The new TCL X11L SQD-Mini LED It has become one of the most talked-about televisions at CES, a model that seeks to challenge both traditional mini-LEDs like high-end OLEDs. The Chinese brand has reserved this series as its flagship, betting on a combination of extreme brightness, advanced color management, and a very slim design.
Although the presentation took place in Las Vegas, TCL's proposal clearly targets the international marketsincluding the European market, where competition in the high-end segment is fierce. On paper, the X11L boasts impressive technical capabilities: full coverage of the BT.2020 color space, up to 20.000 local dimming zones, and compatibility with the most demanding HDR formats.
What is SQD-Mini LED technology and how does it differ?
Instead of following the RGB LED backlighting trend, TCL has opted for its own recipe: the SQD-Mini LED, an acronym for “Super Quantum Dot Mini LED”. The idea is to replace the classic mix of red, green and blue LEDs with a new chip that emits a much purer white light, which then passes through a layer of redesigned quantum dots.
According to the company, Super Quantum Dots The CSOT UltraColor filter and the LED work together to achieve far superior color accuracy per pixel. The filter uses particles as small as 5 nanometers, well below the 60 nanometers common in many mini-LEDs, allowing for finer filtering and reducing color interference and halos around bright objects.
The manufacturer claims that the X11L 100% of the BT.2020 color spaceThis is significantly higher than most high-end televisions, which typically range between 94% and 97%. If these figures are confirmed in real-world testing, it would be one of the first mass-market models to achieve that level of coverage.
For backlighting, TCL maintains Blue LEDs As a base, combined with reformulated quantum dots and the aforementioned UltraColor filter, which belong to the company's own CSOT panel division. Together, this system forms part of what the brand calls the "Deep Color System," which also incorporates an advanced color purity algorithm.
Above the LCD panel, the X11L incorporates a high contrast WHVA panel (around 7000:1), with a wide viewing angle and an anti-glare coating. On top of all this is added an additional layer that TCL refers to as “Butterfly Wing Huayao”, designed to improve side visibility, control reflections and extend the panel's lifespan.
Peak brightness, dimming zones, and HDR image
One of the most striking features is the brightness: 10.000 nits The peak resolution in the X11L series is right at the upper limit supported by the Dolby Vision standard for HDR content. In theory, this would allow for handling very demanding scenes with intense reflections and highlight detail without losing information.
The other big figure is the 20.000 zones discrete local dimming, an unusually high number for these sizes. That value is achieved in the 98-inch model, but the entire X11L range benefits from the brand's new backlight control system, called the Halo Control System.
This system relies on a 26-bit controller and millions of control points to precisely modulate the light behind the panel, reducing blooming (those bright halos around bright objects against a dark background) and fine-tuning the contrast. TCL insists that the goal is to approach the performance of OLEDs in terms of deep blacks, but with a much higher level of brightness.
In internal demonstrations, the X11L has been shown up against mini-LED and OLED rivals from brands like Sony and Hisense, all 85-inch models with standard settings. In those comparisons, the TCL TV stood out for its more intense brightness peaks, highly saturated yet detailed colors, and remarkably clean blacks for a backlit LCD.
Beyond theory, it will be necessary to see how the European model performs in real-world settings, with very different lighting conditions and diverse content. Even so, the specifications place this X11L among the most technically aggressive offerings in the mini-LED segment.
HDR compatibility, processor and picture modes
The X11L series features the TSR AI processor With Super Resolution features, it handles both upscaling lower-resolution content and real-time image processing. This chip also enables some of the capabilities associated with the new version of Dolby Vision.
In terms of formats, the television is compatible with Dolby Vision 2 MaxHDR10+, HDR10 and HLG. In the case of Dolby Vision 2 (or 2.0 Max according to some communications), the idea is to take advantage of artificial intelligence-based tools to adjust the image taking into account the type of content, the lighting of the room and the specific capabilities of the panel.
Among the pre-installed settings, the X11L includes a filmmaker mode and IMAX Enhanced certification, two elements that are usually of interest to those looking for a cinematic reproduction closer to the original intention of the creators, with less aggressive processing.
Combining BT.2020 full coverageExtreme brightness and compatibility with the main HDR formats position this model as an option geared towards taking advantage of current high dynamic range content and that which will arrive in the coming years.
Features for gaming and cloud streaming
TCL wanted to ensure its flagship TV didn't fall short on gaming connectivity. The X11L comes with four ports. HDMI 2.1, a significant leap forward compared to previous generations of the brand where not all ports offered the same bandwidth.
These HDMI ports allow 4K up to 144 HzThis will be of interest to those connecting PCs or next-gen consoles. In addition, it features compatibility with FreeSync Premium Pro and a dedicated Game Bar menu for quickly adjusting parameters such as input lag, black levels, and image response.
In the realm of cloud gaming, TCL has confirmed that the X11L series will receive an app for Xbox Game Pass This will be possible through a software update. It will allow access to games via streaming without a console, provided the internet connection is stable and fast.
These features put the X11L in line with other benchmark models geared towards gamers, high refresh rates and support for remote gaming services, something that is becoming increasingly common in high-end televisions.
Integrated sound and audio ecosystem
In terms of audio, TCL has gone beyond the typical two-speaker system. The X11L integrates a front-facing speaker set by... Bang & Olufsen, with a dedicated center channel, side speakers to widen the soundstage and a built-in subwoofer to reinforce the bass frequencies.
In addition, the television allows you to connect a wireless subwoofer TCL's optional sound system eliminates the need for a separate soundbar or AV system. This opens the door to enhancing the sound impact in large rooms without cluttering the cabinet with additional equipment.
The model is compatible with Dolby Atmos Flex ConnectThis technology allows you to combine the TV's built-in speakers with external wireless speakers. TCL mentions configurations of up to 4.1.4 channels using its FlexConnect Z100 speakers and Z100-SW subwoofer, aiming for a more immersive experience.
On paper, this strategy fits with the goal of offering an expandable team for anyone who wants one movie at home more ambitious. It remains to be seen how the set will perform in typical European settings, where available space is sometimes more limited.
Google TV, Gemini, and new smart features
In terms of software, the X11L series focuses on Google TV as an operating system, with all the usual advantages: access to the main streaming apps, personalized profiles, recommendations and integrated Chromecast support.
The big news comes from the part of the integration with GeminiGoogle's AI assistant. TCL is among the first manufacturers to allow the use of this system to adjust the TV with more natural voice commands, without having to navigate through complex menus.
For example, it will be possible to say something like “the dialogue is too quiet” so that the system performs a automatic audio readjustmentprioritizing voices over effects. Similarly, requests related to brightness or color can be made if the image is too dark or dull for the user's liking.
Gemini also incorporates a updated visual framework, with answers in the form of images, videos or real-time updates, designed for quick queries such as sports results or current information without leaving the television environment.
In addition, features related to Google PhotosFeatures such as selecting specific people or moments, cinematic presentations, and creative effects like Photos Remix are mentioned. The use of technologies such as Nano Banana and Veo to reimagine photos or generate original content directly on the TV is also discussed, although details on how this will be integrated in different markets are lacking.
Design, connectivity and focus on the European showroom
In terms of design, TCL wanted the X11L to be visually striking from the moment it's seen in a shop window. The chassis has a approximate thickness of 0,8 inches (about 20 mm) and very narrow bezels, which puts it in the league of the most stylish "wallpaper" models from other well-known brands.
The screen displays a ZeroBorder design With a virtually invisible edge and an internal anti-reflective coating, these details can make all the difference in rooms with large windows or direct sunlight. Furthermore, all sizes include adjustable legs to accommodate furniture of varying widths.
In terms of wireless connectivity, the X11L features Wi ‑ Fi 6 to improve the stability of 4K and HDR content streaming. Versions intended for the North American market include an ATSC 3.0 tuner, while in Europe it remains to be seen what exact configuration of terrestrial and cable tuners will be adopted.
The orientation of this model suggests that TCL will seek to position it in the premium segment Large-screen monitors are increasingly in demand in Spain and Europe for uses such as home cinema, sports, and next-generation video games. The thin bezels and reduced thickness make them easy to place on furniture or mount on the wall.
Prices, international availability and market context
In the US market, 75, 85 and 98 inches These are the announced sizes, with reservations already open. The prices, listed in dollars, clearly place the model in the high-end range: the 75-inch starts at around $6.999,99, the 85-inch is around $7.999,99, and the 98-inch is close to $9.999,99.
In other territories, such as Mexico, the brand dates and prices have not been confirmed. Specifics are not yet available, although its growing presence in that country suggests it will eventually arrive. For Europe and Spain, it is most likely that versions adapted to local standards will be announced, but for now there is no detailed public roadmap.
In any case, TCL makes it clear that, starting with this X11L series, it wants to set a new standard. new standard within its premium catalog and compete head-to-head with mini-LED and OLED televisions from established manufacturers such as Samsung, LG or Sony.
The presentation at CES 2026 also comes in a context where the industry is talking a lot about micro RGB and new panel architectures. TCL has decided to differentiate itself with this SQD-Mini LED approach, relying on its own development of quantum dots and color filters to try to go a step further in brightness and color coverage.
With this launch, the Chinese brand is putting forward a large-screen television with very ambitious specifications and a strong component of Artificial IntelligenceIt aims to appeal to both those seeking a giant screen for movies and sports and advanced users of video games and streaming services. It remains to be seen how all these promises will translate into the units and versions that ultimately arrive in Europe, and specifically in Spanish arcades.
