The Hisense U8QG is one of the smartest TV buys I can recommend

Hisense U8QG Review: Mini-LED Brilliance at a Price That’ll Make Your Jaw Drop

In the ever-evolving world of television technology, where acronyms like OLED, QLED, and Mini-LED dominate conversations, Hisense has thrown its hat into the ring with the U8QG—a Mini-LED powerhouse that’s turning heads and emptying wallets (in the best way possible). Priced at a staggering $1,300 off during Best Buy’s Presidents’ Day sale, this 65-inch beast is now yours for just $860. But is it worth the hype? Let’s dive in.

The ULED Mystery: What’s in a Name?

If you’re a tech-savvy TV enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of OLED and QLED. But ULED? That’s Hisense’s proprietary term for its “ultimate viewing experience,” combining 20 patents to deliver vivid, true-to-life visuals. It’s not a new category of technology, but rather a marketing term for a suite of enhancements like Ultra Local Dimming, Ultra Wide Color Gamut, Ultra 4K Resolution, and Ultra Smooth Motion Rate.

The U8QG also boasts Mini-LED and QLED (Quantum Dot) technology, making it a triple threat in the TV world. But how does it perform in real-world use? I tested the 65-inch model in our Louisville lab to find out.

Setup and Hardware: Sturdy, But Not Sleek

Setting up the U8QG was a two-person job, thanks to its hefty build. The stand assembly required four hands (and a bit of engineering know-how), but the result is a TV that won’t topple over if your cat decides to parkour off the wall. The remote, with its brushed metal finish and voice control, is a joy to use, though it mirrors the TV’s width at approximately two inches—not exactly sleek, but functional.

One minor gripe: the U8QG has three HDMI ports, which is great for most setups, but four ports are becoming the standard for premium TVs. Still, the inclusion of a USB-C port for PC gaming is a nice touch.

Picture Quality: Where ULED Shines (Literally)

When I powered on the U8QG, the retail mode demos were nothing short of mesmerizing. Waterfalls of color and light poured across the screen, making even 4K content look like 8K. Here’s how the four “Ultra” components stack up:

Ultra Local Dimming: Deep Blacks, Bright Highlights

The Mini-LED technology allows for thousands of tiny LEDs to be controlled with precision, resulting in deep blacks and bright highlights. During a dark scene in Alien: Romulus, the U8QG rendered the inky blackness of space with intensity that rivals OLED. Stars and nebulae popped with minimal blooming or haloing.

Ultra Wide Color Gamut: Lifelike and Saturated

The U8QG’s Quantum Dot technology delivers vibrant, lifelike colors. From the plumage of tropical birds to the rich greens of a rainforest, everything looked incredibly realistic without feeling artificial. Skin tones in Top Gun: Maverick were natural and warm, avoiding the plasticky look that plagues some TVs.

Ultra 4K Resolution: Crisp and Clear

With 8.3 million pixels, the U8QG delivers sharp visuals and crisp contrast. Hisense’s Hi-View AI Engine Pro processor also excels at upscaling lower-resolution content, making it far more appealing on a 4K canvas.

Ultra Smooth Motion Rate: Perfect for Sports and Gaming

The U8QG’s 165Hz native refresh rate ensures smooth motion, even during fast-paced action. NFL highlights looked tight and blur-free, and gaming features like ALLM, Game Mode Ultra, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro make it a dream for gamers.

Sound Performance: Surprisingly Robust

The U8QG’s 4.1.2 multi-channel speakers deliver clear dialogue and decent bass for everyday viewing. While it won’t replace a dedicated soundbar, it’s more than adequate for most users. Just be mindful of rattling bass at higher volumes.

ZDNET’s Buying Advice: A Steal at This Price

If you’re looking for deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a TV that holds up well in ambient light without the price tag of an OLED, the Hisense U8QG is a no-brainer. While the 65-inch model retails for $2,200, major discounts bring it closer to $1,000—a steal for the performance it delivers.

There are higher-end Mini-LEDs with more dimming zones and refined processing, but the U8QG offers a level of performance where the law of diminishing returns kicks in. Take advantage of the discount while you can.

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Bottom Line: The Hisense U8QG is an Editors’ Choice for a reason. Its Mini-LED display achieves remarkable brightness, impressive contrast, and rich Quantum Dot colors that rival OLED picture quality. With a significant discount, it’s a high-end, feature-packed TV that’s hard to beat. Highly recommended.

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