The Hisense U8Q places itself into competition with a satisfying upscaling efficiency and gratifying 4K efficiency. Avid gamers can even benefit from the quick efficiency on faucet. It’s not the all-rounder it might have been resulting from some iffy movement and backlight points. Think about a soundbar if you need a beefier presentation too.
Professionals
- Gratifying 4K HDR efficiency
- Stable upscaling
- Good construct high quality
- First rate sound
- Multi-HDR help
Cons
- Iffy movement
- Some backlight bleed off-axis
- No native Disney+/Apple TV apps
Key specs
- HDR10. HLG, HDR10+, Dolby Imaginative and prescient
- Dolby Atmos
- JBL front-firing audio system
- DLED backlight
- 1000nits peak brightness
- VIDAA U4.0
- Freeview Play
The Hisense U8Q is its flagship 2020 tv, that includes large HDR help and an built-in speaker system from audio model JBL.
After a dabble with OLED shows, Hisense has gone again to selling its ULED know-how as its primary draw, with the U8Q sitting on the high of the 2020 TV tree.
And judging from the spec sheet, Hisense are urgent full steam forward of their try to draw potential consumers to their TVs. The 55U8QFUK has multi-HDR help, a full array native dimming backlight and an built-in speaker system tuned by JBL. Is that this the TV that locations Hisense as a viable different to the likes of LG, Panasonic and Samsung?
Hisense U8Q worth and availability
On the time of evaluate the 55-inch model of Hisense U8Q (also called the 55U8QFTUK within the UK) had a worth of £1099. Within the subsequent months since its preliminary launch, it’s gone right down to £849/€879 at most retailers and is offered to buy from outfits similar to Amazon, AO.com and Currys.
Hisense U8Q design — Enticing seems
- Good trying set with built-in speaker system
- Cable muddle characteristic across the rear
- Not probably the most responsive of remotes
By and enormous the Hisense U8Q is an attractive-looking set. Out there in 55- and 65-inch fashions, the bezel is unobtrusive, and the construct high quality is what I’d name strong. From the V-shaped pedestal – which except you may have a compact soundbar does limit placement of sound techniques in entrance of the TV – to the fetching materials that covers the built-in front-firing audio system, the U8Q is a effectively put-together set.
Meeting isn’t too laborious. Begin with the assorted components of the stand (which ought to be screwed in abruptly), slot it into the primary physique, tighten the screws and fasten a panel to cowl it up. There’s a cable muddle characteristic for routing cables by the underside of the rear panel and out by the stand.
With the stand included the TV measures in at 1232 x 799 x 308mm (whd), or in the event you’re contemplating wall-mounting then the rear panel juts out at simply 83mm of depth. It’s suitable with VESA wall-mounts, and at 17.4kg with out a stand (18.9kg with one), it’s not too heavy.
The distant is a slim effort however too compact for my liking. Buttons are smushed shut collectively and when you have sizeable digits similar to myself, you’ll jab on the unsuitable button with regularity. It’s additionally not probably the most responsive, which doesn’t assist. Netflix, Prime Video, Rakuten TV, YouTube and Freeview Play have devoted buttons, so you may hotfoot to the service you fancy.
Hisense U8Q options — Covers the fundamentals for image and gaming
- Not one of the new image modes
- No new gaming options both
- VIDAA U 4.0 good portal covers the fundamentals
The Hisense U8QF comes with loads of options however in comparison with an LG or Samsung it’s extra restricted in scope. Regardless of its premium standing, we’re nonetheless hovering across the value-added space right here.
The U8Q doesn’t consider HDMI 2.1, so take away VRR, ALLM, HFR (4K@120Hz) and eARC from the equation. There are not any buzz-worthy modes in Filmmaker Mode or Dolby Imaginative and prescient IQ both, so in the event you’re not involved by any of these options right here’s what the U8Q has to supply.
There’s the VIDAA U good portal – model 4.0 – which avoids whizz-bang stylings and settles on a plain look. A VIDAA account could be created to maintain the TV updated, though the TV does obtain vital firmware updates. In any case it’s not obligatory for downloading apps. Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube and Rakuten TV can be found, and with Freeview Play there’s entry to UK catch-up apps. Disney Plus and Apple TV should not supported.
There’s a side of personalisation to the VIDAA interface with app suggestions and a peak at what’s trending for these with Netflix accounts. VIDAA can also be Chromecast-able for flinging content material on the TV. Alexa is in-built, so the TV could be managed by your voice in the event you fancy a chat.
There’s a Recreation Mode and switching it on (manually) brings latency right down to very speedy and constant 14.2ms.
Hisense’s top-range TVs characteristic a full array native dimming backlight to assist with distinction and black ranges. Hisense says the U8Q options 132 zones, and with a refresh price of 120Hz, it in idea ought to produce smoother photographs with much less flicker or stutter. Hisense says the set’s Quantum Dot Color know-how covers a large spectrum of colors – a billion – for delicate shades and extra practical tones.
Connections are rear- and side-facing tallying at 4x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB 2.0, Digital Optical out, Ethernet, composite, CI+ Slot and satellite tv for pc and aerial tuners. For wi-fi connections there’s Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), DLNA compatibility and Bluetooth.
Hisense U8Q image high quality — Superb with HD and 4K content material, however iffy with movement
- Imprecise with dealing with movement
- Entertaining 4K image high quality
- Helps all the primary HDR codecs
The U8Q’s upscaling prowess is first rate with SD content material and fairly good with HD. With the previous, content material is unsurprisingly blurry, missing element and sharpness. Nevertheless it’s watchable, moreso with Extremely Clean Movement enabled.
HD is a step up in all regards. Colors are higher outlined and there’s extra fantastic element for a satisfying image. There’s a little bit of noise round faces, noticeably with wrinkles, and whereas it’s not the sharpest, it’s a passable trying picture.
SD SDR HD SDR
What plagues the U8Q is movement. The Extremely Clean Movement characteristic ought to be turned on, as terrestrial alerts could be reasonably staccato with out it, however the U8Q doesn’t deal with movement with an enormous diploma of confidence.
It’s most evident throughout a stream of a Premier League match on Prime Video. The jerky nature of the picture isn’t totally resolved no matter which Extremely Clean Movement mode is used, or whether or not the de-judder setting is customised. Clean or Customary are your finest bets, however the slight blur and jittery movement that also pervades is distracting.
All types of HDR are supported in HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ and Dolby Imaginative and prescient. Hisense says the panel can obtain a peak brightness of 1000 nits, however I’d think about it’s lower than that determine. Nonetheless, there’s a brightness and punchiness to 4K HDR sources that offers a superb impression of what HDR can do.
Content material from streaming providers supplies loads of expressive colors, element and readability. Dolby Imaginative and prescient HDR seen on Netflix seems slick, however the high quality isn’t nearly as good because the implementation on the OLED55CX.
With 4K Blu-ray content material the Hisense stretches its legs. It doesn’t have a local 10-bit panel generally used for HDR, as a substitute using 8-bit + FRC– a type of dithering that cycles between completely different colors with every new body to match the color vary of a 10-bit panel – and outcomes are fairly good.
Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven is an effective showcase for landscapes and skies, and the sleek transition between colors seems capably dealt with; the TV giving a superb sense of the movie’s picaresque magnificence with its completely different tones and hues. Distinction can also be fairly good, with darkish and vivid parts coexisting to create a way of depth.
Shadow element (that’s element within the darkest components of a picture) will not be the U8Q’s strongest swimsuit. A whirl by The Darkish Knight Rises and the TV can’t elevate all of the element from the Batman swimsuit. Increase the brightness and there’s extra to be discovered, however there’s not a lot room to play with. Some extent up is all that’s wanted, however something extra and scenes look washed out.
In case you have a 4K participant and discs able to each HDR10+/Dolby Imaginative and prescient, I’d say the U8Q is healthier suited to the latter. Colors are extra on level, as are textures, and the tonally its darker, which in Physician Sleep makes for a extra convincing image. Dolby Imaginative and prescient Vibrant and Darkish modes can be found alongside a customized model.
HDR10+ Dolby Imaginative and prescient
The vivid colors of Pacific Rim carry the Hisense U8Q’s aptitude with color to the fore. Whites are clear and vivid, fantastic element is great – spot all of the nicks and scratches on the Gipsy Hazard jaeger – and the brilliant and vibrant palette of the movie is effectively dealt with. The depth of the colors; the reflection of town lights on Hazard – all of it seems nice in 4K HDR.
Black ranges are stable from a head-on place however transfer off-axis and hues lose their efficiency and blooming turns into extra noticeable. Backlight bleed can grow to be a problem with HDR content material into the black bars above and beneath content material.
Head on Off-axis
One factor so as to add is the Hisense U8Q doesn’t appear to routinely swap into Enhanced mode when it detects a tool that may do 4K/60Hz or 4.4.4, 4.2.2, 4.2.0 chroma sampling. Head into the menu settings for whichever HDMI port the gadget is related to and swap it on.
Hisense U8Q sound high quality — First rate sound however a soundbar would supply extra influence
- Intentionally flat to keep away from pointless processing
- First rate dynamic vary (for a flatscreen TV)
- Okay Atmos efficiency
The U8QFUK packs an built-in 2x 10W front-firing system specifically tuned by JBL. The telly additionally helps Dolby Atmos to output a extra spacious sound.
Taking part in The Darkish Knight Rises’ 5.1 monitor by the front-firing audio system and it does an honest job. Tom Hardy’s vocalisation of Bane stands out, and there’s first rate dynamic vary and placement of results. There’s not a lot bass to talk of – the reverb of Bane’s voice to the assorted punches, kicks and explosions lack heft – however treble and midrange frequencies are capably dealt with.
Within the Customary mode the speaker’s supply is intentionally flat. I believe it really works effectively. Vocals are prioritised and it’s simple to grasp what’s being stated. It’s not notably large or tall, however the Theatre possibility is there for a extra expansive presentation. Vocals, nevertheless, are much less emphasised.
Funnel Dolby Atmos content material – the Brad Pitt-starring Fury – and it sounds extra expansive, taller and with extra depth, if not a lot width. There’s nonetheless a bent for the audio to remain rooted to the decrease half of the display although. For daytime TV that is fantastic, for something extra, contemplate a soundbar.
You should purchase the Hisense 55U8QFTUK if…
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You need an reasonably priced 4K TV that helps all the primary HDR codecs: One nice side in regards to the U8Q is that it suits in all the primary HDR codecs and has sufficient brightness to make HDR content material pop.
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You’re not fussed by having plenty of streaming apps: The U8Q focuses on the few reasonably than having many, and that can swimsuit those that simply want Netflix and the UK catch-up apps.
You shouldn’t purchase the Hisense 55U8QFTUK if…
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Should you’re after a TV that helps the newest image and gaming options: There’s no Dolby Imaginative and prescient IQ, no Filmmaker mode, no HDMI 2.1 options or 4K@120Hz. Regardless of it being the premium possibility in Hisense’s 2020 TV vary, it’s mid-range for options.
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You need entry to plenty of streaming apps: A streaming stick would resolve this challenge, and in the event you do log in to the likes of Disney+, Apple TV or NOW TV, you’ll want one.
Specs
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UK RRP
EU RRP
Producer
Display Dimension
Dimension (Dimensions)
Dimension (Dimensions with out stand)
Weight
ASIN
Working System
Launch Date
First Reviewed Date
Mannequin Quantity
Mannequin Variants
Decision
HDR
Forms of HDR
Refresh Fee TVs
Ports
HDMI (2.1)
Audio (Energy output)
Connectivity
Colors
Show Expertise
Hisense 55U8QFTUK
£1099
€879
Hisense
54.6 inches
1232 x 308 x 799 MM
736 x 1232 x 83 MM
18.9 G
B089NF83PF
VIDAA U4.0
2020
03/08/2020
55U8QF
55U8QFTUK
3840 x 2160
Sure
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Imaginative and prescient
– 120 Hz
4x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB 2.0, Ethernet, Optical out, CI+ Slot, Composite in, Satellite tv for pc, Aerial
N/A
20 W
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DLNA
Black/Silver
VA, Direct-LED (Full Array Native Dimming)
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