TCL C8L brings 6,000 nits peak brightness to new Mini LED lineup
TCL has quietly introduced its new C8L Mini LED TV series in both the US and European markets (it's dubbed QM8L in the US). The lineup sits in the company’s upper tier for 2026.
At the top end, the 98-inch model comes with up to 4,032 local dimming zones and a claimed peak brightness of 6,000 nits. Smaller sizes scale this back, with the 55-inch version rated at 1,008 zones and up to 3,000 nits. Across the range, TCL is using its SQD-Mini LED system paired with a CSOT WHVA 2.0 panel.
The core specs are pretty standard for this segment. You get a 4K panel with a 144 Hz native refresh rate, along with VRR support that extends beyond that in certain modes. Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, and HLG are all supported, and TCL is claiming full BT.2020 color coverage on paper.
Gaming-support wise, the TV includes HDMI 2.1 ports, AMD FreeSync, and a Game Master mode. Connectivity covers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4, while the software side runs Google TV with built-in Google Assistant. Features like Miracast and video calling are also listed.
Audio is handled through a 2.2-channel system tuned by Bang & Olufsen, with Dolby Atmos and DTS support. The design is pretty slim, especially considering the size of the larger variants, though the 98-inch model still pushes close to 60 kg with the stand.
On paper, the C8L takes the lineup to very high brightness numbers. The jump from 3,000 to 6,000 nits at the top end is pretty key, but as always, how controlled that brightness is will matter more than the number itself. For most buyers, this will come down to pricing. If TCL keeps it competitive, the C8L could be an easy pick for bright rooms or large living setups. If not, it could get lost in a crowded premium Mini LED space.
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