Hisense 40-Inch A4 Series Smart TV review FHD display and immersive audio features

Description

A Compact Entertainment Solution: My Experience with the Hisense 40A4K

Testing out the Hisense 40-Inch Class A4 Series FHD Google Smart TV (40A4K) turned out to be an unexpectedly enjoyable experience. As someone who loves indulging in movies, gaming, and occasionally binge-watching sports, this TV seemed to promise a lot on paper. While it delivered on most fronts, there are certain aspects that stood out—both positively and negatively. It’s not a perfect product, but it does have a lot going for it. Let me walk you through my experience.

Design and Build Quality

The sleek black design of this TV fits seamlessly into my living room setup. It’s lightweight, weighing just 7.89 kilograms, making it easy to mount or move around. The 40-inch flat screen display has a simple aesthetic, with bezels slim enough not to distract from viewing. However, the build does feel slightly flimsy in certain areas, particularly the back panel, which made me wonder about its durability in the long term.

Its compact size is perfect for smaller spaces, like bedrooms or studio apartments, but it might feel insufficient if you’re used to larger TVs. I found it ideal for casual viewing, though it’s not exactly a showstopper if you’re aiming to impress guests with a high-end look.

Picture Quality and Display Performance

The 1080p Full HD resolution is a definite plus. The images are crisp, and the full-array LED backlight ensures vibrant colors and adequate brightness. Watching nature documentaries was a joy, as the greens and blues popped beautifully on the screen. However, I did notice that the blacks aren’t as deep as they could be, which is something you’d expect from more premium models.

I’ve tested the sports mode, which automatically adjusts settings for smoother motion and enhanced color. While it improved my football watching experience, there was slight motion blur during fast-paced scenes. Game mode, on the other hand, was a pleasant surprise. The reduced input lag made gaming feel responsive, and I didn’t experience any annoying delays during gameplay.

Key Benefits

• Sharp and colorful display: The LED backlighting enhances overall picture quality, especially for HD content.
• Great for gamers: The Game Mode minimizes input lag, providing a smoother gaming experience.
• Sports optimization: Pre-set settings in Sports Mode improve motion clarity and color for live sports.
• Compact and lightweight: Perfect for smaller spaces and easy to move around.

Audio Experience: Is DTS Virtual: X Enough?

The DTS Virtual: X audio technology tries to create an immersive sound profile, but it’s a mixed bag. Dialogue clarity is excellent, which made watching dramas and documentaries enjoyable. However, the bass feels weak, and the overall sound lacks depth. Pairing it with a Bluetooth soundbar significantly improved the audio experience, thanks to the TV’s wireless connectivity feature. Without external speakers, though, the sound feels a bit flat for action-packed movies or music-heavy content.

Usability and Smart Features

This TV truly shines in terms of usability. The Google TV interface is a game-changer for someone like me who juggles between apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+. Everything is neatly organized, and the ability to search content by genre is a nice touch. The voice remote with Google Assistant makes navigation effortless—I could open apps, adjust the volume, and even search for obscure movie titles with a simple voice command.

The inclusion of Chromecast Built-In is another standout feature. Streaming content directly from my phone to the TV was seamless, whether it was a casual YouTube video or a movie from my laptop. This feature alone adds so much convenience, especially for someone who often uses multiple devices for entertainment.

Areas for Improvement

• Audio limitations: The bass lacks punch, and the sound profile could be more immersive without relying on external speakers.
• Build quality concerns: The back panel feels a bit fragile.
• Motion handling: Slight blurring during fast-paced scenes in sports and action movies.

Competitive Options

When comparing this TV to similarly-priced competitors, it holds its ground in several areas but falls short in others. For instance, TCL’s 40-inch Roku TV offers a similar Full HD display but boasts a more robust sound system out of the box. Meanwhile, Samsung’s entry-level Smart TVs might have better motion handling but lack the built-in Chromecast feature that I found incredibly useful on the Hisense.

Where this model excels is in its gaming and sports modes, which are not always available in other TVs at this price point. The Google TV interface is also smoother and more intuitive compared to some competitors, making it a strong choice for tech-savvy users.

Quality for Price

In terms of value for money, the Hisense 40A4K is a solid contender. While it doesn’t blow competitors like Samsung or LG out of the water, it’s hard to ignore the affordable pricing for a TV with smart features, DTS Virtual: X, and multiple modes for gaming and sports. If you’re upgrading from a much older TV, this model offers plenty of bang for your buck. However, audiophiles and those seeking ultra-premium visuals might need to look elsewhere—or invest in external accessories to enhance the experience.

Final Thoughts (But Not a Conclusion!)

The Hisense 40-Inch Class A4 Series FHD Google Smart TV (40A4K) strikes a balance between affordability and functionality. It’s perfect for casual viewing, gaming, and smaller living spaces. While it has its flaws, the Google TV interface, Game Mode, and built-in Chromecast make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers. Just be prepared to pair it with a soundbar if you’re picky about audio quality.

Additional information