TCL’s X11L SQD-Mini LED TV arrives at CES 2026 with some 10,000 nits of brightness
Forget Micro RGB, TCL’s new X11L SQD-Mini LED TV blows right past this technology to scale new heights
TCL Electronics has unveiled its latest flagship television, the X11L Series SQD-Mini LED TV, at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. Positioned as a direct challenge to high-end LED and QLED rivals, the X11L combines breakthrough panel technology, extreme brightness and precise colour performance with a slick design and smart features that aim to appeal to both cinephiles and gamers alike.
Next-Gen Display: SQD-Mini LED
The model has 10,000 nits of brightness
At the core of the X11L Series is TCL’s SQD-Mini LED (Super Quantum Dot Mini LED) technology, representing an evolution beyond traditional Mini-LED backlights. SQD-Mini LED leverages a new backlight structure where blue LEDs are combined with advanced Super Quantum Dots to produce purer, more accurate colours and improved contrast across the entire panel. According to TCL, this approach can deliver 100 % of the BT.2020 colour gamut, helping expand the range and fidelity of cinematic colour reproduction.
Another standout in the X11L’s panel engineering is the sheer number of local dimming zones, up to 20,736 on the largest models, which enables extremely fine control of brightness and deep blacks without overly blooming bright elements against dark backgrounds. This level of control helps the X11L produce vivid HDR images with strong highlights and rich detail. TCL’s own press release calls it the “ the new Ultimate LCD Panel”.
Flagship-Level Performance
It is powered by Google
TCL’s SQD-Mini LED flagship also delivers peak brightness of up to 10,000 nits, a figure that dwarfs most conventional Mini-LED and QLED sets and situates the X11L near the top tier for HDR performance. To partner this, it also comes with up to 20,000 Discrete Dimming Zones.
The X11L Series is expected to be offered in large screen sizes, including 75-, 85- and 98-inch variants. All models run Google TV as the smart platform, giving users access to major streaming services, AI enhancements and integrated voice control. The TV includes four HDMI 2.1 ports for 4K at 120Hz and gaming-friendly features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), while premium audio is delivered through a sound system co-developed with Bang & Olufsen to better match the X11L’s visual performance.
TCL’s vision for the X11L and its broader 2026 lineup highlights a move toward AI-assisted picture and system optimisation. Behind the scenes, TCL’s TSR AI Processor and advanced algorithms help dynamically adjust contrast, motion and colour for each scene, ensuring smoother action and clearer detail regardless of content type. Future over-the-air updates are set to add support for Dolby Vision 2 Max, further enhancing HDR capability over time.
Combined with the ultra-thin profile of about 2cm and ZeroBorder design, the TV blends high-impact visuals with an elegant look that suits modern living rooms. It also comes powered by Google.
The X11L stands out for combining brightness, colour volume and precise dimming control in a non-OLED panel, an area where LCD-based TVs have typically traded one attribute for another. SQD-Mini LED’s approach to colour conversion and light management helps minimise issues like colour crosstalk and halo effects that can plague standard Mini-LED TVs, while the high nit levels and huge dimming zone count help maintain HDR impact in bright and dark viewing environments alike.
Who It’s For
It has 4 HDMI 2.1 ports
The X11L Series is clearly aimed at buyers seeking flagship-calibre TV performance without stepping into the often higher cost of premium OLED options. Its combination of brightness, colour fidelity and gaming capabilities positions it well for:
- Home cinema enthusiasts who watch HDR movies in mixed lighting conditions
- Gamers who want 4K at high refresh rates with smooth motion and low latency
- Large-room buyers who prefer big screens and bold visuals
- Smart home users who value an integrated experience with streaming services and AI-enhanced picture processing
Three models are available for pre-order on TCL’s United States website now. These are:
- 75-inch model: US$6,999.99
- 85-inch model: US$7,999.99
- 98-inch model: US$9,999.99
Currently, only the link to the 75-inch model is working. Hopefully, TCL will sort this out soon. Pricing, availability, and display sizes have not yet been confirmed globally. We will update you when we have more information.