Cheapest 98-Inch QLED TV Per Inch in May 2026

Why 98-Inch QLED TVs Cost More Per Inch Than Smaller Models

The QLED category floor—the cheapest dollar per inch across all sizes—sits at $3.88 per inch, held by the 50-inch VIZIO VQD50M at $194 total. That’s a third the per-inch price of any 98-inch QLED. Large panels shift the economics: a 98-inch QLED screen is harder to manufacture, ships in lower volumes, and requires more rigid packaging. The result is a steeper price per diagonal inch even on the most affordable giant sets.

The TCL Q65 98-inch QLED comes in at $12.22 per inch ($1,198 ÷ 98). That’s $8.34 more per inch than the small‑screen QLED floor, but it’s still the lowest $/inch we can confirm among 98-inch QLED televisions in May 2026.

The Cheapest 98-Inch QLED in May 2026: TCL Q65

The TCL Q65—model 98Q651G—is listed at $1,198. Dividing total price by screen size gives $12.22 per inch. This is the cheapest 98-inch QLED per inch with a confirmed, in-stock asking price during our tracking window.

Why no other model undercuts it? The list also includes the Samsung Q80C 98-inch QLED (QA98Q80C) at $5,997.99, and a TCL QM7k was referenced in some reviews as a price/performance leader—but without a specific, verified price, it cannot be included in the ranking. As of May 11, 2026, the Q65 is the most affordable 98-inch QLED we can put a hard number on.

TCL Q65 vs Samsung Q80C: A $/Inch Showdown

With only two 98-inch QLED models carrying current prices, the gap is stark:

• TCL Q65 98-inch QLED (98Q651G): $1,198 total → $12.22/inch
• Samsung Q80C 98-inch QLED (QA98Q80C): $5,997.99 total → $61.20/inch

The Samsung costs $4,799.99 more for the same screen size. That’s an extra $48.98 per diagonal inch. While the Samsung may include different backlighting, processing, or smart platform features, there are no additional 98-inch QLED SKUs with public prices to bridge the gap. The TCL Q65 remains the cheapest per-inch entry among 98-inch QLEDs with concrete data.

How to Calculate $/Inch for Any Large TV You’re Shopping

The formula is straightforward: divide the total price by the screen diagonal in inches. For the TCL Q65, $1,198 ÷ 98 = $12.22. Most QLED “cheapest per inch” tables pull directly from the smallest sizes first—just like this one:

Those are the five lowest $/inch QLED TVs we track. Every one is 50 inches or smaller. The 98-inch Q65 doesn’t appear there because its $12.22 per inch is higher, not because it’s missing. If you’re targeting a 98-inch screen, you need to calculate $/inch manually for each candidate.

Is a 98-Inch QLED a Smart Buy? Value vs. Size Trade-offs

The TCL Q65 at $12.22 per inch is the cheapest 98-inch QLED we can verify, but it’s still $8.34 more per inch than the $3.88 floor from a 50-inch VIZIO. That premium buys you screen real estate that no smaller set can replicate. If viewing distance, room layout, or sheer impact call for a 98-inch display, per-inch cost is a secondary metric—but it’s the metric that reveals the Q65 as the least expensive QLED in this size class.

Buyers who can trade a few inches might find far lower per-inch prices among 85-inch or 75-inch QLEDs. However, as of May 2026, for anyone committed to a 98-inch QLED, the TCL Q65 is the only choice with a sub-$1,500 price tag we can document. The next-cheapest option demands an extra $4,800.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest 98-inch QLED TV in 2026?

The TCL Q65 98-inch QLED (98Q651G) at $1,198 total is the lowest-cost 98-inch QLED we can confirm as of May 2026.

How does the TCL Q65's $/inch compare to other 98-inch QLEDs?

The only other 98-inch QLED with a confirmed current price is the Samsung Q80C at $61.20 per inch. The TCL’s $12.22 per inch is $48.98 lower per diagonal inch.

Is $12.22 per inch a good deal for a 98-inch TV?

For a 98-inch QLED, yes. The alternative 98-inch QLED costs $48.98 more per inch. The overall QLED category floor is much lower—$3.88 per inch—but that floor belongs to 50-inch models. Large screens always carry a higher per-inch price.

Are there any 98-inch QLED TVs cheaper than the TCL Q65?

No other 98-inch QLED with a verified price was found in May 2026 listings. A third model, the TCL QM7k, appeared in press coverage but lacked a concrete, current price, so it is not included.

How does the TCL Q65's $/inch compare to smaller QLED TVs?

The cheapest QLED in our live data is the 50-inch VIZIO VQD50M at $3.88 per inch. The TCL Q65’s $12.22 per inch is higher, reflecting the cost floor for a 98-inch panel. As size increases, expect $/inch to rise.