Hisense U8QG Ultimate Review: Glorious Overkill of Brightness and Sound

Hisense isn’t just entering the TV arena this year; they’re detonating it. Forget subtle upgrades; think seismic shifts. Remember CES? That 136-inch MiniLED behemoth and the dazzling 116-inch RGB? Those were just appetizers. The main course? It’s simmering now, including the recently unveiled U8QG, successor to last year’s U8N. Expect a quantum leap forward – this isn’t just an incremental update.

Hisense wasn’t kidding about the U8QG’s brightness. Boasting a peak of 5,000 nits, this 65-inch screen is a supernova in the TV world. I braced myself for compromised picture quality at that intensity, but instead, I found myself staring at a revelation. Hisense has officially ruined me; every other TV now pales in comparison.

Forget budget TVs. Hisense is stepping into the premium arena, and the U8QG is its opening gambit. The 55-inch model starts at a cool $999, but the 65-inch beauty we’re testing commands a steeper $2,199. Keep an eye out, though we’ve spotted it flirting with discounts since it arrived.

Table of Contents

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Hisense U8QG Specs
Hisense U8QG Review: Design and build quality
Hisense U8QG Review: Picture Quality
Hisense U8QG Review: Sound
Hisense U8QG Review: Software
Should you buy the Hisense U8QG?

Hisense U8QG Specs

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Hisense U8QG Review: Design and build quality

The Hisense U8QG arrived, and the first thing that struck me wasn’t the promise of dazzling visuals, but its unexpected physique. Forget the sleek, tapered designs we’ve come to expect. This TV is unapologetically boxy, a deliberate departure from the hyper-thin trend. It’s a refreshing change, a solid, almost industrial aesthetic that hints at the powerhouse of technology contained within – likely needing that robust frame to keep its blazing brightness in check.

The single, centered stand? Unexpected brilliance. It’s a testament to perfect weight distribution. This isn’t just a stand; it’s a statement. Plus, rejoice if your console is space-challenged. As long as the sides are clear, this TV confidently perches, defying spatial limitations.

Assembly’s a breeze, mostly. Just a heads-up: wrestle with the stand instructions a bit before diving in. They’re not exactly intuitive.

Around back, a dual-driver subwoofer lurks, promising (and delivering!) surprisingly robust sound for a TV sans soundbar. Forget tinny; this TV brings the bass.

Connectivity lives on the left flank, power on the right. Three HDMI 2.1 ports are a godsend – no more juggling between your soundbar (inevitably hogging the eARC port) and your next-gen console. Hisense gets major kudos for future-proofing with full 4K120 gaming support across all three. Beyond that, you’ll find Ethernet, USB-A, headphone, and AV IN jacks. And for those still clinging to cable boxes, yes, there’s a coax port too – though mine remains untouched in this age of YouTube TV.

The TV’s rear panel boasts a surprisingly intricate design, a detail destined to be forever hidden against a wall. A cruel irony, as this screen is begging to be mounted; a feature I can only dream of indulging, trapped as I am within the confines of a rental agreement.

The TV’s face is a study in minimalism. A whisper-thin bezel frames the vibrant screen, practically disappearing as you get lost in the picture. Hisense’s logo is a master of subtlety, a near-invisible watermark that blends seamlessly into the design. While many brands shout their name from the rooftops (or, rather, the bottom of the screen), Hisense opts for quiet confidence. You’ll be too engrossed to even notice it.

The remote is surprisingly very good

Hisense throws the tired TV remote script out the window with the U8QG. Forget those flimsy, afterthought clickers – this remote is a revelation. Backlit for late-night bingeing, it’s packed with buttons, including a customizable shortcut. Finally, a remote that anticipates your needs, not frustrates them.

The remote? A hefty champion against couch-cushion oblivion. Hisense swathed it in a brushed-metal facade – plastic, yes, but convincingly premium – so it won’t just get lost; it’ll get noticed.

Those quick-access buttons perched at the top for Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, and Tubi? Yeah, they might ruffle some feathers. But let’s be real: aren’t those practically digital staples these days? So, while the ad-button gripe is valid, maybe it’s a necessary evil for instant streaming gratification.

Hisense U8QG Review: Picture Quality

Prepare to be dazzled. This isn’t just a TV; it’s a portal to pure visual intensity, thanks to its revolutionary Mini-LED panel. We’re talking retina-searing brightness that peaks at a staggering 5,000 nits. But raw power is nothing without control. That’s where 5,000 local dimming zones come into play, orchestrating light and shadow with breathtaking precision. The result? A picture so vibrant, so nuanced, it redefines what’s possible on screen, even at its most brilliant.

Forget skepticism – this display blazes. I went in expecting peak brightness to be a hollow marketing claim or, at best, riddled with picture quality compromises. I was wrong. In controlled HDR tests, it punched past 3,000 nits using a 10% white window. Sure, it’s shy of the advertised 5,000, but let’s be real: that’s lab territory, not real-world viewing.

The TV faced its ultimate test: weeks of relentless sun. Cranked to Vivid mode, brightness maxed out, it stared down a wall of light pouring through a sliding glass door. And itwon. Viewing was crystal clear, no squinting, no frustration. Compare that to the Sony Bravia 5, struggling in the same sun-drenched spot, its dimmer screen rendered nearly unwatchable. The real kicker? Taming this beast is ridiculously simple. A quick tap of the remote’s settings button unleashes a world of picture adjustments. Oddly, though, you won’t find these controls buried in the Google TV home screen menus. Go figure.

Hisense has now spoiled other TVs for me, thanks to this picture quality and brightness levels.

Blooming? A distant memory. This display boasts a staggering number of dimming zones, turning typically problematic scenes into showcases. Think end credits: white text, stark black background. Instead of the usual halo effect, each letter is laser-etched against the void. Even the Hisense logo’s startup sequence becomes a testament to the display’s incredible contrast control. It’s not just black; it’strueblack.

Even in the murkiest depths of midnight scenes, this display shines. Forget struggling to decipher shadowy figures – the clarity is breathtaking, even without OLED technology. Frankly, it’s the most visually stunning television I’ve ever owned. While my review history isn’t exhaustive, I’d confidently place its picture quality above last year’s lauded Bravia 8 OLED. Prepare to be amazed.

Anti-glare is a game-changer

Fresh off Samsung’s showcase, where I went hands-on with their dazzling new TVs like the S95D the OLED marvel sporting a glare-banishing layer I was immediately struck by its brilliance. It’s a head-to-head showdown with Hisense’s Anti-Reflection Pro, which boasts a unique coating baked right into the liquid crystal layer. The impact is undeniable: a viewing experience transformed.

While the U8QG doesn’t banish reflections entirely, it dramatically minimizes them. In my sun-drenched living room, where sunlight usually spawns a distracting hall of mirrors on the TV screen, the U8QG presented a surprisingly subdued image. Reflections are stillpresent, but they’re faint whispers compared to the glaring shouts I’m used to. This clever diffusion also seems to amplify the perceived brightness, making the picture pop even under challenging lighting conditions.

A gamer’s paradise

Plugging my PlayStation 5 into the Hisense U8QG wasn’t just connecting a console to a screen; it was unlocking a visual portal. For the first time, I experienced gaming in glorious 4K at a blistering 120Hz. The U8QG didn’t flinch. PC gamers, rejoice! The TV boasts a 4K 165Hz FreeSync Premium Pro, virtually eliminating screen tearing and delivering buttery-smooth action. Input lag? Practically nonexistent at a mere 9.9ms. And the picture? Prepare for vibrant visuals that explode off the screen, thanks to Dolby Vision and HDR10+ gaming support, breathing new life into every virtual world.

EA College Football 25? Jaw-dropping. This Hisense TV isn’t just displaying the game; it’s practically putting you on the field. The secret weapon? A blistering-fast 165Hz native refresh rate panel. Forget those software-boosted 120Hz pretenders. This is pure, unadulterated visual smoothness. My PS5 might be capped, but PC gamers? Prepare for glory. This TV is your new MVP.

Hisense U8QG Review: Sound

Forget everything you think you know about built-in TV speakers. The Hisense U8QG throws down the gauntlet with its integrated 4.1.2-channel, 72W sound system. I’m used to instantly reaching for my Sonos Beam 2 the moment I unbox a new TV – a testament to how truly awful most TV audio is. But with the U8QG? My soundbar stayed silent. This TV’s audio is a genuine game-changer.

Immerse yourself in a world of sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X compatibility, fine-tuned by a suite of sound presets to match your mood. The audio profile boasts a rich, room-filling soundscape, where deep bass resonates without overpowering the crystal-clear mids and soaring highs. Push the volume to its limits, and you’ll discover a remarkable clarity that defies expectations, remaining distortion-free even at peak levels.

The Hisense U8QG built-in speakers render most soundbars useless.

Forget the soundbar. Hisense’s U8QG delivers audio so rich and immersive, you’ll swear you already have one plugged in, subwoofer and all. Its built-in speakers punch so far above their weight class they render typical soundbars obsolete. Sure, audiophiles with ultra-premium setups might still crave an upgrade, but for everyone else, the U8QG’s sound is a game-changer. Ditch the extra clutter and enjoy cinematic audio right out of the box.

Hisense U8QG Review: Software

Hisense has been a long-time Android TV partner, nearly a decade in fact, though they dabble with Fire TV and Roku too. Past experiences with Android TV on Hisense haven’t always been smooth sailing. Performance felt sluggish, as if the TV’s picture processing hogged all the horsepower, leaving scraps for the smart features. But hold on, this time feels different.

Forget sluggish smart TVs. The Hisense U8QG with Google TV absolutely flies. Seriously, it’s so responsive, it puts Google’s own $99 streaming stick to shame. The speed alone is impressive, but the generous 32GB of built-in storage is the real kicker. I’ve loaded it up with apps galore andstillhave room to spare. Finally, a smart TV that’s actually…smart.

Beyond the stunning visuals, this Hisense TV unlocks a universe of entertainment with Google TV. Imagine instant access to your go-to apps like YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel – all performing flawlessly. Google Assistant is ready at your command, and Google Cast makes sharing a breeze. Plus, Apple aficionados rejoice! AirPlay 2 is built-in, so you can effortlessly stream content from your iPhone without needing a separate Apple TV.

Navigating the settings is generally smooth sailing, with one odd quirk: a double dose of settings menus. Swipe right on the home screen, and you’ll find the Google TV settings. Tempted to tweak the display there? Think again. While a "display" option exists, therealdisplay controls hide behind the remote’s gear icon – a portal to the TV’s specific settings. It’s a slightly strange setup, splitting the settings like that, but hardly a deal-breaker. Let’s be honest, how often are youreallyfiddling with those display settings? I touched them once, during the initial setup, and haven’t looked back since.

Ditch the clunky interfaces! Hisense smart TVs shine thanks to Google TV, a breath of fresh air compared to the usual proprietary software. It’s a seamless, intuitive experience that elevates the entire viewing experience. Hisense nailed the execution.

Should you buy the Hisense U8QG?

Forget the "cheap TV" label. Hisense is quietly building monsters. Yes, they’ve got budget-friendly screens, but look closer. The U8QG starts at a reasonable $999 for the 55-inch, jumps to $2,199 for the reviewed model, and thenBOOM– a 100-inch behemoth for $4,999. Hisense is dominating the extra-large TV market. Just promise me you’ll factor in the electricity bill before going full supernova with that 100-inch brightness.

Imagine a screen so vibrant, it feels like stepping into another world. This isn’t just a TV; it’s a portal. The picture quality is breathtaking, the brightness intense, and the anti-glare technology makes daytime viewing a dream. And the sound? Prepare to be blown away by the integrated speakers. Yes, it’s an investment, but for a truly immersive experience, look no further. This Google TV redefines home entertainment.

You should buy the Hisense U8QG if:

You want a bright TV that doesn’t affect the picture quality.
You want an OLED-like experience at a lower price.
You want an incredible gaming experience without paying extra for competitors TVs.

You should not buy the Hisense U8QG if:

You want a cheaper, large TV.
You want to use a soundbar.

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