Over the past two decades, my experience as a TV reviewer has allowed me to witness remarkable advancements in TV picture quality. This progress can largely be attributed to innovations such as OLED, QLED, mini-LED, and Dolby Vision. Today’s televisions are more impressive than ever, with displays exhibiting supernova-like brightness levels that push the boundaries of visual excellence. Among these, the Hisense U8QG stands out as the brightest TV I have reviewed to date, delivering not only unmatched brightness but also exceptional contrast and vibrant colors.
The Hisense U8QG is not just about brightness; it is also an excellent choice for gamers. With a staggering 165Hz refresh rate and quick response times, this TV is designed to enhance the gaming experience. While the even pricier Hisense 116UX boasts an impressive peak brightness of around 8,000 nits, my formal review focused on the U8QG. The ongoing rivalry between TCL and Hisense continues to evolve, with the performance gap between their high-end models shrinking significantly.
In my comparison of the TCL QM8K and the Hisense U8QG, I found the TCL model to be more cinematic, while the Hisense excels in gaming performance. For potential buyers seeking a top-notch LCD TV, I recommend opting for whichever model offers the best price. If you are after even greater brightness, stay tuned for my upcoming review of the TCL QM9K, which claims to reach up to 6,500 nits.
I had the opportunity to test the picture quality of the 65-inch Hisense 65U8QG hands-on, but my insights also apply to the other sizes in this series. Although the 75-inch model utilizes a different panel, the remaining options from 55 to 100 inches share similar specifications and are expected to deliver comparable picture quality:
55U8QG (55-inch) 65U8QG (65-inch) 75U8QG (75-inch) 85U8QG (85-inch) 100U8QG (100-inch)In just two years, Hisense has dramatically increased the brightness of its TVs, with the U8K model reaching 1,500 nits and the U8QG soaring to an impressive 5,000 nits. This enhancement is significant, especially since many HDR movies are mastered at higher brightness levels, often up to 4,000 nits. The increase in brightness has been achieved through the implementation of mini-LED Pro technology and Full Array Local Dimming.
The Hisense U8QG retains the pedestal design introduced with the U8N, providing a stable and reliable setup. As with most TVs, a separate wall mount is required for wall installation. The upgraded screen features an Anti-Glare Low Reflection Pro panel, framed by a sleek black and silver border. The back of the TV is primarily plastic, complemented by speakers positioned at the top.
Utilizing a mini-LED backlight, the Hisense U8QG boasts thousands of tiny LEDs, contributing to its exceptional brightness. Additionally, the TV has expanded its local dimming zones to 5,000, a significant upgrade from the previous year's model. This full-array local dimming capability allows for simultaneous dimming and brightening of different screen areas, enhancing overall contrast and picture quality.
With a claimed 165Hz native refresh rate, the Hisense U8QG is designed to provide superior motion performance compared to standard 60Hz TVs. It is particularly suited for gaming, leveraging quantum dots to enhance color performance. The Hisense U8QG supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10 formats, ensuring a rich viewing experience.
The audio system on the Hisense U8QG features a six-speaker 4.1.2 Dolby Atmos configuration, though most speakers are directed into the wall or downward. While I have not specifically tested the sound quality, I recommend pairing the TV with a budget soundbar for an enhanced audio experience. The U8QG includes a built-in ATSC 3.0 tuner for NextGen TV broadcasts, although the slow rollout of this format may limit its utility.
Connectivity options provided by the Hisense U8QG include:
RF Input with ATSC and ATSC 3.0 tuners Wi-Fi 6E and Ethernet 1x USB 2.0 and 1x USB 3.0 4x HDMI (1x eARC) Optical digital audioThe Hisense U8QG features a user-friendly Google TV interface, designed to streamline navigation through your favorite content. This interface integrates seamlessly with Android devices and Google smart homes, allowing for voice commands to control the TV or access your door camera directly from the couch. The remote includes a built-in mic and button for voice commands, and users can enable hands-free control through the TV menu or by connecting a separate Google Assistant speaker.
In testing, it became evident that the Hisense U8QG outperforms its predecessor, with significant improvements in brightness and overall picture quality. Though I did not directly compare the two Hisense models, I assessed their performance against the older TCL QM851. For instance, in the action film Mad Max: Fury Road, the Hisense showcased vibrant red desert sands and deep blue night skies, achieving excellent color saturation.
When analyzing shadow details in the horror film It, the Hisense U8QG performed comparably to the LG model, both illustrating greenish shadows with slight detail loss. In contrast, the TCL QM851 struggled with overly bright shadows.
During gaming sessions, the Hisense U8QG maintained its composure without blurring or tearing, showcasing its impressive brightness and contrast. Unlike the TCL QM8K, which lags slightly in response time, the Hisense delivered an engaging gaming experience with brilliant visuals. In a well-lit room, the Hisense excelled in contrast and ambient light rejection, even outperforming TCL models in this regard.
In conclusion, the Hisense U8QG represents a remarkable leap forward in television technology, combining extraordinary brightness, excellent color performance, and robust gaming capabilities. Its design and features, including the user-friendly Google TV interface, make it a strong contender in the competitive landscape of modern TVs. Whether you are a movie enthusiast or a gamer, the Hisense U8QG is a compelling choice that delivers stunning visuals and an immersive viewing experience.
