Hisense 55U8H QLED TV review Best 55-inch 4K Smart TV option

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Hisense 55U8H QLED TV manages to blend sleek aesthetics with robust build quality, making it a standout addition to any living space. Its thin bezels and minimalist design ensure the screen takes center stage, while the black finish gives it a modern and premium vibe. I was particularly impressed by how sturdy the TV felt despite its lightweight of 41.2 pounds, making it relatively easy to mount or reposition. The 48.5 x 3 x 28.2-inch dimensions fit perfectly in my living room, not overwhelming the space but still delivering a cinematic feel. While the stand is functional, it might wobble slightly if your surface isn’t completely stable, so wall-mounting could be a better option for some users.

Picture Quality and Performance

The picture quality on this TV is what truly sets it apart. Featuring 4K ULED technology, it doesn’t just stop at delivering sharp images; the Quantum Dot Wide Color Gamut ensures every color pops with vibrancy. Watching nature documentaries offered a mesmerizing experience – the colors were so rich and lifelike that I felt immersed in every scene. With 1500-nit peak brightness and Full Array Local Dimming Zones, even HDR content looks stunning, with excellent contrast between bright and dark scenes. The TV excels in clarity, even during fast-paced action sequences, thanks to its 120Hz native refresh rate and Smooth Motion technology. However, I did notice that in extremely dark scenes, there could be some minor blooming around bright objects, which might be a slight letdown for perfectionists.

Audio Quality and Dolby Atmos

Audio performance is often an afterthought in TVs, but the built-in speakers on this model, paired with Dolby Atmos, genuinely surprised me. The sound was immersive, filling the room with clarity and depth. Whether I was streaming a blockbuster or casually watching a sitcom, the dialogue stayed crisp, and the bass was just enough to give movies that extra oomph. Still, for audiophiles or those wanting that full home theater feel, adding a soundbar or external speakers might elevate the experience further.

Gaming Features and Performance

As someone who loves gaming, I found the Game Mode Pro incredibly impressive. The HDMI 2.1 inputs automatically detect gaming sequences and adjust settings for smoother gameplay. With 120Hz variable refresh rate (VRR) and FreeSync Premium Pro, input lag was virtually nonexistent, and I didn’t experience any screen tearing or stuttering. Playing fast-paced games was fluid and responsive, making this TV one of the best I’ve tried for gaming. Plus, the Automatic Low Latency Mode (ALLM) ensures that you’re always in the optimal setting without having to tweak anything manually.

Hands-Free Voice Control and Smart Features

The inclusion of Hands-Free Voice Control is a game-changer. I could simply say, “Play Stranger Things,” and the TV responded instantly without needing to hunt for the remote. It integrates seamlessly with Google Assistant and Alexa, enabling me to control smart home devices from the comfort of my couch. The built-in browser might not replace a laptop or smartphone for browsing, but it’s handy for quick searches or accessing certain websites. However, I did notice that the interface could be a bit sluggish when multitasking, which might frustrate those who demand ultra-smooth interactions from their smart TVs.

Key Benefits

• Quantum Dot technology delivers over a billion vibrant colors.
• 1500-nit brightness ensures HDR content truly shines.
• Game Mode Pro with VRR and ALLM enhances gaming performance.
• Hands-free control with voice commands for added convenience.

Areas for Improvement

• Minor blooming in extremely dark scenes with bright highlights.
• The smart interface can occasionally feel slightly sluggish.
• Stand stability could be improved for non-wall-mounted setups.

Competing Products

Comparing this TV to similar offerings like Samsung’s Q80B or LG’s NanoCell 90 Series, it holds its own in several areas. The Hisense 55U8H outshines the Samsung in brightness, as the 1500-nit HDR10+ capability delivers more vivid HDR content. Additionally, the local dimming zones here offer deeper blacks compared to LG’s NanoCell series. However, Samsung’s interface feels a tad more polished and faster, while LG’s AI-based upscaling is slightly better for non-4K content. If gaming is your priority, the Game Mode Pro on this TV edges out both competitors thanks to its FreeSync Premium Pro support.

True Value

For what this TV offers, its price to quality ratio is exceptional. The inclusion of premium features like Quantum Dot technology, Dolby Vision, and Mini-LED backlighting typically comes at a much higher price point with other brands. While it’s not perfect, the compromises are minor in the grand scheme of things. Whether you’re a movie buff, a gamer, or just someone looking for an upgrade, this TV is a smart investment for its feature-packed design.

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