ZDNET’s key insights reveal that the Hisense U8QG, available in sizes ranging from an ample 55 inches to a cinematic 100 inches, has entered the market as a formidable contender among high-performance televisions. Nearly all sizes are currently being offered at a discounted rate, which makes the lineup particularly appealing for consumers seeking both scale and value. The defining characteristic of this model lies in its truly striking HDR performance—its brilliance and contrast delivering imagery that commands attention. Yet, it is important to acknowledge that despite its strong showing in key visual categories, the television does omit several features expected in premium-tier products, such as the inclusion of four HDMI inputs and an ultra-sleek, razor-thin bezel design. The 65-inch variant is especially noteworthy, as Best Buy’s Presidents’ Day promotion slashes its retail price by an impressive $1,300, bringing its cost down to a compelling $860 and positioning it as a standout deal for discerning buyers.
For those already familiar with the ever-evolving landscape of display technologies, acronyms like OLED and QLED will sound familiar, as will the emerging developments in Mini-LED backlighting—a swiftly progressing branch of research that blends precision illumination with enhanced color fidelity. You may also recognize experimental breakthroughs such as QD-OLED and the forward-looking Micro-LED systems, both occasional harbingers of how television innovation continues to redefine visual storytelling. However, an intriguing term that might be less prevalent in casual discussions is “ULED.”
According to Hisense, ULED—or Ultra LED—represents the company’s proprietary combination of over twenty patented technologies unified under one philosophy: to produce what it calls the “ultimate viewing experience.” This initiative spans four foundational pillars of performance—Ultra Local Dimming, Ultra Wide Color Gamut, Ultra 4K Resolution, and Ultra Smooth Motion Rate—each designed to heighten the realism and intensity of images rendered on screen. The marketing terminology around TVs, however, can become dizzyingly complex. Competing brands do not use the label “ULED,” though the 2025 sub-flagship U8QG qualifies simultaneously as a Mini-LED and QLED (Quantum Dot) set. The result is a product hovering at the confluence of multiple technological definitions that might initially appear overwhelming, but which together synthesize a picture of substantial refinement.
For most consumers, the real questions are simpler: what tangible benefits do these terms deliver, and how does this television perform when put against others in the same class? To investigate these elements in practice, ZDNET’s reviewer conducted a hands-on evaluation of the 65-inch Hisense U8QG in the controlled testing environment of the Louisville lab.
Setting up the television proved similar to many large-format displays. The process required two people for stability and safety—one being the lab’s managing engineer, whose technical insight ensured precision in assembly. Following the Quick Start Guide, the team aligned and fastened four robust screws connecting sturdy plastic supports to a solid metal base plate—an anchor so substantial it might metaphorically repel an average projectile. That solid foundation translates to confidence in daily use; accidental bumps from pets or exuberant children are unlikely to pose any risk of tipping or instability.
The included remote control demonstrated equal thoughtfulness. Arriving with fresh batteries—a small but welcome convenience—it features motion-activated backlighting that illuminates the keypad upon pickup, an ambient light sensor for automatic adjustment, and a built-in tracking function to locate the device if misplaced. Integrated Google voice control enhances usability. Though constructed from high-quality plastic, its matte metallic finish provides a pleasing tactile impression of durability and sophistication. Measuring approximately two inches in width, much like the television’s overall design aesthetic, the remote contributes to a cohesive product identity. While the television does not adopt the impossibly thin silhouette of certain luxury displays, its design prioritizes sturdiness and affordability rather than excess delicacy.
Hardware connectivity is balanced but not lavish. The U8QG includes three HDMI ports—typically sufficient for core devices such as a gaming console, a soundbar, and a streaming receiver. Yet, in an era when four HDMI ports are fast becoming standard on upper-tier screens, some users may find the absence of a fourth limits versatility, particularly if they wish to connect multiple gaming systems or laptops simultaneously. To offset this, Hisense introduces a forward-thinking addition: the brand’s first inclusion of a USB-C port capable of functioning as an alternate display connection. This innovation will especially appeal to PC gamers looking for seamless, high-bandwidth performance.
Visual performance is where the U8QG begins to distinguish itself. Upon initial activation, its preloaded demonstration reels offer vivid scenes of dynamic light, cascading color, and fluid imagery that evoke a premium viewing experience. Though technically a 4K resolution panel, certain sequences convey a near-8K sharpness to the human eye thanks to intense visual depth and micro-detail restitution. This visual excellence unfolds through the four primary components advertised under Hisense’s “Ultra” framework.
Under “Ultra Local Dimming,” the Mini-LED technology takes center stage. Thousands of microscopic LEDs are divided into independently controlled zones, allowing fine gradations between light and shadow. Blacks appear authentically deep and free from the typical gray haze, while highlights burst forth with realistic brilliance and minimal haloing. The reviewer noted the effectiveness of this feature during a dimly lit space scene from a science-fiction film, where celestial elements gleamed against an abyssal background in a manner approaching OLED quality.
Color reproduction similarly benefits from the U8QG’s expansive quantum dot layer and wide color gamut. Naturalistic test footage—showcasing lush jungles, radiant avian plumage, and luminous waters—revealed hues at once bold and well-calibrated, steering clear of the oversaturation pitfall. Skin tones in cinematic scenes appeared natural and warm, reflecting careful color science. Manual calibration software confirmed a close correspondence with the BT.2020 standard in multiple picture modes, underscoring color performance that rivals more expensive competitors.
When interpreting 4K content, the Hisense U8QG demonstrates both clarity and refinement. Details such as fabric textures, distant topographies, and architectural intricacies maintain impressive crispness, aided by the company’s Hi-View AI Engine Pro processor, which supports advanced HDR formats including Dolby Vision and HDR10+. The MediaTek Pentonic 800 chipset enhances lower-resolution sources through effective noise reduction and upscaling, restoring vitality to older HD footage and lending it newfound fluidity and depth. While not transformative enough to turn standard-definition media into true ultra-high-definition, the refinement is nonetheless striking.
Motion performance further underscores the set’s balanced competence. Fast-moving sports sequences—particularly football plays or aerial maneuvers—retain coherence and sharpness, while rapid in-game motions in video content show minimal lag or blurring. Gamers will appreciate additional support for ALLM, Game Mode Ultra, and AMD FreeSync PremiumPro, combining to achieve input responsiveness and refresh rates competitive with market leaders. Its capacity for variable refresh rates up to 288Hz cements its status as a serious option for fast-action enthusiasts.
Sound performance, though secondary to visual evaluation, rises above expectations for integrated television speakers. The U8QG’s 4.1.2-channel array produces articulate dialogue and respectable bass extension, supporting casual cinematic and sports experiences without immediate reliance on external audio systems. At higher volumes, however, resonance-induced distortion subtly emerges in bass-heavy sequences—an understandable limitation given the form factor.
From a purchasing standpoint, ZDNET positions the Hisense U8QG as a prime example of strong price-to-performance value. For viewers desiring deeply contrasted blacks, radiant colors, and robust brightness—all without the premium surcharge typically associated with OLED models—this television stands as a persuasive alternative. The 65-inch version, originally retailing for approximately $2,200, now sees substantial markdowns that often approach the $1,000 threshold. While upper-echelon Mini-LED competitors exist with even denser dimming matrices or incrementally superior processors, the U8QG sits comfortably at the point where diminishing returns begin to erode the rationale for spending more. When discounted, its cost-effectiveness makes it one of the most compelling propositions in today’s midrange-to-high-end television market.
Ultimately, the Hisense U8QG earns its Editors’ Choice designation by combining a bright and dynamic Mini-LED panel with precise Quantum Dot color reproduction and advanced motion-handling capabilities. Delivering a visual performance that verges on OLED caliber, this model encapsulates the ideal intersection of advanced technology, durability, and affordability—especially when obtained at a promotional discount. It stands as a confident recommendation for consumers seeking high-grade entertainment hardware that legitimately bridges the gap between midrange price points and luxury-level visual quality. Originally published in June 2025 and updated in July of that same year to reflect Prime Day pricing adjustments, this assessment underscores that value-driven innovation remains alive and well in the home display industry.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/hisense-u8qg-review/
