In a presentation held in Poland, near one of TCL's European factories, the brand showcased its television catalog for 2026. Among the highlights is the RM9L, a model that combines RGB MiniLED backlighting with the new WHVA 2.0 Ultra LCD panel, offering a powerful alternative to OLEDs in large diagonals.
This unit replaces last year's C9K and sits in the brand's high-end range, sharing the spotlight with the X11L. While the RM7L is a step down, the RM9L targets those looking for screens of 85, 98, or 115 inches with precise light control.
In the tested 85-inch unit, which features over 8,700 local dimming zones, the handling of blacks and brightness is impressive. The halos are minimal, and the points of light stand out clearly, bringing the visual experience very close to that of an OLED, but with the advantage of the extreme brightness that MiniLEDs achieve.
A panel that improves vision and slimness
The RM9L shares the WHVA 2.0 Ultra panel with the flagship X11L, which reduces the distance between the LEDs and the screen, resulting in a thinner television than usual for this technology. Additionally, the viewing angles benefited from a redesign of the crystals, maintaining better contrast and brightness from the sides.
From certain side angles, a slight reddish or greenish tint can be noticed in gray patterns, but in normal content like series or movies, it is difficult to perceive. What stands out is the excellent adjustment of the Filmmaker mode, which respects the panel's maximum brightness and offers natural skin tones along with complete coverage of the BT.2020 color space.
The Movie mode increases brightness a bit more and recovers detail in shadows, ideal for very bright environments where the 4,000 nits peak makes a clear difference. Motion interpolation has also improved, although it will need further testing with a variety of content.
Sound tuned by Bang & Olufsen and smooth Google TV
In audio, TCL partnered with Bang & Olufsen to fine-tune the 240W system in the 85" model. The result is balanced and free of annoying distortions, but it lacks some impact for a device in this category. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, although many users will end up adding an external soundbar, compatible with Dolby Atmos FlexConnect.
The Google TV operating system with Android 14 runs very smoothly thanks to the Pentonic 800 processor. The apps respond quickly, and navigation is agile. The final versions will include a new remote control with a premium finish and shortcuts to change picture modes.
In terms of pricing, the RM9L is positioned strongly: the 85" model is priced around 5,999 euros, the 98" at 7,999 euros, and the giant 115" at 12,999 euros. These values keep it below direct rivals, even against MicroLED proposals from other brands, making it an attractive option for those seeking large format screens without compromising quality.
