TCL unveils new 100-inch 4K TV with 144Hz refresh rate
The TCL 2025 Thunderbird 100 Max LED TV has been launched in China. The 100-inch model follows on from a 2024 version, with the same 4K (3,840 x 2,160 px) resolution and native 144Hz screen refresh rate, with 240Hz MEMC motion smoothing.
The 2025 Thunderbird 100 Max’s backlight has 512 partitions, slightly fewer than the 2024 model which offered 540. The peak brightness is the same at 1,200 nits, with a 12,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 95% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, and support for Dolby Vision IQ and IMAX Enhanced. The device runs on Android 11.0 and offers a GameBar feature for an enhanced gaming experience. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6, and you can wirelessly share content from your mobile or laptop via tools like Miracast.
Alternatively, you can physically connect devices via a range of ports like HDMI 2.1, HDMI 2.0 and USB-A. There are built-in 2.1 channel speakers with a 60W output, slight improvements on the 55W speakers in the 2024 model. Like that in its predecessor, the audio system is compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies. The TCL 2025 Thunderbird 100 Max smart LED TV is currently available in China for CNY 8,999 (~$1,263). It is unclear whether or when it will launch in other markets like the US, where TCL sells models like the 2023 98-Inch Class S5 4K LED Smart TV with Google TV (curr. $1,799.99 at Amazon).
