TCL 98P745K Review: Is a 98-Inch TV Worth the Space?

content: The Big TV Dilemma

Can a television be too big? As someone who's tested countless displays, I was skeptical until TCL's 98P745K arrived. At 98 inches, it's the largest consumer TV I've ever handled – dwarfing my wall-mounted 65-inch LG G3 and offering over double the screen area. But massive size brings massive challenges. When setup nearly failed due to its 58kg weight and awkward base placement, I realized this isn't for average living rooms. Yet for viewers sitting 20-30 feet away or those with spacious homes like my cousin John's in the US, this £1,800 behemoth could redefine home entertainment.

Breaking Down TCL’s 98-Inch Powerhouse

Unboxing reveals why this isn't a one-person job. The near-disaster setup taught me one critical lesson: always measure your stand first. The feet position leaves minimal clearance, creating risky overhangs. Wall-mounting is safer, thanks to the detachable power cable and VESA compatibility – but verify your wall's load capacity.

Core Specifications

• Display: Direct LED backlight (not mini-LED/QLED)
• HDR: Dolby Vision & HDR10+ support
• Gaming: 144Hz refresh rate + 4x HDMI 2.1 ports
• Processing: Quad-core AI PQ 3.0 chip
• Audio: 2.1 Onkyo system (2x30W speakers)
• OS: Google TV with AirPlay 2/Chromecast

The feature set impresses for the price, but compromises emerge in performance.

Picture Quality: Brightness vs. Size

After rigorous testing, the main trade-off is clear: immersion comes at the expense of brilliance. Using a professional light meter, I recorded:

• 450 nits peak HDR brightness (both 4% and full-screen windows)
• 250 nits SDR brightness
• 70-100 nit drop in Movie mode

These figures explain why HDR content lacks "pop" – falling short of premium TVs. Colors cover 95% of DCI-P3 gamut but appear muted in bright rooms. The anti-reflective coating helps diffuse light, yet can't overcome the inherent brightness limitations of direct LED tech. As I cycled through modes, IMAX Enhanced delivered the most balanced image, though purists might miss OLED's infinite contrast.

Audio and Real-World Use

The Onkyo speakers struggle with bass, making dialogue crisp but action scenes thin. For £400 more, Sonos Beam 2 transforms the experience – though it'll look comically small beneath this giant. Google TV's interface shines with fluid navigation, outpacing my LG G3's response. Ambient art modes turn off-time into gallery displays, softening the black-hole effect when powered down.

Gaming Performance: Scale Over Speed

Connecting my PS5 revealed the true magic: 98 inches makes games feel physical. FreeSync Premium reduces tearing without G-Sync support. Input lag measured adequately for casual play, though competitive gamers should note:

• Response times trail OLEDs
• No Dolby Vision gaming support
• Game Mode disables processing lag effectively

During marathon sessions, the sheer scale outweighed technical shortcomings. Just ensure your seating distance prevents neck strain!

Who Should Buy This TV?

Based on my testing and industry trends, three buyer profiles emerge:

1. Large-room viewers: Homes with 20+ ft viewing distances
2. Value-focused cinephiles: Those prioritizing size over perfect blacks
3. Projector alternatives: Avoiding £7k+ projector/screen combos

The 98P745K isn't for everyone. UK terraces will struggle with its footprint, while videophiles craving 1000+ nits should consider mini-LED options. But at under £2,000? You're paying £18 per inch – unheard of value in the large-screen tier.

Final Verdict: Niche Giant

TCL's 98-incher delivers unmatched immersion for spacious homes, though its direct LED panel can't match premium brightness. If your room accommodates it and HDR pop isn't critical, this TV offers a legitimate home theater alternative. But always:

1. Measure your space twice
2. Budget for a soundbar
3. Wait for sales (often dips to £1,800)

Ultimately, "too big" depends entirely on your space. For John's suburban basement? Perfection. For my studio? Comically oversized.

Buyer’s Checklist

Before committing to a giant TV:

• ✓ Measure stand/wall space (include depth for feet)
• ✓ Test viewing angles in your room
• ✓ Compare nits if HDR is critical
• ✓ Plan audio upgrades – few built-in speakers suffice
• ✓ Check return policies – size surprises are common

Your Turn to Weigh In

What's the maximum screen size your space could handle? Have you battled TV size vs. room constraints? Share your setup dilemmas below – your experience helps others avoid costly mistakes! For deals on this TV, check our verified links (updated monthly).