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Tom's Guide
21-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
I test TVs for a living — and I recommend these 2 TVs above everything else
I've been testing TVs now for several years and I've come to realize there's still one major issue plaguing most sets, even those launching in 2025: good audio. It's a complaint I hear from many friends and family after buying a new TV. It's also something I run into a lot when testing TVs, and leads me to always recommending one of the best soundbars for an amplified soundstage. Despite all the noise, TVs can be improved. We've already seen some stellar sets out of Hisense and Panasonic that feature nifty speaker specifications and built-in audio software that make Dolby Atmos all the more rewarding. More TV makers should be taking notes. Hisense has been kitting out its TVs with better, more amplified audio systems. Last year's Hisense U9N Mini-LED TV is a major step forward thanks to its dual side-firing speakers that offer a crisp, punchy sound stage. The 2025 Hisense U8QG Mini-LED TV improves on the older modek, with a similarly advanced audio system that varies depending on the TV size. At 65-inch, the configuration we tested in, Hisense has designed it with a 4.1.2-channel system at a 72W output. The latter specification is amplified to 82W in sizes from 75-inch to 100-inch. This means you get better audio output in higher sizes, particularly in terms of the maximum power the speaker can handle before the sound gets distorted. It's not every day you see a brand new 2025 model getting a major discount on the heels of its release, but the U8QG is an icon in this regard (and many more). It's bound to be among our favorite gaming TVs this year thanks to its slew of gaming features built on a 165Hz refresh rate. It's also got the best brightness in the TV game, owing to its Hisense lineage. Like the U9N, the Hisense U8QG also has side-firing speakers and a subwoofer all built into the screen, netting you incredible audio coverage that fills the whole room. Few TV makers are putting this much emphasis on the underlying specifications that make up their TV audio. Meanwhile, most TV brands are adding more AI integrations. It's a sad state, especially given that most audio can't be made much better when the hardware is fundamentally limited from the outset. Mini-LED TVs are one side of the spectrum, but it's proving especially true even for more premium sets among the best OLED TVs. Panasonic returned to the U.S. TV market last year in bombastic style with its Z95A OLED TV. Its audio specs even put the Hisense U8QG to shame, pushing out a 160W output on a 5.1.2-channel system. That's more than enough coverage for most people, but what makes it really stand out is the immense out of control Panasonic allows it with ingenious software. One of the niftiest new features found on Panasonic's OLED TV from last year was Sound Focus and Space Tune, software suites that allows you to customize how the audio reverberates from your TV in a variety of different ways. The key settings include Area, Pinpoint, Ambient, and Spot. These options gives you tons of versatility in bringing your home entertainment setup to life. It helps that Panasonic has kitted its Z95A with a serious audio system and it seems like its 2025 TV will be even more powerful. The Panasonic Z95A is an exceptional OLED TV that wrangles together some of the most advanced specs in the space yet. It commands a 160W speaker Dolby Atmos system and a 144Hz refresh on LG Display's MLA panel. It also comes equipped with the range of HDR formats and while it might only have two HDMI 2.1 ports, it does have a sophisticated gaming dashboard, which gives you some easy tweaks to the screen. Following a briefing with Panasonic at its offices in Newark, New Jersey, we got a taste of what we can expect from its new Z95B OLED TV against its predecessor. While crisper colors and deeper blacks are one thing, a more improved speaker system gave way to out-of-the-box surround sound that feels much richer. If there's anything I can say thus far about the Panasonic Z95B OLED TV, it's set to have an even wider sound stage — and that's saying something given the high praise we gave its 2024 model. Panasonic has repositioned the speakers within its panel for an improved experience that you can not only hear but feel. TV speakers should be doing more. Look around and you'll find that most TV makers are over-relying on AI to get improved audio on their sets versus actually building out feature-rich hardware and software suites for more immersive audio. Hisense and Panasonic aren't alone. TLC is also finding new avenues for building better audio experiences for its TVs, teaming up with Dolby in the design of FlexConnect. This new feature allows users to place their speakers practically anywhere in their home for a truly immersive auditory adventure, and it's only available on 2025 TCL TVs. This still requires additional speakers for improved audio support, but it's a start. More TV brands should be finding ways to make their TVs sound better as opposed to slimming them down. It's the difference between having an all-around entertainment system versus just a mere screen that requires a soundbar or AVR speaker, which can not only cost thousands but be complicated to setup. With some of the best TVs in their wheelhouse, Panasonic and Hisense are pioneering a new era for TV audio and hopefully more follow suit.
Tom's Guide
09-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
I just tested the Hisense U8QG Mini-LED TV and it's a brightness star
The Hisense U8QG Mini-LED TV takes the top spot in Hisense's 2025 TV lineup and comes in to replace last year's Hisense U8N, Tom's Guide's QLED TV of the Year in 2024. Feature-rich, spec-ridden, and kitted with tons of brightness, the U8QG has a lot in store for would-be TV buyers, but can we confidently say it's one of the best TVs like its predecessor? While there's lots to love — brightness, gaming, and audio performances are top-notch — its specs don't tell the full story: It lacks the improved anti-glare coating found in major competitors, and it still suffers from issues common to Mini-LED TVs, like blooming and mediocre off-axis viewing. At its launch price of $1,499 (now down to just $999 at the time of writing) for a reasonably sized 55-inch TV, this premium Hisense screen walks a fine line between keeping costs low and delivering big-budget thrills, and it mostly succeeds. The U8QG sits near the top of Hisense's 2025 Mini-LED TV lineup, just below the Hisense U9QG. It starts at $1,499 for a 55-inch model, but you can buy that configuration right now for around $999. We reviewed the 65-inch version, which is currently on sale for about $1,399. Like last year's Hisense U8N, we're expecting a pretty sizable difference in performance between the various sizes. We measured the peak brightness output of the 65-inch model to be around 4,000 nits, but the 55-inch version will likely top out around half that amount. Conversely, larger screen sizes — like the 75-inch and 85-inch models — will have more contrast control zones and might suffer from less blooming than the 65-inch screen we tested. In short, there's going to be some performance variation between the different models, but specs and supported features are all otherwise the same. The U8QG's discounted pricing puts it in line with other major Mini-LED rivals like the TCL QM7K, however against competing TVs from other major brands, the U8QG is cheaper than most. Take the Samsung QN80F, for instance, that's $1,699 for the 65-inch version. The 65-inch Hisense U8QG is already $300 cheaper and that price gap will likely increase as the year goes on. In terms of overall aesthetics, the U8QG isn't very slim. In fact, unlike some high-end Mini-LED TVs, its 45mm-thick panel is comparatively bulky, owing largely to its beefy audio system. Fortunately, its bezels aren't too pronounced, aside from the bottom bezel. The 65-inch U8QG comes with a pedestal-style stand that is pretty simple to put together. The stand is sturdy, making it more than adequate to hold the TV in place. For safety's sake, however, I recommend having at least two people on hand to set up the TV, but it's a quick process. All sizes in the series use the same stand design except for the 100-inch version, which uses a pair of wide-set feet. If the stand isn't for you, you can always go with a wall mount instead. The U8QG comes equipped with a 400 x 400 VESA mounting interface. Finally, Hisense's remote is more or less the same as the one found with the Hisense U8N. The silver-toned remote is still conveniently backlit and comfortably slim, but its elongated design could stand to be shortened. The Hisense U8QG offers just three HDMI ports instead of four, which goes against the standard for almost all TVs in its class. Fortunately, all three are HDMI 2.1-compatible, which should satisfy most hardcore gamers. The true kicker is the addition of a USB-C video port that doubles as a fast charger. You don't often see this design on a TV, as it's more often found on gaming monitors. That being said, because it comes at the expense of a fourth HDMI port, I'm not sure it was a good trade. Rounding things out are one USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 input, an Ethernet port, optical output and a 3.5mm audio jack. A cable/antenna can also be found here, netting you access to NextGen TV and 4K broadcasts thanks to its ATSC 3.0 tuner. I put the Hisense U8QG through its paces with a variety of content, including shows like 'Reacher,' 'Andor' and 'Lazarus,' as well as movies like 'Barbarian.' I also watched a few DVDs to test its upscaling, like 'Ghost in the Shell' in 4K and 'Tenet' in standard Blu-ray. High contrast is the U8QG's strong suit. Typically, Mini-LED TVs tend to struggle with darker scenes, but the U8QG was a standout performer. 'Barbarian' and the third season of 'Reacher' popped on the screen, with shadows looking especially detailed. Similarly, its higher brightness specs, hitting a high of 2,908 nits in SDR, is to be praised as well. I also have to give Hisense some credit for an absurd color volume and accuracy on the U8QG. You can see it working its magic in sharper daylight scenes, with accurate skin tones and crisp highlights on surfaces, like rolling hills and crashing waves. Colors truly stuck out in animated content, like 'Lazarus,' which is filled with sweeping shots of a futuristic cityscape. All Mini-LED TVs exhibit some degree of haloing (a soft glow around bright objects on a dark background), but the best Mini-LED TVs keep haloing to a minimum. For the most part, the U8QG does a decent job of managing haloing and light bloom, even during dark scenes with subtitles. I could see some haloing during space sequences in 'Andor,' but it didn't ruin the experience and thankfully, it was only distracting in menus and outside of content. Unfortunately, despite the TV's incredible brightness, you'll probably have to contend with glare problems if you install the U8QG up against bright light sources. It handles conventional lights a lot better than it does daylight, but glare is still going to cause problems. We follow a standard testing protocol for every TV we review at Tom's Guide. Our benchmarks include a series of technical and subject tests designed to rate the set's performance. For our technical tests, we use a Jeti spectraval 1501-HiRes spectroradiometer, a Klein K10-A colorimeter, a Murideo 8K-SIX-G Metal pattern generator, and Portrait Displays' Calman TV-calibration software to take measurements. We also use a Leo Bodnar 4K Input Lag Tester for determining the TV's gaming prowess. Subjective tests vary based on the reviewer, but usually feature anecdotes from a diverse selection of movies, TV shows, and other content reflecting the types of things you may actually want to watch on the TV. Let's compare the Hisense U8QG to similarly-priced Mini-LED TVs, including the TCL QM7K, Sony Bravia 7 and Samsung QN80F. (Note that the Bravia 7 launched last year, but is still being sold in 2025.) Hisense U8QG Samsung QN80F TCL QM7K Sony Bravia 7 SDR Brightness (10%, in nits) 2,908 972 1,991 1,817 Delta-E (lower is better) 2.4 2.8 1.4 1.6 Rec. 709 Gamut Coverage 99.30% 99.62% 99.18% 99.62% HDR Brightness (10%, in nits) 3,916 992 1,734 1,507 UHDA-P3 Gamut Coverage 97.53% 94.68% 96.98% 97.09% Rec. 2020 Gamut Coverage 83.98% 74.46% 79.22% 78.61% Input latency (in milliseconds) 9.7ms 9.8ms 13.1ms 17.1ms Historically, the Hisense U8 series has been known for its sensational brightness, and the U8QG keeps with tradition. In HDR, the U8QG delivers highlights as bright as 3,900 to 4,000 nits. Brightness isn't the only metric that matters, but there's no denying that this TV is far brighter than these competitors. The U8QG also delivers excellent color volume. While the Bravia 7, QM7K and QN80F barely break 80% coverage of the Rec.2020 color gamut, the U8QG covers about 84%. In Filmmaker mode, its out-of-the-box color accuracy is excellent, too. We measured a Delta-E of around 2.4, and anything under a Delta-E of 3 is considered imperceptible. Games also look great on the U8QG. This TV made those sweeping vistas as seen in Death Stranding look utterly spellbinding while VRR and ALLM makes console games on the U8QG run so much smoother compared to TVs without those features. Plus, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro does wonders for amplified screen tearing if you're running a compatible AMD GPU. But the real fun was playing Armored Core 6 on my GT1 Mega Mini PC. While I could've used one of the three HDMI 2.1 ports, I opted to use the USB-C video output instead, allowing me to run games up to 144Hz in 4K. (While the Hisense U8QG supports 165Hz refresh rate, there's few if any games that might hit that high unless you're running a powerful gaming rig.) I also want to call attention to the Hisense U8QG's in-depth Game Bar that lets you adjust all kinds of settings on the fly. It's not quite on the same level as Samsung or LG's versions, but everything is automatic and works as intended. The Hisense U8QG has some serious speaker specs: 72W of power output on a 4.1.2-channel system and a 20W subwoofer. It doesn't quite surpass the best soundbars, but it's far better than the average pair of 10W speakers we see on most 4K TVs in 2025. The Hisense U8QG also offers an AI-based audio enhancement called AI Sound. It modulates everything from dialogue to sound effects depending on your preferences, and it works quite well if you need it. It's best if you have a larger room that doesn't handle sound very well or is hard on hearing and strain to make out more subtle tones. Dialogue could've been stronger, but overall I felt the U8QG has one of strongest audio systems of any TV I've reviewed in the last six months. For years, Hisense TVs have been built around Google TV, and this year's U8QG is no different (that's why there's the 'G' in its name). Google TV is relatively snappy on the U8QG, but I did notice some lag when pressing the system button for changing settings. Navigation is super simple, however, and Google TV features incredible search functionality. Google TV is one of the best smart TV platforms due to its wide assortment of apps and many of the best streaming services. There's even smart home functionality — though it's not on the same level as you might get with the Google TV Streamer. The only minor issue I have with Google TV is that it does miss the boat on key features, like cloud gaming platforms, which have begun to show up on Samsung's Tizen and LG's webOS-based smart TVs. The Hisense U8QG Mini-LED TV has a lot to offer, including high brightness, enhanced color, and a slew of gaming features. That's not even mentioning the fact that the U8QG has one seriously powerful speaker system that rivals most soundbars. But there are major rivals to consider, like the TCL QM7K. The TCL model is cheaper by about $200, but it loses out on several performance enhancements, like better brightness, input latency, and HDR color. Those metrics may not matter as much when you're looking for the best TV under $1,000, however. Despite some minor flaws in glare mitigation and off-axis viewing, the Hisense U8QG still makes for an outstanding display that offers up tons of value for the gaming conscious and HDR movie lovers.
