30 second exam
Hisense has spent the last two years making exceptional TVs like
the Hisense U80G ULED 8K TV that undermines great proposals like Samsung,
Sony and LG without much compromise. This continues with the new Hisense U8G ULED which the Chinese electronics manufacturer correctly describes as "Great for everything". That's an apt description for ULED 4K Android TV that will appeal to everyone from gamers with next-gen consoles to moviegoers and anyone in between. As well as offering a full set of Dolby features including Vision, IQ and Atmos, the U8G is also available in HDR10+ and native 120Hz panel. All of this is controlled via the Android TV operating system which is integrated into TV Assistant. Google, Chromecast. built-ins and voice commands with privacy switch. That being said, if you're looking to buy a full-fledged UHD TV that's packed with features without spending an arm and a leg, you should definitely consider the U8G.
- Hisense U8G Android TV 65U8G (Black) at Best Buy for $ 1,249.99
Prices and availability
The Hisense U8G comes in two screen sizes: 55-inch and 65-inch.Both are now available at major retailers including Amazon and Best Buy. Expect to pay $999 for the 55-inch and $1,249 for that extra ten inches of visual space.
(Image credit: Hisense) Compared to other UHD TVs of similar sizes, the LG Nano 90 costs a bit more, with the 55-inch and 65-inch ones priced at €1,049 and €1,499. Meanwhile, the Sony X900H is priced similarly to the U8G at €999 for the 55-inch, and the 65-inch is €1,399. Of the three, we think Sony is slightly better value, especially if you're looking for the best 55-inch TV, but at 65-inches, the Hisense U8G is very competitive for its price.
Integrated
Recent Hisense displays have been praised by many for their modern design philosophy and that will likely continue with the U8G - the feet that extend quite a bit to the sides and while the TV is still incredibly sturdy, it's definitely meant to be the perfect piece. central. Buyers who place their TV on furniture such as dressers may need to put their space management skills to the test. This shouldn't be a problem if you have a large entertainment center, but if it doesn't, you should be aware that the mounts extend past the back of the TV and you'll need to be a little careful if you're used to it. .to place devices behind the screen.
The good news is that the U8G's bezels are pretty slim all the way around. and they make the TV look pretty thin regardless of viewing angle. At the bottom, the bezel gets a bit thick as this is where the microphone sits next to the microphone on/off switch. Behind the screen, the TV doesn't stick out much, and lifting it isn't too bad considering the U8G weighs less than 60 pounds. Moving the TV out of the box onto a table was not difficult after screwing in the legs. The ports are also adequate. Mainly set up on the left side behind the screen, the power cord rests on the opposite side. Four HDMI ports including one eARC, two USB inputs, one RF input, one RCA composite input, and 3,5mm audio are located vertically. Nearby horizontally there are ports for digital audio output and LAN.
(Image credit: Hisense) Gamers lucky enough to get their hands on PS5 and Xbox Series X | S will be happy to know that two of the HDMI ports support 4K at 120Hz, while the other two support 4K at 60Hz. Leave enough room for two next-gen consoles, Nintendo Switch, and a select streaming device just in case. The remote bundled for the U8G doesn't achieve the simplicity of Roku or Apple TV remotes, but it gets the job done in terms of navigation.
There's also a Google Assistant button, as well as controls for the Android TV software.. Like many modern remotes, there are also quick buttons that direct users to apps like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube, Tubi, and Peacock. The IR remote has built-in bluetooth, but it has to be connected primarily via the menu button, which seems a bit strange. However, when the lights are off, navigation is not difficult due to the backlight. Granted, the remote isn't anything special, but it definitely gets the job done.
Smart TV (Android TV)
There have been a lot of complaints about modern TVs using Android TV when it comes to responsiveness. For the U8G, there weren't a lot of slowdowns or moments of unresponsiveness during testing.
Apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and more launched without issue.
If you're already a die-hard member of the Android ecosystem, setting up the U8G is a breeze. Once you've signed in via your Gmail account, everything from Wi-Fi to apps connects automatically, relieving users of the “new TV” hassle of re-entering their IDs. usernames and passwords in certain applications. If you're already using Netflix or Disney+ on your phone, Google will automatically use your password bank after a prompt. There are also wordless controls thanks to the U8G's built-in microphone when you're not being asked to do something too complex. Much of this is a great feature, but if you have multiple smart TVs, Android devices, and/or Google Homes, there's a chance of erratic timing where Google gets a bit confused. During moments of media control, voice commands work well for basic playback actions like Stop, Pause, Rewind, Fast Forward, and Play.
(Image credit: Hisense) One of the biggest advantages of Android TV is the sheer number of apps distributed across streaming and gaming services. Of course, users who want to play the myriad of games available on Google Play like Asphalt Racing, Unkilled, Crossy Road, and others will need a compatible gamepad. Even more so if users want to try their luck on Google Stadia.
Image quality
Hisense's ULED technology continues to improve and the U8G is further proof: rich, beautiful colors and deep blacks make shows, movies and games stunning. In addition to offering 4K resolution, the U120G's native 8Hz display supports IMAX Enhanced, FilmMaker Mode, Dolby Vision, Dolby IQ, HDR10+/HDR10, and Quantum Dots. Dimming areas have been increased from 180 to 360 with a dynamic contrast ratio of 10,000:1 and a maximum brightness of 1,500 nits. This means that regardless of the viewing angle or the brightness of the room you're looking in, image quality is still phenomenal. A special anti-reflective film is also built into the U8G. As mentioned above, the U8G is probably Hisense's most well-rounded TV in terms of features, but the excellent picture quality is the main draw. There are many options for adjusting the image, from brightness to image modes. Sports enthusiasts with an eye for visuals may find some use for the different modes to improve movement and clarity. It's certainly visible in testing because the biggest sporting event in the world, the 2021 Olympics, was magnificent. Another great sports example is the Netflix documentary Naomi Osaka which takes advantage of Dolby Vision and HDR10. Movie enthusiasts may appreciate the FilmMaker mode that disables post-processing while preserving the correct aspect ratios, colors, and frame rates as intended by the filmmaker. It really looks great when watching old monochrome movies or whatever before digital cameras took over. This means that classics like A Fistfull of Dollars, Bullitt, or even Blaxploitation movies like TNT Jackson are awesome.
(Image credit: Hisense) While not quite as gaming-focused as Hisense's U7G, gamers have a lot to enjoy with the U8G. In addition to offering 4K with a 120Hz refresh rate, the TV also has a Pro Gaming mode that has VRR and FreeSync Premium to improve input lag. While next-gen consoles from Sony and Microsoft haven't used their full potential yet, some games look phenomenal on the U8G. PS5 games like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart support 4K/120Hz and going back to 60Hz will be hard to come by once players get a chance to check it out. There are more games on Xbox Series X | It's like Mass Effect Legendary Edition, which really feels like improving the gameplay.
For better or worse, the audio quality is consistent with the new generation of Hisense TVs. If users are looking for a more robust movie experience, a sound bar or speaker system may be the best option. On their own, the U8G integrated speakers provide an average audio experience. Although the TV can get incredibly loud, audio quality drops once users get beyond the 20-point range. Below this volume level in a small to medium room, the sound quality is quite rich when watching a TV series or a movie. When listening to music on hi-fi music streaming services like Tidal, the sound quality is excellent... if you're in a reasonable volume range. There's some richness in the highs and mids, while the lows sound good in depth. Note that at higher levels there is a level of distortion that may be uncomfortable for some.
Should you buy the Hisense U8G ULED TV?
(Image credit: Hisense)
Buy it if...
You need phenomenal image quality
Whether you're watching TV shows, movies, and playing the latest next-gen consoles from Microsoft or Sony, the use of the U8G is truly impressive. Help to support HDR and Dolby Vision.
You've already invested in Google's Android ecosystem
If you're an Android user, everything from initial TV setup to connecting to various streaming services is a breeze. Unlike previous Hisense models, the user interface is not slow either.
You want a good set of features for a price close to budget
At €999 for the 55-inch and €1,299 for the 65-inch, the Hisense U8G is perfect for those who want a little more from a 4K budget but can't afford more high-end TVs.
Don't buy it if...
You need high-end integrated sound
At lower levels, the audio experience on the U8G works great for streaming shows, movies, and music. Things are a different story in...