that TCL is calling Super Quantum Dot (SQD). It recently launched for a relatively high price tag, but just like the QM8K, it's on sale now.
If you're looking to upgrade your TV this year and you've got an eye for premium performance, there's a good chance you'll be choosing between these two sets. Here's how the QM8L and last-year's QM8K compare โ from performance to features and price.
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The QM8L is a brand-new TV for 2026. Like the QM8K, it features Mini-LED backlighting, but the QM8L is also equipped with the brand's newest display technology, Super Quantum Dot, which gives it a slight edge over the QM8K.
The QM8K is one of TCL's top-performing TVs from 2025. It delivers a bright, colorful picture and plenty of features, and since it's been on shelves for a year, you can find it on sale for less than what you'll pay for its successor, the QM8L.
TCL QM8L vs QM8K: specs compared
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
TCL QM8L |
TCL QM8K |
|---|---|---|
|
Sizes |
65″, 75″, 85″, 98″ |
65″, 75″, 85″, 98″ |
|
Ports |
4x HDMI 2.1 |
2x HDMI 2.1, 2x HDMI 2.0 |
|
Resolution |
3,840 x 2,160p |
3,840 x 2,160p |
|
Refresh rate |
144Hz |
144Hz |
|
HDR |
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
|
Smart TV software |
Google TV |
Google TV |
|
ATSC 3.0 support? |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Processor |
TSR AI Pro Processor |
AIPQ PRO Processor |
Both sets come in screen sizes between 65 and 98 inches. Folks in the market for something smaller (like the ever-popular 55-inch screen size) will have to shop around. More similarities: Both TVs support Dolby Vision as well as the royalty-free version of Dolby Vision, HDR10+.
In addition,…