Hisense 55U8N Mini-LED QLED TV review with Dolby Vision IQ and 144Hz gaming

Description

Immersive Design and Build Quality
The Hisense 55-Inch Class U8 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Google Smart TV (55U8N) is a stunner right out of the box. Its sleek, modern finish in black complements any living room setup effortlessly. I found the thin bezels to be particularly impressive, as they create a near-borderless viewing experience. The 3 x 48.5 x 28.2-inch dimensions make it a perfect fit for my entertainment center, and despite its 41.9-pound weight, it was manageable to set up without assistance. The anti-glare, low-reflection panel felt like a game-changer in a room flooded with natural light. However, I did notice fingerprints easily accumulated during setup, which could be a minor annoyance for some.

Picture Quality That Stands Out
This TV’s Mini-LED Pro+ technology is nothing short of jaw-dropping. With up to 1800 nits of peak brightness, I could see intricate details in both dark and bright scenes. Watching a nature documentary felt as though I was peering through a window into the real world. The QLED Quantum Dot Color feature delivers over a billion shades, making sunsets and ocean waves pop with rich, vibrant tones. And thanks to the Full Array Local Dimming Pro with 2000+ dimming zones, the contrast levels are phenomenal. Blacks are as deep as ink, and whites are dazzling without being harsh. However, I did notice some minor blooming around subtitles in very dark scenes.

Audio Experience That Packs a Punch
The 2.1.2 multi-channel sound system, with 50W of power, transforms this TV into a mini home theater. I was genuinely impressed by the Dolby Atmos feature, which creates a multi-dimensional sound experience. During action-packed scenes, I felt like I was right in the middle of the chaos, with sounds coming from all directions. The built-in IMAX Enhanced certification ensures audio immersion that doesn’t require any additional soundbars or speakers. However, if you’re an audiophile, you might find that the bass could be a bit deeper, especially when watching music-heavy content.

Gaming Performance Like No Other
As someone who loves gaming, I was eager to test the 144Hz Game Mode Pro. The smoothness provided by the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro is unparalleled. I didn’t experience any screen tearing or lag, even during fast-paced action sequences. The Game Bar is another standout feature, allowing me to tweak settings like refresh rates and latency directly on the TV. Whether I was playing intense shooters or slower-paced RPGs, the TV delivered consistently stellar performance. That said, hardcore gamers who focus on competitive play might want even more customization options.

Smart Features Worth Exploring
This TV’s Google TV interface is intuitive and user-friendly. It curates personalized recommendations based on my viewing habits, saving me the hassle of scrolling endlessly. Switching between apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube felt seamless, without any noticeable lags. The inclusion of Alexa compatibility is a nice touch, allowing me to control the TV with simple voice commands. It’s also Wi-Fi 6E compatible, which ensures faster streaming, though I did have to upgrade my router to take full advantage of this feature.

Key Benefits

• The Mini-LED Pro+ technology ensures stunning clarity and contrast.
• 1800 nits of peak brightness make it ideal for well-lit rooms.
• 144Hz Game Mode Pro offers seamless gaming with zero latency issues.
• The sound system with Dolby Atmos creates an immersive audio experience.

Areas for Improvement

• Slight blooming around bright objects in very dark scenes.
• Fingerprints accumulate easily on its sleek black finish.
• The bass might not satisfy audiophiles seeking deeper sound.

Competing Products
When comparing this TV to similar models, like the Samsung QN90C or LG C3 OLED, the Hisense U8 Series holds its own remarkably well. The Samsung QN90C offers comparable brightness levels, but its price is notably higher, and it doesn’t include the 2-Year Warranty that Hisense provides. On the other hand, the LG C3 OLED excels in delivering perfect blacks and vibrant colors, thanks to its OLED technology. However, it falls short in brightness when used in well-lit rooms, an area where the Hisense U8 Series shines. One area where competitors pull ahead is in their app ecosystems, which feel slightly more polished than Google TV.

Price Performance
Given its robust feature set, the Hisense U8 Series delivers exceptional value for money. It might not have the same brand prestige as some of its competitors, but the performance it offers at this price point is hard to beat. The 2-Year Warranty is a standout advantage, doubling the industry standard and providing extra peace of mind. For anyone seeking a high-quality TV without breaking the bank, this model is a smart investment.

Additional information