Huge TV at a low price: The 98-inch TCL UHD870 is sensationally affordable. SamaGame tested whether the quality was right.
For film enthusiasts and sports fans it can TV in principle not big enough. Films and sports broadcasts only develop their captivating effect on a giant screen, like in the cinema or in the stadium. But what does big mean? The maximum TV screen size is currently 98 inches, which corresponds to a screen diagonal of 248 centimeters. The new TCL 95UHD870 is the cheapest television of this size; for less than 2,500 euros, it promises great viewing pleasure. Depending on the retailer, the television is also available in the store under the name TCL 98P745, it is the same model.
That’s how big the TCL 98UHD870 is
With a device width of around 2.20 meters and a height of almost 1.30 meters, you can take this literally with great pleasure with the TCL 98UHD870. The 58 kilogram colossus stands securely on two strikingly solid metal feet mounted on the outside. Provided there is a sufficiently strong wall, the 98-inch model can also be hung up. Of course, the wall mount also has to be correspondingly large; the TCL requires the VESA dimension 500×600. At 4.2 centimeters, the television is surprisingly flat, and the workmanship with a waffle-like structured back panel and a frame flush with the screen appears to be of high quality.
More colors and 100 to 144 Hertz
To ensure that the huge screen actually provides enjoyment, the TCL 98UHD870 uses an upper-class LCD despite the low price: Instead of 50 to 60 images per second, it shows twice as many at 100 to 120 Hertz. This makes details look sharper in fast movements, and large screens in particular benefit from this. Computers can even play up to 144 Hertz. In addition, the manufacturer promises a larger color gamut (“Wide Color Gamut”), so that films or games produced accordingly HDR (High Dynamic Range) the better image quality is actually visible. Technical tricks to increase contrast (such as local dimming or Mini LED) did not provide the budget.
Giant picture looks really good
Cheap price or not, such a huge television picture is definitely impressive. And it looks really good with the TCL 98UHD870: Thanks to the VA LCD technology, it achieves quite deep blacks, meaning the TCL achieves a contrast of over 4000:1. With just over 400 candelas per square meter, the image is bright enough even in daylight. And above all, the colors are right with natural skin tones and strong HDR display (Cinema picture mode). The TCL attenuates the HDR brightness peaks significantly, but it manages to adapt to the capabilities of the screen without over-exposing bright image areas and with decent clarity in dark corners. The processes support Dolby Vision and HDR10+ here. The automatic adjustment to the ambient brightness is designed to be very practical. Apart from the lower HDR luminosity, it moves TCL TV on par with that Samsung GQ98Q80C. Films and TV shows with poor SD resolution are no fun on such a large screen; you would have to stand ten meters away. The TCL, on the other hand, upscales HD material well to its UHD resolution, without pixel mud or annoying over-sharpening. The decent impression of sharpness is retained even in fast movements; annoying streaks are just as little an issue as image stuttering.
TCL 98P745: Technical data in comparison
TCL 98P745: Technical data in comparison
| TCL | Samsung | Sony | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98UHD870/P745 | GQ96Q80C | KD-55X85L | |
|
resolution
|
3840×2160 | 3840×2160 | 3840×2160 |
|
Brightness (HDR max.)
|
425 cd/m2 | 1146 cd/m2 | 781 cd/m2 |
|
contrast |
4320:1 | 50000:1 | 34364:1 |
|
Color deviation dE |
1.7 | 2.6 | 2.6 |
|
color temperature |
6626K | 6945K | 6791K |
|
Color space DCI-P3 |
94.4% | 92.0% | 94.6% |
|
Latency (60Hz) |
14 ms | 13 ms | 18 ms |
|
Entrances |
4x HDMI (2 to 120Hz), AV | 4x HDMI (4 to 120Hz) | 4x HDMI (2 to 120Hz), AV |
TCL 98UHD870 gives projectors no chance
In practice, a viewing distance of four to five meters is perfect for the TCL 98UHD870. For high-quality UHD playback with films or games, it can also be two to three meters – with an enormously immersive effect. Because then the viewer’s field of vision is largely filled by the screen, which would otherwise only be the case projector and canvas is possible. In a direct comparison, video projectors of a similar price range have no chance: brightness and contrast are much lower, so that the images look duller even in perfectly darkened rooms. And with every glimmer of light from the window, for example, the impression of the image deteriorates. This makes televisions much more suitable for everyday use than projectors.
Built-in subwoofer for rich sound
You shouldn’t expect too much from the sound in this class, but the TCL 98UHD870 does its job there too. This is visible in the saucer-sized woofer in the back wall, which supports the two speakers on the bottom with bass. In this way, the TV giant achieves a comparatively full, if not particularly detailed, sound. For better sound there is about one Sound bar can be easily connected. If a sound bar under the television looks too puny for you, go for it Stereo speakers with HDMI and places them to the right and left of the screen.
Also a big one when it comes to connections
The ports of the TCL 98UHD870 are arranged on the back in such a way that they are easily accessible from the side. The clear labeling makes wiring easier, especially since nothing is missing:
- HDMI: The TCL has four HDMI inputstwo of which correspond comprehensively to the version HDMI 2.1 and can process UHD resolution at up to 120 Hertz including variable frame rates – good for game consoles. One even accepts up to 144 Hertz when a correspondingly powerful computer is connected. The delay in the video signals (latency) is uncritically short in game mode at 14 milliseconds. Of the two remaining HDMI ports, one serves as a sound output for soundbars and AV receivers (eARC, enhanced audio return channel) if required and also provides 3D surround sound Dolby Atmos out of.
- TV reception: As usual, you can watch television with the P745 via cable, satellite and antenna. There is HDTV in all reception types, and a few UHD channels via satellite. For cable reception, it depends on the regional network operator, but UHD is also possible in principle.
- CI+: A CI module can be plugged in to unlock encrypted TV programs. This is available, for example, for private HD programs from the local cable network operator or from Freenet for antenna reception.
- USB: The TCL has two USB ports for photo and video playback, one of which is easily accessible on the edge of the case. The most common multimedia formats including DTS sound can be played.
- Optical output: The fiber optic digital output supplies old home cinema systems, for example wireless headphones with the television sound.
- Headphone output: Classic headphones with a cable can be connected to the TCL, and the TV speakers then switch off automatically.
- Bluetooth: Also a Bluetooth headphones can be coupled. This is used instead of the TV speakers.
- Network connection and WLAN: The connection to the home network is made as usual via cable or radio.
Stream easily thanks to Google TV
The TCL 98UHD870 uses the current version 12 of the Android TV operating system with Google TV. This means that the apps of all popular streaming providers are available, including: Media libraries The TV channels can be used in the same way as commercial platforms Amazon Prime Video and Netflix to Apple TV and Disney+ to Paramount+. The Google TV home screen clearly shows the most used apps in a row and tabs for other apps as well as film and series recommendations – this has been the case with others Android TVs Proven by Philips and Sony, for example. Alternatively, content can be searched for in smartphone apps and then played back on the giant screen using the Chromecast function. AirPlay 2 is also available. You quickly get used to the operation, which is helped by the handy remote control with its sensibly arranged buttons. In addition, there is voice control with the Google Assistant possible, the remote control is equipped with a microphone and a talk button. TCL adds small quick menus that can be used to select sources more quickly.
Test conclusion TCL 98UHD870
The TCL 98UHD870 or 98P745 is not only huge, but also really good: the features leave practically nothing to be desired, and the Android television is very versatile in terms of connections and streaming options. There are no problems with operation and the workmanship leaves a solid impression. And the image quality is impressive: brightness and contrast are fine, the image scaling works without annoying side effects, and the UHD870 reproduces colors beautifully and naturally. Anyone who has seen this will hardly think about a projector as an alternative.
TCL provided the test device in Warsaw and supported participation in the product presentation trip with subsequent independent testing. Our standards of transparency and journalistic independence can be found at www.axelspringer.de/unabhaengigkeit.
