Hisense 55-Inch U8 Series Mini-LED TV review with Dolby Vision and 144Hz gaming

Description

Exceptional Picture Quality with Quantum Dot Technology

The first time I turned on this Hisense 55U8N, I was genuinely impressed by the QLED Quantum Dot Color. Colors are vibrant, rich, and incredibly lifelike, with over a billion shades visible on the screen. Watching nature documentaries felt like staring out of a high-definition window into the wild. The Mini-LED Pro+ technology paired with Full Array Local Dimming Pro is no joke; it creates stunning contrast, making blacks look deep and whites crisp without any halo effect. Even in a brightly lit room, the 1800 nits of peak brightness stood its ground, ensuring a consistently immersive viewing experience.

Gaming Powerhouse Features

I wasn’t expecting much from a TV when it came to gaming, but this one genuinely surprised me. The 144Hz Game Mode Pro with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) between 48Hz and 144Hz made gaming buttery smooth. I tested it with a fast-paced shooter, and the Auto Low Latency Mode eliminated any noticeable input lag. The Game Bar was a neat addition, letting me tweak settings mid-game without needing to touch the controller. It’s a gamer’s dream come true, especially for those who value performance and responsiveness.

Immersive Audio Experience

The integrated 2.1.2 multi-channel sound system was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t expect such powerful and immersive audio from a TV alone. With 50W max power and Dolby Atmos, the sound feels multidimensional, almost like being in a theater. I tested it with a space-themed movie, and the sound of spacecraft flying across the screen was spine-tingling. The fact that it offers this level of audio without needing extra soundbars or speakers is a huge bonus.

Smart Features and Google TV

Navigating the TV’s features felt intuitive, thanks to Google TV. Streaming apps and live TV are well-organized, and the personalized recommendations actually led me to a few shows I ended up loving. Voice controls worked seamlessly with Google Assistant and Alexa, and setup was straightforward. The addition of WiFi 6E compatibility ensures faster streaming, even when multiple devices are connected to my network. While I didn’t explore every app, the ones I tested ran without any hiccups or lag.

Upsides

• Outstanding picture clarity with Mini-LED and local dimming technology.
• Gaming-centric features like VRR and FreeSync Premium Pro provide smooth gameplay.
• Dolby Atmos and 2.1.2 sound system create a truly cinematic audio experience.
• The Google TV integration is user-friendly and packed with content options.
• Anti-glare technology ensures clear viewing in any lighting condition.

Caveats

• The remote design felt a bit clunky. While functional, it could’ve been more ergonomic.
• Some streaming apps took a moment longer to load than expected.
• Despite great audio, bass lovers might still prefer a dedicated subwoofer for deeper lows.

Comparing Competitive Options

I’ve owned a similar Samsung QLED TV, and while it excelled in color reproduction, it lacked the 144Hz refresh rate and Gaming Mode Pro that make this Hisense model shine for gamers. On the other hand, LG’s OLEDs still lead in terms of inky blacks and viewing angles, but they don’t come close to the Hisense when it comes to maximum brightness levels or price-to-performance ratio. One area where the Hisense could improve is its app ecosystem, which feels less polished compared to Samsung’s Tizen or LG’s webOS.

Value Proposition

Considering all its features, the 55U8N delivers exceptional cost-efficiency. It’s rare to find a TV that balances cutting-edge technology like Quantum Dot Color, Mini-LED, and Dolby Vision while still offering competitive pricing. This is a top-tier choice for families, gamers, and cinephiles who don’t want to stretch their budget too far. If you’re looking for a TV that punches above its weight class in both performance and affordability, this one fits the bill perfectly.

Additional information