At CES 2026, TCL is expanding its high-end television lineup with the introduction of the X11 series, a flagship range built around the company’s new SQD-Mini LED display technology. The announcement positions the X11 as both a hardware showcase and a preview of how TV software control is beginning to change, particularly through deeper voice-based interaction.
The X11 series will be offered in 75-inch, 85-inch, and 98-inch sizes, with pricing starting at $6,999. TCL is leaning heavily on display specifications to differentiate the set. According to the company, each model features up to 20,000 discrete dimming zones, a figure that exceeds what has previously been available at these screen sizes. The goal is tighter local dimming control, allowing brighter highlights and darker blacks to coexist with fewer visual artifacts such as blooming. Peak brightness is rated at up to 10,000 nits during HDR playback, putting the X11 firmly in the ultra-bright category, at least on paper.
Color reproduction is another area TCL is emphasizing. The SQD-Mini LED panel is claimed to cover 100 percent of the BT.2020 color space, aiming for more consistent color accuracy across different brightness levels. Dolby Vision support is included, with Dolby Vision 2.0 Max scheduled to arrive via a later software update rather than at launch. Physically, the set measures approximately 0.8 inches thick, reflecting the industry-wide push toward slimmer profiles even in large-format displays.
Beyond image quality, the X11 is notable for its approach to software and control. Running on Google TV, the television is among the first to support Gemini-powered settings control. This integration allows users to adjust TV settings such as brightness or picture modes using natural voice commands, rather than navigating menus with a remote. Gemini’s role here is less about content discovery and more about reducing friction in everyday adjustments, a small but potentially meaningful shift in how users interact with increasingly complex TV settings.
TCL has also confirmed that an Xbox Game Pass app is coming to the platform, which would make the X11 one of the first Google TV devices to support the service natively. For users interested in cloud gaming without dedicated hardware, this addition could broaden the TV’s appeal, though performance will still depend on network conditions and input latency.
Pre-orders for the TCL X11 series are already open through the company’s website. While the specifications place it squarely in the premium segment, the broader question is how these features translate into real-world viewing and day-to-day usability. With extreme brightness levels, ambitious dimming zone counts, and early adoption of Gemini-based controls, the X11 represents TCL’s attempt to compete at the top end of the market by combining display engineering with evolving software capabilities.
