Latest news with #HisenseU8N
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Tom's Guide
The Hisense U8QG test results reveal mind-blowing brightness — but there's one glaring issue with this TV
Hisense has upped the ante with its 2025 TV lineup, and at the top of the range is the Hisense U8QG Mini-LED TV that offers a peak brightness of nearly 4,000 nits. With a starting price of $1,499 (now at just $998 in the heat of the sales season), this new premium Mini-LED TV has a lot going for it. After our initial testing, it's clear this could be one of the best gaming TVs and it's got some serious brightness to boot. But while it might topple many of its rivals in the OLED realm with its brighter Mini-LED backlight, that's not the full story with this TV. Let's take a peak under the hood and see just how far the Hisense U8QG goes when it's put to task. If Hisense TVs are known for anything, it's budget pricing and incredibly high brightness metrics. These are some of the best TVs for those looking to save a few bucks and get expert features with incredible picture performance. The same is true for the new U8QG, which takes over for last year's Hisense U8N. We gave that TV a near-perfect score due in large part to its affordable pricing with tons of specs and, as Managing Editor of TVs Nick Pino put it, "Bonkers brightness." This shows in its 1,258 nits in standard content and blown to even higher extremes in HDR at 3,296 nits. That's some incredible firepower that's only improved upon in the U8QG, which tops out at 2,908 nits in standard and 3,916 nits in HDR. On paper, those are incredible numbers. You're getting ample HDR coverage and more vibrant colors. These are aided by the higher color coverage numbers on the Hisense U8QG, hitting 83.98% and 97.53% of the Rec2020 and UHDA-P3 color gamuts, respectively. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. It blows most OLED TVs out of the water and even topples many of TCL's offerings. But brightness isn't the full story. In practice, the U8QG has some more debilitating factors to contend with: Although it might have great brightness metrics, it still lags behind many alternatives when it comes to glare mitigation. Despite high brightness specs, the U8QG still doesn't compare to some of the best OLED TVs. That's because it skimps on some of the key additions those TVs have, namely an anti-glare coating as seen on the Samsung S95F OLED TV. Of course, it's hard to compare a more budget Mini-LED offering against one of Samsung's most premium OLED TVs, but it's clear that even some of the highest brightness metrics we've seen in testing doesn't equate to superior picture performance. The U8QG's minimal glare mitigation creates issues in darker scenes when watching at night ... and it didn't fare that much better in the daytime when the room was filled with ambient light. The U8QG's minimal glare mitigation creates issues in darker scenes when watching at night. Dimmer overhead lights can still detract from the experience, requiring you to shut off all the lights to get the most out of your TV. And it didn't fare that much better in the daytime when the room was filled with ambient light. There's also the problem of poor off-axis viewing. This is true for many of the best budget TVs with Mini-LED backlighting, and the U8QG similarly falls prey to this setback. While this might only pertain to those sitting far off to the side of the TV, it's rather unfortunate given the stellar lab results we saw. Keep in mind, too, that higher brightness can lead to other issues like a hotter TV panel. The hotter a TV gets, the more likely other factors could persist, like artifacting, discoloration, flickering and — worse among them — a severe malfunction. Over time, brighter TVs can even lead to higher energy bills. While we don't yet know how far the problems persist on the U8QG, there is cause for concern — even in the face of notable wins in terms of its performance metrics. All told, the U8QG still could be one of the better Mini-LED TVs to launch this year. Another particular highlight is one serous internal speaker, which boasts a 4.1.2-channel system on a 72W output (specifically on the 65-inch model). That means you won't have to shell out for one of the best soundbars, and Dolby Atmos makes it even more immersive. This TV also has a 165Hz refresh rate with an input latency of just 9.7ms. That's a boon for gamers. Trust me, Armored Core 6 over 100fps never looked so good. I'll have a more complete opinion on the TV when my Hisense U8QG review goes live later this week, but for now, I'll simply say that this is a premium TV with great specs and an even better price that might require the use of curtains to get the best picture quality.
CNET
15-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Amazon Deals of the Day: One of Our Favorite TVs of 2025 Is Down to a New Low Price
Amazon sells a gazillion products, with new ones dropping daily. The retail giant carries everything from home essentials to tech gear and wellness items. And Amazon loves reducing prices almost as much as it loves adding new products. Deciding which deals are (and are not) worth grabbing is a full-time job — our job specifically — which is why we scope out the top deals. Today, we found one of our favorite TVs of the year, the Hisense U8N for over 40% off. We also found a two-pack of Anker chargers for just $10 total. Finally we spotted one of our favorite affordable open wireless earbuds, the Baseus Bowie MC1, for a nice $20 plus a freebie for Prime members. Picking which TV to purchase is tricker than you think. Not only do you have to consider size and price, but also many different specs like screen type. The Hisense U8N TV will probably check off most of the boxes on your list as it's one of our favorite TVs of 2025. We love it because it has an excellent image quality as it has a mini-LED display with Anti-Glare Low Reflection technology. It runs on Google, making streaming a breeze. It's also built with a great design, making it easy to operate. It also boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, making this TV great for gaming too. The 75-inch usually retails for a hefty $1,600, a great size for living rooms or home theaters. But right now you can score one for just $940. This saves you 41% and drops the TV well under $1,000. Nowadays, it seems that less and less electronics come with a charging cable in the box, leaving you to purchase one yourself. Plus with all the devices we use these days, it can seem like we're always running out of chargers or cables. Having a few spare ones laying around is a pretty good idea. Anker's USB-C cables are six feet long, so it doesn't matter if the outlet isn't right next to you. They also charge your devices pretty fast, with a MacBook Pro charging under 30 minutes. The cable itself it made with premium double braided nylon, meaning it's super sturdy and won't break easily. You can currently score not one, but two of these charging cables for just $10, bringing each one to just five bucks. They normally go for $16 for two so you're saving 38% on this dual-pack. The Baseus Bowie MC1 Open Ear Clip-On earbuds are our favorite affordable option for open-ear earbuds. These earbuds are built with a clip-on design that wraps around your ears. This makes wearing them pretty comfortable while still staying securely in your ear. They have long listening time with a battery life of up to nine hours. Don't be scared to take them on your adventures as they have an IP57 certification, so they are splash and dust-proof. Prime members, don't miss your chance to score these affordable buds for even less with an exclusive $20 discount just for members. This brings the price down to $50 but that's not all. You can also score a free Baseus USB-C cable, a $16 value, for free. Simply add both items to your cart and the cable will come off automatically. With so many deals on Amazon, deciding which ones are worth your money can be difficult. But that's the reason CNET searches everything the world's largest online retailer has to offer before gathering the best deals for you.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Yahoo
The Best 85-Inch TV for 2025: Extra-Large TVs Tested by Experts
A big TV is a big investment and at CNET, our general advice for TV shoppers is that bigger is usually better, especially if you want to maximize 4K content. To help you find the right big-screen TV -- whether it's this year's model or, in some cases, last year's -- we've rounded up some of the best 85-inch TVs on the market right now. The list below represents the best TVs we've reviewed in CNET's test lab, where we've compared them side by side. We've reviewed the 65-inch sizes in the series for most of the models listed below, but the 83- and 85-inch versions are virtually identical, beyond screen size. After testing a handful of the best TVs for the money, we've found that the TCL QM8 (2024) series tops the list for several reasons. The latest QM8 offers superb picture quality overall, all the features you need in a modern television -- including 4K/120Hz input and variable refresh rate that can get the most out of consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X -- and an affordable price. When a friend asks us what 85-inch TV to buy, we tell them the TCL QM8 series. That said, the Hisense U8N is currently discounted to $600 less than the TCL and offers a picture that is almost as good. There are plenty of other excellent choices available. Although this year's QM8 is our favorite for most people, it might not be right for your preferences or budget. TCL continues to lead the 85-inch TV pack with its new 2024 QM8. In our comparison tests it stood out with superior brightness and better contrast than other 85-inch TVs at this price, thanks to its mini-LED technology and well-implemented full-array local dimming. The TV has a modern, sleek design with a center-mount stand. The QM8 uses Google TV as its operating system, which we don't like as much as Roku TV, but it's still a solid smart TV. This model replaces the TCL QM8 from last year. See at Amazon If you're looking for the best value 85-inch TV and find the TCL QM8 just a bit too expensive, consider the Hisense U8N your go-to. In our side-by-side comparison of the two 2024 models, the QM8 came out just ahead, but the U8N still impressed us with its great performance. Both TVs boast outstanding image quality featuring mini-LED backlights and full-array local dimming. They also share similar gaming features and run on the Google TV operating system. Both models are considerably cheaper than other TVs with comparable image quality from more established brands. See at Best Buy OLED TVs have the best picture quality, but they don't come in 85-inch sizes, so that's why we're listing this 83-inch size instead. The C4 represents better picture quality than any non-OLED TV on this list at a price that's higher but still not stratospheric. It excels with perfect black levels, unmatched contrast and excellent off-angle viewing, standing out against the mini-LED models in my comparison tests. While it may not be as bright as some other models, it still performs exceptionally well in all kinds of room lighting. The C4 is also one of the lightest TVs we've ever reviewed thanks to carbon-fiber construction. See at Best Buy If you're in the market for a top-notch 85-inch TV but prefer not to go with OLED, the Samsung QN90B is an excellent choice. This TV features QLED TV technology with mini-LEDs for a brighter image than any OLED TV. Although OLED TVs still won the contrast battle in our side-by-side tests, the QN90B QLED screen is closer than ever to matching it. Among Samsung's lineup of its many QLED TVs, the QN90B stands out as a premium model, second only to their versions with 8K resolution. It's a 2022 model, and while the 2024 version QN90D looks very similar in terms of features, we expect it to deliver similar image quality, though we have yet to review it. See at Amazon With all the TVs available today, and all the technical terms and jargon associated with television technology, it can be tough to figure out what's important. Here's a quick guide to help cut through the confusion. Price: TVs range in price from $100 to more than $2,000. Smaller screens are cheaper, well-known brands are more expensive, and spending more money can also get you better image quality. Most entry-level TVs have a good enough picture for most people, but TVs last a long time, so it might be worth spending more to get a better picture. It's also best to shop for a TV in the fall when prices are lower. Screen size: Bigger is better in our book. We recommend a size of at least 43 inches for a bedroom TV and at least 55 inches for a living room or main TV, and 65 inches or larger is best. More than any other "feature," stepping up in TV screen size is the best use of your money. One of the most common post-TV-purchase complaints we've heard is from people who didn't go big enough. We rarely hear people complain that their TV is too large. Capability: When it comes to entry-level TVs, the most important feature is what kind of smart TV system the TV uses. Among midrange models, look for a feature including full-array local dimming, mini-LED and 120Hz refresh rate, which (unlike some other extras) do help improve the picture, in our experience. Among high-end TVs, OLED technology is your best bet. For more TV buying advice, check out How to Buy a TV. Our TV reviews follow a rigorous, unbiased evaluation process honed over nearly two decades of television reviews. Our primary TV test lab has specialized equipment for measuring light and color, including a Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer, a Murideo Sig-G 4K HDR signal generator and an AVPro Connect 8x8 4K HDR distribution matrix. We use Portrait Displays CalMan Ultimate software to evaluate every television we review. In every CNET TV review, three or more similar TVs are compared side by side in various lighting conditions, playing different media, including movies, TV shows and games, and across a variety of test categories, from color to video processing to gaming to HDR. Our reviews also account for design, features, smart TV performance, HDMI input and gaming compatibility among other factors. One important aspect of image quality we test is overall brightness. Here's how it compares in nits across select TVs listed above. Check out How We Test TVs for more details. It depends on your room size, seating distance and personal taste. For a large living room or den, an 85-inch TV is generally excellent, but it's too big for smaller living rooms or most bedrooms. If you sit closer to the screen you don't need as large a TV for the best experience. Most 85-inch TVs measure around 74 inches wide. Because the frames around newer TV screens are typically quite narrow, 85-inch TV widths don't vary much. Models with very slim frames are on the lower end; the 85-inch Samsung QN90A is 74.5 inches wide, for example, while the slightly thicker-framed 85-inch TCL 4-Series is 74.9 inches wide. If you're not planning to wall-mount the TV, you generally want the piece of furniture supporting the TV to measure at least as wide as the TV itself, and preferably a few inches wider. Refer to the manufacturer's website for the exact dimensions of a particular 83-inch or 85-inch TV. An 85-inch TV weighs between 90 and 120 pounds with its stand, but this varies significantly depending on the type of TV. The carbon-fiber LG C4 83-inch TV weighs 92 pounds with the stand, for example, while the 85-inch Samsung QN90C weighs 110 pounds with the stand. Removing the stand allows you to wall-mount the TV and reduces its weight (stands can weigh up to 20 pounds). Shipping weight (box, accessories and so on) adds another 10 to 20 pounds. Refer to the manufacturer's website for the exact weights of a particular 85-inch TV. 4K resolution delivers a sharp, detailed image on an 85-inch TV. Most 85-inch TVs (or any TV over 50 inches) are made in 4K, meaning they have 8 million pixels that compose the picture on the TV. A single pixel, or discrete picture element, consists of a tiny dot on the screen. However, newer and much more expensive 85-inch TVs may be available in 8K resolution (33 million pixels), but we don't think those are worth buying just yet. Stick with 4K for now when buying a 85-inch TV and check out our guide to TV resolutions for more short, yes -- our general advice for TV shoppers is that bigger is usually better, especially if you're looking to maximize 4K content. However, the value of an 85-inch TV largely depends on your room size, viewing distance and budget. If you're TV shopping for a living, family room or den, an 85-inch TV is generally "worth it" to get the best cinematic experience, provided that you can sit the recommended 13 to 15 feet away from the screen. But if you don't have the space or budget, a smaller 75- or 65-inch TV may be best suited for your needs. Read more in CNET's TV screen size guide if you need a bit more information before choosing an 85-inch TV. According to THX and SMPTE, you should sit between 13 and 15 feet from an 85-inch screen for maximum theatrical impact, although many viewers will find it more comfortable to sit a bit further back than that. Most 85-inch TVs have 4K resolution, and if you have 20/20 vision you can sit as close as about 4.5 feet from the screen and still not discern individual pixels.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Yahoo
Best TVs of 2025, Tested by CNET Experts
If you're looking to buy a new TV, you may be overwhelmed by the choices available. That's why we're here: to help you narrow down the options, and pick the best TV for your space and budget. We test for gaming features such as 4K/120Hz as well as streaming movies on the best smart TV platforms. In our CNET lab, we've looked at all the top brands including Samsung, Roku, LG, Hisense, Vizio and TCL side-by-side. From cheap 4K televisions to QLED and high-end OLED TVs, and everything in between, these are the top TVs we've reviewed in 2025. Read more: How We Test TVs Given the multitude of options, the latest TCL QM8 series has replaced the 2023 model at the top of our best TV list for a number of reasons. The TCL QM851 offers a number of upgrades on the previous year, including a better backlight, superb picture quality overall and an affordable price tag. When a friend asks me what TV to buy from 65 to 98 inches, I tell them the TCL QM8 series. Although the QM8 is my current favorite, it may not be right for your preferences or budget. If you want the best TV for the least amount of money, the Samsung DU7200 series is the best we've tested. TCL has topped our list of the best TVs for the last few years and the QM8 is even better than before. In my comparison tests, it continues to stand out with superior brightness and impact while still maintaining excellent contrast: a combination no other TV could match at this price. The key is mini-LED tech and well-implemented full-array local dimming. It also has a sleek design with a center-mount stand. The operating system is Google TV, which I don't like as much as Roku TV, but it's still a solid smart TV. The main downside of the TCL QM8 is that it's available only in large sizes (65 inches and up). If you're looking for a 55-inch TV, I recommend the Hisense U8N instead. Note that prices shown here are for the 65-inch size in the QM8 series. See at Best Buy If CNET had a best bang-for-buck award one of the first winners would be the Samsung DU7200, a TV which delivers a really good picture for an affordable price. The black levels and shadow detail are excellent for the money, and while our test unit looked a little desaturated out of the box that's easily fixed by adjusting the Color control. It has onboard streaming and the sound quality isn't too bad either. If you're looking for a bedroom unit or a gaming TV then the Samsung DU7200 is the model we would choose. See at Amazon If you're looking for the best TV for the money and the TCL QM8 is just too big, the Hisense U8N should be your go-to. I compared the two TVs side by side, and while I liked the picture quality of the QM8 better, the U8N has one medium-size advantage: a 55-inch screen option. If 65 is too large for your room, your budget or your tastes, the choice between the two is simple: Get the 55-inch Hisense U8N. Both offer excellent image quality and affordable prices thanks to mini-LED backlights and full-array local dimming, as well as similar gaming features and the Google TV operating system. Both cost hundreds less than you'd have to pay to get similar image quality from a better-known brand. Note that while I tested the 65-inch size in the U8N series, the prices shown here are for the 55-inch size. See at Amazon The C4 has better picture quality than any non-OLED TV on this list at a higher price, and it's still not outrageously expensive. Its perfect black levels, unbeatable contrast and superb off-angle viewing kept it a notch above the mini-LED models in my comparison tests, and while its overall brightness isn't quite as impressive, it's still an incredible performer in all kinds of room lighting. The C4 replaced the C3, and while we'll almost always recommend buying last year's version of a TV, the C4 is available for around the same price and so is the model to go for. The prices shown here are for the 65-inch size of the LG C4 series. See at Best Buy The Samsung S95D's matte finish does more than reduce reflections, it nearly eliminates them, improving image quality in bright rooms more than any OLED TV we've tested. Some non-OLED models have matte screens, but this is the first time they've been available in an OLED TV, a display technology that has always delivered the best picture available. That matte finish really works, reducing windows and other glare to dimmer blobs instead of super-bright, mirror-like distractions. The S95D also has an external box, allowing for a cleaner look with the option to store HDMI connections and the power cord out of sight. Between its versatile matte screen and awesome picture overall, the Samsung S95D delivers the best image quality of any TV we've tested, beating both the G4 and last year's winner, the G3, as well as any other non-OLED TV. But it also costs a ton, and most people -- even those with bright rooms -- will be perfectly happy with a less expensive TV. See at Samsung In our tests over the years, Vizio TVs have produced very good picture quality without breaking the bank. The Vizio Quantum Pro continues this trend: it's a solid midpriced TV option, though not without a few notable drawbacks. In side-by-side comparison tests in our lab, the Quantum Pro performed well for the money, with better contrast than the similarly priced Roku Plus Series, for example. On the other hand, as expected, slightly more expensive models like the TCL QM8 and Hisense U8K were better, with brighter images and higher contrast. One major drawback is the Quantum Pro's lack of size offerings; it comes only in 65- or 75-inch sizes. We reviewed the 65-inch model, but the review also applies to the 75-inch version since the specs and picture quality should be similar regardless of size. If you're looking for a smaller TV in this price range, you might instead turn to the Roku Plus Series, which offers a 55-inch model and a superior smart TV system. Vizio will also continue to offer this TV's predecessor, the M-Series Quantum X, in the 50-inch size. See at Walmart Competition among TVs in the middle pricing band is heating up, and the Plus Series is the latest entrant. Unlike the TCL Roku TVs higher on this list, this one is all Roku, with no other brands on board. It adds a couple of step-up extras, including QLED and full-array local dimming, which help deliver a better picture than the TCL 4-Series, for example. This is the first TV Roku has produced under its own brand, as opposed to partnering with a brand like TCL, Sharp, Pioneer or Hisense. The company also released a version with fewer features and no local dimming, called the Roku Select Series. The price shown below is for the 65-inch size. With all of the TVs available today, and all of the technical terms and jargon associated with television technology, it can be tough to figure out what's important. Here's a quick guide to help cut through the confusion. Screen size: Bigger is better in our book. We recommend a size of at least 43 inches for a bedroom TV and at least 55 inches for a living room or main TV -- and 65 inches or larger is best. More so than any "feature," stepping up in TV screen size is the best use of your money. One of the most common post-TV-purchase complaints we've heard is from people who didn't go big enough. And we rarely hear people complain that their TV is too large. Price: TVs range in price from $100 to more than $2,000. Smaller screens are cheaper, well-known brands are more expensive and spending more money can also get you better image quality. Most entry-level TVs have a good enough picture for most people, but TVs last a long time, so it might be worth spending more to get a better picture. It's also best to shop for a TV in the fall when prices are lower. Capability: Among entry-level TVs the most important feature is what kind of smart TV system the TV uses. Among midrange models, look for a feature including full-array local dimming, mini-LED and 120Hz refresh rate, which (unlike some other extras) do help improve the picture in our experience. Among high-end TVs, OLED technology is your best bet. Our TV reviews follow a rigorous, unbiased evaluation process honed over nearly two decades of TV reviews. Our primary TV test lab has specialized equipment for measuring light and color, including a Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer, a Murideo Sig-G 4K HDR signal generator and an AVPro Connect 8x8 4K HDR distribution matrix. We use Portrait Displays CalMan Ultimate software to evaluate every TV we review. In every CNET TV review, three or more similar TVs are compared side by side in various lighting conditions playing different media, including movies, TV shows and games, across a variety of test categories, from color to video processing to gaming to HDR. Our reviews also account for design, features, smart TV performance, HDMI input and gaming compatibility, among other factors. LG C3: When we reviewed the C3 in 2023 it was one of our favorite TVs, and this impression continued into the following year. It's still a great TV, but with the pricing on this and the C4 being identical right now it makes sense to go for the newer TV. Samsung S90D: The S90D performed well, but it suffered some contrast loss compared to the C4. Any differences between the C4 and S90D were subtle. One important aspect of image quality we test is overall brightness. Here's how brightness compares in nits across select TVs listed above. Check out How We Test TVs for more details. For more TV buying advice check out How to Buy a TV. We'll post the answers to commonly asked TV questions below. If you have any others, feel free to reach out on Twitter (@dkatzmaier), or by clicking the little envelope icon on my CNET profile page. Doing so will let you send a message straight to my inbox. Prices vary widely by size and features, from less than $100 for basic 24-inch TVs to more than $2,000 for big OLED models. TVs last a long time, so we think it's worthwhile to spend a little extra beyond the bare minimum to get a bigger screen, better picture quality or better features. With that in mind, here are some ballpark prices that will get you a very good TV in 2025. 55-inch: $700 65-inch: $1,000 75-inch: $1,300 You could pay (much) more or less. The fact is just about any TV will produce a picture decent enough to satisfy most viewers. Most complaints you read in user reviews aren't about picture quality. Instead, they're about ease of use, smart TV menus or sound (or a broken TV). In our opinion bigger is better, and your money is best spent on large screen sizes rather than a slight upgrade in image quality. The answer also depends on room size and seating distance: If you have a big room and sit farther away, you'll want a bigger TV. In our reviews, OLED TVs, which use organic light-emitting diode technology, have always had better picture quality than LED TVs, which are essentially LCD TVs that use LED backlights. The main reason is that OLED TVs can produce a perfectly dark shade of black with no stray illumination of blooming, which leads to better contrast and pop. LED TVs can get brighter, and usually cost less than OLED TVs. At CNET our favorite is Roku for its simplicity, but different systems like Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung and LG have different strengths, in particular for voice commands. In any case, we don't consider the built-in smart TV system that important because you can always connect a streaming device to any TV. Most TVs sound terrible because their thin cabinets don't have room for decent-sized speakers or a bass. If you want to get good sound you should buy an external audio system. Even an inexpensive soundbar will deliver much better audio quality than a TV's built-in speakers.
