The excitement was palpable as TCL announced a strategic expansion of their retail footprint, adding Makro and Game to their already impressive network that includes Pick n Pay, JD Group, and others. This move signifies TCL’s commitment to making their products even more accessible to South African consumers.

But the real stars of the show were undoubtedly the new TVs. TCL unveiled a range of models catering to various needs and budgets. And here are some of the highlights with our favourites:

The centerpiece of the event was the awe-inspiring 115″ X 955 Max QD-Mini LED TV. This behemoth boasts the title of the world’s biggest large-screen smart TV, offering an unparalleled viewing experience perfect for home theaters or wowing guests. Pricing for this masterpiece is set at a jaw dropping R399 999. Compared to what competitors have priced their large-screen TV’s at, it is a steal.

What is QD-Mini LED, you may ask. QD-Mini LED is technology that combines the brilliance of Quantum Dots (QDs) with the precision of Mini LEDs. Imagine tiny LEDs, even smaller than those found in traditional Mini-LED TVs, working together with Quantum Dots to deliver exceptional contrast, unmatched brightness, and incredibly vivid colours. The result? A viewing experience that rivals OLED TVs, but with the added benefit of potentially superior brightness and a longer lifespan.

For those seeking a more practical (and wallet-friendly) option, the C755 and C855 QD-Mini LED TVs offer stunning picture quality and cutting-edge features. These 4K models come equipped with TCL’s advanced backlight technology, delivering exceptional contrast and vibrant colours. Pricing for the C755 starts at R11 999 for the 55-inch model, R16 999 for the 65-inch, R29 999 for the 85-inch and R69 999 for the 95-inch model.

TCL didn’t forget about QLED fans. The C655PRO QLED TV and C655 QLED TV provide excellent picture quality with features like Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, ensuring a truly immersive viewing experience alongside ONKYO audio. Pricing starts at R7 999 for the 55-inch model, R9 999 for the 65-inch, R15 999 for the 75-inch, R22 999 for the 85-inch and R49 999 for the 98-inch model.

Rounding out the line-up is the P755 4K UHD Google TV. This model delivers stunning 4K resolution with the added convenience of the Google TV platform, offering a seamless smart TV experience. Pricing starts at R6 999 for the 43-inch P755 4K UHD Google TV model.

All these models are available to purchase right now with TCL’s very own Takealot store running a sale on majority of their items.

Beyond the impressive TVs, TCL also emphasized their commitment to smart home integration. Their vision is to create a connected ecosystem where your TCL TV acts as the central hub, seamlessly communicating with other TCL smart appliances and even those of competitor brands.

“We’re excited to announce that our TVs are now available at 21 Pick n Pay Hypermarket stores around the country,” says TCL South Africa’s Sales Manager, Muhammed Ebrahim. “The growth of the brand in South Africa has exceeded all expectations and this can clearly be seen by the additional physical retail outlets required.”

Available as from today, the newly launched products, the C835, C735, P735 and P635 together with other models will be rolled out to the PnP stores.

“We are excited to bring this new Google TV to our customers through our nationwide Hypermarket network and popular online shop,” says Ansgar Pabst, Head of GMD Omnichannel at Pick n Pay.

TCL launched the C Collection back in 2021, as a range of models targeting those who wanted maximum size in their living rooms. Whereas the company’s sets had previously topped out at 65-inches, this addition certainly pushes the boundaries.

The new TLC C735 isn’t just large, however, but features cutting-edge display tech. It uses HDR10+ which offers a wide palette of rich, bold, and vivid colours with frame-by-frame adaptive control. They can be adjusted for better brightness and contrast; IMAX Enhanced, meanwhile, brings cinema viewing standards right inside your home.

The panel itself supports maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, plus Dolby Vision. There’s Variable Refresh Rate and an Auto Game Mode, while inputs include four HDMI of which two are HDMI 2.1 and one supports eARC. For audio, there are Onkyo-tuned drivers and Dolby Atmos 3D processing.

As for software the C735 will run Google TV. That means there’ll be Google Assistant-powered voice control, streaming apps, and Google Play store support.

Unsurprisingly, this new 2022 flagship TV doesn’t come cheap. TCL says the C735 98″ 4K Google TV is already on sale, priced at R99 999.

As an introductory product, TCL will be launching its line with a 4K Google TV, the P725, which comes baked with voice activation alongside the budget friendly P615 4K HDR Android TV, and that will be followed up by the C725 4K QLED Google TV with quantum dot display technology later in November.

TCL is a company that’s been aboard the Roku TV train since the very start and it will be interesting to see whether any of those features will be launching in Mzansi soon.

“South Africa has always been on our radar as a next expansion point, and we’re thrilled to officially be in the market. We will be utilising South African resources as much as possible on the ground and that includes a local South African assembly partner with plans for expansion in the near future,” says Robin YI, General Manager of TCL South Africa.