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Hisense and TCL may have started out as budget-conscious alternatives to Samsung, LG, and Sony, but today, both brands offer top-notch TVs. Both have released Mini-LED models that offer higher refresh rates and brighter screens than OLED options, and in some cases Mini-LEDs even surpass OLEDs in color accuracy and contrast. 

Also: 60Hz vs 120 Hz vs 165Hz: The best refresh rate for your home

Over the past year, I've gotten the opportunity to go hands-on with the TCL X11L and Hisense U8QG, putting them through a battery of tests, including Calman calibration and head-to-head comparisons to competitors. 

And as much as I love a good OLED for streaming movies and console gaming, these Mini LED options have been impressive enough to make me reconsider what I think is the best TV tech.

Specifications

You should buy the TCL X11L if...

1.You want cutting-edge TV tech

The new SDQ-Mini LED panel from TCL is one of the latest breakthroughs in TV tech, delivering incredible picture quality, contrast, and color accuracy that rival those of the most premium OLED models. 

With up to 20,000 dimming zones and a peak brightness of 10,000 nits, you'll get a bright, visible image in just about any environment, along with sharp contrast that makes colors pop. You'll also get Bang & Olufsen-designed speakers for top-notch audio to match the picture. 

Also: TCL X11L review

The images don't do the TCL X11L justice. In person, the level of color accuracy and detailing is even more impressive. The Halo Control System featured on the panel uses double-layer arch lenses specifically designed to better focus the LED backlighting, reducing bloom and color bleed. 

I've been testing TVs for almost a decade, including the high-end OLED options from Sony, LG, and Samsung. And the TCL X11L blows them out of the water in terms of color and brightness, which is perfect if you're like me and sick to death of not being able to see what's going on in dark scenes of TV shows and movies.

2. You want in-body audio quality to match

Bang & Olufsen and TCL haven't just teamed up to work on the X11L. They've also collaborated to create a series of home audio equipment with studio-inspired designs and signature B&O sound quality. 

And since TCL worked directly with Bang & Olufsen, you're guaranteed compatibility with your new TV. So you can spend more time enjoying your new setup and less time troubleshooting. 

But if the price is a bit too steep for your budget, the TCL X11L is also compatible with the TCL Z100 wireless speakers and Z100-SW wireless subwoofer. Each retails for well under $500, so you can pick up a trio for much less than the Bang & Olufsen set will. The Z100 line also features geometric designs that will complement modern decor almost perfectly.

3. You're looking for a larger screen

The only real drawback to the X11L is that it's only available in screen sizes from 75 to 98 inches. So if you're in an apartment or have smaller rooms in your house, you'll have to check TCL's other models for a wider range of sizes. 

However, the 75-inch option is more than enough for most living rooms and home theaters, giving you a good balance between size and price. And if you're looking to set up a truly cinematic home theater, the 98-inch model is almost perfect. 

The extra screen real estate, especially when wall-mounted, will give you almost the same feeling as going to an actual theater (the expensive concessions and sticky floors are up to you).

You should buy the Hisense U8QG if...

1. You want more screen size options

The Hisense U8QG is available in sizes from 55 to 100 inches, giving you many more options to fit your space if you have an apartment or a smaller house. 

Each screen size offers consistent picture quality, with a peak brightness of 5,000 nits, Dolby Vision IQ HDR processing, and an IMAX Enhanced picture mode for streaming movies and shows. It also supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR for smooth motion while console or PC gaming.

Also: Hisense U8QG review

2. You want a higher refresh rate

While the TCL X11L gives you a smooth picture at 144Hz, the Hisense U8QG has a base refresh rate of 165Hz. And the VRR support isn't just for gaming: you can toggle support on for specific picture modes to take advantage of the 48-165Hz range for everything from live sports and movies to screen sharing and streaming. Coupled with Dolby Atmos IQ and adaptive HDR10+ support, you'll get sharper images with clean details.

3. You want a Pantone-validated TV

For all its beauty, the Hisense U8QG has something the TCL X11L doesn't: a Pantone Validated panel. Hisense has partnered with Pantone to test select TV models through rigorous testing and benchmarking to ensure each panel reproduces over 2,000 Pantone Matching System colors as accurately as possible. The U8QG also features a matte display that helps reduce reflections and glare, letting colors and details shine through.

Writer's choice

As much as I love last year's Hisense U8QG, the TCL X11L takes the cake for me with its stunningly gorgeous picture quality, exceptionally high brightness, and Bang & Olufsen-designed speakers. You can also pair the X11L with the TCL Z100 line of wireless speakers and subwoofers for a more affordable home audio option. 

And with screen sizes up to 98 inches, you can set up a true cinema in your home to enjoy your favorite movies, shows, and games as they were meant to be seen.