At IFA 2026, the TCL booth offered a particularly comprehensive look at the manufacturer’s strategy in the high-end TV market. RGB Mini LED technology was on demo, but SQD-Mini LED truly took center stage. This eighth generation of Mini LED TVs further refines backlight control to enhance the precision, contrast, and visual impact of 4K HDR content. With the C8L and X11L series, TCL is also ramping up its focus on extra-large screen sizes, with models reaching up to 98 inches. Finally, the manufacturer used the show to highlight Gemini on Google TV, showcase its new generation of soundbars developed in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen, and promote its new range of premium gaming monitors.
TCL C8L and X11L: SQD-Mini LED as the flagship technology
The TCL C8L series, also known as the C89L, is one of the main entry-level models for the 2026 SQD-Mini LED lineup. Available in sizes ranging from 55 to 98 inches, it combines Full Array Mini LED backlighting, a WHVA 2.0 Ultra panel with a native refresh rate of 144 Hz, and the Ultra Color filter. Depending on the screen size, TCL reports between 1,008 and 4,032 dimming zones, as well as HDR brightness ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 nits. The audio is tuned by Bang & Olufsen.
The X11L series—available in 75″, 85″, and 98″ models—takes this architecture much further. The 98X11L on display at the booth features 20,736 dimming zones and achieves a claimed peak HDR brightness of 10,000 nits. The range covers 100% of BT.2020 and also features the TSR AiPQ processor, combined with TCL AI processing. Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HLG, IMAX Enhanced, and FreeSync Premium Pro round out the specs. On these models, TCL also uses a 144 Hz panel with VRR up to 288 Hz.
Gemini on Google TV
IFA also served as a showcase for the brand’s smart features. TCL presented Google TV with Gemini, which is now integrated into several 2026 models (the update is currently being rolled out). The manufacturer highlighted a more conversational user experience: searching for programs using natural language queries, answers to general questions, context-aware suggestions, and control of connected devices. Google introduced Gemini on Google TV in 2025, with an expansion announced for more countries, languages, and devices in 2026, and TCL is the first manufacturer to roll it out right now.
The Q75K, Q85K, and Q95K soundbars move upmarket
TCL also took advantage of the trade show to expand its audio lineup with the Q75K, Q85K, and Q95K soundbars. The partnership with Bang & Olufsen, who also designs many of the audio systems built into TCL TVs, covers everything from the development to the sound tuning of these new models.
The three audio systems in this series share the same soundbar, which features a 7.1.2-channel configuration, with two Atmos drivers on top and dedicated woofers. While the Q75K includes only the soundbar, the Q85K comes with a subwoofer that connects wirelessly to the soundbar. The subwoofer is equipped with two 7″ drivers mounted in an opposing configuration. This setup delivers a richer sound with greater depth and energy, making it ideal for filling a large living room with sound.
The Q95K model, meanwhile, uses the same subwoofer as the Q85K, plus two wireless surround speakers with Atmos effect drivers on top, similar to the flagship Samsung HW-Q990H soundbar, which it aims to compete with. The Q95K is therefore the manufacturer’s most ambitious model, featuring an 11.1.4-channel configuration, 22 drivers, and a total power output of 1,420 watts.
In addition to partnering on the design of these audio systems, Bang & Olufsen also provides the Beosonic interface to adjust the sound signature and perform acoustic calibration of the room. HDMI 2.1 eARC, 120Hz 4K pass-through, VRR, ALLM, Wi-Fi 6, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect round out the package.
TCL 32X3A and 27X3B OLED+: two approaches to high-end monitors
At IFA 2026, TCL also used its booth to showcase the 32X3A and 27X3B OLED+, two monitors that take quite different approaches. The 32X3A, with its 32″ screen, emphasizes versatility thanks to its Dual-Mode feature: it can operate in 4K at up to 240 Hz or switch to Full HD at 480 Hz. This second configuration prioritizes refresh rate for competitive gaming, while UHD mode preserves more detail for content where graphic quality is paramount. TCL also claims a peak brightness of 1,300 nits and 98.5% DCI-P3 color coverage.
The more compact 27X3B OLED+ features a 27″ Tandem WOLED RGB Tandem 2.0 panel. Its QHD resolution is paired with a 280 Hz refresh rate, a claimed peak brightness of 1,500 nits, and 99.5% DCI-P3 color coverage. TCL has opted for a glossy surface with very low reflection here, whereas the 32X3A uses an anti-glare coating. These two options cater to different needs: minimizing glare versus achieving a particularly direct picture.
Both displays also feature a Premium finish and an audio solution developed in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen. TCL is continuing its expansion into the high-end display market beyond televisions, with two OLED+ monitors designed to combine high brightness, a wide color gamut and high refresh rates.
Summary
At its IFA 2026 booth, TCL showcased its expertise in picture and sound quality. Despite the growing popularity of RGB Mini LED technology among its main competitors, the manufacturer aims to demonstrate that its SQD-Mini LED technology, embodied in the C8L and X11L series, still has a major role to play in the premium TV market, delivering ever more precise and nuanced picture quality. While peak brightness reaches new heights (up to 10,000 nits), the increase in local dimming zones, the advancements in the new generation of quantum dots, the new WHVA panels (better contrast, wide viewing angles), and screen sizes up to 98 inches all signal a clear move upmarket. Alongside these screens, Gemini brings a new dimension to Google TV, while the arrival of the Q75K, Q85K, and Q95K soundbars rounds out this strategy with an ambitious home theater lineup, aimed at seriously competing with the market leaders. Finally, the new TCL X3A line of premium gaming monitors underscores the manufacturer’s ambitions in this increasingly popular sector.
