TCL X11L SQD peaks at almost 11,000 nits surpassing HDR10 standards

TVs have been getting faster and brighter with every new generation. While a lot of them advertise HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision certifications, most don’t actually reach 10,000 nits peak brightness. However, a TCL TV that was launched earlier this year has now recorded over 10,000 nits, setting a new record for peak brightness.

Vincent Teoh, the creator of the HDTVTest YouTube channel, known for his TV reviews, shared on X what he believes is a historic moment for consumer television technology. He’s talking about the TCL 85-inch X11L SQD Mini-LED TV, where the SQD stands for Super Quantum Dot. This model was unveiled at CES 2026 and went on sale a few weeks after. Using what looks like a Jeti Spectrodiometer, Vincent captured 10,931 nits peak brightness, which even exceeds TCL’s own rated peak brightness of 10,000 nits.

This TCL X11L SQD is an 85-inch mini-LED TV with 14,400 dimming zones. With the near 11,000 nits peak brightness, it goes beyond the true HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision spec requirements. As per TCL’s specifications, the 85-inch model can pull up to 155W when playing SDR content and up to 690W with HDR content.

Of course, real-time use of TCL X11L SQD will not be the same experience as a full white screen at max brightness is not how people consume content. That being said, when watching a movie or playing games, the content will get extremely bright with massive contrast between different dimming zones. Commenters were quick to share comparisons with a flash bang and also question if this level of brightness is even safe for the retina.