The C6 OLED is LG's newest, mid-range OLED for 2026. It's the latest in a long line of popular, award-winning OLEDs that offer incredible picture quality and an array of extra features for less than the cost of a higher-end OLED TV.

The Hisense UR9 is the brand's first flagship-level RGB LED TV. It leverages an all-new type of TV technology known as RGB LED, the advantages of which are high brightness and better color volume than run-of-the-mill Mini-LED TVs.

One of them offers mid-range-level OLED performance while the other — Hisense's top-shelf TV for 2026 — promises bright, eye-popping color. Now's an especially interesting time to be deciding between these two TVs, as the Hisense UR9 was just heavily discounted almost immediately after making its debut. Here's how the C6 and UR9 compare — from performance to features and price.

LG C6 vs Hisense UR9: specs compared

First, let's chat about the C6's size availability. In addition to the sizes listed above, the C6 is also available in 77- and 83-inch versions. However, these sizes are classified as an altogether different model: the LG C6H. This means if you're considering a 77- or 83-inch C6, you'll technically have to spring for the C6H OLED.

While haven't tested the C6H in our labs yet, LG promises better performance on these sets as they're equipped with LG Display's newest, fanciest RGB Tandem OLED. The 42- to 65-inch versions of the C6, on the other hand, leverage a standard WOLED display. It's still a fantastic set of hardware, but it's worth knowing the difference between the two panel types.

The UR9, meanwhile, is currently only available in 65-, 75- and 85-inch sizes. There's a gigantic, 100-inch version of the TV on its way soon, but at the time of publishing, this version isn't available to purchase yet.

Although all of the main ports on both the C6 and UR9 are of the high-bandwidth, HDMI 2.1 variety, the UR9 is limited to three HDMI inputs while the C6 carries the standard set of four. The UR9 makes up for this somewhat with an added USB-C port, but keep this in mind if you own several HDMI-compatible devices.

Both TVs support Dolby Vision, but like most Hisense TVs, the UR9 also supports the royalty-free format, HDR10+. Of the two, Dolby Vision is more widely available among streaming platforms and physical media.

Like all LG OLEDs, the C6 does not support ATSC 3.0 support. The UR9, on the other hand, does include this feature. It allows over-the-air broadcasts to be received in their native 4K resolution. Such ultra-high definition broadcasts are still relatively rare, but it's nevertheless a nice feature to have for future-proofing purposes.

Both TVs bring a lot to the table in terms of specs, so let's call this one a tie.

Winner: Tie

LG C6 vs Hisense UR9: design

The C6 (seen above) features a similar design to its predecessor, the LG C5, but given its elegant look, that's not necessarily a bad thing. I especially dig the marble-like finish on the back of the TV.

The C6's downward-slanting, wedge-shaped stand attaches itself to the back of the panel in a sturdy fashion. Here's something important to keep in mind: The stand's shape keeps the C6's screen relatively close to whatever surface it's sitting on, so people with exceptionally tall soundbars should make sure in advance that it won't obstruct the screen.

Like many of LG's C Series OLED TVs that came before it, the C6's panel is among the thinnest you'll find on shelves. The TV's chassis widens out around the middle of the screen, but even with the added bulk, the TV is narrower than many of the slimmest Mini-LED TVs.

If the light, sleek-looking C6 practically floats into your home, the UR9 (seen above) may as well drop an anchor. It's not an overly thick TV, to be clear, but it has a heavier exterior. It's as though the UR9 is working overtime to contain the power within its panel.

It, too, sits atop a centered, pedestal-style stand, but the plate at its base is much more accommodating for soundbar placement than the C6's configuration. That convenience is the best thing I can highlight about the UR9's overall design, as I do find it to be utilitarian to a fault.

Winner: LG C6

LG C6 vs Hisense UR9: performance

Before we dive into which of these TVs is the better performer, let's compare their test results. (Both TVs were in their respective Filmmaker picture modes when these tests were taken.)

The standout detail here is the gulf between the brightness of both sets. Even in garden-variety, non-HDR content (like cable TV or most streaming shows), the UR9 is wildly bright. For HDR content, this serves as a feather in the UR9's cap. For SDR content, you might its 2,000+ nits of brightness to be too much. Nevertheless, this makes the UR9 a more viable option for people with a sun-drenched living space.

The UR9 put up some of the best color volume-related test results I've ever seen. It covers around 93% of the BT.2020 color space, which is higher than even most quantum dot-enhanced OLED TVs.

This is an impressive figure, no doubt, but according to my colleague Dylan Haas (who recently reviewed the UR9), the punchy palette doesn't always quite translate to real-world content. With color volume being the bread and butter of an RGB LED TV, some might find this disappointing.

The C6 is significantly dimmer than the UR9, but it's got a serious trick up its sleeve: OLED display technology. OLEDs are capable of perfect black levels and pixel-level dimming, which has a hugely positive impact on picture quality. Its ability to produce perfect black levels means its contrast is through the roof.

Since specular highlights can be controlled with surgical precision, HDR highlights on the C6 tend to stand out more. 1,400 nits of highlight brightness is way less than the UR9's 3,400-nit benchmark, but the C6's perceptible contrast carries its picture further. This allows for a deeper, more-detail-rich presentation, too.

The C6's picture is better tuned out of the box, too. In Filmmaker mode, the Hisense UR9 manages to put up a Delta-E of below 3 (widely considered the threshold for color error perceptibility), but the C6 is incredibly accurate in LG's Filmmaker mode — more so than the UR9. That, combined with its top-notch contrast control, leads to a more refined presentation.

In a side-by-side comparison, you'll almost certainly clock the UR9's bolder, more-voluminous color. It will surely be the brighter of the two pictures, too. But contrast is the first thing our eyes notice when assessing an image, and Hisense's RGB LED TV still falls short of the C6 in the contrast department.

The C6, therefore, is the safer pick for A/V enthusiasts, home theater-builders and all-around picture purists. If you're looking for the brightest possible experience, however, it's hard to deny the UR9's sheer horsepower.

Winner: LG C6

LG C6 vs Hisense UR9: smart platform and features

The C6 comes with the newest version of LG's webOS built right in. It's similar to last year's version of the software (webOS 25), but LG has tossed in some new, AI-based features on webOS 26. Unfortunately, my colleague Dylan Haas referred to them as "meaningless" if you don't already use AI-related features around the house, and I'm inclined to agree with Dylan.

Although webOS isn't my favorite (I find its interface to be cluttered and sluggish at times), I suspect that casual users won't mind bumping up against it from time to time. If you want to silo your streaming experience into a separate streaming device, you'll get no complaints from me; I recently decided to replace webOS with Roku and haven't looked back.

Good news for dedicated gamers: The C6 arrives with almost every gaming-related feature under the sun, including support for 4K gaming at 120Hz (and up to 165Hz), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and AMD FreeSync Premium. Support for these features runs across all four of the C6's HDMI 2.1-compatible inputs, so you won't have to juggle devices depending on your needs.

One of the C6's best gaming-related features is LG's Game Optimizer mode. This quick-menu puts all of your most-important settings in one place and automatically launches when you access the settings menu during gameplay.

The UR9 is built around the Google TV smart platform. All told, I prefer Google TV over LG's webOS, as its interface is easier to navigate and tends to be snappier. Along with Roku, Google TV is one of my top picks for streaming software.

As mentioned, the UR9 is limited to just three HDMI ports. They're all HDMI 2.1 compatible, thankfully, but people with several devices (more than one console, a streaming device and soundbar, for instance) might end up feeling restricted by the lack of a fourth.

Across those HDMI inputs, the UR9 supports 4K gaming at 120Hz (and up to 180Hz with a gaming PC linked up), as well as VRR and FreeSync Premium Pro. Hisense does offer a dedicated gaming settings menu like LG's Game Optimizer mode, but I don't find its contents to be quite as useful as what LG is cooking with.

Winner: LG C6

LG C6 vs Hisense UR9: outlook

What we're left with is a better-designed TV in the C6 that offers a more refined picture with sensational, OLED-driven performance, more size options to choose from and an additional HDMI input.

The UR9 has a leg up on the C6 when it comes to overall brightness, which makes it more viable for bright-room viewing. That said, the C6 doesn't exactly wilt in a sunny room, so your living space would have to be pretty dang bright for me to recommend the C6 (and its OLED display) over the Hisense UR9.

But there's another critical factor to consider: price. Right now, you can spring for a 65-inch C6 for $2,699 on Amazon. The 55-inch LG C6 can be had for $1,999. These prices are certain to steadily drop throughout the year, but for now, it's tough to find the C6 on sale.

The UR9, on the other hand, just saw a massive price cut a mere week and a half after its initial launch. The 65-inch Hisense UR9 is just $1,999 at Best Buy right now after making its debut at $3,499. The 75-inch UR9 is $2,999 at Best Buy, but when it first hit shelves, it was priced all the way at $4,999.

The UR9 is a bright, capable TV, but Hisense's RGB Mini-LED technology can't quite eclipse the self-lit pixels of an OLED display. At the very least, its current sale price puts the UR9 further in line with its performance profile.

More from Tom's Guide

• LG C6 OLED review: The best OLED TV you shouldn’t buy (yet)
• OLED is safe: I tested the Hisense UR9 RGB Mini-LED TV, and it's very good but falls short
• The RAM crisis came for computers first and now it's coming for TVs — here's why I recommend upgrading while you still can

I’m no stranger to the concept of a good ol’ fashioned street price. In the TV business, new models often launch at a set price only to see some small- to medium-sized discounts shortly thereafter. In many cases, the original MSRP remains on the page, and for folks clicking around on Best Buy, Amazon or a brand’s online store, the red-colored savings indicator can be enticing.

Hisense isn’t a stranger to this, either — I’d wager that the majority of Hisense TV launches I’ve covered over the last decade have dabbled in the art (perhaps science?) of the street price. But I’ve never seen anything like what’s happening with the Hisense UR9, the brand’s highly-touted, first-ever RGB LED TV.

After just a week and a half on shelves with an MSRP of $3,499, the 65-inch Hisense UR9 is already on sale for just $1,999 at Best Buy. The $1,500 discount is bigger than any street price-related reset I’ve ever seen. Here’s what this situation tells us about the state of the RGB LED TV market.

The UR9 faces fierce competition

While keeping in mind that I'm not working off inside information, here's my read on the Hisense UR9's sudden, steep drop in price: No one's going to undercut Hisense.

Since their surge in the North American TV market about a decade ago, Hisense has been a TV brand associated with value. Hisense representatives will be the first to tell you this, too; I've heard them proudly reference their reputation for over-delivering on reported performance specs, very often at lower price points than their competitors.

But with the biggest names in the TV industry launching their own cutting-edge RGB LED TVs in 2026, this narrative was about to shift.

As you can see in the chart below, the 65-inch UR9 was sitting on shelves next to a 65-inch Micro RGB TV from Samsung with a heftier price tag — $300 worth of additional heft, to be precise. As the only two TV-makers currently offering 65-inch RGB LED TVs, Samsung was poised to be the value-conscious pick at this popular size point.

Additionally, at the 75-inch size point, the UR9 was a whole $500 more than the Samsung R95H. That doesn't seem much like the Hisense that I know, the brand that over-delivers at a lower price point than its rivals.

With these new sale prices in effect, the 65-inch UR9 is now $1,200 less than the 65-inch R95H. The 75-inch version is $1,500 to $2,000 less than the 75-inch R95H and the 75-inch LG MRGB95. Perfectly balanced, as all things should be? If you're Hisense, maybe.

Bear in mind that we're almost sure to see some sale pricing for LG and Samsung Micro RGB TVs in the coming months. TCL — whose sole RGB Mini-LED TV is only confirmed to exist in three sizes at 85 inches and above — will likely drop in price throughout the year, too.

And then there are the step-down RGB LED-based models from Hisense and Samsung: the UR8 and R85H. We've yet to test these sets, but I'm interested to see how they stack up against their flagship-level counterparts. It seems logical that the steep sale pricing on the UR9 could potentially have ripple effects on the UR8, too.

Should you buy the Hisense UR9?

If you're looking for bright, sizzling performance, a ton of features and the satisfaction that comes with getting in on the ground floor of a brand-new display technology, the Hisense UR9 is officially the most affordable way to do so. If you were on the fence about splashing out on this TV a week ago, this newly minted street price is bound to be tantalizing.

However, if you need some excuse — anything at all — to persuade you away from buying a flashy new TV right now, I can certainly help with that.

Are RGB LED TVs worth it? Well, having spent some time with a few of them, I can say that their performance ranges from "pretty good (if not a little disappointing)" to "excellent." And, for what it's worth, that level of "excellent" is closer to being on par with some of the best quantum dot-equipped Mini-LED TVs I've ever seen, so your mileage may vary on whether you think that justifies these prices.

In our full Hisense UR9 review, my colleague Dylan Haas remarked that, while the UR9 fared well in our tests, its color performance during real-world use didn't seem to meet the impressive nature of the numbers. In other words, a classic case of looks good on paper.

Its 3.5-star review isn't indicative of a bad TV, though, and the UR9's bright performance sounds best suited for bright-room viewing. Maybe, with its new sale price attached, the UR9 can find a groove as the most-affordable flagship RGB LED TV rather than a potentially tough sell.

More from Tom's Guide

• OLED is safe: I tested the Hisense UR9 RGB Mini-LED TV, and it's very good but falls short
• Samsung just made its 2026 Mini-LED TV lineup official, but one popular TV won’t be returning this year
• Samsung's new Micro RGB TV is finally here — but I'd rather buy this OLED instead

I want to start this review by saying that I really wanted to love Hisense’s latest addition to its lineup of RGB Mini-LED TVs, the UR9. I’m usually an OLED guy, but after hearing about the hype behind the UR9 — which is basically a more compact version of the Hisense 116UX that dazzled us at CES 2026 — I was excited to see how the brand’s RGB Mini-LED technology could be miniaturized in one of the best TVs of the year.

Unfortunately, after spending some time with the UR9, I walked away with mixed feelings. While the TV certainly excels in the brightness department, it ultimately falls short in a few key areas, including inconsistent color depth and balance, and just-okay gaming features. While I could be more forgiving of its flaws at a more budget-friendly price point, that’s a lot harder to do at its launch price of $3,500.

There are some highlights that I think show promise for the future of Hisense’s RGB Mini-LEDs, and the price should dip in just a few months, but it might be best to hold off on buying a UR9 until later this year — or, if that feels too soon, until 2027 when the next iteration of RGB Mini-LED comes out.

Hisense UR9 Mini-LED TV review: Price and release date

The UR9 is the latest addition to Hisense’s 2026 lineup of RGB Mini-LED TVs. The UR9 is currently up for preorder, and was officially released on April 23.

Below is a breakdown of the available sizes and pricing (we reviewed the 65-inch model):

• Hisense UR9 RGB Mini-LED TV (65-inch): $3,499.99
• Hisense UR9 RGB Mini-LED TV (75-inch): $4,999.99
• Hisense UR9 RGB Mini-LED TV (85-inch): $5,999.99
• Hisense UR9 RGB Mini-LED TV (100-inch): $8,999.99

The UR9 is the only mid-budget model of Hisense’s RGB Mini-LED TVs that you can buy right now. The next step up would be its flagship model, the 116UX, which will run you anywhere from $19,999.99 to its original MSRP of $29,999.99, depending on sales and discounts. In other words, if you’re at all interested in trying out one of Hisense’s RGB Mini-LED TVs without having to take out a loan, the UR9 is going to be the most accessible option at this time.

Hisense UR9 Mini-LED TV review: Design

The UR9 is a bulky TV. It has thick bezels and feels heavy to move around, but the sturdiness you get in return may be a good tradeoff for you, depending on your preferences.

The TV still looks nice from a design standpoint, but it will definitely take up a lot more space compared to something like an LG C6 OLED or TCL QM8L Mini-LED TV. If you’re thinking of mounting it, I could see it being more of an eyesore just because of how much it’ll protrude from the wall.

I will say, I thought the setup of the Hisense UR9’s central pedestal was a little overcomplicated. Although very durable, I thought the way it all fit together wasn’t very intuitive, and the assembly instructions didn’t help all that much.

The multiple layers of screws felt like overkill, but one thing’s for sure: This pedestal will stay attached, barring some sort of disaster.

Hisense UR9 Mini-LED TV review: Ports

The TV has a nice suite of ports, including three HDMI 2.1 ports (one of them being eARC-compatible in case you want to connect a soundbar), two USB-A ports, a LAN port, an antenna port, and an optical digital audio out port. A pretty standard setup without any glaring omissions.

One extra port that’s definitely worth mentioning, though, is the unique USB-C DisplayPort that works perfectly with smartphones, tablets, and laptops. I was able to plug in all of my devices on the fly and mirror their displays on the UR9’s screen, which was really convenient.

Not everyone has a DisplayPort cable on hand, but I’m willing to bet almost everyone has a spare USB-C cable lying around. That alone will encourage more people to get a lot of use out of this port. It’s a great addition that you’re not going to find in other mainstream TVs.

How we test TVs

We follow a standard testing protocol for every TV we review at Tom’s Guide. Our benchmarks include a series of technical and subjective tests designed to rate the set’s performance.

For our technical tests, we set the TV to Filmmaker Mode (usually the most accurate out of the box) and take measurements using a Jeti spectraval 1501-HiRes spectroradiometer, a Klein K10-A colorimeter, a Murideo 8K-SIX-G Metal pattern generator, and Portrait Displays’s Calman TV-calibration software. We also use a Leo Bodnar 4K Video Signal Lag Tester for determining the TV’s gaming prowess.

Subjective tests vary based on the reviewer but usually include 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. For a more detailed look at what we do and how we do it, check out our “How we test TVs” page.

Hisense UR9 Mini-LED TV review: Performance

While testing out the Hisense UR9, I watched a variety of films, TV shows, and YouTube videos to get an idea of how it would perform during daily use. I also played a few PS5 titles to judge its gaming performance and features.

Upon booting the UR9 up and starting to watch some content, I immediately noticed how bright the TV was, even in the fully lit room I was testing it in. I was definitely impressed, but I quickly started to notice some issues. While watching 2018’s “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” in the UR9’s standard picture mode, I couldn’t help but become distracted by the near-blinding whites in multiple scenes from the movie, and the color balance just felt “off.” I’d seen this movie at least ten times by now, and the range of colors felt way less vivid than ever before.

Even with all the lights in the room turned on, I was having trouble focusing on the film because of the brightness and lack of balance. With the lights off, I had to squint to avoid discomfort. Switching to a dimmer picture preset like filmmaker modes helped ever so slightly, but the picture felt even more washed out and muted in terms of color depth. So, I switched up what I was watching to see if the problems persisted.

Unfortunately, they did, to varying degrees. I watched a bit of “Thrash,” a new shark-attack thriller from Netflix, and had the same brightness issues, especially when it came to the TV’s whites. Trying to tone them down had negative effects on the contrast and blacks, and I just couldn’t get the color saturation to look right. I eventually settled on switching over to the vivid picture mode and tweaking the brightness myself, which looked better, but I was still frustrated that I had to do so much work to get a brand-new flick to look good.

I had better success watching an episode of Hulu’s “The Bear” in filmmaker mode, but still had to make some adjustments to balance everything out. No matter what I put on, I had to go through a bunch of extra steps to get the settings right, and it got old fast.

Switching over to YouTube to watch some Coachella 2026 highlights and 4K travel videos yielded similar results, but the UR9’s vivid mode played nicer with the YouTube app than it did with Netflix and Hulu. When viewing in 4K, the details actually looked really nice, but had just a slight grain over it — a product of the TV’s lackluster upscaling. I did notice some blooming around the YouTube logo, but didn’t encounter that issue within any other apps.

Hisense UR9 Mini-LED TV review: Gaming performance

The UR9’s gaming mode also left me wanting more, especially after reviewing the LG C6 OLED just a few weeks ago, which has some of the most stellar gaming performance I’ve experienced on a TV. Still, there’s some worthwhile stuff here: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro mitigates screen tearing, a dedicated HDR gaming picture mode, and 120Hz support.

I also liked the UR9’s game bar interface, though, which lets you hop between different game genre presets, make brightness adjustments, and add helpful overlays like aiming reticles and an FPS counter.

The Hisense UR9 isn’t necessarily a poor gaming TV, but I wouldn’t buy one solely for gaming purposes.

Hisense UR9 Mini-LED TV review: Test results

From our test results, you can see that the Hisense UR9 is a super-high performer in the brightness department. In HD/SDR, it blows the TCL QM8L Mini-LED, LG C6 OLED, and Samsung QN90F QLED out of the water with a peak SDR brightness of 2,486 nits. That is extremely bright, and explains why the UR9 is at its best during daytime viewing. It has a peak brightness of 3,327 nits in HDR mode, which is also impressive and on par with TCL’s QM8L Mini-LED TV (3,772 nits). The LG C6 (1,251 nits) and Samsung QN90F (2,109 nits) fall pretty far below those two.

Our Delta-E test results, which is how we measure a TV’s color accuracy, paint a different picture. The Hisense UR9 scored only a 2.72 Delta-E, which isn’t terrible, but illustrates why the TV’s depth of color seemed a bit “off” during my testing period. When it comes to Delta-E results, the lower the number, the better, and as you get closer to a Delta-E of 3 and above, color accuracy issues start to become noticeable to the naked eye.

Compared to the TCL QM8L, which scored a Delta-E of 3.74, the UR9 is definitely better in this category, but when compared to the LG C6 (1.62) and Samsung QN90F (1.83), there’s something left to be desired.

When it comes to gaming, the UR9 isn’t great compared to the competition. It scored 12ms in our input latency test, which underperforms against the TCL QM8L, Samsung QN90F, and LG C6. Even in the UR9’s gaming mode, there was no way to boost this, which resulted in a choppier experience overall. You can still definitely enjoy gaming on the Hisense UR9, but there are much better options out there if it’s your top priority.

Hisense UR9 Mini-LED TV review: Audio

If you don’t go into the settings to tweak them, you likely won’t be impressed by the UR9’s built-in speakers, which sounded a bit tinny and crackly to me, especially at higher volumes. During action sequences or scenes where music takes the foreground, the speakers’ flaws became even more noticeable.

The good news is that the TV does have different sound modes that you can play around with, including modes designed for sports, music, speech, gaming, and more. The speech-enhancing mode, in particular, was a lot better than some of the other TVs I’ve reviewed — it didn’t wash out all the other noise in a given scene as a lot of other speech modes do, and was overall pretty balanced while still giving spoken dialogue a nice boost. I actually thought the TV’s theater audio mode sounded best, and it became my default audio mode for the remainder of my time with the UR9.

Still, I always think it’s worth investing in a great soundbar to go with your TV. Stock TV speakers are almost always lackluster (at least in my experience), and the best soundbars will enhance your media setup by a wide margin.

Hisense UR9 Mini-LED TV review: Interface and apps

The Hisense UR9 uses Google TV with Gemini as its OS of choice, and I thought it worked well. The home screen was situated in a way that everything I needed was easy to find, and menu navigation was simple in the best way. Just a solid, uncomplicated OS that I expect most users won’t have an issue getting used to.

The implementation of Gemini wasn’t bad either, although I wasn’t able to use it long enough to really get the most out of its personalized recommendations. In theory, those recommendations should suit you more and more over time as Gemini learns your content preferences.

However, I was able to get some good use out of the TV’s Gemini search function, which can help you find specific movies and shows, or even suggest something to you based simply on the vibe that you’re looking for. I can see this coming in handy whenever you encounter the all-too-common choice paralysis that we experience when it comes to streaming apps today.

Hisense UR9 Mini-LED TV review: Remote

If you regularly lose your remote in between the couch cushions because they just make them too small nowadays, you’ll appreciate the Hisense UR9’s larger remote. That being said, it will definitely take up more of that precious coffee table real estate. I personally like more compact remotes, but that’s just me.

In terms of buttons, the UR9’s remote is well-rounded, with five streaming app buttons, voice controls, and a dedicated mute button. I appreciated having the customizable star button, which you can assign to your go-to app, most-used input, or specific TV functions like a sleep timer, audio output adjustments, and more. Also, I like that silver, brushed metal finish.

Hisense UR9 Mini-LED TV review: Verdict

The Hisense UR9 isn’t perfect, but it actually has a lot going for it. The TV generally looks good in a bright room as long as you have the patience to make some settings adjustments, the UI is clean and unobstructive, and fresh additions like the USB-C DisplayPort show that the brand is interested in pushing TV tech forward.

However, due to the inconsistent performance I experienced throughout my time with the UR9, I just can’t say it’s a “run out and buy this now” type of TV. This TV should have dazzled me with an excellent balance of cutting-edge brightness and depth of color, but it just didn’t. If you’re dead-set on trying a UR9 on for size because you’re intrigued by the brand’s RGB Mini-LED technology, your best bet is to at least wait for it to go on sale.

Considering this is Hisense’s first iteration of RGB Mini-LED tech, I have a feeling the next RGB Mini-LED from Hisense will be a big step up in almost every way.

It’s April, which means the newest and most intriguing TVs are making their way into our testing lab as we speak. We’re busy sizing up a slate of new displays, including the most compelling of them all: an all-new type of TV called RGB LED. Hisense, LG, Samsung, Sony and TCL are all dropping their own version of RGB LED TVs in 2026, and many of them already have the making of some of the best TVs of the year.

Perhaps the most intriguing of the bunch is the Hisense UR9. This flagship model was one of the first RGB LED TVs confirmed to exist just a few short months ago at CES, and Hisense has seemed mighty confident about the prowess of RGB Mini-LED technology.

We recently put the Hisense UR9 through its paces in our test lab, and while we’re still evaluating the set for our soon-to-be-published review, I can spill the beans about one key performance metric: The UR9 is one of the most colorful TVs we’ve ever measured, which could spell trouble for the competition.

Hisense UR9 color: how it stacks up

The UR9 sits at the top of the 2026 Hisense TV lineup, and separates itself from standard, quantum dot-enhanced Mini-LED TVs with its array of red-, green- and blue-colored LEDs.

RGB LED TVs like the UR9 promise better color than what we've seen on consumer TVs in the past, and so far, the test results are bearing this out. If you're shopping for the brightest, purest color money can buy in 2026, there are three types of TV that ought to be on your radar: RGB LED, quantum dot-enhanced OLED (also known as QD-OLED) and SQD Mini-LED (a display variation currently only being offered by TCL).

To get a sense of how Hisense's top RGB LED compares to the most colorful QD-OLEDs and SQD Mini-LED TVs we've measured to date, take a look at the chart below.

Heading into the year, the pair of 2025 QD-OLEDs on the chart above represented the best color we'd ever measured. The Samsung S95F and the Sony Bravia 8 II blend quantum dot-color with the bevy of benefits that come with OLED technology, and until just recently, their ability to cover between roughly 90.2% and 90.3% of the BT.2020 color gamut was worthy of distinction.

Since then, two heavy-hitting TVs from TCL have surpassed these numbers in our test lab — and they did it without the help of RGB LED-based backlighting. The TCL X11L and the TCL QM8L leverage the brand's Super Quantum Dot (SQD) display, which shakes up the traditional QLED formula for brighter, bolder color.

But the Hisense UR9 tops them all, covering an impressive 93% of the BT.2020 color space. It's quite a feat, but ultimately, the best RGB LED TV of the year will come down to more than just color.

Hisense UR9: outlook

The difference between 93% and 91% of the BT.2020 color space won't always be apparent to the average viewer. It's important to note, too, that the vast majority of content you'll be watching on any of these new sets won't be taking advantage of the entire BT.2020 color gamut.

Ultimately, the best RGB LED TVs of the year — and the best sets in general — will come down to which models offer the best blend of contrast, color, and what I like to call the little things. These are the details that are often overlooked when comparing numbers on a chart, like motion handling, upscaling and how well the processing renders gradients.

We'll be publishing our full review of the UR9 in the coming days. On paper, it certainly has the specs and test results to earn the title of best Hisense TV ever made. Like always, though, it'll come down to the little things.

More from Tom's Guide

• I saw Sony's True RGB up close — and the downfall of OLED TVs might come sooner than expected
• Samsung's new Micro RGB TV is finally here — but I'd rather buy this OLED instead
• Micro-LED vs Micro RGB TVs: What's the difference?

If you're looking for a big-screen bargain, the Hisense QD7 should be on your shortlist. Colors are generally pleasing and accurate; contrast and high dynamic range (HDR) performance are adequate; and sound, especially bass, is quite booming from the built-in speakers.

Of course, Hisense had to cut corners somewhere. A slow 60Hz native refresh rate is sometimes noticeable in action scenes, although tweaking the motion settings can help. Middling brightness levels can be a challenge in well-lit rooms; and the Amazon Fire TV interface can be agonizingly slow.

Despite the drawbacks, however, this TV offers a lot for the money, and could very well be one of the best TVs under $500

Hisense QD7 review: Pricing and availability

With a list price of about $500, regularly discounted, QD7 sits in the middle of Hisense's 2025 model year TV offerings. Below it are sets like the new QD6 (selling for about $380), which lacks local dimming for improved contrast and dynamic range, runs at 60Hz native refresh rate, and provides just 20W of audio output.

Above it, the Hisense U7QG (also a 2025 TV, priced around $1,500) upgrades to HDMI 2.1 ports (vs. the QD7's slower-frame rate HDMI 2.0), a native 165Hz refresh rate (vs. 60Hz), up to 3,000 nits peak brightness (as advertised, vs. 600 nits, as measured for the QD7), and 50W multi-channel audio (vs. 30W).

However, the QD7 is no slouch and a solid deal, holding its own on content standards, supporting Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision Gaming, and the full HDR10+ Adaptive suite (more on those, below). The 65-inch QD7 is also priced competitively against rivals from companies and quite cheaper than the pricier 65-inch Samsung Neo QLED QN70F (at about $900), which we tested side-by-side and found lacking in most respects.

It's worth noting that the larger versions of the Hisense QD7 line — the 75-, 85-, and 100-inch screens — provide significant upgrades, especially for gaming. These include a native 144Hz refresh rate (vs. 60Hz) and two HDMI ports supporting the 2.1 standard for full-bandwidth PS5, Xbox Series X, and high-end PC gaming.

Hisense QD7 review: Design

The Hisense QD7 is virtually all screen, save for a slim bezel measuring about 8mm on the top and sides. A 15mm strip on the bottom is empty, save for a barely legible "Hisense" in the lower-left corner.

The TV's a tad chubby, measuring roughly 7 mm (2.76 inches) at its thickest point on the bottom. This wouldn't be very noticeable if the TV is on a table, as the stand would push it out even farther from the wall, but it could look a bit chunky if wall mounted. Should you decide to pair it with one of the best TV wall mounts, the QD7 has the four VESA standard screw holes forming a 400 x 400 mm square on the back of the TV.

The 65-inch QD7 rests on the common two-foot design, with feet extending perpendicularly about 4.5 inches beyond the front and back of the panel. They are spaced about 44 inches apart, so you'd want a table at least a few inches wider on both sides to hold it safely.

Hisense QD7 review: Ports

When viewed from behind, the QD7's power cable connects in a well on the left side. All ports are to the right, in two groups: a LAN, digital audio out, and one HDMI port point straight out the back.

A recess to the right holds the remaining three HDMI ports, an RF-in for cable or antenna reception, a 3.5mm headphone-style jack, a mini combo analog audio/video port, and two USB ports. All these ports face to the side, so the cables are parallel to the TV panel.

The HDMI ports are limited to the 2.0 standard, supporting up to 4K input but at just 60Hz — the native refresh rate of the panel. One of the HDMI ports supports eARC to provide lossless Dolby Atmos audio to a soundbar or home theater system. The USB-A ports provide power at 5 volts and 0.5 amps — which should suffice to power streaming sticks from Roku or Google. I’d highly recommend either as an alternative to the TV’s sluggish Fire TV interface (more about that below).

An RF-in port takes input from terrestrial (over-the-air), cable, and satellite broadcasts. The set includes an analog tuner and an ATSC/Clear QAM digital tuner. Supporting only the aged ATSC 1.0 standard (we're now on ATSC 3.0), it's limited to the 1080i standard dynamic range versions of TV broadcasts, which could be phased out in the U.S. in two or three years (though nothing has been set in stone).

How we test

We follow a standard testing protocol for every TV we review at Tom’s Guide. Our benchmarks include a series of technical and subjective tests designed to rate the set’s performance. For our technical tests, we set the TV to Filmmaker Mode (usually the most accurate out of the box) and take measurements using a Jeti spectraval 1501-HiRes spectroradiometer, a Klein K10-A colorimeter, a Murideo 8K-SIX-G Metal pattern generator, and Portrait Displays’s Calman TV-calibration software. We also use a Leo Bodnar 4K Video Signal Lag Tester for determining the TV’s gaming prowess.

Subjective tests vary based on the reviewer but usually include 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. For a more detailed look at what we do and how we do it, check out our “How we test TVs” page.

Hisense QD7 review: Test results

*As measured in Filmmaker Mode

Hisense QD7 review: Performance

Aside from a sluggish 60Hz refresh rate and older HDMI 2.0 ports, the QD7 ticks some key boxes for a modern LED LCD TV. These include some key terms we'll discuss below: quantum-dot color technology, full-array LED backlighting, and support for the Dolby Vision video and Dolby Atmos audio formats. These features boost overall quality compared to simpler models.

Pretty common in today's TVs, the QD7 uses quantum dot crystals to absorb a portion of the backlight and re-emit it as more-saturated green and red (blue isn't generally a problem with LED backlights). More important: This TV makes good on the tech's promise. I saw faithful colors in a wide range of content, including an NFL Super Bowl recap reel on YouTube, “Bridgerton” on Netflix, and the Blu-rays for “Dune: Part One” and “Spider Man: No Way Home”. I especially appreciated the fine tonality that brought skin tones of all shades to light with subtle shading. This was true in both the Filmmaker mode (that aims for greatest precision) and the brighter Standard mode that the TV is set to out of the box.

Lab results back this up. Its Delta-E score (a gauge of color fidelity in which lower numbers are better) was 1.75, which fell in the middle of the pack among similarly priced 65-inch TVs.

The TV has thousands of individually controlled LEDs in a grid behind the LCD screen. This full-array backlight is a step up, even from some more expensive sets. The local dimming this enables should help the screen produce a better dynamic range from dark to bright; and it does, to some extent, after some tweaking.

I saw it in clearly rendered shadowy content in clips from Netflix's “Stranger Things” (Trailer 1, Part 3). Chapter 10 of “Dune” is a great test for this: It begins with Duke Leto waking up in near darkness and proceeds to an epic battle that lights up the night. The Duke's face was easy to make out at the beginning, and the orange and blue explosions popped against the night sky.

Despite the name, Filmmaker mode is not best for high dynamic range content. It produced a dull, muddy appearance in the meeting between Peter Parker and Dr. Strange in Chapter 4 of “Spiderman,” for instance. Switching to Movie mode improved both highlights and shadows.

The QD7 supports Dolby Vision, which provides extra metadata to help the set render images as the director intended. (One feature I especially like: Movies play in the original 24 fps format, rather than being soothed into a newscast-style 60 fps.) In “Bridgerton,” the set kicked into Dolby Vision Dark, producing a grayish cast that obscured detail in shadows — especially noticeable in faces during a candlelit party scene (Season 1, Ep 3). Switching to Dolby Vision Natural or even Vivid (there's not much difference) cleared up faces that had been lost in shadow and managed to retain detail in highlights, such as sunlight glinting on a character's forehead.

The need for these tweaks is obvious from our lab tests. In Filmmaker mode, HDR brightness peaks at just 659 nits (measured in 10% window), vs. an average of 1260 among TVs we've recently tested. Brightness with standard dynamic range (SDR) content is also poor, at 449 nits in Standard mode, vs. an average of 831. All this poses challenges for viewing in a bright room with the lights cranked up or daylight streaming in. The QD7 could do little to dispel glare from bright overhead lights in our tests. This isn't a dealbreaker, just something you have to consider when placing the TV.

The set's weakest specs are the HDMI 2.0 ports and a native panel refresh rate that are both limited to 60Hz. This was noticeable with some content, such as some choppiness in the Super Bowl clips. Switching on Smooth Motion Processing noticeably reduced the effect, however.

I was perhaps most impressed not with how the 65QD7QF renders top-quality content, but how it cleans up lousy material. My torture test is the 1975 premiere episode of police procedural comedy “Barney Miller,” streamed from Amazon Prime. Scenes are often overexposed, blurry, or sometimes woefully lacking any detail. The QD7's upscaling to 4K was stupendous, filling in an almost blank face in Barney's wife and rendering fine texture in his hair, moustache, and face.

Hisense QD7 review: Audio

Audio is another standout feature — again, after some tweaking. The pair of downfiring speakers produced such powerful bass that several colleagues in the office took notice (one of them, with slight annoyance). One colleague even asked if we were using a soundbar. The audio was powerful enough to fill a room at just 25% volume; even 50% could be overwhelming.

The downside is that, in the default Standard audio mode, voices sounded a bit muffled and flat, as if the speaker were inside a wooden box. This occurred with both music, as in the trailer for the “KPop Demon Hunters Sing-Along,” and dialogue, such as an intense conversation in “Spiderman: No Way Home.” But the fix is simple: Switch to the Movie audio mode.

Hisense QD7 review: Gaming

This TV has an incongruous collection of specs and performance for gaming.

With our Leo Bodnar 4K Video Signal Lag Tester, we measured input lag (the time between a video signal entering the set and appearing on the screen), at a miniscule 9.4 milliseconds. That's the lowest of the rival TVs we tested (next-fastest: 9.8 ms, average: 10.9). This should help save you from getting fragged because the images can't keep up with the pace of the game.

That 60Hz refresh rate is the downer, however, in a field where 120Hz is becoming the norm. The QD7 offers some image interpolation and smoothing that may help. I tested it with the low-impact Astro's Playroom on a PlayStation 5 Slim. Video seemed smooth enough, so this shouldn't be a hindrance for casual gaming, but the QD7 would not be a top choice for serious gamers paying high-end titles rigs: consoles that output 120Hz content and high-end gaming PCs at up to 144Hz.

Hisense QD7 review: Interface

The Amazon Fire TV interface, or at least its performance on this model, is the QD7's glaring weak spot, due to its agonizingly slow response (possibly the result of bloated software, an underpowered processor, or both).

The TV took 50 seconds to start up — which may not sound like much, until you're forced to stare at the screen all that time. Amazon Prime Video (the house brand of this OS) took about seven seconds to launch — still slow, but lightning fast compared to the full minute for Netflix. If this drives you batty, adding a streaming device such as a Roku stick or box is an easy fix.

Snail's pace aside, the TV's operating system is easy to navigate and similar to other interfaces, such as Samsung Tizen's. A massive graphic for rotating featured content takes up nearly the top-half of the screen. A bar below it shows a selection of your video apps: Click one to see its featured content, without having to launch the app.

Other key items include broadcast TV mode, input selector, search, and the full suite of settings: both picture and audio as well as nuts-and-blots items like Wi-Fi setup. The right-side menu provides all the day-to-day items you need, such as input selection, TV mode, and screen mirroring. It also gives access to full picture and audio adjustments — even the most advanced items such as Dolby Vision modes, local-dimming level (for HDR performance), and Dialog Enhancer. This is far more complete than the quick-settings popup in Samsung Tizen, for instance.

Hisense QD7 review: Remote

The remote control is a straightforward affair with the standard four-direction ring and central button and shortcuts to select video apps, plus video play, TV channel, and audio controls, as well as a menu button.

Up top is a light-blue button for launching the Alexa voice assistant to answer questions about and make recommendations for what to watch.

Hisense QD7 review: Verdict

It’s never easy knowing which features to leave on the cutting room floor, but Hisense did a commendable job in its selection with the QD7.

It would be nice, of course, to have a 120Hz refresh rate like the TCL QM7K, and Fire TV doesn’t quite function as well as it does on, say, the Hisense U65QF, but the colors are good and the upscaling is exceptional given the sticker price.

The competition for the best TV under $500 is fierce — but its lower-than-average price and above average performance makes the 65-inch QD7 worthwhile bargain in a world where most prices keep climbing.

It’s officially new-TV season, and if you've waited until 2026 to upgrade to a new Hisense TV, your time may have come. The popular TV-maker is rolling out an array of all-new TVs, some of which are hitting shelves as we speak.

This is a massive year for Hisense. For one thing, it's finally selling RGB Mini-LED TVs at popular size points like 55 and 65 inches, and these cutting-edge displays will be going head-to-head against Micro RGB TVs from Samsung. Plus, Hisense is debuting several new Mini-LED TVs aimed squarely at value-conscious consumers looking for a deal. In recent years, mid-range Mini-LEDs have been Hisense’s bread and butter.

There's no way around it: The Hisense TV lineup looks different this year. To help make heads and tails of the tricky model names and the technology itself, I've put together a roadmap for shopping for a Hisense TV in 2026. The first stop is the brand's newest Mini-LED TVs.

2026 Hisense Mini-LED TVs

Hisense's popular mid-range QLEDs are back, but the lineup has seen a few changes. Like last year, there are three quantum dot-enhanced Mini-LEDs to choose from. However, they don't follow the same naming convention.

This year, the lineup consists of the U6SF, the U6SF Pro and the U7SG. Last year, the main lineup had the U65QF, the U75QG and the U8QG. So, what gives?

Well, it would seem as though Hisense has replaced its top-shelf U8 Series with the newest U7 Series. In the process, the TV maker split up its entry-level U6 Series into two categories.

The U6SF and U6SF Pro are both built around Amazon's Fire TV smart platform (hence the "F" in their model names). While Hisense hasn't yet confirmed key specifications, the U6SF Pro will likely have some performance-related benefits over the non-Pro version. According to Hisense, the standard U6SF will come in a wider selection of sizes, and together, these TVs will be available in models ranging from 55 to 100 inches.

The Hisense U7SG is built around the Google TV smart platform (which explains the "G" in its model name). Unlike the U6SF and the U6SF Pro, this set is actually available right now from Best Buy.

The all-new U7 Series will be available from 65 to 116 inches, with the 65-inch version coming in at $1,499. This is comparable to last year's U75QG price at launch.

We don't know too much about the U7SG, but we know more about it than the U6SF and U6SF Pro. As a higher-end model, the U7SG will likely feature a higher amount of Mini-LED dimming zones and a brighter overall picture. Hisense claims that the U7SG reaches up to 3,000 nits, which probably puts it somewhere between last year's U75QG and U8QG.

It features a 165Hz panel, ATSC 3.0 support (which means it's ready to receive 4K broadcasts via antenna), and comes with four HDMI 2.1-compatible inputs. Needless to say, I'm excited to see it in action.

2026 Hisense RGB Mini-LED TVs

The UR9 and the UR8 feature Hisense's all-new RGB Mini-LED backlighting. They represent the brand's first attempt to take technology that was previously limited to a 116-inch display (in the Hisense 116UX) and scale it down to smaller-sized screens. Hisense says that these sets will be available in sizes ranging from 55 to 100 inches, including the ever-popular 65-inch screen size.

There's a ton of hype surrounding RGB LED TVs this year, with nearly every major TV brand (including Samsung and LG) getting in on the action. Similar to Mini-LEDs, RGB LED TVs leverage an array of ultra-small LEDs arranged in dimmable zones. Unlike Mini-LEDs, however, RGB LEDs are red, green and blue. This makes way for brighter, purer colors than what we’ve come to expect from even the best TVs available to date.

Despite the imminent nature of these cutting-edge TVs, there's a lot we still don't know about the UR9 and the UR8. The former will presumably offer better performance (and maybe even more features), but both will tap Hisense’s new Hi-View AI Engine RGB processor.

Which Hisense TV should you buy in 2026?

I'll feel more confident offering specific recommendations after we've tested and reviewed Hisense's newest TVs, but that doesn't mean I can't give you a head start when it comes to your shopping plans.

For most folks, the U6SF, the U6SF Pro and the U7SG will be the three Hisense TVs to choose from, due in large part to their entry-level and mid-range pricing. The U7SG is built around one of my preferred smart platforms in Google TV (making it a solid choice for habitual streamers), and because it's decked out with four HDMI 2.1 inputs, this will also be a popular pick amongst gamers.

The U6SF and U6SF Pro will be cheaper than the U7SG, so they'll have wider appeal for budget-conscious shoppers looking to spend a bit less. In past years, I may have warned people about the inclusion of Fire TV, but Amazon is rolling out major Fire TV updates in 2026 that just might improve the overall experience.

Of course, the brand's hotly anticipated RGB Mini-LED TVs could prove to be the biggest disruptor in 2026. Hisense is known for coming out of the gate swinging with competitively low prices relative to its competition, and while we don't yet know how much the UR9 and UR8 will cost, I'm willing to bet it'll be lower than most of the competition in the RGB LED space.

In any event, 2026 is one of the most ambitious years yet for Hisense TVs. The brand already made its mark in the Mini-LED marketplace — let's see if it can do the same for RGB LEDs.

More from Tom's Guide

• Which Samsung TV should you buy in 2026? Here’s my expert guide to Samsung’s newest OLEDs, Micro RGB TVs and more
• In the market for an OLED? Here’s my expert guide on shopping for an LG TV in 2026
• Micro RGB TVs vs OLED TVs — here's the TV I'd buy in 2026

Hisense has begun rolling out its 2026 ULED Mini-LED TVs today with the Hisense U7 Series. The series will come in two variants: the U7SG, which supports Google TV, and the U7SF, which supports Fire TV.

Besides a difference in smart platform, both versions feature the same native 165Hz refresh rate and Hi-View AI Engine Pro processor alongside a 50W 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos speaker system — perfect for World Cup watching.

As of this morning, the 65-inch U7SG is already available to order on Best Buy for $1,499.

A confusing (but affordable) Mini-LED lineup

Hisense’s 2026 lineup is a little more complicated than last year — last year, the Hisense U7QG sat above the U65QF and below the U8QG. Pretty logical, right?

This year, it’s more confusing: The U7 sits above the U6SF Pro, which itself sits slightly above the base U6 (both of which were also announced today).

The U7 will sit below the brand’s new UR8 and UR9 RGB Mini-LED TVs, which we first saw at CES 2026. The latter will obviously use a more advanced backlight that promises better color volume — a claim I'm taking with a grain of salt.

At the top of the pyramid this year is the Hisense UXS that I called “the best-looking LCD TV at CES 2026.”

According to Hisense, the U7 will start at $1,299 for the 55-inch model, and the U6 will cost even less when it begins rolling out in a few weeks.

More mid-range models to come this month

With flagship models already announced at CES, expect several new mid-range models to be announced this month.

TCL has already hinted at its new L-Series mid-range models (the QM8L, QM7L and QM6L), and Samsung won't be far behind with its 2026 Neo QLEDs.

LG will push on with its QNEDs, though they no longer occupy a spot as the brand's top-tier LCD TVs; that honor now belongs to its MicroRGB TVs.

Overall, 2026 will be an interesting one for TV shoppers — and we're already starting to receive review samples for our in-depth lab tests. We should have full reviews ready to roll out sometime in the next few weeks.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tested TCL’s $8,000 SQD Mini-LED TV — here's my verdict
• RGB LED TVs are flagship killers, but there's one big catch
• The RAM crisis came for computers first and now it's coming for TVs — here's why I recommend upgrading while you still can

Google TV is one of the most popular smart platforms. These days, TVs made by Hisense, Sony and TCL all arrive with Google’s streaming software built right into the experience right out of the box.

If you don’t want to sign up for a Google Account or you’d rather not connect your TV to the internet at all, Google TV offers a way for you to bypass the experience altogether, leaving your TV free to pipe in pictures the old-fashioned way: from a cable box, satellite, indoor antenna, or physical media player.

To enable Basic Mode, you need to do so during the TV's initial setup. This means that if you've previously set up Google TV, you'll need to perform a factory reset on your TV. If you're setting up Google TV for the first time, skip to step #2.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 TV settings you should change now to lower your electricity bill
• 5 TCL TV settings to change for the best possible picture
• I’ve set up hundreds of TVs in my career — here are 6 mistakes people make when setting up a new TV

It should come as no surprise that TVs are going to be more expensive this year, but not in the way you might think. Although it might be perfectly normal for TV prices (and, in general, electronics prices) to rise year over year, 2026 may give way to even broader price hikes. And it's all thanks to AI.

In the heat of CES last week, after announcing its 2026 TV lineup, Samsung warned of this coming dilemma. According to the brand, prices are set to surge in line with the rise in demand for DRAM and RAM, which are directly linked to data centers that power AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT and Gemini. Currently, RAM prices are at an all-time high, hence the still ongoing RAMageddon crisis.

TVs won't be the only ones affected. Everything from phones to laptops could see significant price hikes in 2026, but one question remains: How bad will it be? Here's everything we know so far about how the RAM crisis may affect TVs this year.

Samsung's warning

Speaking candidly with Bloomberg at CES 2026, Samsung President and Head of Global Marketing, Wonjin Lee, explained how the spike in memory will trickle down to everything. Samsung is in a prime position to speak about these issues, as it's a leading provider of DRAM and SSDs, the very same components at the heart of the RAMageddon crisis.

"There’s going to be issues around semiconductor supplies, and it’s going to affect everyone. Prices are going up even as we speak," Lee says. "Obviously, we don’t want to convey that burden to the consumers, but we’re going to be at a point where we have to actually consider repricing our products."

This also puts Samsung ahead of market rivals, as it can source these components more easily than others, including LG, Hisense, and TCL. While that doesn't necessarily mean Samsung TVs will be cheaper than their competitors, it does give Samsung an advantage.

Market rivals, such as LG, Hisense, and TCL, could have an uphill battle this year if the cost of components has risen significantly. According to market research firm Omdia, TV-specific DRAM prices have increased by 50%. TVs require Flash NAND eMMC memory, which has doubled over the past year, and Omdia claims the spike will most certainly impact the market in 2026.

What are other brands thinking?

I reached out to a variety of TV makers to find out if there is any pressure this year to raise prices due to RAMageddon. However, very few responded in time for this article, which makes sense, given that TV prices are still in limbo at most distributors.

According to Hisense's Kenneth Hong, the hammer has still yet to drop, but the issue might be mitigated by tighter collaboration between suppliers and manufacturers.

"The memory supply is putting some pressure on our supply chain, ergo, we have and are strengthening collaboration with our suppliers," Hong said in response to an email from Tom's Guide. "To date, the RAM issue has not had any material impact on our delivery plans."

In an email correspondence between LG and Tom's Guide, a company spokesperson said, "LG has not yet announced pricing on 2026 TVs, so we'd be unable to comment at this time." Initial production on the LG C6, C6E, and G6 has likely begun already, which could mean the rise of Flash NAND eMMC prices could lead to more expensive LG OLEDs.

It all comes down to market shifts, and much of it is a guessing game at this point.

TV price hikes outlook

While there's good reason to feel nervous about TV price hikes in 2026, nothing is set in stone at this point. Most TV manufacturers have yet to fully announce their entire TV lineups, and ditto for official pricing.

Even if TVs have a slightly higher launch price, it's worth noting that TV prices tend to dip very fast. Almost every TV maker offers steep discounts after a solid five to six months following release, which is how all those enticing savings can be had during the holidays.

So what's a TV shopper to do? Well, even if TV prices are extreme in 2026, you'll have plenty of alternative options to choose from. Several 2025 and 2024 TVs are still available and will be heavily discounted heading into the new year. In fact, depending on 2026 TV prices, 2025 TVs might even be the safer bet to buy this year.

For now, all we can do is wait and see. New TV prices typically aren't announced until March or April, so we'll have a better understanding of what to expect later in the year.

More from Tom's Guide

• Hisense’s new RGB Mini-LED is probably the best-looking LCD TV at CES 2026
• Should you buy a Micro RGB TV this year? Here are all of the RGB TVs coming in 2026 from brands like Samsung, Hisense and LG
• Micro RGB TVs vs OLED TVs — here's the TV I'd buy in 2026

CES 2026 was the epicenter of innovation in the tech industry. In keeping with tradition, new TV innovations were on display, and the brands behind the best TVs in the business unveiled many of their newest models.

But while LG and Samsung showed off some (if not most) of their mainline 2026 TVs at CES, Hisense focused almost exclusively on its souped-up, cutting-edge displays. Instead of the immensely popular U6, U7 and U8 Series that shoppers have gravitated toward in recent years, we were treated to the big-screen models with fancy technology and lofty price tags.

That raises some questions: Why are all of the Hisense 2026 TVs we know about the sets that are bound to be more niche in their appeal, and probably pricier than the company’s perennially popular, mainline series? If Hisense is gearing up to launch another slate of Mini-LED TVs in 2026, why haven’t we seen them yet?

New Hisense TVs are almost here

Over the last couple of years, Hisense has treated CES almost exclusively as an opportunity to showcase its biggest TVs and its fanciest display innovations. This is why we’ve learned all about the Hisense UR9 and UR8 (the brand’s first RGB Mini-LED TVs to be made available in smaller, more-popular screen sizes), as well as its 116-inch and 163-inch models (the latter of which uses an ultra-premium Micro-LED display).

Most TV-makers treat CES similarly, the difference being that we also usually learn a lot more about the rest of their lineup. Hisense will almost certainly wait until late March or early April to reveal the successor to the entry-level U65QF, the U75QG, and of course, the Hisense U8QG — one of the brightest TVs we’ve ever tested.

After last year’s CES, Hisense didn’t unveil its primary Mini-LED TV lineup until the last week of March. I haven’t received any advanced notice about such an announcement, but I’m inclined to believe that the brand will follow a similar trajectory in the coming months.

Hisense's main TV lineup probably won't feature RGB Mini-LED backlighting

Hisense is remaining tightlipped about the newest versions of the Hisense U6, U7 and U8, so for now, these model names remain unconfirmed.

However, the U7 and U8 were briefly shown on screen during Hisense's CES keynote, which momentarily caused me to believe that Hisense's primary TV lineup would also feature RGB backlighting. Today, a representative from Hisense informed me that the models shown belonged to the brand's global RGB Mini-LED lineup.

They added, "the 2026 U.S. lineup will only feature the 116UXS RGB Mini-LED evo, and the RGB Mini-LED UR8 and UR9 Series. We’ll have more to come on our US lineups in the next couple of months."

If you read between the lines, it's not a stretch to interpret the "more to come" as a sign that we'll eventually get a formal announcement about more TVs, and that these models are wholly separate from the brand's premium, RGB Mini-LED catalogue.

Does that mean that Hisense will skimp on the innovations in its mid-range Mini-LED TVs? I doubt it. But, for now, all we can do is speculate as to what's to come for some of the most affordable, value-priced TVs on the market.

More from Tom's Guide

• Hisense’s new RGB Mini-LED is probably the best-looking LCD TV at CES 2026
• Should you buy a Micro RGB TV this year? Here are all of the RGB TVs coming in 2026 from brands like Samsung, Hisense and LG
• Micro RGB TVs vs OLED TVs — here's the TV I'd buy in 2026

Washing machines haven't changed much visually over the years. But, there's something happening amongst the big home appliance brands. Increasingly, we're seeing multi-drum machines being unveiled which offer a whole new approach to how we do laundry.

Take the Hoover Multi-Wash, for example, which is quite possibly the weirdest washing machine I've ever seen, but it solves a major problem. With three drums, it offers you the change to wash and dry at the same time. But, Hoover isn't the only one making waves. At CES 2026, Hisense led the washing machine innovation with its newest model, which has an unusual name.

What's better than one drum?

Called the X-Zone Master, Hisense has called its latest innovation "the world's first infinitely scalable modular washer-dryer system." We're talking the a multi-drum design that starts off with one main unit and can be expanded over and over again with matching mini-modules to suit your needs.

If you want, you could have a home full of mini drums washing everything you need at the same time from baby clothes, to delicates, sports gear, pet bedding and more. Though I'm not sure I'd like to see my water bill after I get my multi-drum cleaning on rotation.

Apart from the name sounding like a spaceship straight out of sci-fi movie, I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the way Hisense's newest innovation looks and I'd be a little worried that my home would quickly turn into a laundromat.

But, no-one's asking me to put in all the mini-drums, instead the X-Zone Master could simply be the main drum and two additional mini-modules – and that's an idea I can get fully on board with. Running separate loads simultaneously is a bit of a dream, especially with two small kids, and when I discovered that the entire system operates at under 46dB, I was even more impressed.

Hisense and Hoover aren't the only companies revolutionizing the washer-dryer though. Back in September 2025, Xiaomi also unveiled the Xiaomi Mijia Three-Zone Washing Machine Pro Drum 10kg, capable of three loads at the same time, which apparently is the magic number. Or five, or seven, or nine, if Hisense has anything to say about it...

The future of laundry?

It's certainly hard to innovate on a tried-and-tested method that's worked for years. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? But, with the new washer-dryer machines from Hoover, Xiaomi and now Hisense, I'm starting to become pretty convinced that multi-washing could be the staple in homes of the future. Or, a lot sooner than we think.

With these three huge companies all entering the market with the unique configuration of separate washer-dryer zones (akin to one big shocked mouth and two smaller eyes), there's certainly competition already emerging. But, are they competitively priced?

Well, it's pretty hard to say since they're not quite available to buy yet. In China, you can pick up the Xiaomi Mijia Washing Machine Pro for CNY 4,699, which is around $670/£500. Compared to some of the best washing machines, that's actually a surprisingly affordable price, but we'll have to wait and see what these prices actually look like when these models hit the global market.

More from Tom's Guide

• How much laundry can you fit into a full load and still get your items clean?
• You could be ruining your washing machine without knowing it — try these 3 cheap hacks to extend its life
• This one item is your secret weapon against washing machine mold — and it's not vinegar or baking soda

CES 2026 is awash with RGB Mini-LED TVs. From LG and Samsung to TCL and Hisense, everyone has shown up to Las Vegas with cutting-edge colorful TVs.

However, while Samsung and LG have only just embarked on their RGB Mini-LED TV journey at this year’s CES, Hisense was the first to release an RGB model back in 2025. Now, at CES 2026, the company is introducing its second-gen RGB Mini-LED screen, dubbed the 116UXS.

Not only does its RGB Mini-LED backlighting system make it more colorful and energy efficient, but it could fix the brand’s longstanding issues with red color fringing and upscaling. Here’s what it was like to watch it in-person.

Hisense RGB Mini-LED 116UXS: Design

The Hisense RGB Mini-LED 116UXS is, in some ways, a successor to the brand’s larger Hisense UX models: It is physically imposing.

This is not the TV you’re going to want to buy if you want that super-slim, picture-on-wall design — I’ll instead refer you to the LG W6 Wallpaper OLED — but its thick chassis holds both a 6.2.2 audio system and the key to the TV’s success: a Mini-LED lighting system that trades a quantum dot film for a new cyan subpixel.

With that new subpixel in place, Hisense says that the 116UXS can display 110% of BT2020’s coverage area…though, importantly, it’s not quite one-to-one to the BT2020 color spectrum, but extends beyond it in the green and blue hues. A weird caveat, for sure, but one worth clarifying.

If you had hopes of squeezing one of these new TVs into your home, I’ve got bad news — so far, the Hisense RGB Mini-LED evo is only available in a single 116-inch screen size.

Potentially some of Hisense’s RGB Mini-LED technology will make its way down to some upcoming mid-range models, but for now, the 116UXS is the big star of the show. (Emphasis on big.)

Hisense RGB Mini-LED 116UXS: Performance

It’s a toss up between the Hisense 116UXS and the TCL X11L SQD-Mini LED TV which claims the title of best LCD TV at CES, but I’ve got to give the nod to the Hisense.

From color and contrast to motion control, everything looked stunning on Hisense’s RGB Mini-LED. Although the demo content was limited, the 116UXS delivered an uncompromising picture.

Deep and rich colors were obviously the highlight here, but I also appreciated the incredible contrast that, at points, gave Samsung’s new S95H QD-OLED a run for its money.

A large part of that is due to the new cyan subpixel, yes, but I’ve also got to give credit to Hisense’s refined Hi-View AI Engine RGB processor. It’s the one actually puppeteering the contrast control zones and keeping color cross-talk to a minimum.

The only issue that my eyes couldn’t help but see was the glare from the show floor’s overhead lighting. Hisense says it was a conscious decision not to overdo the anti-glare filter on the TV, as that would result in muted colors. (There is a glare reduction coating, don’t worry, it’s just not as powerful as the anti-glare, matte finish you’ll find on, say, Samsung’s OLED TVs.)

If you have a light-controlled environment like a proper home theater space or a light-controlled living room, however, this shouldn't be an issue.

Hisense RGB Mini-LED 116UXS: Outlook

There's a very good chance that the Hisense RGB Mini-LED 116UXS won't be in my price range. Most 116-inch TVs aren't cheap, so I'm not expecting one that uses cutting-edge processing and backlight technology to suddenly cost less than last year's crop of Mini-LED models. (We'll get official pricing and release date information in a few months.)

Still, I think the Hisense RGB Mini-LED 116UXS is a great blueprint of what's to come from the brand in 2026. If Hisense can take this technology and shrink it down to more manageable screen sizes, I think we're looking at potentially the best TVs of 2026.

For now, however, I'll settle for calling it the best LCD TV of CES 2026.

More from Tom's Guide

• CES 2026 LIVE: All the biggest tech and gadget news as it happens
• Samsung TV lineup 2026: new OLEDs, Micro RGB TVs and Neo QLEDs announced at CES
• I went hands-on with TCL’s first SQD Mini-LED TV — and it made me forget about RGB TVs

We’re live on the scene from CES 2026 this week, where the biggest brands in the TV industry have been busy spotlighting their newest screens and innovations. Yes, there are tons of TVs on display, but there are a handful in particular that have caught our eye.

From upgraded OLEDs to all-new Micro RGB TVs, here’s a round-up of the best sets we’ve seen so far — the TVs that are poised to make a big splash in the coming months.

Samsung R95H

For most of the major TV-makers, CES 2026 has been all about one thing: RGB-based backlighting.

These teeny-tiny LEDs are smaller than garden-variety Mini-LEDs and create their own red-, green- and blue-colored light instead of relying on a color filter. The result is gobsmackingly gorgeous color — hues that are much brighter and purer than what we’ve come to expect from even the best Mini-LED TVs on the market.

Samsung has dubbed its take on the technology RGB Micro LED, and the Samsung R95H is the brand’s latest flagship to flaunt it. Nick Pino, managing editor of TV and AV for Tom’s Guide, was lucky enough to go hands-on with the Samsung R95H and walked away impressed.

“Samsung's R95H is as bright as any Mini-LED TV I’ve seen,” Nick says, noting that the R95H features “a slightly larger color volume” than those Mini-LED-based TVs. He added: “Scenes from ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ I watched on my Samsung S95D OLED looked significantly brighter and richer on the R95H.”

As mentioned, the R95H is far from the only TV tapping this tantalizing tech on the showroom floor, but given Samsung's pedigree (including its superb track record for picture processing), it's quickly becoming one of our most-anticipated.

Hisense UR9 and UR8

Hisense ain’t messing around this year. After another successful year of selling some of the most competitively priced and value-packed TVs on shelves, the TV-maker has spent the week showcasing its own RGB-based sets — except Hisense is calling its version RGB Mini-LED.

Enter the UR9 and UR8. We don’t know much about these sets just yet (and trust me: I’ve been dying to learn more), but if Hisense’s track record is any indication, there’s a good chance that they’ll be aggressively priced. That’s potentially very good news for shoppers who might be flirting with this cutting-edge display type at some point in 2026.

While showing off the Hisense 2026 TV lineup, the brand confirmed that, between the UR9 and UR8, screen sizes between 55 and 100 inches will be represented. Given the razzle-dazzle prevalence of RGB-based TVs above 110 inches, it’s reassuring to hear that there’s a roadmap to popular size points for these exciting new TVs.

LG C6

It oughtn’t come as a surprise that LG’s latest C Series OLED is on our most-anticipated TV list as we spring into 2026. After all, its predecessor — the LG C5 OLED — was the only TV we bestowed a five-star rating on last year.

LG's C Series sets have been a perennial pick for parsimonious people seeking high-level performance, and the LG C6 is shaping up to play the same role.

Despite its years of success, I’ve longed for a major shake-up to the C Series formula, and this year, we’re getting one — at least for some of the sizes in the series.

The 77- and 83-inch versions of the LG C6 feature LG Display’s marvelous Tandem OLED panel featuring Hyper Radiant Color technology. That’s a heaping helping of technical jargon that essentially means that the two largest sizes in the series will offer better brightness and color volume than the rest of the sizes in the series.

In Nick Pino’s hands-on LG C6 review, he notes the impact of this upgrade, reporting that the 77-inch C6 features color “as deep here as on any TV [he’s] seen so far at CES.”

Color me excited.

Samsung S95H

The S95H is the follow-up to the best OLED TV Samsung has ever made: the Samsung S95F. This alone makes it one of the most exciting TVs of 2026.

Like its predecessor, the S95H is sporting a matte screen that nearly eliminates direct glare. It’s certainly not for everyone as the finish can’t help but lift black levels in well-lit rooms, but it’s hard not to go ga-ga over it when viewed in a controlled, home theater-like setting.

New this year is a swanky, metal bezel and custom wall-mount. This gives the S95H a unique look compared to many of the other wall-mountable OLEDs we’ve come across on the showroom floor this year.

LG Wallpaper TV (W6)

LG’s ultra-thin, artful OLED TV is back after a several-year hiatus, and we couldn’t be happier to see it return. In his LG Wallpaper TV hands-on review, Nick Pino got up close and personal with one of LG’s thinnest OLED TVs to date, noting the set’s surprisingly affordable, yet-to-be-confirmed price.

Also known as the W6, LG's Wallpaper TV is set to take on the lifestyle TV competitors with the not-so-secret weapon of OLED display technology — something we've not seen much of in this popular subcategory of TV.

If the W6 proves successful, we could be seeing a new wave of artful, design-forward TVs with OLED-based displays.

TCL X11L

While brands like Hisense and Samsung are zigging toward an RGB-based future, TCL has chosen to zag. The TCL X11L is a complete reimagining of what it means to be a quantum dot-equipped Mini-LED TV, and my colleague Kate Kozuch is already sold.

In her TCL X11L hands-on review, Kate reported that this set features incredible clarity. "Bright whites popped hard against deep blacks without washing out surrounding colors," she said. "Greens, yellows and neon reds looked intensely saturated but controlled, not smeared or glowing past their edges."

According to its engineers, TCL has reformulated quantum dots entirely and slapped a new color filter and processing algorithm onto the X11L, resulting in its sensational highlights and deep, realistic color.

TCL claims that this TV reaches an eye-popping 10,000 nits of brightness and covers 100% of the BT.2020 color space. That's nuts.

You'll have to shell out a good amount of dough for this one, though. The smallest version of the X11L — a 77-inch version — will reportedly start at $6,999. The 85- and 98-inch versions will be even pricier.

More from Tom's Guide

• CES 2026 LIVE: All the biggest gadget and tech news as it happens
• I saw Samsung’s 2026 flagship OLED and Micro RGB TVs side by side — here's the one I like more
• We just went hands on with the LG Wallpaper OLED TV — and it's amazingly thin, wireless and actually affordable

Update: See our top 9 gadgets of CES 2026 from day 3!

We've wrapped day two at the Consumer Electronics Show 2026. And, after day one dazzled us with some truly spectacular new TVs, it's now all about the laptops. We saw new machines from MSI and Acer alongside the very nice-looking XPS 14 from Dell.

But it wasn't just laptops stealing our attention in Las Vegas. For the first time ever, Lego held a CES keynote. The reason? The iconic toy brand wanted to show off its first "smart brick" — a standard Lego brick with a tiny computer packed inside that can work with NFC-enabled smart tags. Cool!

Of course, it wouldn't be CES without some head-turning weird tech that may — or may not — actually make it on sale in 2026. Like the Ascentiz H1 Pro exoskeleton that our senior fitness writer Dan used to assist him in walking around the vast exhibition halls.

Make sure you check out our ongoing CES 2026 live blog for the very latest from the show, and here's our day 1 round-up of the 10 best new gadgets we saw.

Dell XPS 14

After abandoning the XPS line, Dell has admitted its mistake and brought these premium laptops back in a big way. The XPS 14 and 16 were both on show in Las Vegas and our Global Editor in Chief Mark Spoonauer spent some quality time with the CNC-machined aluminum XPS 14 that's just 14.6mm thin — in between the MacBook Air M4 (11.3mm) and MacBook Pro M5 (15.5mm).

There's a mesmerizing 2.8K OLED display with a variable refresh rate going all the way down to 1Hz to conserve battery life. The XPS 14 is powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors and built-in Arc graphics, so you should expect smooth performance. There's a range of CPU options, including a Core Ultra 5, Core Ultra 7, X7 and X9. And the RAM options go from 16GB to 32GB and a max of 64GB.

The only catch is that, with the price of RAM skyrocketing due to AI-driven demand, the price is going to be tough to hear. According to Dell, prices start at $2,049.

Intel Panther Lake

Intel's keynote took place during our second day of CES and the brand stepped up to show off its new Intel Core Ultra Series 3 laptop chips. Codenamed Panther Lake, they were first revealed back in October, but CES has given us our first look at them in action.

The big change is that Panther Lake is built on the new Intel 18A node and employs a "System of Chips" design featuring up to 16 cores and fabricated out of smaller "tiles," which can be moved and swapped to fine-tune performance and efficiency.

In addition, the GPU built into these new Core Ultra 3 chips introduces a new, more efficient Xᵉ3 graphics architecture and scales up to 12 Xᵉ cores and 12 Ray Tracing Units, delivering better performance and featuring an increased 16 MB L2 Cache in the high-end configuration.

There's also better multi-thread performance and a number of other tricks that my colleague Alex Wawro has detailed right here.

Strutt ev1 personal mobility vehicle

Let's get fun for a second. My colleague Mike Prospero took this "personal mobility vehicle" for a spin around the show floor and called it a cross between Professor X's wheelchair and a Tesla. I'll share the bad news up front: You can pre-order it for $5,299, but its regular price will run you $7,499. Ouch.

But here's what you get for your money, the Strutt's four motors power it at speeds of up to 7 mph (11.3 km/h), and it can carry a maximum payload of 350 lbs (160 kg). It'll glide up hills as steep as 13-degrees, and ride over curbs up to 2 inches in height. Finally, the 18.5Ah/592Wh removable battery is good for about 20 miles of range.

The cherry on top is that it's voice-controlled with built-in navigation. So you can sit there and just tell it where you want to go. If you want to know more, read Mike's hands-on with the Strutt ev1 here.

Hisense UR8 RGB Mini-LED TV

Day one of CES 2026 was dominated by LG and Samsung's new TV smarts but Hisense has also arrived at the party. This Chinese brand has constantly impressed us with its value for money and this year we got a good look at how it's embracing Mini-LED technology.

Hisense has upgraded its RGB Mini-LED architecture to include a fourth primary color. The addition of cyan — or sky blue, as Hisense calls it — is said to improve the color fidelity, and there are several models to choose from this year.

The Hisense UR9 and the Hisense UR8 are the brand’s first attempt to scale the tech down to smaller screen sizes. It was previously limited to a 116-inch display in the Hisense 116UX but these new sets will be available in sizes ranging from 55 to 100 inches.

Lego Smart Brick

This was a bit of a left-field reveal at CES, but we are totally here for it. The European toy brand Lego revealed its first-ever "smart brick" at a dedicated keynote that included a demo of how it'll work.

The company has fitted a tiny computer into a standard 2x4 Lego brick that's capable of detecting NFC-enabled tags inside new Lego tiles and minifigures. When the block detects one of these (or another smart brick) it will react dynamically.

Lego says it will make sets come to life with features like sound effects, lighting or movement.

Ascentiz H1 Pro exoskeleton

Exoskeletons aren't as strange a sight these days as you might expect. We saw one at last year's CES and they're back again for 2026. This year, senior fitness writer Dan Bracaglia strapped on the Ascentiz H1 Pro and called it the most comfortable exoskeleton he's tested.

Like other exoskeletons, the Ascentiz relies on AI to analyze a user’s stride, ensuring natural movement assistance. While Dan says it wasn't as powerful as exoskeletons from Hypershell and Arc'teryx, the range of movement was more comfortable.

Weighing just 4.4 pounds (sans battery), the H1 Pro is surprisingly unburdensome to wear. It also folds down into a neat little package that can easily be stored in a gym bag. So whether you're hiking around a massive trade show or want some help at the squat rack, this looks like a winner.

Ascentiz has a few different models in development, and you can find more information over at its fully-backed active Kickstarter campaign.

MSI Pro Max QD-OLED monitor

MSI always shows up in full force at CES with new laptops, graphics cards and gaming PCs, but this year, my colleague Anthony Spadafora said he was interested in the company's new Pro Max 271UPXW12G monitor.

This all-white QD-OLED display isn’t just another gaming or business monitor. Instead, it’s designed to work perfectly with your Mac; it features M-Color Mode for seamless color synchronization and even allows you to adjust brightness and volume directly from your MacBook shortcut keys.

So, if you're looking for an alternative to the $1,599 Apple Studio Display, this could well be it. Especially as Anthony thinks this could arrive with a sub $1,000 price point. You can read all his thoughts on it right here.

Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo

Asus has stepped up to CES 2026 with the world’s first dual-screen 16-inch gaming laptop. It's an OLED waterfall that seems like overkill in all the right ways.

Computing Editor Jason England took a look at the two 16-inch 3K OLED displays and proclaimed them: "drop-dead gorgeous, running at a buttery smooth 120Hz and sporting HDR support."

Both displays are attached onto a hinge that can bend back a full 320-degrees too and since this is a Zephyrus machine, the specs list is crazy good. There's an Intel Core Ultra Series 3 CPU, up to RTX 5090 laptop GPU, 64GB LPDDR5X RAM and a 2TB SSD — pumping 135W through that GPU. You also get plenty of I/O including Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity to boot.

You can check out more of Jason's thoughts on this beast of a laptop right here.

Alienware 16 Area-51 (2026)

I told you that day two of CES was going to be all about the laptops. My colleague Tony Polanco is a life-long gamer, so it's only right that he got to check out the new machines from Dell's gaming sub-brand, Alienware.

Later this year, we can expect an Alienware ultra-slim gaming laptop, coming in at just 0.66 inches (17mm) thin, which is cool. But Tony got to grips with the sturdy Alienware 16 Area-51 on the show floor.

It continues everything about last year's laptop that made it a favorite and levels up in one crucial area: the display. There's now a 240Hz OLED panel with lower latency as well as improved cooling. Tony thinks it has a good chance of being one of the best gaming laptops you can buy this year.

Unfortunately, we don’t yet have a concrete release date, but expect it sometime in the first quarter of this year. Alienware says it will share pricing closer to launch.

Nvidia's AI car tech

Nvidia is one of the biggest names in tech at the moment and the company hosted its own keynote at CES on day two. Unfortunately, we didn't get any new GeForce RTX graphics cards as the company was instead focusing on AI and robotics.

Aside from CEO Jensen Huang messing about with some Star Wars droids on stage, the most interesting development was the announcement of Nvidia Alpamay. This is a new open-source AI model for self-driving cars. Instead of being trained on data and driving reactively, this model is able to use reasoning at lightning-quick times to be proactive.

Nvidia showed it in action with a driving demo across San Francisco and it could just be the future of self-driving cars. Huang confirmed the model will be included with the 2025 Mercedes Benz CLA — already rated the world's safest car by the automotive bodies.

This new self-driving motor vehicle is heading to manufacturing and launching in the U.S. in Q1! Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines.

 Eli Health Hormometer

Alongside laptops and AI, wellness tech is a big draw at CES and this at-home hormone test shows why. For just $8, you'll be able to test your cortisol levels and, from February, your testosterone and progesterone levels too. Before we go any further, it doesn't replace your doctor but it should give you some extra insight into things like your sleep and energy levels.

Once you've installed the Eli Health app on your phone, you take the saliva collection cartridge out of the sealed package and put it in your mouth for 60 seconds.

From there, you pull on a tab so that the results can start “developing,” similar to a Covid test. You’ll need to wait 20 minutes for this part but once it's done you use the app and your phone’s camera to snap a photo of the saliva stick, at which point the AI will analyze your results and give you a cortisol score.

The tests are $8 a piece, but you can get 8 tests for $99 or a 3-month supply for $225. Find out what my colleague Mark Spoonauer thought when he tried it for himself on the show floor.

Segway Navimow (2026)

It might be the middle of winter right now, but in just a few short months you're going to be looking for ways to keep your lawn looking fresh. And Segway has turned up to CES 2026 with the answer. The company revealed eight new robot lawn mowers covering five different series in the Navimow lineup.

These range in price from $999 to $2,999 for models suitable for home use. The most notable is the Navimow H2 Series, which has an impressive obstacle avoidance system that can detect objects as small as 1 centimeter.

There's also the Navimow i2 AWD series that uses a three-wheel drive system to climb up steeper slopes, along with the Navimo i215 LiDAR that generates detailed maps with its next-generation solid-state LiDAR. If you need to know more, we've got a full breakdown of the new robot mowers and their specs right here.

More from Tom's Guide

• Dell XPS is back! I went hands-on with the new XPS 14 — and it's the best kind of apology
• I saw Samsung’s 2026 flagship OLED and Micro RGB TVs side by side — here's the one I like more
• Nvidia G-Sync Pulsar is fueling the next generation of gaming monitors with a breakthrough 1,000Hz+ of perceived motion clarity — here’s how it works

Brand new to the market, Hisense just released one of the most interesting induction ranges we've seen.

Released at CES 2026, Hisense has launched a totally new induction cooking range, all with an AI cooking assistant at the heart of each product. Now, if you know us at Tom's Guide, you know that we're big fans of induction cooking — and that's without the added convenience of artificial intelligence.

Not only are these products crafted to ensure super-precise cooking and temperature control, but they're designed to make cooking — whether for two or 12 — a whole load easier. The built-in AI assistant in this induction cooktop, otherwise known as the ConnectLife AI Cooking Agent, can be accessed through its intuitive touch display, which sits at the center stage of the unit.

Offering two cooking zones, the AI in this sleek unit is revolutionary in more ways than one — it won't only do the cooking and temperature adapting for you, but it shows recipes, can help with meal planning, and the best part: it displays step-by-step guidance for when you're cooking something completely out of your comfort zone.

About Hisense's new smart induction range

This slide-in induction range isn't just convenient to install, but its innovative features will bring a whole new world of benefits to the room you use the most in your home.

The handy addition of the ConnectLife AI Cooking Agent simulates the experience of having a chef in your kitchen, helping you cook, except without the extra two feet taking up floorspace, and the hefty daily price tag. This software will be especially useful when cooking for several mouths, as it takes the guesswork out of cooking pretty much anything and everything, and it adapts cooking temperatures and times on its own, meaning you'll be able to spend more time socializing with your guests. It also means you'll never have to search high and low for that specific recipe book that always makes its way to the very back of your pantry. It can access a library of recipes with the touch of your fingertip, and it'll even walk you through them on its hi-res display.

Let's talk about its exterior: it's 5.8 cu. ft. in total and wrapped in an anti-scratch coating. It boasts a slide-in design to fit seamlessly into your kitchen, and while its induction cooktop offers several cooking zones, it also has the technology to let you bridge two zones together to create one larger cooking area, should it be needed.

Interior-wise, there are two cooking zones in the oven, both of which are fitted with Rapid Oven Preheat Technology to speed up overall cooking time.

What else is new?

Also announced at CES 2026, Hisense is launching the S7 Smart Dishwasher, which, much like the induction range, features a touch display for full control. This dishwasher intelligently adapts based on its current load and how dirty your dishes are. It will adjust everything from water used to detergent, temperature, and cycle length, for the perfect clean. And at the end of its cycle? A Smart Dry system switches on the door fan to ensure you never need to hand-dry. Should you own other HiSense products, it will communicate with these to detect which recipes have been cooked, and alter cooking times accordingly.

Also part of the new AI range is the HiSense PureFit Refrigerator. Boasting an impressive 24” slim design, this refrigerator has convenience written all over it. Not only does it feature an antibacterial guard, banishing 99.9% of any bacteria that might form, but you can interchange its fridge and freezer zones to suit your weekly grocery shop. Revolutionary. ConnectLife also means you can remotely manage the contents of your fridge, adjust its temperature, and better yet? Check it's working as it should be, whether you're in the next room or the next continent.

More from Tom's Guide

• Asus confirms price hikes just days ahead of CES 2026 — what you need to know
• LG Gallery TV is coming to battle Samsung’s The Frame
• CES 2026 Preview: What to expect

We’re right in the middle of the action at CES 2026, where the biggest TV brands in the world are busy unveiling their newest, swankiest TVs for the upcoming year. One of those brands is Hisense, which has had tremendous success in recent years as the purveyor of some of the most value-packed (and brightest) Mini-LED TVs on the market.

While we haven’t seen the full scope of Hisense’s 2026 TV lineup yet, the TV-maker has shown off plenty of new models to whet one’s appetite. Here’s everything we’ve seen from Hisense so far — from new RGB Mini-LED TVs to an upgraded Micro-LED TV.

Hisense 2026 TVs: UR9 and UR8 RGB Mini-LED TVs

Hisense’s take on the next generation of Mini-LED technology made a tantalizing appearance at last year’s CES, but in 2026, it’s back in full force. Hisense is calling its take on these dynamic displays RGB Mini-LED TVs, and this year, it looks a little different than when we last saw it.

Hisense has upgraded its RGB Mini-LED architecture to include a fourth primary color. The addition of cyan — or sky blue, as Hisense calls it — is said to improve the color fidelity, and there are several models to choose from this year.

The Hisense UR9 and the Hisense UR8 represent the brand’s first attempt to take technology that was previously limited to a 116-inch display (in the Hisense 116UX) and scale it down to smaller screen sizes. Hisense says that these sets will be available in sizes ranging from 55 to 100 inches, though we’re still waiting for a full breakdown of each series.

Powered by Hisense’s new Hi-View AI Engine RGB processor, the UR9 and UR8 reportedly deliver smoother color gradients and clearer motion than their predecessor, the 116UX.

Hisense 2026 TVs: 116UXS RGB Mini-LED TV

Hisense may be scaling its RGB Mini-LED tech down to more popular size points this year, but that hasn’t deterred the TV-maker from iterating on its 116-inch flagship model.

The Hisense 116UXS is the biggest RGB Mini-LED TV Hisense has announced this year. It’s powered by the same processor leveraged by the UR9 and UR8, and according to Hisense, the 116UXS delivers “the full range of human-perceivable color,” or 110% of the BT.2020 color gamut.

Hisense 2026 TVs: 163MX RGB Micro-LED TV

Rounding out the upper tiers of Hisense’s 2026 TV catalogue is a gargantuan, 163-inch Micro-LED TV dubbed the Hisense 163MX. It comes with all the built-in benefits of Micro-LED technology (including perfect black levels, self-lit pixels, and staggeringly high brightness), plus the added benefit of an internal color within the Micro-LED structure: yellow.

According to Hisense, the addition of yellow results in richer warm tones like amber and gold. In addition, the brand claims that the 163MX is capable of covering 100% of the BT.2020 color gamut.

Hisense 2026 TVs: outlook

While these big, flashy TVs are undeniably impressive, I'm still waiting on an update about the Hisense U8, U7 and U6 series of TVs. In recent years, this array of Mini-LED TVs has represented Hisense's primary lineup, and according to what was shown on stage at Hisense's press event today, the U7, U8, U9 and UX exist in some capacity.

What remains to be seen, however, is whether or not these models tap Mini-LEDs and quantum dots like their predecessors (the Hisense U8QG, the U9QG and the Hisense U75QG) or if they harness some form of Hisense's RGB Mini-LED backlighting.

During Hisense's press conference, an image of presumably new versions of the U7, U8, U9 and UX were shown next to the words "The Ultimate RGB MiniLED Lineup by Hisense," which seems to suggest that these models will be RGB Mini-LED TVs. I've reached out to a representative from Hisense for clarification.

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Hisense is gearing up to launch two new laser projector innovations, the XR10 and the PX4-Pro.

Hisense claims the PX4-Pro is a “true home theater experience,” offering a projected image up to 200 inches and 3,500 lumens. Meanwhile, the XR10 is set to be its most exciting far-throw projector yet. Hisense calls it a “first-of-its-kind laser projector” that’s as feature-rich as it is compact.

Hisense has not given word on availability or pricing, but you can expect to see both projectors first on the show floor at CES 2026 In January.

The compact yet powerful new XR10

Hisense is no stranger to delivering some of the best projectors to market, and its new XR10 is yet another prime example. It’s kitted with one of Hisense’s most advanced laser processors, called the LPU 3.0 Digital Laser Engine, and is built into a compact body.

The XR10 boasts a whopping 6,000 ANSI lumens, which is some of the highest metrics I’ve seen in a model like this. The next closest projector that comes to mind is the Hisense L9Q, which offers 5,000 ANSI lumens.

Hisense’s new projector can also beam an image between 65 inches and 300 inches, giving you plenty of screen real estate for movie nights. It can also match up to your wall or ALR screen more freely with enhanced AI auto adjustments and robust sensing protocols.

From its spec sheet, the XR10 looks incredibly promising. It’s built like any other premium projector, but takes into account many of the major benefits of a smaller design, making it both flexible and powerful all at the same.

The PX4-Pro is a step above its predecessor

Hisense isn’t only bringing its new XR10 projector to Vegas; it’s also bringing an upgraded PX3-Pro. The new UST (Ultra Short Throw) model, called the PX4-Pro, offers a projected image of up to 200 inches on a brightness level of 3,500 lumens, which is 500 lumens brighter than its predecessor.

Hisense claims the PX4-Pro also offers a 6000:1 contrast ratio thanks to a new IRIS lens system. Although this might look great on an ALR screen, it might not look its best when projected against a plain white wall, so keep that in mind before making a purchase decision next year.

The PX4-Pro is also equipped with TriChroma laser technology and IMAX Enhanced, ensuring you get the best quality for cinematic movie nights. Because it's a UST projector, however, the PX4-Pro is a bit bulky and heavy, so it’s not intended to be super portable, like the XR10.

Both projectors will be on display at CES, which takes place between January 6 and January 9. Hisense has not given any word yet on when to expect an official launch or their pricing, but they’ll probably hit store shelves in late 2026.

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• I just tested LG’s top-of-the-line Mini-LED TV — and it can’t hold a candle to TCL and Hisense

Between its aggressive pricing, big-screen TVs, and impressive performance, Hisense has made a real name for itself in the crowded US TV market. But heading into CES 2026, the company is preparing something more ambitious.

Under new North America CMO Sarah Larsen (who previously helped launch OLED at LG and Neo QLED technologies at Samsung) Hisense hopes to position itself not just as a value leader, but as a brand that brings cutting-edge display tech to market faster, and at prices that don’t gatekeep innovation.

And if Larsen and her team at Hisense can deliver what they're promising, RGB Mini LED could be the technology that delivers next-gen performance at a reasonable price well before the competition.

Hisense’s current advantage? Speed to market

I spoke with Larsen in the lead up to CES, which is usually the biggest moment of the year for the TV industry. For Larsen, this year’s CES isn’t about flashy display concepts or distant roadmaps. It’s about bringing innovation to market with immediacy.

“What appealed to me about Hisense is that, from a technology perspective, it’s very much on par with what I was experiencing with previous employers,” Larsen said. “The difference is we bring it to market as soon as the innovation is ready.”

That philosophy stands in contrast to the traditional CES playbook, where flagship concepts are often years away from store shelves, and years more further from falling within the average consumer’s budget.

“You see something at CES and you never actually can purchase it for another two to five years,” Larsen said. “With us, we show things and then weeks or months later, it’s for sale.”

In that vein, Larsen told me that the biggest surprise since joining Hisense has been the faster decision-making, mid-cycle improvements and a willingness to take risks that larger incumbents often avoid.

“We’re small and mighty,” she said. “I’m baffled by how much this brand does with fewer resources than the big companies, and still delivers what I think is a superior product."

Redefining “value” beyond price

Hisense as a brand has historically been associated with affordability. In fact, some of the best TV deals (or should I say, cheapest) you’ll see on any given day apply to Hisense sets. But Larsen was careful to distinguish value from cheapness.

“So many brands define value as price,” Larsen explained. “But the definition of value is changing. Consumers are choosing better performance over price. So quality, trust and experience matters so much more.”

Larsen pointed to research showing that shoppers are increasingly willing to switch brands if the experience is better, and to stick with those brands once they do. That dynamic, she said, favors companies that can deliver real performance without premium-brand markups.

“We don’t gatekeep our technology in just the highest price points,” Larsen said. “Instead, we make it more accessible for all. Whatever price point you’re able to afford, you’re getting the best technology as well.”

Betting on RGB TVs

If there’s one technology that Hisense hopes can sharpen its identity in the coming year, it’s RGB. But it’s not the only company betting on color-powered backlights — the likes of Samsung, LG and Sony have also thrown their hats into the RBG TV ring.

It’s the technology that I, as a TV enthusiast, will be following the most closely in 2026 in attempts to explain its supposed benefits over traditional Mini-LED and OLED to you, the shopper. (That said, if you're interested in learning more right now, my colleague Michael wrote an excellent explainer on RGB Mini LED.).

But I wanted to know how Hisense plans to sell you on it, and Larsen didn’t deny how confusing modern TV terminology can be. She said she has seen firsthand, through shopping retail floors undercover, how often explanations are misleading. Yet when it comes to RGB specifically, she thinks Hisense will still have the competitive edge.

“If a shopper is standing at retail and looking at our RGB versus the other RGB option, they’re going to pick ours a million times over because the price point is much more attainable,” Larsen said

The brand to watch at CES at beyond

As CES 2026 approaches, Hisense isn’t positioning itself as the loudest brand on the floor. Instead, it’s betting on speed, accessibility and technologies that actually make it into consumers’ homes.

And if RGB Mini LED that’s actually available and actually attainable becomes a defining pillar of Hisense’s identity, CES 2026 may mark the moment when the challenger brand graduates once and for all from being underestimated.

Samsung and Sony make some of the best TVs money can buy. Their 2025 portfolios include superb OLED and Mini-LED TVs while both brands are positioning themselves for the future with the development of RGB Mini-LED technology.

Yes, it’s a great time to be a prospective Samsung or Sony TV-owner, and the future looks rosy, too. But for the last couple of years, I’ve had a front row seat for Hisense and TCL's rapid advancement.

These competitive brands are making inroads in an all-important category: affordable TVs. If Samsung and Sony are to compete in this space, 2026 is a good time to start.

The Hisense and TCL advantage

To be clear, it’s not that Samsung and Sony’s affordable, mid-range models aren’t worth buying. It’s just that, in recent years, similarly priced sets from Hisense and TCL tend to offer more bang for the buck.

In fact, when a major sales event rolls around — Prime Day, Black Friday or Cyber Monday — I find myself recommending entry-level and mid-range TVs from Hisense and TCL more often than I recommend comparable sets from Samsung and Sony. The primary reason for this has to do with display hardware.

On the display front, Hisense and TCL have been aggressively pushing Mini-LED backlighting into mid-range and even entry-level models. The TCL QM6K is a prime example of this. As an entry-level model, this TV currently hovers in the $500 to $600 price range for a 55-inch model, but has fallen as low as $450 during sales events. We gave the QM6K a four-star rating, commending it for — among other things — its Mini-LED backlighting.

Hisense also offers an affordable Mini-LED TV in the U65QF. The 55-inch U65QF is currently just $399 at Best Buy — that’s a price that would have been unheard of for a Mini-LED TV just a few years ago.

For comparison, Samsung’s most affordable Mini-LED TV this year, the QN70F, is currently $699 for a 55-inch model. The Samsung TVs whose price aligns the closest to these competing sets — the Samsung Q7F and Q8F — don’t come with Mini-LEDs, and their 55-inch models cost $399 and $599 respectively.

Sony’s most affordable Mini-LED of 2025, the Sony Bravia 5, is even pricier. Right now, you can get a 55-inch Bravia 5 on sale for $899 at Best Buy. From a price standpoint, the Sony TV that most closely competes with TCL QM6K is the Bravia 2 II. It costs $499 and doesn’t tap Mini-LEDs.

This raises a question: Just how important is Mini-LED backlighting, anyway? Well, it’s pretty important — even in its cheapest, most rudimentary form.

The smaller LED size and relatively tighter dimming zones associated with Mini-LED displays typically allow for brighter highlights and better overall contrast than direct-LED or edge-lit displays, especially those without local dimming.

In a vacuum, I’d rather have the QM6K’s basic Mini-LED display than the direct-LED display that arrives with the Bravia 2 II. While I haven’t formally tested the latter, I’ve been around the business long enough to know that local dimming — a feature that the Bravia 2 II doesn’t offer — is quite important to overall picture quality.

It’s worth noting, however, that display technology isn’t the only thing that contributes to picture quality. For some shoppers, Samsung and Sony might be a better fit.

The Samsung and Sony advantage

Samsung and Sony make polished, well-engineered TVs with excellent attention to detail. When it comes to the little things — physical design, menu software and picture processing — Samsung and Sony are among the best. Hisense and TCL, while very respectable, can’t quite compete around these margins unless you compare one of their higher-end TVs to lower-end sets from competing brands.

For my money, picture processing represents the largest gap between affordable TVs from Samsung and Sony and those of Hisense and TCL. When it comes to models like the Samsung Q7F and the Sony Bravia 2 II, their superb picture processing somewhat makes up for their lack of Mini-LEDs with local dimming.

Hisense and TCL also don’t sell incredible, award-winning OLED TVs, while Samsung and Sony make some of the best OLED TVs on the market. Not only that, but Samsung is one of the few brands making affordable OLED TVs, too, like the entry-level S84F, one of the most popular TVs during Black Friday.

Of course, some of this is just a matter of perspective. It would be just as valid for me to pen an op-ed proclaiming that Hisense and TCL ought to toss their hat into the OLED ring.

Hisense, Samsung, Sony and TCL: 2026 outlook

If Samsung and Sony decide that their business outlooks are more promising without releasing pure, entry-level Mini-LED TVs that can compete with the likes of Hisense and TCL, we’re probably looking at another year like this one; Hisense and TCL will continue to push Mini-LEDs further down in price while Samsung and Sony save their Mini-LED offerings for their upper-mid-range tier.

If that’s how the market pans out, I will once again spend Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday extolling the virtue of affordable Mini-LEDs. The affordable TV landscape will once again be overtaken by budget-friendly sets from Hisense and TCL, while Samsung and Sony will own their fair share of the higher-performance landscape.

In that scenario, your TV-buying decision-making will be the same in 2026: Do you want to spend more on a Samsung/Sony LED TV with superior picture processing or save money on a Hisense/TCL TV with Mini-LEDs?

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It’s easy to get confused when comparing two TVs — especially when they’re similarly named models belonging to the same brand. Take the Hisense U75QG and the Hisense U8QG. Both of these 2025 sets tap the same type of display technology and come with many of the same features. Heck, even their names sound the same.

But when push comes to shove, you’ve got to make a choice. The U75QG is the more affordable of the two, but for some folks, the U8QG is worth the added cost. As Senior TV Editor, I’m deeply familiar with both. Let’s compare and contrast.

Hisense U75QG vs Hisense U8QG: Specs compared

The U75QG and U8QG hit shelves in the same selection of sizes. Both sets support the same HDR formats. Their native refresh rate is the same, too — up to 120Hz during 4K gaming on consoles or up to 4K/165Hz when linked up to a gaming PC. I'll touch more on their smart features later, but it's worth highlighting that both TVs come with Google TV as their built-in smart platform.

Hisense U75QG vs Hisense U8QG: Design

The first difference you’d notice in a side-by-side comparison would likely be their individually styled stands. The U75QG — pictured above — makes use of a flat, plate-like base that attaches to the panel via a pair of points along the base’s back corners.

The U8QG also uses a flat base for a stand, but it connects to the TV with a pedestal-style connective piece. This design might introduce more wobble at larger sizes, but both are relatively sturdy. Similar, too, are the Hisense remotes that ship with these sets. In fact, these slim, conveniently backlit clickers are identical.

There are two significant design differences between the U75QG and the U8QG: the former is bulkier than its higher-end counterpart, while the latter arrives with one fewer HDMI input.

Both TVs deliver HDMI 2.1 compatibility across all of their inputs (much to the delight of gamers everywhere), but the U8QG’s would-be fourth input is replaced by a USB-C port — convenient for a small subset of viewers, I imagine, but something to keep in mind if you have more than two consoles.

And when I say that the U75QG is bulkier, I mean just that. Its panel is thicker and bulges out about a third of the way down, while the U8QG features a slimmer, sleeker-looking profile.

From an aesthetic standpoint, I prefer the U8QG. But I do think a significant amount of people might be turned off by the U8QG’s limited number of HDMI inputs. So this category is a toss-up.

Winner: Tie

Hisense U75QG vs Hisense U8QG: performance

Before we dive into which of these Mini-LED TVs is the better performer, let's compare their test results.

One thing jumps out at us right away: peak brightness. Both of these sets leverage Mini-LED backlighting for added contrast control and quantum dots for bolder, purer color, but the U8QG is substantially brighter than the U75QG.

I ought to note, though, that the U75QG definitely isn’t a slouch in this department. Just a few years ago, this level of brightness would be unheard of within the U75QG’s mid-range class. These days, even if you settle for Hisense’s more-affordable model, you’re still getting a TV that can hold up in the sunniest of rooms. (Just make sure you’re not putting it opposite a window.)

Due to how our eyes perceive contrast, in a side-by-side comparison, I suspect that most people would clock the U8QG’s added brightness across the whole picture rather than within smaller, concentrated highlights.

I also suspect that, with the understanding that some amount of blooming is to be expected, most viewers would prefer the U8QG’s cleaner presentation. Across the series, the U8QG features more dimming zones than the U75QG, and the added backlight control goes a long way.

And, not for nothing, but the U8QG’s added brightness is the primary reason that its color volume is significantly better than what the U75QG is cooking with. The punchier palette allows for a prettier picture during HDR movies and games.

To sum up: The U75QG is a terrific mid-range Mini-LED TV that punches way above its weight, but the U8QG offers a brighter, more-colorful picture with better backlight control, and you’re more likely to notice these differences while watching newer content or playing video games in HDR. These advantages represent roughly 95% of the U8QG’s added price.

Winner: Hisense U8QG

Hisense U75QG vs Hisense U8QG: Smart platform and features

Both of these TVs deliver near-identical experiences when you turn them on and start using them. They’re built around the Google TV streaming platform, which is good news if you don’t like to get lost on your way from the home screen to the settings menu. It’s an easy-to-navigate, mostly stress-free way of leveraging a smart TV’s many features.

Would I like fewer ads and recommendations for trashy TV shows that I’ll never watch? Absolutely. But there are worse software suites out there.

You’re getting the same selection of HDR formats regardless of which TV you buy, and that’s great, because both models support Dolby Vision and HDR10+. These are the two most popular enhanced HDR formats on the market, so you’re good to go no matter what Hollywood throws at you.

Their gaming features cover the same ground, too, and that coverage is thorough. The basics are here (ALLM and VRR), but U75QG and U8QG owners also enjoy AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support and the aforementioned ability to showcase 4K games at 165Hz with the proper PC. If you’re a power user with a ton of devices, bear in mind that the U75QG has an odd little advantage in its added HDMI 2.1 port.

Hisense U75QG vs Hisense U8QG: Verdict

The U8QG offers better performance, a slimmer design and a USB-C port. The U75QG is more affordable and comes with a fourth HDMI 2.1 input. That’s it in a nutshell.

Given its friendlier price and its performance gains year over year, I consider the U75QG to be the better value proposition by a lot. And, since I find its fourth HDMI 2.1 input far more useful than the U8QG’s USB-C port, the U75QG can’t help but be my favorite of the two.

But I wouldn’t blame anyone for preferring the better-performing TV over the better-value pick. The U8QG offers an all-around better presentation, and if its limited spread of HDMI ports isn’t an issue for you, consider whether the picture quality is worth the added price. Right now, the 65-inch Hisense U8QG is $1,079 at Amazon. The 65-inch Hisense U75QG is just $897 at Amazon. At a little less than $200, the U8QG’s advantages might be within your budget.

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Your dollar may not go as far these days, but the Hisense U65QF is a clear exception. Though this is the lowest-end model in the company’s ULED line of Mini-LED TVs, it marks not only a substantial upgrade over last year’s model, but also one that trounces its competitors soundly, particularly when on sale.

What makes it such a winner? Well, its good color and terrific brightness don’t leave you wanting much in the picture department and it comes with two HDMI 2.1 ports that deliver up to 144Hz playback when connected to a gaming PC.

What missteps it makes are mostly around the edges: limited viewing angles, light bloom, and Amazon’s hokey Fire TV operating system powering it. These hamper the U65QF a little, but not enough to keep it from being one of the best budget TVs you can currently buy.

Hisense U65QF review: Pricing and availability

The U65QF is Hisense’s entry-level ULED Mini-LED TV, with the midrange U75QG and the upper-midrange U8QG above it. The TV comes in a variety of sizes to slot into any living room, though all of the models are (relatively) wallet friendly:

• Hisense 55U65QF (55-inch): $799 | Sale: $449
• Hisense 65U65QF (65-inch): $999 | Sale: $569
• Hisense 75U65QF (75-inch): $1,299 | Sale: $799
• Hisense 85U65QF (85-inch): $1,999 | Sale: $999
• Hisense 100U65QF (100-inch): $3,499 | Sale: $1,899

You will almost always be able to find the U65QF for sale online, either at Best Buy or Amazon, for closer to the sales price than the MSRP, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see it drop even more during the holiday season.

We evaluated the 65-inch model for our review. All sizes boast the same software and feature set and will probably perform similarly, though because each one has a different number of dimming zones, there is likely some variation in brightness among the models.

Hisense U65QF review: Design

The U65QF, which measures 56.9 x 33 x 3 inches and weighs 45 pounds without its stand, has no standout design elements on either its front or back, aside from the de rigueur gray bar at the bottom that measures just under half an inch and sports the Hisense logo on the far left side.

Directly under the center of that bottom edge is a hardware button you can push for instant access to inputs, volume, channel, and power functions.

The stand consists of two straight feet that easily screw into the bottom of the set near the corners. If you would rather mount the TV on a wall, you can use the 400x400 VESA holes on the real panel.

Hisense U65QF review: Ports

The power cable connects to the right side of the U65QF’s rear panel, and all the other ports are found on the left. Three face directly out the back: Ethernet, S/PDIF optical audio out, and one powered USB port (0.5 amp). The others angle out the left edge. These comprise a headphone jack, AV IN, a coaxial cable connector, and a second powered USB port (up to 1 amp), in addition to the four HDMI ports.

Of these, only two support HDMI 2.1 and the full speed of the screen’s 144Hz refresh rate; the others, including one with ARC for connecting a soundbar, are limited to 60Hz. This isn’t exactly uncommon among TVs, but it’s always nice when all the ports support the higher speeds and broader feature set of HDMI 2.1 to support more devices and better future-proof the set. (With HDMI 2.2 on the horizon, though, this may not be a problem for long.)

Hisense U65QF review: How we test

We follow a standard testing protocol for every TV we review at Tom’s Guide. Our benchmarks include a series of technical and subjective tests designed to rate the set’s performance. For our technical tests, we set the TV to Filmmaker Mode (usually the most accurate out of the box) and take measurements using a Jeti spectraval 1501-HiRes spectroradiometer, a Klein K10-A colorimeter, a Murideo 8K-SIX-G Metal pattern generator, and Portrait Displays’s Calman TV-calibration software. We also use a Leo Bodnar 4K Video Signal Lag Tester for determining the TV’s gaming prowess.

Subjective tests vary based on the reviewer but usually include 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. For a more detailed look at what we do and how we do it, check out our “How we test TVs” page.

Hisense U65QF review: Performance and test results

What ultimately matters most, however, is the quality of the picture on the screen, and on that front, the U65QF rates an unequivocal “not bad.”

In cycling through my current roster of recent test movies, I couldn’t find anything that wasn’t at least watchable — and most of the titles were better than that. The one that came closest to stumbling was Ryan Coogler’s tense vampire film “Sinners”: Loaded with dark scenes and a predominantly Black cast, it can be difficult to watch in a room with even average amount of lighting if the TV isn’t bright enough to punch through the glare. But although glare and reflections on the screen were noticeable with the U65QF, they weren’t bad enough to be disruptive.

More conventionally lit and brighter movies had no trouble at all.“A Minecraft Movie,” “Barbie,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” and “Wicked” all appeared thoroughly satisfactory. “Deadpool & Wolverine” mostly looked fine as well, though there was a bit of visible bloom around the lead characters leading up to the big confrontation near the end; I noticed bloom at other times during my testing period, too, and there was a little ghosting during faster action scenes, but these instances were generally tolerable.

More distracting for me were the limited viewing angles. Stray just a bit away from the center and the picture starts losing detail and color definition more quickly than with many other sets I’ve seen. The more you’re able to cluster viewers toward the center, the better the U65QF is likely to look for everyone.

Our test results confirmed the overall quality of the U65QF’s picture. In terms of brightness, it did support Hisense’s claims, at least in HDR: In Filmmaker Mode, the most accurate, the set managed 946 nits on 10% of the screen and 1041 on 25%. With SDR content, the TV hit only 526 nits (on 10% of the screen), though that makes sense with a mode intended to mimic Hollywood accuracy. Vivid mode, designed to maximize visual impact, saw 956 nits in SDR.

The U65QF is just as accomplished with color. Its Delta-E (a value representing the difference in color between the source and the screen, with lower numbers being better), was an outstanding 1.83, and it covered 99.45% of the Rec. 709 color gamut. Its 95.65% coverage of the UHDA-P3 gamut is solid for a set this price; its 71.26% coverage of the wider Rec. 2020 gamut is similarly par for the course. Because the U65QF supports all major HDR formats (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG), you’ll have no shortage of ways to experience the picture quality for yourself.

It’s worth mentioning that the U65QF’s picture performance represents a major upswing both from last year’s Hisense U6N (with more than a 64% increase in brightness, for example) and other competitors such as the LG QNED80T and the TCL QM6K. We saw similar jumps in performance with the Hisense U75QG, so the company is keeping the improvements in the family, and they’re stark enough that you may very well want them part of yours, too.

Hisense U65QF review: Audio

Superior audio quality is rare on TVs, and it’s even harder to find in low-end models — including the U65QF. It’s nice that this TV has support for Dolby Atmos. But in playing multiple types of content, from movies and music to video games, I found the sound passable, but not a lot more than that.

On my soprano test track, which climaxes in a clarion B-flat, the sound took on a noticeable metallic shrillness at the highest volume levels. There was also obvious distortion in the bass output on The Knife’s “Silent Shout,” which hurt what was otherwise mediocre low-end presence to begin with.

I didn’t encounter any serious problems while watching aurally textured action movies, dialogue-heavy scenes, or simpler TV shows, so as long as you temper your ears’ expectations, the U65QF should do fine. If you want anything more, you’d be better off adding one of Tom’s Guide’s best soundbars to your entertainment setup.

Hisense U65QF review: Gaming

Using our Leo Bodnar 4K Video Signal Lag Tester, I measured the U65QF’s lag at 13.2ms. We consider anything below one frame (about 16ms) good, so this TV easily meets that target — a common one for lower-price TVs. Last year’s U6N got lower, as do Hisense’s higher-end ULED sets, but there’s still not much to complain about.

The native 144Hz panel ensures smooth animation, and HDMI 2.1 features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low-Latency mode (ALLM) sweeten the pot, as does support for AMD FreeSync Premium. I encountered no hiccups playing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on the U65QF.

Hisense U65QF review: Smart features

As recently as last year, Hisense was loading all of its TVs with the top-notch Google TV operating system. Unfortunately, the U65QF doesn’t have it. Instead, it uses the Amazon Fire TV OS, which is a huge step down.

Uglier (from the sprawling top-center banner on down), less powerful, more difficult to navigate and customize, and heavily linked to Amazon’s content ecosystem, it gives the TV a cheaper, chunkier feel in most situations. It takes longer to do anything else that isn’t watching or searching Amazon content. At least Alexa is integrated, so you can easily search by voice, though you’ll need to use the remote control, as there is no on-board far-field microphone.

For streaming content, there’s support for Apple AirPlay for casting from Apple devices, though not Google Cast if Android is your mobile OS of choice. The built-in tuner is only ATSC 1.0, so over-the-air 4K streaming is out of the question.

Hisense U65QF review: Remote

The U65QF uses a standard-issue Fire TV remote: small, simple, and Amazon-forward. There’s a bright blue Alexa button at the top, and shortcut keys for Prime Video and Amazon Music (in addition to Netflix and Disney+) at the bottom.

There are no other surprises. The remote is not a looker, but the tiny pops of color against the black plastic are nice, its curved back gives it an ergonomic feel in the hand, and it does its basic job with a minimum of fuss.

Hisense U65QF review: Verdict

There’s no doubt about it: Given its performance, the Hisense U65QF is an affordable powerhouse of a TV. For a sub-$600 price, you wouldn’t expect a flawless picture all the time, and the U65QF’s is not that. But, it performs unusually well, which is something everyone should appreciate — no matter how much money they have to spend.

The biggest problem is Amazon’s Fire TV OS, which is tedious and cumbersome to use, especially compared with Google TV, which is used on the higher-end models (and even graced last year’s U6N). Hisense has prioritized value in nearly every other area with this TV; the operating system can’t help but feel like a letdown.

But that’s about it. And if you can live with it, you’ll find that your TV dollars go much further with the Hisense U65QF than with most other sets currently on the market.

When Hisense announced its new L9Q laser projector earlier this year, a model offering a jaw-dropping 5,000 lumens of ANSI brightness, I was both shocked and wary. It sounded almost too good to be true, offering next-level features that I haven't seen on a projector yet.

However, after spending over a week with this laser TV, I'm genuinely floored. Hisense's claims of delivering serious brightness over the competition weren't unfounded. The L9Q also offers excellent color coverage, owing to its TriChroma triple-laser engine. And you can get a picture up to 200 inches in size, which blows away even the biggest and best OLED TVs.

All of these enhancements add up to one of the most exciting projectors I've ever tested. But should you buy it? Read on to find out and see how my time with the Hisense L9Q went.

Hisense L9Q: Price

Priced at $5,999, the Hisense L9Q is far from being a value TV pick. For around half the price, you can get the Panasonic Z95B OLED TV, one of our favorite new TVs on the market. This is about being able to go much bigger than any Mini-LED TV or OLED while still getting a great picture.

The L9Q is one of the most expensive projectors right now, even when you compare it to alternative far-throw models. Some UST projectors to consider over the L9Q include the Xgimi Aura 2, Formovie Theater Premium, Epson EpiqVision LS800, and the Hisense PX3-Pro, most of which are between $2,000 and $3,000.

Hisense L9Q: Setup

Like many projectors, the L9Q runs on Google TV, so the general setup process is pretty simple. I did have some trouble getting the image to look pristine, primarily when it came to getting straight lines on an 80-inch image.

The L9Q does have auto keystone correction, but it didn't work for me. This was true on the Hisense PX3-Pro. For some reason, Hisense's auto-keystone functionality is a bit wonky and doesn't work as intended, requiring more work in the setup stage.

It's not the end of the world, as getting the projector to look its finest is totally worth it in the end. It's all about throw ratio, pulling it further or closer depending on the size of the screen and leg height, ensuring the framing of the projected image isn't distorted.

All in, setting up the L9Q probably took around 45 minutes to an hour. It's par for the course when it comes to projectors, as you're not going to get excellent picture quality right out of the box. However, one thing I didn't have to mess with was image focus. The image was clear and pristine without any blurring from the moment I turned it on, which was a welcome surprise.

Hisense L9Q: Performance

Given its premium price, the L9Q delivers stellar performance and has a range of features that surpass competing projector. One thing that stands out is that the L9Q is equipped with four HDMI ports. Most projectors tend to have only three. Two of those ports support HDMI 2.1, giving you high bandwidth support for gaming consoles like the PS5 Pro and Nintendo Switch 2.

To say these features are rare on a projector would be an understatement. They aren't put to waste, either. The picture quality looks phenomenal while gaming as much as it does in general entertainment.

I usually notice slight lag on most projectors, as they aren't typically rated with great input latency, but there was none of that on the L9Q. While we don't have any metrics on its performance yet, Hisense claims it offers up to 12ms of input lag, which is phenomenal for a projector.

Reviewing Silent Hill f on the L9Q was an absolute blast. The scarlet-hued flowers that pockmark the Japanese village looked lush and vibrant. Since it's a Silent Hill game, the setting is steeped in a constant fog, making the game particularly dark, which the L9Q didn't handle very well when faced with ambient lighting.

Hisense is known for high luminance on its most popular Mini-LED TVs, and that extends to the L9Q. I was impressed by this projector's output. It still doesn't handle daylight very well, which is to be expected, but it does maintain its picture quality when the shades are closed.

It's rated at a whopping 5,000 lumens of brightness, which is the highest I've seen on a UST projector. The Epson LS800 is the next closest in ANSI lumens, which is rated for 4,000 lumens, and that laser TV offered a similarly spectacular experience.

Contrast would be a whole lot better if I added an ALR screen. Hisense claims the L9Q offers a contrast ratio of 5,000:1, meaning it doesn't have inky blacks and precise shadows, but it's adequate enough for a projector.

You also get the full range of HDR support, wrangling Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HDR10+. Given that HDR content is a bit dimmer, the L9Q performs best when watching Dolby Vision content in a dark room with no incoming light, especially movies like "The Batman" and "Oppenheimer."

I was also thoroughly impressed by its audio quality. Just like high luminance metrics, Hisense is known for over-designing its TV speakers. The L9Q has a 6.2.2-channel system, which is respectable. I'd still pair it with a dedicated AV system or one of the best soundbars for movie theater quality audio.

Hisense L9Q: Outlook

There's no questioning that the Hisense L9Q is one of the best projectors you can buy right now. It offers some of the most impressive brightness performance, excellent color volume for a projector, plus stellar gaming features. It's the UST projector to rule them all.

But, does that mean you should buy it? That comes down to your budget. Spending $6,000 on a laser TV/projector is a meteoric investment. Some of the best 8K TVs don't even cost that much, making the L9Q geared toward buyers looking for a high-end, large-screen display that can go much bigger than OLED TVs.

I personally wouldn't buy the L9Q right now, even with its incredible performance output. It's just too much money right now. But assuming it comes down in price, I might snatch one up in a sale.

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• I’m a gamer and TV reviewer — here are the 5 gaming TVs I’d buy in 2025
• I just tested LG’s top-of-the-line Mini-LED TV — and it can’t hold a candle to TCL and Hisense

Hisense’s IFA showcase spans giant Mini-LED TVs, laser projectors and a wave of AI-powered appliances, but the most practical everyday upgrade could be its U8 S Pro Air Conditioner.

With presence-aware cooling, built-in voice control, and on-board purification, it aims to make things smarter, cleaner, and more efficient.

The standout: U8 S Pro Air Conditioner

The U8 S Pro arrives with a spec sheet that reads like a wish list for set‑and‑forget comfort. Its HI-SENSOR system tracks presence and movement in the room, then automatically adjusts airflow, temperature and humidity so you’re not overcooling empty spaces or sitting in a cold draft.

A built-in AI voice assistant recognises 18 voice commands for hands-free tweaks — useful when you’re cooking, working out, or simply don’t want to reach for a remote.

For air quality, Hisense includes its HI-NANO ion system to help purify the air, and a 90° rotation with Coanda airflow aims to distribute cooled air more evenly throughout the room, rather than blasting a single spot.

It’s also a Red Dot Award winner, underscoring the focus on design alongside the smarts. Could it be one of the best smart air conditioners of 2025?

Why these AI features matter

If the U8 S Pro genuinely modulates output based on occupancy and motion, you should spend less time micromanaging temperature and more time simply being comfortable.

Pair that with humidity control, and you get a better overall feel at a given set point — potentially using less energy than cranking the AC lower. Even airflow matters, too: a rotating louver and Coanda effect can reduce hot and cold spots, which is often the difference between “fine” and “why does my office corner still feel stuffy?”

The voice assistant is the wildcard. Eighteen built-in commands cover basics, but we’ll want to see how natural the recognition is, whether commands chain smoothly (“raise fan speed and set 72 degrees”), and how it plays with a noisy room. We’ll also look for clarity on privacy and processing — is voice handled locally, and what data does presence tracking use or store?

Cleaner air, less friction

The inclusion of the HI-NANO ion system puts the U8 S Pro in the growing camp of comfort-plus-clean air devices. If you’re prone to allergies or live in a city apartment, that’s a valuable addition — provided ionisation is effective without adding ozone, and filter maintenance remains straightforward.

We’ll want to test how much of a difference it makes versus a good standalone purifier and whether the AC’s airflow helps circulate cleaner air to the far reaches of the room.

Hisense’s ConnectLife AI platform is the glue across its smart home. At IFA, the company is debuting ConnectLife AI Agent, which underpins focused assistants like AI Cooking Agent for meal personalisation and AI Laundry Agent for optimised wash cycles, and integrates IntelliSense sensors for more efficient energy management across the home.

That matters for the U8 S Pro because an AC is one of the most energy-intensive devices you own. If ConnectLife can coordinate schedules, occupancy data and energy insights between appliances, there’s real potential for savings that feels genuinely automated rather than scripted.

The rest of the smart lineup (in brief)

PureFlat Smart Series fridge
The refrigerator features a 21-inch interactive screen with Super Cooling and Interactive Creativity for photos and AI art. The Kitchen AI function can plan meals, personalise recipes and even deliver voice-guided cocktail instructions; while the screen can stream from VIDAA or mirror live games while you cook.

Home entertainment
The 116-inch RGB-MiniLED UX TV offers peak brightness of up to 8,000 nits; with Hi-View AI Engine X that optimizes every frame in real time, plus it features new laser projection options with larger screens and gaming-friendly latency.

Hisense’s message at IFA 2025 is clear: AI is coming for the everyday appliances you rely on.

The U8 S Pro Air Conditioner appears to be the most immediately useful upgrade, combining presence-awareness, integrated voice control, smarter airflow, and built-in purification in a tidy, design-forward package.

We’ll need pricing, ecosystem details and hands-on testing to confirm how well it all works, but on paper, this is exactly the kind of practical AI we like to see in the home.

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If you read any review of the best TVs from the last 10 years, chances are good that you’ll see the words "Dolby Vision" in there somewhere. Dolby has created one of the most universally supported HDR formats in the world — and now, it’s ready to roll out its successor, Dolby Vision 2.

According to information sent to Tom’s Guide, Dolby Vision 2 will make its debut at IFA 2025 this week. Key improvements that Dolby plans to implement this time around include Authentic Motion, "the world’s first driven creative motion control tool," and Content Intelligence, a feature that allows for the format to have greater control over your TV’s settings.

The first TVs to support the format will be Hisense’s recently announced RGB-MiniLEDs, though the exact rollout date is still up in the air.

A new era for HDR

When the original Dolby Vision launched, it set a high bar for TV manufacturers. It was designed to support a peak brightness of 10,000 nits, a maximum resolution of 8K, and 12-bit color right out of the gate.

Over a decade later, the premium TVs from Samsung, Sony and Hisense are still nowhere near those numbers.

It’s a good thing, then, that instead of upping the specs and calling it a day, Dolby Vision 2 looks to correct some of the issues TV enthusiasts had with the original format, like overly dark scenes and improved bi-directional tone-mapping that will allow for more colorful SDR to HDR conversions.

All these features are part of the aforementioned Content Intelligence tool set that Dolby Vision 2 will offer, while Authentic Motion will give filmmakers the ability to add motion settings to the metadata of every scene.

Combine them, and Dolby says that you’re going to get a significantly better experience when watching shows and films in HDR.

The two types of Dolby Vision 2

Of course, any time there’s a new HDR format introduced there’s always going to be some confusion — and Dolby Vision 2 is certainly following in that direction.

Apparently, Dolby Vision 2 will be available in two flavors: base Dolby Vision 2 and Dolby Vision 2 Max. The former will offer all of the above while the latter will introduce new features exclusive to flagship TVs with higher specs.

Currently it’s unclear what those extra features are and what, exactly, the cut-off point is for TVs to support the base version versus the high-end format.

In the description sent to Tom’s Guide, Dolby says Hisense will be the first to adopt the new format on TVs powered by MediaTek’s Pentonic 800 SoC with "MiraVision Pro" PQ Engine, "the first silicon chip to integrate Dolby Vision 2."

How those Hisense TVs stack up against future LG OLEDs, Sony QD-OLEDs and TCL Mini-LED TVs isn’t exactly clear at the moment. As it stands, LG, Sony and TCL support Dolby Vision in its current iteration and it seems likely that they will want to support Dolby Vision 2 when that technology becomes available to them, but that could ultimately depend on how the format is implemented.

Can you watch anything in Dolby Vision 2?

Dolby looks set to use IFA to make its Vision 2 announcement because the first streaming service signed up for the format is CANAL+, a video-on-demand service in France.

Again, it seems likely that we’ll see all of the current streaming services that support Dolby Vision (Apple TV Plus, Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max) support its successor, but those deals are probably still in the works at the moment.

Keep in mind that, not only are we going to need streaming services to be on-board with it, but we’ll need content mastered in the format before we can actually watch it ourselves. It’s these hurdles that are preventing Dolby from being more specific in its launch plans.

For now, Dolby's keeping all of that extra information under wraps, but due to the imminent arrival of the new format, those details should be coming sooner rather than later.

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That convenient water dispenser on your fridge might seem like the cleanest way to get a glass of cold water, but it could actually be harboring some nasty surprises. Behind that sleek exterior, mold, bacteria, and mineral buildup can accumulate in ways that would shock most homeowners.

According to appliance experts at Hisense, many people assume their filtered fridge water is automatically clean and safe to drink. However, without regular maintenance, these dispensers can become breeding grounds for contaminants that affect both taste and health.

While water filters handle some purification, they can't prevent everything from building up in the system. Over time, mineral deposits clog internal lines, bacteria multiply in the consistently moist environment, and mold finds perfect hiding spots around nozzles and in hard-to-reach crevices.

Warning signs that your dispenser needs attention include slow water flow, musty odors, or visible discoloration around the spout. Matthew Glynn, Product Manager at Hisense, explains the maintenance schedule most people should follow.

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Here's a promise I can keep: In the coming years, you'll be hearing a lot about something called RGB Mini-LED.

Recently, several companies unveiled TVs that sport this brand-new display technology, and each of these brands couldn't be more excited about the benefits RGB Mini-LEDs bring to the viewing experience. We're talking brighter pictures, improved contrast, and color volume that very well could exceed what we've seen on the best OLED TVs on the market.

Here's everything you need to know about how Samsung, Hisense and Sony are putting their own spin on RGB Mini-LEDs, and why these sets could be the start of a new era in TV tech.

What is RGB Mini-LED (or Micro RGB)?

While each TV maker exploring post-Mini-LED panel technologies is playing around with different formulas, the basic approach is similar for Samsung, Hisense and Sony.

Previous iterations on LED backlighting have revolved around making the LEDs smaller with more controllable zones, thus enhancing contrast. This is why Mini-LEDs are considered the current gold standard for consumer LED TVs.

However, in addition to their super-small size, RGB Mini-LEDs have an additional trick up their sleeve: color variation.

Even the best Mini-LED displays on the market today use white LEDs and color filters to produce color. RGB Mini-LEDs, however, tap red-, green- and blue-colored LEDs that can be independently controlled across all dimming zones.

This hardware upgrade allows for some seriously sensational hues. According to the brands leading the charge, RGB Mini-LED TVs are capable of covering 95% to 100% of BT.2020 (an international standard for color accuracy that industry folks use to measure a display's color production).

If OLED TVs are the kings of contrast, an advantage like this would make RGB Mini-LED the undisputed kings of color. To date, even the best, quantum dot-equipped OLED TVs hover around 89% to 92% coverage of the BT.2020 color gamut.

Remember: Not all TV brands are leveraging this new tech in precisely the same way. There are key hardware- and software-related differences from one brand's design to the next, and exactly how this new technology is deployed depends on a number of factors.

With that in mind, let's take a look at where Samsung, Hisense and Sony stand with their take.

Samsung Micro RGB

Samsung recently unveiled the first of its TVs to bridge the gap between traditional Mini-LED and next-generation Micro-LED with the Samsung Micro RGB TV.

Currently, it’s only being made available in a 115-inch model, which will set you back a whopping $29,999.

Samsung claims that it’s capable of covering 100% of the BT.2020 color gamut. That would be higher than any TV I’ve measured in my ten-year history of testing TVs.

The Samsung Micro RGB TV comes with a native 144Hz refresh rate, built-in smart features and Samsung's Vision AI software suite. Similar to the brand's flagship OLED, the Samsung S95F, this Micro RGB TV is dressed with a matte, glare-free finish.

Hisense RGB Mini-LED

Credit where credit is due: Hisense was the first brand to introduce me to this next-generation TV technology earlier this year. Originally, Hisense was calling its take TriChroma LED, but according to recent press materials, this has been swapped out for the name RGB Mini-LED.

Originally unveiled at CES 2025, the Hisense 116UX is launching this year in an exclusive, 116-inch version. If you're keeping score at home, that's one inch bigger than Samsung's Micro RGB TV. It'll also be available for the same eye-watering price of $29,999.

The 116UX debuts alongside a slightly smaller (but still huge) 100-inch version, the Hisense 100UX. This TV is reportedly hitting shelves at $19,999.

Hisense claims that the 116UX can clear 95% coverage of the BT.2020 color gamut. We've already been lucky enough to take a look at the 116UX with our testing equipment, and according to measurements, the 116UX is the brightest commercial TV we've ever tested, easily cracking the 5,000-nit mark in HDR.

Sony RGB LED

Of the brands tinkering with this technology, Sony is taking the most time to forge its own path.

To date, Sony hasn't officially given a name to its take on RGB Mini-LED, nor has it given a name to the model we saw during a press event in Tokyo earlier this year. For now, at Tom's Guide, we're colloquially referring to the TV as the Bravia 10 and to Sony's take on the technology as Sony RGB LED. Neither of these names are confirmed.

Based on what we know, Sony's version of this display operates similarly to that of Samsung and Hisense. Sony says the display covers 90% of BT.2020 and can get as bright as 4,000 nits.

Unlike its competitors, Sony is currently planning on debuting this TV sometime in 2026, so we'll have to wait to get more details

When will RGB Mini-LED become affordable?

There's no way around it: Most people can't afford TVs in the $20,000 to $30,000 price range, and while big screens are more popular than ever, 100-inch TVs just aren't practical.

But if you're hoping to put a 65-inch RGB Mini-LED TV for your living room, you'll probably have to wait a while.

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• We are misunderstanding TV brightness — here’s how important it actually is
• Samsung RGB MicroLED TVs are coming — but should OLED makers be worried?
• Hisense’s TriChroma LED tech could transform LED TVs — here’s how it works

Your Hisense TV has incredible potential for watching sports, but if you're using the default settings, you're probably not getting the best experience possible.

Blurry motion during fast plays, washed-out colors on the field, and commentary that gets drowned out by crowd noise can all diminish those crucial game-changing moments.

With weekly NFL games, the Premier League and another NBA season just around the corner, now's the perfect time to get your TV settings sports-viewing ready. Hisense TVs come packed with AI-powered features specifically designed for sports, but many of these aren't enabled by default.

Here are seven ways to unlock your TV's full potential and make every game look its best.

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When looking for back-to-school TVs, price means absolutely everything. You don't need to splurge on one of the best OLED TVs if you're not going to use it for more than four years, especially if most of your time will be spent (hopefully) studying, researching, or sitting in classrooms.

Still, if you're here, you obviously want to find a TV with good-enough picture quality and not settle for the cheapest TV you can find. While the TV you take to college doesn't have to be a top-of-the-line set, one with a good amount of features and reliable picture performance should be your goal.

As someone who tests TVs (and someone who's not too far out of college that I can't remember dorm life) I've tried to narrow the list of TVs down to fit most budgets. So, if you're heading back to school yourself, in search of a new TV for your child, or want a budget display for your off-campus apartment, these are the six TVs I recommend.

Quick List

• Roku 40” Select Series HD TV: was $229 now $178 at Amazon
• Sony 43" Bravia 3 LED TV: was $499 now $449 at Best Buy
• TCL 55” QM6K Mini-LED TV: was $599 now $497 at Amazon
• Samsung 32” The Frame QLED TV: was $597 now $547 at Amazon
• Hisense 65” U6QF Mini-LED TV: was $999 now $597 at Amazon
• Panasonic 65" W95A Mini-LED TV: was $1,799 now $597 at Amazon

Best back-to-school TV deals

Roku Select Series TV

This Roku display is the perfect back-to-school TV selection, especially if you're on a budget. You will have to make some compromises, like going with a non-4K TV, but that doesn't make the Roku Select any worse of an option. It's limited on specs but high on value, making itself a steal at under $200.

Roku just updated its TV lineup, meaning the Select is totally revamped. I got to see the new Roku Select in action earlier this year and was blown away by how slim the design was. The great thing about Roku, too, is the wide selection of free content you have at your fingertips, so you don't even need to subscribe to any streaming services to get quality content.

Sony Bravia 3 LED TV

Sony's commitment to designing some of the best TVs even extends to its budget models. You'd be right in equating Sony TVs with premium, but it also has some cheaper sets that could work well in a dorm room setting.

One such model is the Sony Bravia 3 LED TV. Again, given the price range set under $600, you'll have to live with something other than an OLED, which is fine because the Bravia 3 has some pep in its step.

It's not pushing out any record-breaking numbers by any means, but it does have some quality color coverage. In our testing, the Bravia 3 hit 95.88% of the UHDA-P3 gamut and sports a Delta-E of 3.5. The Delta-E score deals with color accuracy, with lower numbers being better. In this case, the Bravia 3 has some great color accuracy, as anything under a 4 is quite good.

Brightness is another matter entirely. You're not going to see metrics that mirror a Hisense Mini-LED model here, but that's what you get at this price. At least the Bravia 3 does have an input latency of 9.2ms, so on the off chance you end up gaming in your spare time, this TV won't disappoint.

TCL QM6K Mini-LED TV

So 1080p and bare-minimum LED TVs just aren't really for you? That's okay, because TVs are getting cheaper these days and both TCL and Hisense have some incredible picks for you in the lower-rungs of their lineups.

Case in point is the TCL QM6K, a well-rounded, gaming-centric Mini-LED TV that does its best to eke out as much value as is possible on a sub-$500 sticker price.

In our review of the TCL QM6K Mini-LED TV, we raved about its sleek design and picture performance. Again, this isn't a premium display, but it still ticks all the right boxes, netting you good color accuracy and tons of gaming features. It wrangles all of the HDR formats, too, making it particularly ideal for anyone with HDR streaming subscriptions.

You can also expect to get somewhat middling audio out of this TV, but that's to be expected across the board with most displays. While it might say it's audio system is made by Onkyo, that doesn't quite mean it will have as bombastic an audio output as conventional Onkyo speakers.

Need a TV that can also double as a computer monitor? One in particular that I really love on TCL TVs is its 240Hz mode, which lets you drop the TV to 1080p and play games in the higher refresh rate. It's a bit niche and works best when paired with one of the best gaming PCs... just don't let it distract you from your schoolwork.

Samsung The Frame TV

Samsung's The Frame isn't the cheapest TV on the market, but you can find it at lower prices, especially in smaller configurations.

It's great for college students who want their room to have some real personality. It comes with access to tons of artwork from galleries across the world, which will certainly make any art history majors out there very happy.

It's obviously a good TV, with solid picture performance, but Samsung's The Frame also has incredible audio for a smaller display. You'd expect Samsung to put all of its effort into designing the look and aesthetic of the TV, but the speakers actually offer some kick unlike other options in its weight class.

Hisense U6QF Mini-LED TV

While it might sit at the bottom of Hisense's 2025 TV lineup, the U6QF still has some quality features and performance that makes it stand out. We don't have an official review of the TV just yet, but we went hands on with the Hisense U6QF Mini-LED TV several months ago and saw some promising results.

At 144Hz, the U6QF makes a name for itself with some serious specs at a budget price. On top of its high refresh rate, the U6QF also boasts gaming features, like VRR and ALLM, plus two HDMI 2.1 ports. Hisense also has a special AI Smooth Motion technology, which should enhance motion clarity on the display.

Finding a solid 65-inch TV for under $600 is tough, but the U6QF delivers. It's a brilliant TV for this price, but you might have to contend with some blooming and poor off-axis viewing, which is common for Mini-LED TVs at lower prices.

Panasonic W95A Mini-LED TV

We've been singing the praises of the Panasonic W95A ever since the 75-inch variation hit an all-time low price of $797. One of its biggest drawbacks upon debut was the premium price, and now it's one of the cheapest Mini-LED TVs you can buy — even if it's a year old.

Don't let its age fool you, though. I tested Panasonic W95A Mini-LED TV last year and was pleasantly surprised by its brightness, HDR performance, and anti-glare mitigation. Again, this TV won't quite match the same high brightness metrics available on Hisense models, but with just over 1,400 nits in both HDR and SDR, it's plenty bright for any dorm room.

With its sticker price down to its lowest point, the W95A makes the perfect budget pick for any student looking to get exceptional picture performance without a hefty investment.

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Grab your shades and get your finances in order, because Hisense just made available the brightest TV we’ve ever tested. It’s a 116-inch beast with a brand-new display type, and it’ll set you back a whopping $29,999.

The announcement comes just a day after the official launch of Samsung’s first Micro RGB TV — a 115-inch, $29,999 set that leverages a similar type of display technology.

In other words, the competition is heating up.

Originally unveiled at CES 2025, the Hisense 116UX launches alongside a slightly smaller (but still huge) 100-inch version, the Hisense 100UX, which carries a $19,999 price tag.

But what makes Hisense’s RGB Mini-LED technology worthy of this price tag? Among other benefits, its phenomenal brightness is at the top of the list.

I recently wrote at length about the Hisense 116UX brightness levels being off the charts, but here’s the basic gist: This TV packs better HDR highlight brightness than any commercially available TV we’ve measured to date.

While the brand’s more accessible Mini-LED flagship, the Hisense U8QG, delivers close to 4,000 nits of HDR highlight brightness, the 116UX RGB Mini-LED exceeds the 5,000-nit mark. That’s eye-popping brightness on a gargantuan screen.

As mentioned, Hisense’s RGB Mini-LED technology brings benefits beyond bonkers brightness. Unlike traditional Mini-LED backlights, Hisense’s RGB Mini-LED display tech consists of red-, green- and blue-colored LEDs. This allows for more precise color control.

The best brightness with largest color volume to boot

Testing bears this out, too. According to our measurements, the Hisense 116UX covers a remarkable 91.14% of the BT.2020 color gamut. That’s the best color volume we’ve seen this year, surpassing the most colorful OLED we’ve tested, the Samsung S95F.

We’ve not yet tested the slightly smaller-sized Hisense 100UX, but given that it leverages RGB Mini-LEDs as well, I’d have to imagine that its test results are, at the very least, in the 116UX’s ballpark.

Given the sky-high price point of both TVs, Hisense's new RGB Mini-LED technology is certainly not for everyone. The good news is that the next-best thing might be staring you in the face.

The aforementioned Hisense U8QG is still working with the traditional blend of quantum dots and traditional Mini-LEDs, but it’s the brightest TV we’ve tested this year in that class. It’s also available in all of the most popular size options — not just 100- and 116-inches.

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In my opinion, the Hisense U8QG Mini-LED TV is one of the best TVs in 2025. But so is the TCL QM8K. Making matters tricky is that both 65-inch models of both TVs come in at the exact same price, sitting just under $1,300, which isn't half bad when considering the performance curve. So, which one is the better buy?

It's Hisense U8QG vs TCL QM8K to see which Mini-LED TV is the better Mini-LED TV. Read on below to see which one wins in this faceoff.

Hisense U8QG vs. TCL QM8K: Specs compared

Hisense U8QG vs. TCL QM8K: Design

Both the Hisense U8QG and TCL QM8K are very similar displays, leveraging Mini-LED backlighting and a quantum dot film. The QM8K has a WHVA panel, while the U8QG has an ADS Pro panel, both of which boast several advantages over IPS and VA types.

Neither is slim and light, however. The 65-inch U8QG, in particular, weighs about 53 lbs without the stand and 10 lbs more with the stand, making it a pretty hefty display. The TCL QM8K, on the other hand, weights less at just 46 ponds without the stand, but you'll still want some help if you decide to wall-mount it.

In terms of their audio, the U8QG has a 4.1.2-channel system with a power output that varies across screen sizes. The 65-inch model sits at 72W, and supports Dolby Atmos surround sound. Meanwhile, the QM8K has a 2.2.2-channel Dolby Atmos system designed by Bang & Olufsen.

It's tough to pick out a major winner here, given the similarities between these two TVs. If there is one thing the U8QG has over its flagship Mini-LED TV rival, it's that punchier sound system, which could be a particular highlight for users who don't want to spend extra on one of the best soundbars.

For that, I feel the Hisense U8QG is the better choice here in terms of design.

Winner: Hisense U8QG

Hisense U8QG vs. TCL QM8K: Ports

The Hisense U8QG is a bit of an oddball when it comes to its port selection. Instead of having four HDMI ports like most TVs, it's equipped with just three HDMI 2.1 inputs and a USB-C port video output and charging.

While that's an interesting addition on the U8QG, I find it a little niche for most TV buyers. It would make a whole lot more sense for the U8QG to have four HDMI slots with the USB-C port, as it's intended primarily for PC gamers.

The TCL QM8K does have four HDMI ports, but only two of them are the higher HDMI 2.1 spec. This is common for most budget Mini-LED models, but with so many sets moving away from HDMI 2.0 and the introduction of HDMI 2.2 making waves in the market, it's about time TV makers start offering a full range of 2.1 ports.

From this, you can deduce the U8QG is a slightly better display for gaming, but only if you're running one of the best gaming PCs. I do like the addition of a USB-C port, but I think it's a little niche right now. Even so, the U8QG still has three HDMI 2.1 ports, giving it a slight edge against its counterpart.

Winner: Hisense U8QG

Hisense U8QG vs. TCL QM8K: Remote

Both Hisense and TCL have some great remotes to offer. There isn't too much of a difference between them, though I do like how the U8QG has a bit more button variety.

I think all-in, both are fantastic pieces of equipment and work well in bringing out the full range of use across your TV. It's also handy having a backlight on both remotes, so hats off to both contenders here.

Winner: Tie

Hisense U8QG vs. TCL QM8K: Performance

Let's take a peek at the test results of both Mini-LED TVs to see how they stack up before diving into their performance.

As I already mentioned, the U8QG sports some of the highest metrics we've seen this year and doesn't hold back in either SDR or HDR content.

That being said, the QM8K still topples it in the HDR category, which is really interesting, but the excess brightness might not be very valuable: Although Dolby Vision and HDR10 can spit out HDR images at up to 10,000 nits, most HDR content is mastered between 1,000 and 4,000 nits.

This means the U8QG hits the perfect number of 3,916 nits for HDR content. It also has a wider range in color coverage, if only very slight, with a Rec2020 gamut of 83.98% and UHDA-P3 of 97.53%. Those are especially superb, seeing as most TVs can barely top 70% of the Rec2020 gamut. Of course, the QM8K isn't too far behind.

Their low Delta-E scores (the lower the better) are particularly noteworthy for their excellent color accuracy right out of the box. These TVs are truly neck-and-neck, showing just how far Mini-LED TVs have come in the last five years.

In terms of non-quantifiable qualities, both TVs have an anti-glare film to diminish reflections, but I found the U8QG still suffered from them. This was especially true for late-night viewing with the lights on, which is really unfortunate.

On the other hand, the QM8K seemingly didn't standout in its off-axis viewing potential. That's a common complaint on a lot of Mini-LED TVs, so it only makes sense seeing it here on TCL's flagship 2025 set.

We also noted some poor audio performance on the QM8K, which is certainly not the case on the U8QG. The latter display has a truly bombastic system.

Give its higher SDR brightness metrics, subtle improvements in color volume and accuracy, improved input latency, and better audio, the standout winner here is the U8QG. But, it's still a very close competition.

Winner: Hisense U8QG

Hisense U8QG vs. TCL QM8K: Smart platform and features

Both the Hisense U8QG and the TCL QM8K run on Google TV, making them both pretty adept in navigation and content curation. I've mentioned it before, but Google TV is probably the best interface you can ask for, even if it doesn't see many updates like its rivals in webOS and Tizen.

That being said, you still have access to all of the best streaming services, with the addition of tons of free content to dive into. Google TV has its own slew of channels to enjoy, but also has the Roku Channel for even more coverage of free FAST channels, which is great if you're not glued to one particular platform.

Google TV is also equipped with several smart home features, making it a great combo piece if you have smart shades, lights, or other smart tech around the house with hands-free voice controls. Gemini AI is also set to be added to Google TV later this year, which could give such sets a major boost in quality, especially in search and recommendations.

We can't recommend Google TV enough here at Tom's Guide. It's great on both TVs. Thus, both TVs get the win in my book.

Winner: Tie

Hisense U8QG vs. TCL QM8K: Gaming

It's here where things get a little tricky. The TCL QM8K is built with several awesome features that make it stand out for gamers, even though it skimps on HDMI 2.1 ports. Meanwhile, the U8QG has a really low input latency and a USB-C video output for wider PC adoption.

What stands out for me on the QM8K is its dynamic refresh rates: It can run games at higher speeds in lower resolutions, like 1080p and 1440p content in 288Hz, which is pretty awesome but really only pertains to PC gamers.

Both have pretty extensive gaming hubs and they're both equipped with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, which is great if you have an AMD GPU in your PC. Otherwise, it won't be that much of a major improvement for most users.

I find both TVs are fine for gaming, though I do think the U8QG might be the better comprise here for console players given its low input latency and additional HDMI 2.1 port. If you're more of a PC gamer, though, it really won't matter which TV you pick, as they're both some of the best gaming TVs.

Winner: Hisense U8QG

Hisense U8QG vs. TCL QM8K: Outlook

The Hisense U8QG is one of the best TVs you can buy right now for the price, but given it shares the same price as the QM8K, you really can't go wrong with either one.

Both displays are built on the robust Google TV smart platform, offering you tons of free content to enjoy. Design-wise, they share almost identical qualities. Their panel types differ only ever-so-slightly, but you'll still get largely the same results out of both.

You can find the 65-inch QM8K for $1,297 and the 65-inch U8QG for $1,297 on Amazon at the time of writing. That's pretty incredible, especially seeing as the QM8K has dropped in price by a lot since its launch.

I think what matters here is the type of content you're watching on the regular. The U8QG has a better overall color volume and accuracy, but I find the QM8K will be beneficial most for those who want to get the best performance in HDR.

If you're more of a gamer, especially someone running a PS5 or Xbox Series X, the U8QG might be the better option. Then again, the QM8K does have some interesting features for PC players, but seeing that it doesn't have anything lower than 65-inch, I wouldn't recommend it.

Overall, the Hisense U8QG ekes out a win, but I wouldn't fault you for picking either.

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Looking for a new home theater projector? You might want to hold off for another week or two — Hisense is right on the cusp of dropping the ultimate beamer.

Announced first at CES 2025, the Hisense L9Q is a projector lover's dream. According to Hisense, it can cover 110% of the BT.2020 color gamut and put out "an industry leading" 5,000 ANSI lumens of brightness.

It's probably the most hotly awaited projector coming in 2025 — and, officially, Hisense says it will start shipping later this month.

This is the projector... sorry, laser TV... to buy in 2025

While we've yet to get it into our labs for testing, we had a chance to check the L9Q out at a Hisense preview event back in April and were impressed with what we saw.

Hisense's proprietary LPU technology and triple-laser light engine are the brains and brawn behind the L9Q. With their help, Hisense's top projector put on an impressive show with thousands more lumens with greater color accuracy than the competition.

During setup, the L9Q's Auto Screen Alignment and Manual Keystone Correction features allows you to put the projector anywhere within two feet of the wall and automatically dial in the right settings.

The total projection size can reach 200 inches, but you'll need to put the projector about 25 inches back from the wall. If you don't have that much space, you can still get a very reasonable 100-inch picture from just 12 inches away from the wall.

In terms of classification, the L9Q is an ultra-short throw (UST) projector, but Hisense has taken umbrage with us calling it a projector in the past — they prefer the term "laser TV" because it comes with a built-in ATSC TV tuner. That, I admit, is pretty handy to have, especially if you plan on using this as a living room TV replacement.

If over-the-air broadcasts aren't your bag, then you'll like its built-in Google TV smart platform for instant access to the best streaming services. You can also screen share using Chromecast and/or Airplay2 or connect a game console to either of the two HDMI 2.1 (ALLM) ports or either of the two HDMI 2.0 ports.

From an audio perspective, the L9Q has a 6.2.2 surround sound system (a first for laser TVs) and supports Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual X. This system didn't necessarily blow us away when we heard it, but maybe that was because it was in a large ballroom and not a smaller-sized home theater where there's more room for reflections.

Still, most folks will probably saddle the L9Q up with a multi-channel audio system of their own, so it's not something that I'm overly critical of.

And it's coming sooner than you think

While writing this story, I reached out to a Hisense representative to see if I could get an exact launch date for the L9Q. It's been on pre-order since we saw it in April, with many retailers like B&H listing it as "coming soon".

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Mini-LED TVs have come quite a long way over the past five years. Prices have dropped drastically since their inception and TV manufactures that solely focus on Mini-LED TVs in the US, like TCL and Hisense, have capitalized on this major success by offering lower-cost alternatives to LG, Samsung and Sony TVs.

That's where the Hisense U8QG Mini-LED TV comes in. It sits at the top of Hisense's 2025 TV lineup, sporting some of the highest brightness levels in our testing this year. It's also built on the robust Google TV smart platform and offers an incredible sound system.

Similarly, the LG QNED92 Mini-LED TV is a premium, top-of-the-line model that sports serious color accuracy, a wide selection of HDMI 2.1 ports, and some of the best motion processing. But at a current price of $1,699, is this LG 2025 flagship Mini-LED TV worth the investment when the Hisense could be had for $500 less?

I crunched the numbers, pitting the LG QNED92 vs the Hisense U8QG to see which Mini-LED TV is the better buy.

LG QNED92 vs Hisense U8QG: Specs compared

LG QNED92 vs Hisense U8QG: Design

The Hisense U8QG and LG QNED92 are both QLED TVs with Mini-LED backlighting, each using a VA (Vertical Alignment) panel. This means you'll get solid contrasts on both sets, though neither will out-contrast the LG C5 OLED.

Given they're LCD TVs with big backlighting systems, both models are plenty hefty. The 65-inch Hisense U8QG weighs a little over 10 pounds more than the LG QNED92 in the same configuration, 53.4lbs vs 41.9lbs, respectively.

This weight disparity could have something to do with the larger speaker system on the U8QG: It's built with a 4.1.2-channel setup with a 72W total output, which includes side-firing and up-firing speakers in addition to a 20W subwoofer.

Meanwhile, the LG QNED92 with just a 2.2-channel speaker with a 40W output. This can't hold a candle up against the Hisense system, even with its Dolby Atmos support.

Another downside on the LG TV is that it comes with triangular legs as opposed to a pedestal stand, which the U8QG has. This makes it rather difficult to place on smaller entertainment stands.

Winner: Hisense U8QG

LG QNED92 vs Hisense U8QG: Ports

When it comes to ports, LG knocked it out of the park. Like its OLED lineup, LG built the QNED92 with a full set of four HDMI 2.1 ports. The Hisense U8QG has three HDMI 2.1 ports, but foregoes the fourth in favor of a USB-C video input.

Why USB-C? While practical for gamers, the concept is still a little strange to me. You'll really only get major benefits from the USB-C port if you're connecting a PC into the display, which will probably be rare in most cases.

It would be far more beneficial if Hisense had included an HDMI 2.2 port instead, giving it a leg up against other major TV brands — but we'll have to wait until next year for this specification to arrive on most displays.

Winner: LG QNED92

LG QNED92 vs Hisense U8QG: Remote

As I mentioned in our LG C5 OLED vs TCL QM8K faceoff, LG's re-designed remote is a welcome change, but still has its quirks. No dedicated input button makes switching between TV sources a tedious process, and its dual scroll wheel and select button are real pains.

Hisense's remote, on the other hand, is pure bliss. It comes with backlit buttons and a full array of instant access to many of the best streaming services. It could be made a bit smaller, but otherwise it fits comfortably in your palm.

Winner: Hisense U8QG

LG QNED92 vs Hisense U8QG: Performance

Let's take a peek at the test results of both Mini-LED TVs to see how they stack up before diving into their performance.

The metrics here heavily favor the Hisense U8QG. As is expected, the Hisense has best-in-class brightness, spitting out nearly 3,000 nits in standard content and just under 4,000 nits in HDR.

The QNED92 is no slouch when it comes to HDR (1,199 nits in a 10% window is about what we'd expect to see from a Mini-LED TV in 2025), but the U8QG clearly is the winner here when it comes to brightness.

When it comes to color volume, the Hisense's UHDA-P3 and Rec2020 gamut coverage are slightly higher against the LG QNED92, coming out to 97.53% and 83.98%, respectively. This will translate directly to a more vibrant, colorful image.

It's not a complete sweep, though. The QNED92 does have a lower Delta-E. This metric covers color accuracy, with a lower number being better than a higher one. Unfortunately, while colors may technically be more accurate on the LG Mini-LED TV, anything under a score of 3 is largely imperceptible to the human eye.

In my testing, I found the LG QNED92 had far better anti-glare support despite it not having any anti-glare coating like the Hisense. Typically, the TV with higher luminance would be better at dealing with ambient light, but the Hisense U8QG suffered greatly in this regard, primarily in the evening when background lights in my kitchen were on.

Unfortunately, better anti-glare coating and slightly higher color accuracy aren't enough to help the the QNED92 eke out a win here. LG's top QNED just can't compete with the U8QG in the two most important performance metrics, brightness and color volume.

Winner: Hisense U8QG

LG QNED92 vs Hisense U8QG: Smart platform and features

Let's not mince words here, both TV interfaces are marred with intrusive ads that can detract from the whole experience. In a perfect world, we just wouldn't have to deal with ads on either platform.

The downside to the LG QNED92 is that it lacks an ATSC 3.0 tuner, which the Hisense U8QG is equipped with. This nets you access to NextgenTV and 4K broadcasts via an over-the-air digital antenna. That technology isn't quite ubiquitous yet, but give it a few years and it will definitely be a major boon for the Hisense U8QG.

But there is something webOS offers that Google TV doesn't: a five year upgrade path. This means LG will maintain upgrades to the software for up to five years, keeping your LG QNED92 up-to-snuff against potential security breaches.

You can argue it both ways, but I think webOS has Google TV beat right now. The LG TV interface has its own slew of free channels to dive into, cloud gaming services, and a five year upgrade path, all of which help it to stand up against Google's smart TV platform.

Winner: LG QNED92

LG QNED92 vs Hisense U8QG: Gaming

The U8QG and the QNED92 are both exceptional gaming displays. It's clear to me the Hisense U8QG leans more into the PC gaming realm due to its 165Hz refresh rate and USB-C video output, but that doesn't mean it's the de facto choice for gamers. The LG QNED makes a solid case for itself, too.

The QNED92 comes equipped with four HDMI 2.1 ports versus just the three on the U8QG. Plus, it has a sophisticated Game Optimizer, which I personally loved testing out in my review.

Although both TVs share similar gaming features, like VRR, ALLM, and AMD FreeSync Premium, what sets them apart is their input latency. The Hisense U8QG hits a low of 9.7ms while the LG QNED92 comes in at 13.3ms. While that's not a terrible number, as anything under 16ms is perfectly reasonable, input latency under 10ms offers the best gaming performance.

If you're looking for a vibrant, glare-mitigating screen to pair with your Xbox Series X or PS5 Pro, the LG QNED92 is a safe bet. If you're aiming to get the best possible results while running one of the best gaming PCs, go with the Hisense U8QG.

Winner: Tie

LG QNED92 vs Hisense U8QG: Outlook

Hisense is still the king of Mini-LED TVs and the U8QG offers some of the best performance metrics we've seen in our testing lab this year.

The QNED92 is no slouch in the performance department, but the proverbial nail in the QNED92's coffin is its price. Unlike the U8QG, which has arguably the best price-to-performance ratio in the Mini-LED market right now, the QNED92 is far too expensive to make it a worthwhile investment.

Taking both their prices into consideration, the Hisense U8QG is definitely the right call if you're looking to get the best possible QLED right now... but you might be better off waiting until Black Friday later this year before picking one up.

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If you're heading back to school and are looking for a TV for your dorm room or apartment bedroom, I think I've found the best possible sets that meet most needs.

Beggars can't be choosers, after all. You don't need the top-of-the-line OLED for back to school, as (honestly) you should be focusing on studying and schoolwork as opposed to getting the best possible picture performance for movies and shows.

That's where some of the cheapest TVs come into play. Most of these displays aren't necessarily bottom-of-the-barrel, but they do come cheap and yet still will net you quality performance. I've also listed a few 2024 sets, which will save you some extra dollars while still lasting over four years.

Check out the full list below so you can deck out your dorm room and make it the chill spot for every movie night.

Quick List

• Smart TV sale on Amazon: deals from $69 @ Amazon
• Panasonic 55" W95A 4K Mini-LED TV: was $1,299 now $497 @ Amazon
• TCL 55" QM6K 4K Mini-LED TV: was $599 now $498 @ Amazon
• Hisense 55" U6QF 4K Mini-LED TV: was $599 now $527 @ Amazon
• Sansui 55" 4K OLED TV: was $999 now $799 @ Amazon
• LG 42" C4 4K OLED TV: was $999 now $899 @ Best Buy

Panasonic W95A Mini-LED TV

The Panasonic W95A makes one of the best cases for a budget dorm room TV. It's marked as one of the cheapest Mini-LED TVs on the market right now and though it arrived in 2024, it has some serious picture performance.

In my review of the Panasonic W95A Mini-LED TV, I raved about its viewing angles and anti-glare mitigation. These are crucial for back-to-school goers, who often don't have a ton of space in their room and will watch TV from an angle.

At just under $500, the W95A is hard to beat. It might not be the most feature-rich set, but it definitely ticks most of the boxes you'd want for general entertainment without diminishing on picture quality.

TCL QM6K Mini-LED TV

I know what you're thinking; "A gaming TV for my dorm room?" You're allowed to have some leisure time, and the TCL QM6K would be my pick to pair up with a PS5 or PC in my dorm.

I might have graduated college nearly nine years ago, but I know just how important those late-night gaming sessions are. You're going to want a TV that's a one-two punch in terms of gaming features and price, which the QM6K nails at just under $500.

In our review, we raved about just how many features are packed into the TCL QM6K Mini-LED TV. Although it might have a poor speaker and doesn't have the best glare mitigation, its 144Hz refresh rate and picture quality makes up for this.

It can also hit 288Hz in 1080p, which no other TVs have on offer, making it perfect for the burgeoning PC gamers still in school right now.

Hisense U6QF Mini-LED TV

Although it sits at the bottom of Hisense's 2025 TV lineup, the U6QF is still a remarkable display with tons of value. We don't have a full review of this Mini-LED TV just yet, but it already seems like a tempting budget model built on the back of Hisense's brilliant brightness know-how.

Unlike the rest of its lineup, the Hisense U6QF Mini-LED TV is the only set to feature Fire TV over Google TV. That means you'll have access to cloud gaming services, like Amazon Luna and Xbox Game Pass, which is nice if you're needing a break from the cramming for finals.

It is a bit larger in terms of its chassis, which is par for the course when it comes to most Mini-LED TVs. If you have limited space in your dorm room, you might need to find a smaller screen — even in the face of its sub-$600 sticker price.

Sansui OLED TV

I couldn't imagine having an OLED TV in my college dorm room, but the best possible way you could get one is with the Sansui OLED TV. I reviewed this budget OLED last year and while it didn't match the same performance against other OLEDs, its appealing price is hard to ignore.

The Sansui OLED did stand out with some good color performance, which we measured at 129% of the Rec709 gamut. And it did have some higher brightness metrics for an OLED, measured at 480 nits in standard content and 724 nits in HDR with Brightness Booster enabled.

A big letdown for me was its slower interface, but this can be amended with one of the best streaming devices, like the Roku Ultra. Still, if you want those perfect contrasts and wide viewing angles at a perfect price, the Sansui OLED isn't a bad pick at just $800.

LG C4 OLED

As the top dog among best OLED TVs last year, the LG C4 OLED is a perfect TV for your dorm room. It's got tons of specs and is built on the widest selection of sizes, all of which are set at competitive prices — made all the better now that it's a year old.

Don't let its age fool you, though. It's built with some of the best features, like a 144Hz refresh rate and four HDMI 2.1 ports. In our testing, it also had some exceptional color accuracy and coverage. Delta-E measures color accuracy, with lower scores being better, the C4 posted a Delta-E of 1.8. The screen also covers 98.9% of the Rec709 gamut.

Movie nights and even all-night gaming sessions will be unbeatable on the LG C4. You could even use it as a PC monitor — last year, in fact, I replaced my PC monitor with the LG C4. While it might be overkill, it's totally worth it.

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I’ve been testing and reviewing TVs for over ten years and I’ve never seen a TV hit 5,000 nits of brightness. Until now.

The Hisense 116UX — a larger-than-life, 116-inch beast of a TV — just crossed the 5,000-nit mark in our test lab. I certainly can’t speak for the entire TV-testing community, but for me, this is a first.

Take a look at how the 116UX compares to other TVs that are among the brightest in their class:

In its most-accurate picture mode (Filmmaker), the 116UX offers devastatingly bright HDR highlights. On a 10% white window, the 116UX is scraping 5,500 nits.

To put it in perspective, that's about five times as bright as the LG C5 OLED in HDR.

How is the 116UX pulling this off?

Unveiled at CES 2025 back in January, the 116UX is the first of its kind: a TriChroma LED TV.

Like most of Hisense’s 2025 TV lineup, the 116UX leverages Mini-LEDs, but they’re different from what you’ll find on TVs like the Hisense U8QG.

Hisense’s TriChroma LED technology taps clusters of tiny lenses, each reacting to red-, green- and blue-colored LEDs. Along with other performance-related benefits, this tech is much more energy efficient than standard Mini-LEDs. With less light lost in this process, we’re left with a brighter picture.

If you’re wondering what the 116UX looks like in person, you’ll have to just take my word for it: It’s mad bright.

The first time I saw the Hisense 116UX, I stood close enough to the screen for the picture to completely fill my peripheral vision. Then I proceeded to stand there for several minutes as the brightness washed over me.

Now, if it was only a super-bright TV, it wouldn't be much of an achievement — I recently delved into the importance of TV brightness, noting how a TV’s ability to get dark is a critical part of our perception of its overall brightness.

It’s all about contrast and, thankfully, while the 116UX isn’t capable of perfect black levels like an OLED TV, its TriChroma LED display allows for deep, rich black levels when necessary. Combined with the brightness, the contrast is off the charts.

Where can I buy the Hisense 116UX?

You’ll need to track this one down and then pay a hefty price for the privilege. Right now, the Hisense 116UX is listed on Best Buy for a cool $29,999. (No big deal, right?)

Unfortunately, at the time of publishing, this giant, expensive TV is also very much out of stock.

If you’re wondering when this exciting display technology will make its way to smaller-sized models, be prepared to wait. Traditionally, new TV hardware takes a while to shrink down to 55-, 65- and even 75-inch models.

The next best thing is very much within reach, however.

The aforementioned Hisense U8QG — one of the brand’s top Mini-LED TVs for 2025 — is the second brightest TV we’ve tested this year. And, while it doesn’t eclipse the 5,000-nit mark, it’s still as bright as all get out.

The U8QG delivers HDR highlight brightness well over 3,500 nits. It’s quite cinematic with the lights off, and if you’ve got a sun-soaked living room, it’s well equipped to stand out during the day.

Best of all, at around $1,279, the 65-inch U8QG isn’t the price of a new car.

We’ll be keeping our eye on the 116UX and any developments in the Hisense TriChroma LED space — especially when competing models from brands like Samsung and Sony enter the fray.

More from Tom's Guide

• We are misunderstanding TV brightness — here’s how important it actually is
• If you just bought a Hisense TV, change these 5 settings right away
• Hisense’s TriChroma LED tech could transform LED TVs — here’s how it works

Across the TV industry, Hisense is known for its value-centric Mini-LED TVs that deliver plenty of bang for one’s buck. They’re often among the best TVs you can buy.

As a TV expert, I’ve tested and tinkered with a ton of Hisense TVs over the years. And, like any brand’s offerings, Hisense TVs come with their own selection of settings and features.

Here’s a basic cheat sheet of the settings I immediately tweak every time I set up a Hisense TV, adjusted for the average viewer.

1. Disable energy-saving settings and the light sensor

Almost every TV I review — Hisense or otherwise — arrives with energy-saving measures enabled right out of the box. If you decide to prioritize the performance of your TV over its energy efficiency, the first thing you ought to do is make sure such settings are adjusted accordingly.

In recent years, Hisense’s primary energy-saving setting has taken the form of a picture mode called — you guessed it — Energy Saving. Simply choosing an alternate picture mode (which I’ll discuss shortly) will opt you out of this feature. You can find the Picture Mode submenu

There are two things to keep in mind about this. First, your Hisense TV will very likely default to Energy Saving mode for both SDR and HDR content. This means you will probably have to switch modes twice — once when you first turn on the TV and again when you watch HDR content for the first time.

Secondly, choosing an alternate picture mode might not disable the TV’s automatic light sensor, which you’ll want to disable, lest the TV will dynamically throttle its brightness based on ambient lighting conditions. You can find the dedicated light sensor setting under the TV’s General submenu, which is located within the Picture settings menu.

2. Change the picture mode

As long as you’re opting out of Hisense’s Energy Saving picture mode, you should pick a picture preset that suits your preferences. Allow me to make some recommendations.

As a stickler for accuracy, my go-to picture mode on Hisense TVs is Filmmaker mode, which aims to deliver a picture that’s closely aligned with the content creator’s intent. This is a picture mode we use during testing.

Another good choice is Hisense’s Theater picture modes, often labeled Theater Day, Theater Night or HDR Theater, if you’re watching HDR content. In my experience, these presets adhere closely to reference standards, too, though Filmmaker will take the added step of disabling picture processing enhancements automatically.

(In other words, if you want to disable motion smoothing but not use Filmmaker mode, you’ll have to disable it manually.)

Ultimately, whichever picture mode you go with will come down to your personal preference. That said, there are TV picture modes to avoid, if you can help it.

3. Adjust the Local Dimming and Peak Brightness settings

If you bought a mid-range or high-end Hisense TV — like the all-new Hisense U8QG — you’ve got a TV with a ton of horsepower on your hands. To make the most of its display, you should tweak a couple of settings in the Brightness submenu (filed under Brightness).

Depending on your model, there’s a very good chance you have a setting at your fingertips called Local Dimming. I recommend setting this to High, as it’ll take full advantage of your Hisense TV’s backlight control and improve contrast.

Peak Brightness is fairly self-explanatory, but whether or not you set it to High is entirely up to you. Some Hisense TVs — like the aforementioned U8QG — are among the brightest TVs you can currently buy. If you want to make the most of its powerful panel (or if you’re in a particularly bright room), I recommend setting Peak Brightness to High.

If that’s too bright, try ticking it down to Medium and see how your eyes adjust. You might find that the TV’s presentation is better suited to your viewing environment with Peak Brightness reined in.

4. Set your HDMI inputs to their Enhanced format if needed

Planning on doing some gaming with a current-generation console like an Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 Pro? Take a few moments to make sure that the inputs they’re connected to are set to the best possible format.

From your Hisense’s full list of settings (located under All Settings), hop into the Channels & Inputs submenu and select the list of inputs. From here, make sure that a device’s corresponding input is set to Enhanced format rather than Standard format. This will ensure that your TV is making the most of that device’s functionality.

5. Mute the built-in microphone (if you want)

Almost all Hisense Mini-LED TVs that have debuted in recent years feature an onboard microphone for voice-activated commands.

If you're not comfortable with your TV listening in for voice commands, you can turn the microphone off via a physical switch on the panel itself. You can find this switch hidden beneath the Hisense logo on the front of the panel.

Now that your Hisense TV is ready to rock, I recommend familiarizing yourself with its built-in smart features. Check out our guide to Google TV secrets to learn more about your Hisense TV's smart platform.

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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 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.

Luminance like no other

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.

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.

The pitfalls of Mini-LED TVs

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. 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.

Over time, brighter TVs can also 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.

Hisense U8QG: Outlook

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.

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Mini-LED TVs are finally starting to proliferate at affordable price points, thanks in large part to TCL and Hisense, two brands that are leading the charge when it comes to cutting costs.

Two of their most recent entries in the budget-friendly Mini-LED class are the TCL QM6K and the Hisense U6N. They share a lot in common on top of their display hardware, including built-in Google TV and a handful of nifty gaming features. Given their similarities, choosing between them might be overwhelming.

That’s where I come in. I’ve been testing and reviewing TVs for over a decade. I’m deeply familiar with both of these entry-level Mini-LED TVs, and I’m here to break down their key differences. Here’s what you need to know.

TCL QM6K vs Hisense U6N: Specs compared

From a specs standpoint, there are some similarities like HDR support and lack of an ATSC 3.0 tuner, but they differ in some pretty significant ways.

What's similar is that you're getting both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support on both of these TVs, which is great news for A/V enthusiasts who want to tap into the most popular HDR formats available across 4K Blu-rays and streaming platforms.

However, the QM6K comes with an impressive 144Hz native refresh rate, which is almost unheard of at this price point. In addition, two of the QM6K's HDMI inputs are HDMI 2.1-compatible.

With the higher refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 compatibility, the QM6K supports 4K gaming at 120Hz (for console gamers) and 4K gaming at 144Hz (for folks who want to link their TV up to a gaming PC). The U6N only supports 4K gaming up to 60Hz — a pretty significant limitation for gamers.

TCL QM6K vs Hisense U6N: Design

The similarities continue to stack up when comparing each TV's physical design. Both models rely on a pair of wide-set, boomerang-shaped feet to prop up their panels, and both are chunkier than fancier, higher-priced TVs.

In order to make space for its internal hardware, the QM6K (pictured above) bulges out across most of the backside of its panel. The U6N, on the other hand, widens out across the midsection of the panel which, if you ask me, leaves it looking less sleek than the QM6K.

I also prefer the QM6K's narrower, silver-toned feet over the U6N's.

Here's some good news: Both the QM6K and the U6N arrive with a slim, backlit remote control. A clicker that illuminates itself when you pick it up might seem like a standard feature in this day and age, but it's not nearly as popular as it ought to be. It's nice to see both TCL and Hisense including this feature with entry-level sets.

You'll arrive at your own conclusions when it comes to which of these TVs is more aesthetically pleasing, but if you ask me, the QM6K is clearly a better-looking model.

Winner: TCL QM6K

TCL QM6K vs Hisense U6N: Performance

Before we dive into which of these TVs sports a prettier picture, let's take a look at how their test results stack up.

One glance at the test results and it’s clear just how similar these two TVs are when it comes to performance.

They each offer roughly the same amount of brightness in both SDR and HDR, but the QM6K has a bit of an edge, particularly when it comes to HDR highlights. In real-world terms, there’s a good chance you wouldn’t notice a difference between the two unless it was a side-by-side comparison.

The same can be said for color volume, too. These TVs do an impressive job with saturating color given their low prices — just don’t expect to be blown away by bold, bright HDR hues. And, when it comes to out-of-the-box accuracy, picture purists will be pleased to learn that the QM6K and U6N are finely tuned in their respective Filmmaker modes.

The aspect of these TVs that ultimately has the biggest impact on their performance are their Mini-LEDs. If you’re going to save money on a budget-friendly TV, these competing models offer better backlight control than most TVs in their price range. In short, they're both excellent choices for the cost.

In recent years, I’ve found myself more impressed by TCL’s picture processing than I have with Hisense’s picture processing, but if you don’t consider yourself an eagle-eyed enthusiast of TV tech, I wouldn’t worry too much about the distinction. Both TVs upscale sub-4K content relatively well, and motion handling is mostly fine, too.

Winner: Draw

TCL QM6K vs Hisense U6N: Smart platform and features

As mentioned, both of these TVs come with Google TV baked right in. Your mileage may vary, obviously, but I quite like the Google TV operating system.

Yes, you’ll have plenty of sponsored and recommended content to contend with across the home screen, but this is the case with just about every smart platform that isn’t called “Roku.” Additionally, I find the navigation experience to be snappy and simple.

Dolby Vision support is certainly appreciated, too, as it allows these TVs to make the most out of the most prolific HDR format. They also come with HDR10+ support to round things out.

On the gaming side of things, it's a whole different story. As I mentioned above, the QM6K is the only one of these two that supports 4K gaming at 120Hz and 144Hz. It's capable of taking full advantage of Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 Pro — at least when it comes to framerate at 4K resolution.

It's tough to overstate how important this is for dedicated gamers. The QM6K is much better suited for gaming, and it will obviously remain that way for years to come.

Each TV also comes with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), but given that the U6N is locked in at 4K/60Hz, the addition of these features feels like a consolation prize for Hisense U6N owners.

Winner: TCL QM6K

TCL QM6K vs Hisense U6N: Outlook

Both of these sets carry an MSRP of $799 for a 55-inch model, but you're far more likely to find them on sale right now.

Depending on where you look, the TCL QM6K starts at around $598 for a 55-inch model, and is typically $100 to $200 more than the U6N.

That said, one wrinkle to keep in mind is that the 55-inch U6N is getting tougher to find. At the time of publishing, the 65-inch Hisense U6N is just $499 at Best Buy, but 55-inch models are only available used.

Unless you're trying to save as much money as possible, I would recommend splurging on the QM6K. And, if you're a gamer, I think the decision is even more of an open-and-shut case.

Each of these TVs is a fantastic entry-level pick on the basis of their Mini-LEDs alone, but only the QM6K delivers robust gaming support.

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• Hisense U6N Mini-LED TV review
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I’ve been covering TVs for over a decade, so take it from me: The industry is healthier with Hisense in it.

In recent years, the brand’s aggressively priced, high-performing TVs have stood toe to toe with some of the best TVs on the market. Its secret sauce has been a blend of high-quality hardware and relatively low price points, like the Hisense U8N — our current favorite TV for most people.

As a TV, I love the U8N because it offers high-end, Mini-LED performance at a surprisingly low price. But as a force in the market, the U8N is even better. Its success demands that other big-time brands — like Samsung and Sony — continue to develop better TVs at even friendlier price points.

That’s why I’m hoping that, in 2025, Hisense has taken significant steps towards improving one aspect where its TVs have fallen short: picture processing.

What is picture processing for TVs?

Picture processing refers to all of the behind-the-scenes work a TV does to interpret and display a video signal.

More specifically, processing can involve how a TV upscales an image to its native display resolution, how it resolves fast-moving objects or even something as fundamental as how its colors are saturated.

In evaluating picture processing, I set aside my test equipment and rely mostly on my eyeballs. Measuring a TV’s brightness is straightforward, but recognizing when a TV is struggling to upscale content is something that starts with observation.

And, although Hisense deserves a ton of credit for improving its processing in recent years, there are still some wrinkles I’d like to see ironed out as we await the imminent release of the 2025 Hisense TV lineup.

How have Hisense TVs struggled with picture processing?

The Hisense U8N comes from a long line of U8 TVs. In 2023, it was the Hisense U8K. In 2022, the brand’s top TV was known as the U8H.

Having spent significant time with all three of these models, I can tell you that they shared some of the same processing-related issues, to varying degrees: upscaling difficulties, motion artifacts and visual interference when it comes to tight patterns.

Difficulties in upscaling sub-4K content to a UHD TV’s native 4K resolution often manifests similarly across different TVs, and this has been the case with recent U8 releases. It usually arrives in the form blurry, smudged details when watching cable TV or something streaming in 1080p.

For several years, I’ve noticed that Hisense TVs belonging to the U8 series (as well as lower-end models in the U7 and U6 series) have also demonstrated strange, motion-related artifacts, especially when certain scenic conditions are met.

The most notable of these artifacts — and, thankfully, the one that has seen the most improvement year over year — involves red-tinted color fringing along the edges of objects , facial features and appendages in motion.

The photo above, while admittedly not the best quality, demonstrates this red color fringing on a recent Hisense release. Note the deep, red glow along Peter Parker’s hairline. In my experience, this effect is more likely to rear its ugly head during dimly lit sequences that feature warm-tinted lighting.

Lastly, in my recent TV-testing travels, I’ve noticed that some Hisense TVs struggle to display dense, tightly arranged patterns without visual interference. This can appear within articles of clothing with pinstripes, or as I saw recently on the 2025 Hisense U8QG, the dense coat of hair on a horse’s body.

These issues seem small in isolation, but when taken as a whole, they lend themselves to an overall sense that the finer details are falling by the wayside.

In 2025, Hisense is facing stiff competition from all sides, including Samsung, Sony and TCL. It may have the hardware to hang tough and lower prices to generate hype, but if Hisense isn’t careful, it could find itself short of something important: finesse.

Hisense picture processing in 2025: Outlook

First, let’s acknowledge something really important: For at least three years, every Hisense TV lineup has improved these issues year over year. That means that Hisense is taking these things seriously. It even emphasized as much at a recent showcase in New York City.

While praising the upcoming Hisense U7QG, one representative talked at length about how Hisense’s engineers have listened to feedback from industry professionals and viewers, specifically as it relates to motion processing. This is really good news, and frankly, it speaks to Hisense's transparency.

But heading into the 2025 TV season, Hisense still has a lot to prove.

As mentioned, during my time with the all-new Hisense U8QG, I caught glimpses of little flaws here and there (namely, a flattening of details within the hairs of a horse’s back). The edges of people’s clothing came across as fuzzy, too.

With so many incredible-looking mid-range and high-end TVs coming down the pike, Hisense needs to demonstrate that there’s more to its TVs than brightness and budget-friendly price tags. It needs to get the little things right, too.

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• Is this the beginning of the end of HDMI? Here’s what you need to know about GPMI
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I’ve connected and disconnected hundreds of HDMI cables in my time, but I must admit that I’ve never truly considered a post-HDMI world — until now.

As reported by FlatpanelsHD, over 50 Chinese companies including Hisense and TCL have joined forces to back an HDMI alternative called GPMI (General Purpose Media Interface). The group seeks to combine high-bandwidth audio, video, data and power into a single cable.

To understand why this is potentially a big deal for both the TV business and your living room, let’s start with what makes GPMI so intriguing.

What’s the difference between HDMI and GPMI?

While the current top-shelf specification for TVs, HDMI 2.1, supports a bandwidth of 48Gbps, GPMI supports a bandwidth of up to 192Gbps — a major upgrade over what you’ll find on the best TVs on the market.

There are two types of GPMI cables: USB-C and a new, proprietary “Type-B” cable. The former supports a bandwidth of 96Gbps while the Type-B cable goes all the way up to 192Gbps.

The added bandwidth opens up a world of possibilities for 8K content, higher framerates for 4K gaming and more.

If you follow industry news, you might have heard an announcement at CES 2025 about the imminent rollout of HDMI 2.2, a spec that also offers 96Gbps. But while HDMI 2.2 — which arrives later this year — will similarly allow for 4K content at up to 480Hz and 12K content at 120Hz, there’s one feature that GPMI has over HDMI 2.2: power delivery.

GPMI Type-C and Type-B deliver up to 240W and 480W depending on the type, which makes for a single, simplified cable experience.

If you squint, you just might be able to see the industry leaving HDMI behind for something more convenient.

When will GPMI arrive on TVs?

Don’t worry about replacing your cables just yet.

For now, a specific timetable for GPMI’s commercialization hasn’t been announced. According to the report, the group is planning to prioritize “home entertainment devices,” which includes TVs. However, given the nature of the industry, we’re likely years away from seeing this rollout take shape.

In fact, we’ll sooner see a formal implementation of the next HDMI standard before GPMI makes its debut on TVs.

For one thing, LG, Samsung and Sony haven’t committed to the rival spec, and these brands’ TVs make up a major portion of the market share.

In order for GPMI to fit into your living room setup, your preferred devices — consoles or streaming boxes, for instance — would have to make the switch, too.

I suppose it’s not outside the realm of possibility that TVs could offer both HDMI and GPMI. The technology is clearly packed with potential, and if it makes sense for consumers, there’s a good chance it will make sense for TV brands, too.

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Take it from someone who peeps a lot of pixels: TVs are pretty much just big, gray rectangles.

Their underlying display technology and the software that drives them are rapidly evolving, but physical design trends don’t come along very often.

In the last couple of years, however, one seemingly simple design flourish has found its way into some of the best TVs on the market: matte displays.

Their purpose is to combat glare, but their surge in popularity has proven polarizing. And while I may not feel as strongly as others about the luster-free look, I’m nevertheless ready to cast my vote against it — at least in most circumstances.

Let me explain.

What are the benefits of matte TVs?

Matte displays — like the one found on the Samsung S95D OLED TV — are designed to reduce glare, thereby preserving the integrity of the picture.

They’re able to do this because the surface of the screen is sporting a finish that scatters light. TVs with glossy displays typically make use of anti-reflective coatings, too, but they don’t diffuse direct light nearly as effectively as these newly minted matte TVs.

Nick Pino, Managing Editor of TV and AV at Tom’s Guide, was an immediate fan of the first matte display he reviewed.

“You can put this TV in a bright room — even near a window — and still enjoy a vibrant picture,” Nick said in his review of the Samsung S95D.

It’s true. In my experience, matte displays (like those found all over Samsung’s 2025 TV lineup) turn big, bright blobs of light into soft swaths of near nothingness.

Since the release of the S95D, many TV brands have followed Samsung’s lead. The 85- and 98-inch versions of the TCL QM6K feature a matte finish, as does the 100-inch version of the Hisense U6QF.

But while it might seem like there are no downsides to be had with this style of screen, there is a serious tradeoff to most matte displays’ robust reflection handling. It’s a tradeoff that has kept me from warming up to this hot new design trend — and it’s not glaringly obvious.

Matte TVs vs glossy TVs

When a matte display scatters incoming light from, say, a window, it successfully stops that window-shaped reflection from appearing on the screen. That light doesn’t just go away, though; instead, it’s spread across the surface of the screen.

This has an effect on the picture, especially during dim content, like a dark movie or video game. Black levels are lifted, and near-black detail gets flattened out.

In this scenario, a glossy display might feature big, square-shaped reflection of a window, but the impact is more isolated — brighter, yes, but with a much sharper falloff.

In other words, a matte screen successfully blunts the impact of direct reflections, but it does so at the expense of detail and overall contrast. A glossy screen is far more susceptible to nagging reflections, but it does a better job of preserving a deep, detail-rich image, especially in the area of the screen surrounding the reflection.

There’s no discernible difference between the two screen styles in a dark room. With enough ambient light, their difference in presentation is easy to clock.

I’ve spent years admiring the best OLED TVs money can buy, and while I agree that both the S95D OLED and its successor, the S95F do an incredible job of virtually eliminating reflections, they often minimize the deep, inky patina I’ve come to associate with OLED TVs. That, to me, is a bummer.

But here’s the deal: It’s a matter of personal preference. How and when you watch TV matters, too, and you might find that a matte screen is the right choice for you.

Should you buy a TV with a matte screen?

Samsung’s anti-glare finish was so popular that the brand not only brought it back this year, but expanded its availability, too. Now, even Samsung’s 4K and 8K Mini-LED TVs feature the design flourish.

Having seen the matte display in action on Samsung’s 4K Neo QLED, the Samsung QN90F, I’ll freely admit that its effect on contrast doesn’t seem to be as pronounced on a bright Mini-LED display. I still don’t think I’m a convert, though.

If you can’t decide which of these two display styles deserves to be the next centerpiece of your living room or home theater, I recommend taking a trip to your local brick and mortar store to see both in action.

Additionally, ask yourself this: Do you watch a lot of TV during the day? Are you planning on putting a TV opposite a window or lamp?

If so, you’re probably better off going with a matte display, provided you’re choosing between the two options.

Lifestyle TVs that take their design cues from framed artwork benefit greatly from matte displays, as they more closely resemble the surface of an oil painting. TVs like Samsung’s The Frame and the Hisense Canvas TV are only available with matte displays, and given their overall design, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Despite the recent influx of matte displays, TV-makers outside of Samsung are only using them on lifestyle TVs and models at 85 inches or above. For now.

If they keep selling at the speed they're going, however, we might just be looking at the light-dispersing tip of the iceberg.

More From Tom's Guide

• Samsung Neo QLED prices and release dates drop: here’s when you can buy them
• 2025 could be the year of cheap OLED TVs — here's why
• Hisense TV lineup 2025: New Mini-LED TVs and laser projectors announced

The Hisense U6N Mini-LED TV is a great budget TV. It comes loaded with features like Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos and Filmmaker mode, all at a price that's less than $400.

But it's still a distinctly budget TV, especially if you compare it to midrange models that, with discounts, can fall into the price range of a budget TV. In particular, the lack of HDMI 2.1 ports is a glaring omission, and you'll want a soundbar to pair with the loud, but often muddy, speakers.

Don't let that scare you away, though. At $349 for a 55-inch model, this is still a bargain. You'd need to spend over $500, most likely, to find a TV with more features and better picture quality.

So while this TV won't be a best TV contender, it's a great choice for those looking for a budget TV. Here's why the Hisense U6N is a great option if you're not trying to break the bank.

Hisense U6N Mini-LED TV review: Pricing and availability

The Hisense U6N is already a relative bargain at its list price of $549. But it's currently on sale at multiple stores, bringing the price down as much as $500.

I’ve listed the most up-to-date sale prices of each model in the series below.

• Hisense 55U6N (55-inch): $349.99
• Hisense 65U6N (65-inch): $499.99
• Hisense 75U6N (75-inch): $599.99
• Hisense 85U6N (85-inch): $999.99

Not sure which size TV you need? Check out our ‘What TV size should you buy?’ guide.

Hisense U6N Mini-LED TV review: Design and remote

Design-wise, the Hisense U6N looks like your average LED-LCD screen. Older CRT TVs and even older flat screen TVs would make the Hisense U6N look svelte, but I currently have it set up in my office where I see the back every time I walk in the door and I can't help but notice how thick the Hisense is compared to the TCL QM6K I recently reviewed.

Staring at this TV face-on, however, it's perfectly pleasant to look at. The bottom bezel is a little thicker than some modern TVs, sure, but it's not ugly by any stretch of the imagination.

To keep the display upright, Hisense includes a pair of slim, wide-set feet that easily slot into place with the assistance of a few screws. I set it up on my own without issue.

If you opt for a wall-mount setup, that's painless too. The only thing you'll need to do is remove two screws from the middle of the back of the display panel housing to ready the 400 x 200 VESA hole pattern for wall mounting.

Here's the one thing I love about the design of this TV, though — the remote has the Home button in the right spot.

The remote itself is a mixed bag. It feels like cheap plastic, yet it has some weight to it. It's bulky and not especially ergonomic, but the design of the buttons feels well-thought out. For example, the Google Assistant button is above the directional pad and the Home button below it. Other Google TVs, like the TCL QM6K put the Google Assistant button in the center of the remote and the Home button to the side. This remote is much better laid out.

Hisense U6N Mini-LED TV review: Ports

The good news is that there are plenty of ports on the Hisense U6N.

On the right side of the TV are three HDMI 2.0 ports, the third of which doubles as an eARC port. There are also two USB 2.0 ports and a cable/antenna input.

On the back, there are even more ports. You get a fourth HDMI 2.0 port an ethernet port and a digital optical audio output.

Unfortunately, there are no HDMI 2.1 ports, meaning the Hisense U6N is limited to a native 60Hz refresh rate and isn't future-proof. But those are the type of concessions that sometimes come with buying a budget TV.

Hisense U6N Mini-LED TV review: How we test

At Tom's Guide, we follow a standard testing protocol for every TV we review. Our benchmarks include technical and subjective 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. For a more detailed look at what we do and how we do it, check out our “How we test TVs” page.

Hisense U6N Mini-LED TV review: Performance and test results

The performance metrics of the Hisense U6N are impressive, especially for its price. While it's not the best compared to its closest competition in the budget/midrange category, it's close and performs well across the board.

As you can see in the table above, the TCLs edge out the Hisense U6N when it comes to brightness, something I can confirm from testing I've done.

It also struggles a bit with color gamut coverage, something I was a bit surprised by. But it doesn't fall behind the competition much and still manages to outperform some similarly priced TVs.

One area where the Hisense is the best, though, is input lag. At 9.3 ms, it's quicker than its fellow budget TVs and significantly better than the TCL TVs.

Our testing shows that the Hisense U6N is brighter than some of its competition, but it doesn't quite hit the peak brightness of the TCL QM6K or TCL QM7. This is despite all three being Mini-LED TVs with full array local dimming,

Having just tested the TCL QM6K, I can confirm that the Hisense U6N display looks darker. It was still plenty bright in most instances, but in some instances I could tell the difference.

For example, "Killers of the Flower Moon" in 4K Dolby Vision IQ HDR was probably the best the Hisense U6N looked, with stunning picture quality. However, when testing "Dune: Part Two" in Filmmaker mode, the color accuracy was impressive, but that particular picture mode was less bright than I expected.

In fact, I often came away more impressed with the Dolby Vision IQ performance than the Filmmaker mode performance on the Hisense U6N. The lone exception was "Top Gun: Maverick," which even in Dolby Vision IQ HDR, was too dark at times. I could barely make out Ed Harris's facial features.

Unfortunately, Dolby Vision IQ and Filmmaker mode aren't always available. When that is the case, opt for theater mode, which is very similar to Filmmaker mode but with a bit more brightness and color saturation.

In the photo above, you can see Theater mode in action, presenting an accurate picture of a live sports stream on YouTube TV. Whatever you do, just don't use Vivid, which frankly shouldn't even be a picture mode allowed on TVs.

Hisense U6N Mini-LED TV review: Audio

Unfortunately, you'll want one of the best soundbars if you get the Hisense U6N.

The 20W speakers are plenty loud, which means volume is not an issue with this TV, but unless you're watching content that utilizes Dolby Atmos, the sound quality itself is often muddy and mediocre. Dialogue in particular is an area where I found the stock speakers on the Hisense to struggle.

Again, poor sound quality isn't a deal-breaker given the price, but it means you'll have to factor in a soundbar when budgeting for this TV.

Hisense U6N Mini-LED TV review: Gaming

Gaming on the Hisense U6N is fine, but there are some definite shortcomings.

Let's start with the good. This TV does come with some great gaming features, including Game Mode Plus, Motion Rate 240 and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). The picture quality is excellent and there's very little input lag (just 9.3ms).

The U6N supports Dolby Vision 4K gaming at 60Hz with VRR, or you can digitally boost the refresh rate to 120Hz if you bump the resolution down to 1440p HD or 1080p Full HD.

Here's the problem, though: the variable refresh rate doesn't work at 120Hz. This is due to the lack of a panel that natively supports higher refresh rates.

So if you're a hardcore gamer looking to max out your settings on your gaming PC, PS5 Pro or Xbox Series X, there are better options out there. But if you're a more casual gamer, or can't afford to splurge on a higher-end TV, the Hisense U6N has enough going for it that you won't be disappointed.

Hisense Mini-LED TV review: Smart features

The Hisense U6N uses Google TV, which is my preferred smart TV OS. Of the four TVs I own, three are Google TVs and the other is a Samsung The Frame that I hate using because I can't stand the Samsung Tizen smart TV OS.

Granted, Roku and Fire TV have some apps that Google TV doesn't, particularly the screener apps I use to watch the latest shows and movies. But for the average person, it's got everything you need: Netflix, Max, Apple TV even. If it's one of the best streaming services, it has an app on Google TV.

Plus, Google TV gives you a built-in Chromecast, which is a major pro of using the TV OS.

Hisense U6N Mini-LED TV review: Verdict

Let me be clear — the Hisense U6N has a lot to offer for a relatively cheap price. Getting features like Dolby Vision IQ, Filmmaker mode and HDR 10+ mean you'll have a great viewing experience when it comes to movies and shows.

But when you compare this Mini-LED TV to some of its higher-priced competition, you start to notice some flaws. The display panel is bright, but it could be brighter. There are four HDMI ports, but none of them are HDMI 2.1, and the display panel is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate when it comes to 4K content.

The good news is that there are TVs with better performance for less than $200 more. The 2025 TCL QM6K is definitely one of them. There's also a new 2025 version of the Hisense U6 that'll be available soon that will offer better performance.

Neither of those TVs cost under $400, however. Which means if your TV shopping budget is capped at $400, the Hisense U6N is probably the best TV you can buy, barring an insane deal on an older model of a higher-end TV.

If you can spend a bit more, you might find the features you get for your money to be money well spent. If not, the Hisense U6N is a solid investment.

Value shines through the entire Hisense 2025 TV lineup, but the Hisense U7QG Mini-LED TV is here to steal the show. Nestled between the U6 and U8 Mini-LED TVs, this mid-range model might be a shoe-in for one of the best gaming TVs of the year.

Recently, I got to see the newest U7 at a special event in New York. Having spent plenty of time with its predecessor, the Hisense U7N, I was excited to check it out.

Like the U7N, the U7QG is kitted out with a suite of next-level gaming features, including a significant upgrade: a native 165Hz refresh rate. Will this be enough to set it apart from the ever-growing budget TV market? Let's see what you can expect with the improved U7 Mini-LED TV.

Hisense U7QG Mini-LED TV: Sizes, pricing and availability

Pricing hasn't been announced yet for Hisense's full lineup, but we do know that the U7QG will be available in sizes ranging from 55 to 100 inches.

Additionally, Hisense claims the U7QG will bring "high-performance features at an accessible sub-$1K price point."

It's a bit unfortunate that Hisense isn't launching the U7QG at size points below 55 inches, especially for those who might want to use the TV as a replacement for their PC monitor.

Nevertheless, if you're a dedicated gamer and you're shopping for a new TV on a budget, this might be one to keep an eye on.

Hisense U7QG Mini-LED TV: Specs

Hisense U7QG Mini-LED TV: Design

The Hisense U7QG isn’t that different from its predecessor when it comes to its design. It might be a hair slimmer, but it’s hard to tell without actually measuring the panel, and Hisense hasn’t given us a full specs sheet on the display yet.

At first glance, it looks nearly identical to the U7N, with a bit better glare mitigation, which I’ll touch on more later.

The version of the U7QG that I saw featured a pair of wide-set feet, but press images of the model reveal a pedestal-style stand for most models. We've reached out to Hisense for clarification about this, but it's safe to assume that the 55- and 65-inch versions of the U7QG will feature a pedestal stand.

While we don’t know the specific measurements, it will most likely have VESA support for wall mounting. (Last year’s 65-inch model was 400x300mm, but it could have changed on the refreshed set.)

The remote has also remained the same, which is a surprise given LG’s altered Magic Remote and the addition of an AI button on Samsung’s.

Hisense U7QG Mini-LED TV: Performance and features

There's no question that the U7QG is built to be a gaming powerhouse. But it's cut out for movies and shows, too, thanks to its vibrant colors and effective glare mitigation.

While we don't have test numbers yet, the U7QG looks to be substantially improved over last year's model, especially when it comes to brightness. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision are both supported, and by the looks of it, the U7QG will showcase truly impactful HDR content.

Although not an OLED TV, darker scenes look appropriately dark. Unfortunately, some haloing does come into play when bright objects punctuate dark backgrounds.

During the demo, this was most evident during a sequence involving a massive black hole, similar to Gargantua in "Interstellar." There was distinct haloing around the black hole's glowing form, even when viewed head on.

Speaking of viewing angle, there's room for improvement when it comes to off-axis viewing on the U7 series. On the U7QG, the issues persist primarily near corners of the TV when viewed from off to the side.

Throughout my time with the all-new U7, sound was a major highlight. Last year's model had just a 2.1-channel system with a 40W output, but the new and improved model will have 2.1.2-channel system at a 60W output. Its added power output and extra surround sound channel giving it a proper boost.

It's tough to give a full measure of its gaming prowess without playing a few games on it, but the U7QG is packing a ton of gaming features: a 165Hz refresh rate (up from 144Hz on last year's U7N), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. Another major improvement over its predecessor is a full suite of HDMI 2.1 ports (the U7N was limited to two).

The U7QG Mini-LED TV will also come with an ATSC 3.0 tuner like last year's model (as well as Hisense's entire 2025 range), making it an ideal pick for those who want access to NextGen TV and 4K broadcasts.

Hisense U7QG Mini-LED TV: Outlook

Overall, it's not a bad budget-friendly gaming TV. I'm a huge fan of the U7, having tested this specific set for the last two years. We'll have to get the U7QG in for proper testing to get a full picture, but as it stands this TV shows plenty of promise.

Hisense is clearly making a commitment to gamers with its quoted sub-$1,000 asking price with loads of gaming features. What isn't clear, however, is whether or not the U7QG will be a winner with the non-gaming crowd.

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Hisense is coming out the gate swinging with a new lineup for 2025 that fuses value and best-in-class features. Like many of the best TVs, Hisense's new sets are aiming for the stratosphere this year with a slew of awesome features that will excite gamers and HDR fans alike.

At the forefront of its new range is the U9QG Mini-LED, which takes up after last year's U9N and vies to amplify the incredible feature set as the pinnacle of Mini-LED TV design. Following it down the line is the Hisense U8QG that leverages a 4.1.2-channel system at 82W while now coming in a 100-inch size.

You will also find the U7 and U6 returning this year, with the former taking up a 165Hz refresh rate as it vies to be one of the best gaming TVs of 2025. The U6 will be Hisense's entry-level Mini-LED TV and the budget beater of the year, but will take up Fire TV over the Google TV interface featured in the rest of the range.

That's not all Hisense has to offer, either. It's also bringing a slate of projectors, like the L9Q Ultra Short Throw and P1 models. As seen at CES 2025, Hisense also has a mammoth 136-inch MicroLED TV up for grabs (that will run you back a measly $100,000).

Check out the full Hisense 2025 range below.

Hisense 2025 TVs: U9 and U8 Mini-LED TVs

Hisense U9QG

The new U9 is the pinnacle of Mini-LED TV design, pushing out enhanced brightness thanks to the revamped Hi-View Engine X processor. The chip comes packed with a ton of awesome features, like AI 4K Upscaler, AI Super Resolution, and an AI HDR Upscaler too, among plenty more AI treats.

What makes the U9 stand out this year is its 165Hz refresh rate, which the new U7 and U8 will also be getting. This should make all three serious contenders for gamers running the best gaming PCs, not to mention the fact that the U8 and U9 will have also have USB-C connection for fast-charging and video output.

It's getting a new 65-inch model that will be equipped with a 4.1.2-channel speaker system, just like the new U8. The 75- and 85-inch models will have a slightly better sound system with a 5.1.2 multichannel surround sound for movie theater-quality audio.

Hisense also says the U9 and U8 will have a DisplayPort connection, which is even more intriguing for select PC users.

Hisense U8QG

Coming in just below the U9 is the U8QG, taking the reigns from last year's beloved Hisense U8N Mini-LED TV. Leveraging Wi-Fi 6E, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, plus even IMAX Enhanced, the new U8 sets a new bar, going all the way up to a 100-inch screen size and as low as 55-inch, mirroring the rest of the range.

Like the new U9 and U7, the U8 will come equipped with a 165Hz refresh rate and an anti-glare coating, making it most ideal if you live in an ambient-lit environment.

Like last year's U9, the 2025 U8 will have a 82W 4.1.2 multi-channel sound system. Hisense also claims the U8 will hit a peak brightness of 5,000 nits, up about 1,500 nits against last year's model, which we tested at 3,469 nits in a 10% window.

We'll have to wait until we can get the Hisense U8QG in for testing before we make any final decisions how well it does against its 2024 counterpart, but all signs are pointing to one incredible new Mini-LED TV.

Hisense 2025 TVs: U7 and U6 Mini-LED TVs

Hisense U7QG

Once more, Hisense is taking its value and budget models to the next level and it all starts with the new Hisense U7QG. Under the hood, the U7 sports Hisense's Mini-LED Pro technology in tandem with an AGLR-antiglare low reflection panel to diminish glare as best as possible on the Mini-LED set.

Like all of its new range, the U7 is getting a major audio boost. Gone are the days of requiring one of the best soundbars for excellent TV audio as the U7QG will have a 2.1.2-channel speaker at 60W total output. That's about the same as you might see on the Samsung S90D OLED, only bumped up just a bit.

The entire range will have an ATSC 3.0 tuner, which makes them ideal for sports fans and 4K enthusiasts. While we don't have pricing just yet, the U7 could be a serious contender among the best budget TVs this year.

Hisense U6QF

And the cheapest option in Hisense's 2025 lineup is the new U6QF, which will take up Fire TV over Google TV in an effort to diversify interfaces.

While Hisense's other TVs will be equipped with the 165Hz refresh rate, the budget U6 will have 144Hz with a built-in subwoofer on a 2.1-channel speaker system.

This Mini-LED TV will have all of your favorite features, like Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, HDR10+ Adaptive, plus both ALLM and VRR. Like the rest of the Hisense lineup, the U6 will also start from 55 inches and go up to 100 inches, giving consumers a ton of versatility in their buying options.

Once again, Hisense has not given us word on pricing just yet, but the U6 should be pretty competitive in the budget range, especially when up against the likes of more expensive LG and Samsung QLEDs.

Hisense 2025 TVs: Lifestyle lineup 

Hisense might have a mighty fine set of new 2025 Mini-LED TVs, but it's also got a few lifestyle models for fans of projectors and MicroLED TVs. At the top of the list is the new L9Q UST projector, a beauty in design that might well belong in a museum.

The L9Q, which takes up after the L9H, sporting a healthy variety of different screen sizes to let you watch your favorite movies and shows in a range between 80 to 200 inches. Since most of the best projectors top out at 150-inch viewing areas the L9Q could be a major game-changer.

The L9Q also corrals a 6.2.2 surround sound system with Dolby Atmos support and 5,000 ANSI lumens to make it one of the brightest UST projectors on the block. It's already up for pre-order for $5,999 on Hisense's online Shop, though official availability remains to be announced.

Hisense also announced its 136-inch MicroLED TV at CES. It's set to be one of this year's most expensive models at $100,000, but it will give you some incredible performance at that price.

Hisense 2025 TVs: Outlook 

There's a lot to love in Hisense's new lineup. With a slew of incredible TVs on offer, it's hard to choose which might be its most exciting yet. Both the U9 and U8 might be the two hot ticket items of the year, especially seeing as we rated the 2024 U8 so well.

The additions of 165Hz on several of its range is also a surprise. Thus far, only the LG G5 OLED and Samsung S95F OLED TVs are the models that have that spec for 2025, but Hisense is coming out swinging and its sights are set on gamers.

Personally, given these new features built for PC gamers, I wish Hisense would launch some additional sizes for those who wish to use these TVs as PC monitors. Ranging from 55- to 100 inches, the Hisense sets listed might be hard to recommend for this use case.

Pricing and availability on the new Hisense TVs is still yet to be determined, but stick to Tom's Guide as more information rolls out in the next coming weeks.

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If you find the physical design of modern TVs to be lacking, Samsung understands your concern. For almost a decade, the brand has been winning hearts and minds with The Frame, a TV designed to be just as much a part of one’s living space as a framed work of art. It’s been wildly successful, and years later, I still field more questions about The Frame than any other TV series.

In fact, Samsung’s The Frame has been so popular, competing brands like TCL, Hisense and LG have released their own spin on the concept. Referred to as lifestyle TVs, these sets seek to strip away the most mundane aspects of contemporary TV design and to put them in conversation with its surroundings.

It’s been a refreshing era for TV design, but I won’t be satisfied until the influence of lifestyle TVs reaches the best TVs on the market. It’s time to get weird and daring with TV design, and there are plenty of brands can learn from The Frame’s success.

What makes Samsung’s The Frame so special?

The secret to The Frame’s success lies in the details of its design: It trades the plain, black borders found on most TVs for replaceable “frames” — artful bezels in various colors, some with subtle, wood-like textures. It’s quite chic.

With few exceptions, most TVs can’t help but bulge outward when mounted on a wall, usually due to dimensions of the panel. If you choose to wall-mount The Frame, its narrow, uniform panel — along with Samsung’s specialized Slim Fit Wall Mount — will keep it flush against the wall.

To avoid dangling, unsightly wires, The Frame makes use of Samsung’s One Connect Box, which houses all of the TV’s ports away from the panel itself. The One Connect Box connects to the rest of the TV with an “invisible,” light-colored cable that doesn’t call attention to itself.

Newer versions of The Frame feature a matte finish that serves two purposes: to cut down on glare and to give the picture soft, non-glossy finish, like a painting.

The rest of The Frame’s most intriguing features consist mostly of optional attachments: a tripod-style stand apparatus that Samsung calls the Studio Stand, customizable shelving units meant to be placed above, below and along the sides of the TV while it’s wall-mounted, as well as a piece of software called Art Mode, which puts works of art on the screen when The Frame is not in use.

These design elements make for a compelling TV, particularly for those who find TVs to be out of place or disruptive to the overall flow of a room. Unfortunately, it's a less-compelling option for folks looking to maximize their spending on picture quality.

What are the downsides to Samsung’s The Frame?

The Frame might be the perfect fit for someone who carefully considers every corner of a room, but it’s a less attractive option for dedicated A/V enthusiasts searching for the best possible picture.

Our testing revealed that the 2024 model doesn’t get much brighter than 600 nits in HDR, and that’s only a modest improvement over its predecessor, The Frame from 2022. It lags behind other mid-range and high-end LED TVs when it comes to color volume, too (in part due to its relatively low brightness). The Hisense U8N, a much more affordable TV, can easily clear 3,000 nits in HDR, and covers about 82% of the Rec. 2020 color gamut compared to The Frame’s 68%.

In addition, The Frame is built around an edge-lit panel, which limits the TV’s contrast control. Even mid-range TVs like the TCL QM7 and Hisense U7N (both of which are currently $500 to $700 cheaper than The Frame in a 65-inch model) offer Mini-LED backlighting with local dimming.

Without better lighting elements, The Frame can struggle to create a high-contrast, compelling picture that home theater enthusiasts often look for.

This is perfectly OK! For many people, that’s a fantastic tradeoff. The Frame’s approach is not for everyone, but the people I’ve spoken to who love the TV are fully aware of its performance-based shortcomings.

However, this brings me back to my initial point: There’s plenty of room for brands to build off of the success of The Frame and to incorporate some of its design philosophies into the blueprints of high-end, high-performing TVs. And there are signs that we’re moving in that direction.

How can more TVs be like The Frame?

Recently, TCL and Hisense have launched lifestyle TVs of their own, both of which take a similar design approach as The Frame.

The TCL Nxtframe TV (pictured above) is made up to resemble a piece of art when wall-mounted and is also available for use with a four-footed stand that resembles Samsung's Studio Stand. The brand also partnered with audio titan Bang & Olufsen for the Nxtframe's dedicated soundbar.

Hisense also recently released its own take on the TV-as-artwork concept with the Hisense Canvas TV, a TV we found to be quite aesthetically pleasing despite its performance limitations.

But while additional, competitive lifestyle TVs are a breath of fresh air, what I really want to see is the spirit of The Frame's design approach making its way into top-shelf, high-performing TVs, like Samsung's celebrated S95 Series OLED, LG's G Series OLED, and so on. This way, no one needs to choose between thoughtful design and overall picture quality.

And, lucky for us, there are signs that the lifestyle TV influence is already creeping into other high-end lineups. Some sizes in the Samsung S95D OLED series (and upcoming S95F series) feature a matte finish, much like The Frame.

The LG G5 OLED will once again be sold without a stand, as most G Series owners prefer to take advantage of the series' seamless wall-mounting capabilities. If you take a closer look at the upcoming Panasonic Z95B, you'll notice that much of its exterior is wrapped in fabric, which I find to be a nice aesthetic touch.

And, while we won't be getting these TVs in the United States, Philips' newest Ambilight TV, which synchronizes colorful LED lights to on-screen action, looks absolutely stunning. It's the type of feature that tip-toes right up to the line of being gimmicky but still manages to make me appreciate the boldness of its approach.

It's not widespread yet, but the success of The Frame has clued brands into the fact that many viewers are in the market for a TV that looks good even when it's not in use. Hopefully that's a trend that will only continue to grow in the coming years.

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Despite reviewing dozens of the best TVs of the last decade, none of them have been above 100 inches in size.

Sure, I’ve obviously had the chance to see screens of that size at special events, but no company was willing to send me one for testing at home…until Hisense made me the offer to ship me a 110-inch Hisense UX for review.

The review is still in the works — it turns out there’s a lot to say about the company’s $15,000 behemoth, both good and bad — but in the meantime I wanted to talk about the practicalities of living with a TV this size.

It took a small team to get the TV unboxed and set up, and for better or worse it’s now the focal point of my living room.

This is part cautionary tale, part diary of what it’s like to spend over three months living with a TV this size — the good, the bad and the ugly.

Finally, a proper cinema-size TV

One of the most appealing parts of actually going to see a movie in theaters — and frankly the only reason I’m still willing to pay exorbitant prices to be there — is for the size of the screen.

Until I brought this 110-inch monster into the house, the cinema was the only place with a screen that could fill 40% of my field of view.

I still have a few 65-inch TVs throughout the home, but having a screen this size has quite literally changed the way I watch TV. It’s made it easier to see details that I’ve missed before (“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is absolutely littered with fun homages to Nintendo properties) and video games are, well, simply mind-blowing.

Now, every time I have a friend over, their first question is if they can see something on the TV, whether that’s a MLS game streaming on Apple TV; a new episode of Severance on Apple TV Plus; or a movie like "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim" on Max.

Without fail, friends and family will make the pilgrimage to my house for what seems like the sole purpose of watching whatever’s hot that week on the big-screen TV.

Wait a second…should I be charging an admission fee?

Set up is a huge pain in the rear

I regularly set up TVs in this house. Every few weeks, a new TV comes in and I box up the one that I was previously testing. It's not exactly fun, but I don't mind the physical labor aspect. The reward is a constant influx of TVs to write about.

That said, before I could experience the joys of setting up a 110-inch TV (and I mean that in the most sarcastic way possible), I had to shove a 250 pound box from one side of the room to the other.

Then, I had to peel off at least 10 pounds of protective material — all of which now likely lives in some landfill somewhere — and, with the help of two friends, lay the box ever so gingerly on its side to slowly pull the TV out.

At every step of this process, I was worried. Here we were man-handling a $15,000 TV and although I’ve unboxed dozens of TVs of the years with friends, this is easily the most expensive I’ve ever had to move myself. Screens this size can crack incredibly easily, so every movement had to be carefully coordinated.

To give some credit where credit’s due, Hisense did build sturdy handles into the back of the TV so that, after the feet are attached, you can haul it back upright. Those made the grueling process just slightly more bearable — but no less of a workout.

What I learned during set up were two things. One: that’s no longer my living room, it now belongs to the TV. And two: Plan on moving your couch about six feet back (at least) from where it’s currently placed when you get a screen this big.

My couch is around 10 feet away from the screen, and during bright or fast-motion scenes, I still feel the urge to push it back even further.

No 110-inch TV should be 4K in the year 2025

I'll save most of my opinions on the TV's performance for the proper review, but I do have to point out that, despite the size, this is still a 4K TV. When fed 4K content, even compressed 4K content from streaming services, it looks amazing.

But give this set a movie from 10 years ago or a YouTube video, and boy, it's rough.

There's a few problems at play here. For one, pixel density means that objects aren't going to look that sharp. There's always going to be some fuzziness to objects on screen as each pixel takes up more physical space on a TV this size.

The problem is when the TV's processor needs to fill in the gaps in data through upscaling.

I've harped on Hisense's lackluster upscaling many times over the years (see: the Hisense U8N and Hisense U8K review) but at this size, it's a much bigger problem.

And before you say, "But Nick, there's no native 8K content out there!" I hear you. But 8K TVs have a greater pixel density, which means you're going to get more details regardless of what resolution the content was mastered at.

Plus, 8K TVs use different algorithms for upscaling. Samsung, for instance, even goes as far as to use wholly different processors for its 4K and 8K TVs.

Also, as you can see from the photos, there's a lot of glare during the daytime. Since I spend most hours of my day writing and editing in a different room, this doesn't bother me, but expect to hear an earful about it in the Hisense UX full review.

Be careful what you wish for

Lastly, I'm 100% aware that I'm privileged enough to use a TV this size, and I'm nitpicking small issues. I should be happy that there's such a big TV in my living room that I can go to at any time to get a genuine cinema-esque experience.

And, mostly, I am.

But I'd be lying if I told you it was exactly what I was expecting it to be. It was a lot more work than I was expecting, and breaking it down to ship back is going to be a whole 'nother ordeal that I'm not looking forward to.

The moral of the story? 110-inch TVs are awesome. Mostly. Sort of. But maybe I'll stick with one of the best 75-inch or 85-inch TVs in the future.

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Super Bowl 2025 is finally upon us, but there's just enough time to nab yourself that new big-screen 4K TV before it starts. To help you make the decision faster than you can say "Patrick Mahomes", I've put together all my favorite sets for the big game set across a variety of different panel types, prices, and use cases. After all, you're going to want the best possible seat in the house that suits your actual viewing conditions — and we know just where to look.

To get the clearest, best picture possible to watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles you'll want a display with ample motion processing support. It doesn't necessarily need to be one of the best OLED TVs, but if you want incredible image quality, especially for those last-minute Hail Mary's and fast-paced inside runs, these models prove the most suitable.

But it's not just the main event that's important. Several viewers will be tuning in primarily to watch the hilarity unfold out of the many Super Bowl 2025 commercials. In that case, you're not really going to need a super premium TV, just one that fits well enough among the best 55-inch TVs. Plus, there's also the Super Bowl halftime show led by Kendrick Lamar, which may require an ample-enough speaker system, and I know just the set fit for it.

Read on below to find the best TV that's right for you for this year's Super Bowl. You don't need to go all out, like either of the NFL teams on show, but we run the gamut in terms of display type and price so you can slot in the Super Bowl TV of your dreams.

Best Super Bowl TV over 85-inch

Hisense U9N Mini-LED TV

Announced quite abruptly last year as a top-tier flagship under the 2024 Hisense TV lineup, the Hisense U9N is your ticket to big-screen Super Bowl 2025 action. It's only available in a 75-inch and 85-inch option, proving that TVs are getting bigger by the year. The U9N is a shining beacon of this new growing fad, leveraging a 144Hz refresh rate on a QLED panel with Mini-LED backlighting for superior picture quality.

The U9N will ensure the Super Bowl looks crisp and smooth. Like many a Hisense Mini-LED TV, it comes equipped with incredible color and brightness metrics and a powerful processor. It's also equipped with one of the most bombastic speaker systems in the market thanks to its 82W output on 4.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos audio. That's floor-shaking performance on a TV that can hit over 5,000 nits of brightness in certain scenarios.

If you want a big screen for the big game, this is the one to buy.

Best Super Bowl TV if you're watching by yourself 

TCL QM8 (2024)

So you're not exactly filling your apartment or home with a ton of people and just need a worthy dsiplay that will grant you just the right amount of performance for the Big Game? Well, say hello to the TCL QM8, TCL's flagship offering last year that's usually so well-priced it's hard to ignore. I mean, we're talking under $1,000 for its 65-inch model, making it ideal for someone who wants to see the game in all its glory without having to forsake next year's season tickets.

What stands out on the QM8 is a its included ATSC 3.0 tuner. Few TVs came equipped with the spec last year, which nets you access to 4K broadcasts via NextGen TV. This will give the QM8 some legs well past Super Bowl 2025, so you're not just upgrading your living room display for one night of football glory. And if 4K broadcasts weren't enough, the QM8 is built on Google TV, home to a multitude of free content to enjoy.

Over-the-air TV has never looked so good.

Best Super Bowl TV for a huge party 

Hisense C2 Ultra

Who wouldn't want the watch Super Bowl 2025 in a movie theater? Until Regal Cinemas or AMC figure out a deal with the NFL Network, the Hisense C2 Ultra is your best bet for replicating it at home. It's built on a tri-laser far-throw system, offering a screen size up to 300-inch at a whopping 3,000 ANSI lumens. That means you'll be more than adequately covered against ambient lighting.

Hisense rates the C2 Ultra with a 25,000-hour lifespan. That's more than enough time to get your money's worth out of this $2,000 platform well past closing time on Super Bowl LIX. As one of the best projectors we've ever tested, the C2 Ultra will also grant you exceptional picture performance. Just make sure to get rid of the untasteful motion smoothing that's enabled out of the box.

It's not quite there in terms of audio, but you can easily pair this up with one of the best soundbars for that extra oomph when Kendrick comes on.

Best Super Bowl TV for a dedicated home theater 

Panasonic Z95A OLED TV

As my personal favorite TV of 2024, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Panasonic Z95A OLED TV, it's such a fantastic display (minus its Fire TV interface). It set a bang for Panasonic in its return to the US market last year, and what makes it so special is its audio system with tons of user control baked into it. Forget the soundbar or sound system at home. Meet your Super Bowl 2025 home theater icon.

Built on LG's MLA Gen 2 OLED panel, the Z95A looks impressive with brilliant color control, covering over 135% of the Rec 709 gamut in standard content. It's also got a stellar anti-glare coating, keeping ambient lighting at bay so you can see catch those fast-paced picks when they happen.

It's one of my personal favorite OLED TVs because of its intense audio performance, rocking a 160W output on a 5.1.2-channel system. That's totally bonkers, but even better is its Soundscape Pro feature, which lets you fine tune the sound in a variety of ways.

The catch? The Panasonic Z95A is only available in a 65-inch configuration, making it a touch boy for those looking to get in on the XXL TV craze. Even so, it's slew of premium features and incredible performance, especially in motion processing and brightness, set it at the top-spot for Super Bowl 2025 TVs. No soundbar required.

Best Super Bowl Value OLED TV 

LG B4 OLED

The LG B4 OLED TV is one of the cheapest OLED TVs from 2024, taking up many similar elements on offer on the LG C3 OLED TV, one of our favorite 2023 displays. As a remarkable OLED for gaming, the B4 will serve as a valiant Super Bowl TV with incredible motion processing, vibrant colors, and rich blacks for all-around coverage.

Thanks to its range of sizes available, you can get the B4 OLED to meet practically any need when it comes to Super Bowl fun. It's kitted out with four total HDMI 2.1 ports to make it one of the best HDMI 2.1 TVs, plus a 120Hz panel is ideal for most TV buyers. It foregoes HDR10+ support, but you won't have any need for this when it comes to Super Bowl 2025 anyway, as there are few HDR feeds out there, aside from Xfinity TV's Dolby Vision and Atmos supporting broadcast.

There are a few value-oriented OLEDs out there, including the Sansui OLED TV, but if it were my money, I'd be putting it on the B4 OLED for Super Bowl 2025 — and the Eagles, if you were wondering what team I support.

Best Super Bowl TV for the outdoor gazebo 

LG CineBeam Q

Not every Super Bowl 2025 enjoyer will be at their home safe and sound. Maybe you're watching at the park or somewhere else outside. In that case, I recommend another option among our best projectors, the LG CineBeam Q. This little bad boy is one serious performer, offering 4K visuals with strong contrast and color. Oh, it weighs just over three pounds.

This RGB laser projector can hit a screen size of 120-inch, but don't expect it to be a powerhouse. It spits out an image at 60Hz with all but a mere 3W speaker system. That's not quite bone-shaking, but the CineBeam Q still delivers in its extreme portability. It also runs on webOS like many of the best LG TVs, offering you access to tons of free content and all the best streaming services, so even when the Super Bowl's over you still have a slew of awesome content to enjoy.

The LG CineBeam Q will set you back $999, which is pretty expensive for a portable projector. There are certainly cheaper portable projectors out there, but none of them have this level of performance.

Best OLED Super Bowl TV 

Samsung S95D OLED TV

Maker of some of the best TVs, Samsung knows just what it takes to deliver excellent picture quality for the Super Bowl. Its S95D OLED TV is one serious display. It sports a 144Hz refresh rate with one of the lowest input lags in all our our testing at just 9.2ms. It's shining feat is an anti-glare coating that ensures that you can watch the Super Bowl without any interruptions from ambient lighting. Say goodbye to glare.

You will be sacrificing Dolby Vision, though, which might be something worth considering. But if you're happy to let that slide, the S95D does have some of the best color and contrast on an OLED, and don't even get me started on its bonkers brightness. In a 10% window, we tested the S95D at 1,777 nits in Filmmaker mode, making it one incredible OLED.

Starting at $2,397 for its 55-inch model, the S95D proves the best OLED for Super Bowl 2025 for its Object Tracking Sound+ feature and Motion Xcelerator. It's also equipped with one of the most bombastic speaker systems with a 70W output on a 2.1.2 channel system. That'll put Kendrick Lamar and SZA right in your living room.

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The humble LED TV is evolving, and quick. If you had asked me 10 years ago what the future of TV technology was, I would have said OLED, hands down. That still might be the case — but what I certainly did not anticipate was the LED putting up such a fight. So what’s next for the LED TV? Well, it could be Micro-LED, or it could be the new TriChroma LED display tech that Hisense showed off at CES 2025. Or, it could be both all at once.

First, let's clear up some confusion about terminology. TriChroma LED is essentially how Hisense is marketing its RGB local dimming technology, which itself is built on Mini-LED tech. Just because it has those three magic letters, however, doesn’t mean it’s the same thing as Panasonic’s new “Primary RGB tandem OLED” panel, which itself is very similar to the new LG four-stack OLED tech. On the contrary, the Hisense TriChroma LED tech is, for now, totally unique to the new 116-inch 116UX TV. The TriChroma Mini-LED tech is also a little different from the TriChroma “laser TV” tech that Hisense uses in its laser projectors.

So how exactly does it work, and how is it better than other display panel types out there right now? Here’s a look.

How does TriChroma LED actually work?

Before diving into TriChroma, it’s a good idea to brush up on how traditional LED TVs work.

LED TVs make use of a backlight, typically a white or blue light, that shines through various filters to produce colors. Some of the innovations in modern LED TVs are all about that backlight. For example, newer Mini-LED TVs do away with a huge single backlight (or a few dozen smaller backlights) in favor of thousands of tiny LED lights that can be dimmed or turned off completely to make for deeper black levels and more control over highlights.

Other innovations revolve around color filters. For example, many modern TVs use a layer of quantum dots to help convert the white or blue light from the backlight into colored light, while limiting how much light is lost in the process. That ultimately makes for a brighter, more vibrant image.

So what makes TriChroma LED different? Well, instead of emitting only white or blue light from the backlight, the TV makes use of thousands of “RGB Local Dimming” optical lenses, each of which contains separate red, green and blue LEDs. The lenses are controlled in clusters, rather than individually (kind of like how Mini-LED dimming zones are controlled).

That said, local dimming can occur both at the RGB LED chip and at the optical lens. In other words, the light isn’t a single color that’s then converted — it’s the color it’s supposed to be (almost), from the beginning, through a combination of the red, green and blue LEDs.

To be clear, these “RGB local dimming zones” are not pixel-level, like the micro-LEDs would be in an individual pixel of a Micro-LED panel. They’re larger than that. As a result, a color filter is still used to differentiate pixels that share an RGB zone, but need to display different colors. With the ability to produce colors from the source, however, the filter will likely come into play a whole lot less.

This is purely speculation, but the fact that the light is produced by clusters of RGB backlights might be why Hisense is starting with a 116-inch panel for TriChroma LED. It’s often the case that newer display technologies take time — and money — to miniaturize. Again, that might not be the case — maybe Hisense just wanted to show off the tech with a bang on a big screen.

The pros and cons of TriChroma LED

This approach comes with some massive benefits — and in fact, it could make a TV that’s better in pretty much every single way.

For starters, being able to illuminate colors at the LED level, instead of white light that’s filtered into colors, means a much more efficient display panel. With the advent of tech like quantum dots, LED TVs have gotten better at avoiding light loss — but the fact is that even quantum dot layers still either block, absorb, or otherwise lose some light during the conversion process.

TriChroma LED tech will lose some light too, but nowhere near as much — and in fact, the 116UX that Hisense announced has a maximum brightness of a whopping 10,000 nits. For contrast, its current flagship consumer TV, the Hisense U8N, has a maximum advertised brightness of 1,800 nits (for the 55-inch model).

The tech has other advantages too. According to Hisense, the ability to adjust brightness and color independently means that the blooming common on LED TVs is largely eliminated — though we’ll have to see if that ends up being the case.

How does TriChroma LED compare to OLED and Micro-LED?

There’s still a lot we don’t know about how TriChroma LED TVs will compare with other types of display panels. That’s largely due to the fact that so far, we’re relying mostly on information from Hisense itself, and some first impressions from those (including myself) who were able to see the new TV on the show floor at CES 2025.

A trade show floor is hardly a place to conduct in-depth testing of a TV, especially given the fact that TVs are usually presented in ideal conditions, like a dark environment, a display panel that has undergone extensive quality control, and so on. In other words, we can only really talk theoretically — for now.

That said, even if the 116UX were to offer half the brightness of what Hisense claims, it would be far brighter than the average OLED panel. OLED panels have pixel-level backlight control, meaning that they can turn off the light for an individual pixel, when there’s any black in the image that’s being displayed. The result is so-called “true blacks,” or perfectly deep black levels.

But where OLED panels have typically struggled a little is in brightness. Recent models have been getting brighter, and there’s hope for much brighter panels through tech like tandem OLED.

But even the Samsung S95F, which is one of the brightest OLED TVs out there, still reaches 4,000 nits of peak HDR brightness, and only across 3% of the screen or less. To be clear, that’s pretty bright — but it’s not 10,000 nits. Again, Hisense claims much better control over backlighting with TriChroma LED, but we’ll have to see how that tracks in the real world.

Micro-LED technology still remains the holy grail for LED panels though. Micro-LED panels swap larger backlights out in favor of pixel-level control, with a tiny red, green, and blue sub-pixel LED making up each pixel on the display panel. This gives the TV ultimate control — each pixel can be a separate color and brightness.

And Micro-LED panels can turn off individual pixels too, for the same true black levels that OLED TVs have. Essentially, TriChroma Mini-LED panels might be the stepping stone from previous-generation Mini-LED TVs to Micro-LED TVs that may eventually come in the future, when they’re cheaper to manufacture and the tech is a little more refined. Hisense is all in on that tech too — and at CES 2025 it launched an ultra-pricey Micro-LED TV and noted the tech as being “the future of TV.”

The future of TriChroma LED

For now, there’s only one TriChroma LED TV. Technically, actually, there isn’t even one — the Hisense 116UX has been announced and shown off at CES, but isn’t shipping, and we don’t even know how much it’ll cost yet or when it’ll be available. That said, if Hisense is able to mass-produce it while keeping costs reasonably low, it could make for the future of Mini-LED TVs, and truly serve as a go-to display tech while Micro-LED continues its development.

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We’re finally getting a glimpse into what TV brands have in store for the best TVs of 2025. As I take stock of the news to date, I’m met with the realization there are more surprises in the world of TVs this year than I had anticipated.

Sure, some of these developments were telegraphed months ago, but several announcements — new display hardware and the expansion of wireless TV technology, for instance — were not on my radar heading into the new year.

If you’ve been out of the loop for the last few weeks, allow me to welcome you back into the fold. These are the most noteworthy TV trends emerging in 2025.

1. New OLED technology puts QD-OLED on notice

Heading into 2025, if you had told me that the successors to LG and Panasonic’s top-performing OLED TVs (the G4 OLED and the Panasonic Z95A) would not make use of Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology, I’d have told you that their finest OLED TVs would not be standing up to the bright, colorful qualities of Samsung’s quantum dot-enhanced OLED without the help of MLA tech. But I’d have been wrong.

This year, LG Display recently announced Primary RGB Tandem technology is replacing MLA on top-shelf OLEDs from LG and Panasonic. According to LG Display, the fourth-generation OLED panel is about 33% brighter than previous panels that leveraged MLA technology while consuming 20% less power (on a 65-inch model).

Right now, the only OLED TVs confirmed to use LG Display’s fourth-generation panel are the flagship LG G5 OLED, the LG M5 OLED and the Panasonic Z95B. The latter even uses a unique airflow system that is said to dissipate heat, cooling the panel down.

Having seen the new panel in person, I can confirm that its brightness is impressive. We’ll have to see how it compares to QD-OLED TV later this year.

2. Mini-LED gets an upgrade — without the help of quantum dots

At CES 2025, both Hisense and Samsung announced Mini-LED TVs that will redefine the display technology, ostensibly bridging the gap between the popular, premium QLED TVs of today and the self-emissive Micro-LED TVs of tomorrow.

Hisense has been the most forthcoming about its new display hardware. The brand refers to the tech as RGB Local Dimming, but on shelves, the name that has stuck is Hisense TriChroma LED.

The only TV we’ve seen that taps the new tech is the Hisense 116UX TriChroma Mini-LED TV. This room-dominating, 116-inch TV sets itself apart from the Hisense Mini-LEDs of years past by replacing blue light-driven quantum dots with clusters of tiny lenses, each of which react to red-, green- and blue-colored LEDs. According to Hisense, its TriChroma LED displays offer better brightness, class-leading color volume and lower energy consumption than traditional Mini-LED displays.

Samsung touted a similar technology at the trade show, but details remain scant. It harnesses “micro-sized” red-, green- and blue-colored LEDs (much like the Hisense 116UX), but the technology is not self-emissive like the prohibitively expensive Micro-LED technology we’ve seen in the past.

However, rather than shy away from Micro-LED branding, Samsung has chosen to lean into it, calling this new hardware RGB Micro-LED. The 98-inch, 8K TV (seen above) was available for all to see at CES, and yes — it’s marvelous to behold.

Samsung insists that some version of this TV will find its way onto the market in 2025, with a possible expansion into other series next year.

3. Wireless functionality spreads to more models

This year, LG’s wireless Zero Connect Box is back, and unsurprisingly, there’s a new OLED to go with it. Unsurprisingly, the aforementioned LG M5 will pick up where last year’s M4 left off.

What is surprising, however, is that LG is bringing the same technology to its LCD/LED lineup. The LG QNED9M will also come with the Zero Connect Box, which can be placed anywhere within 10 meters of the TV for wireless audio and video transmission from connected devices.

Meanwhile, Samsung is getting in on the wireless action, too. The brand’s Wireless One Connect Box will ship with the all-new version of its lifestyle TV, The Frame Pro.

4. Lifestyle TVs are here to stay

Speaking of lifestyle TVs, it appears as though we’re entering their golden era. In addition to Samsung’s better, brighter update to The Frame, brands like TCL and Hisense are putting their spin on lifestyle TVs front and center in 2025.

The TCL Nxtframe and Hisense Canvas TV both aim to give your living room an elegant touch, offering thoughtful, portrait-like designs and libraries of displayable artwork.

With the rise in popularity of lifestyle TVs, these brands have begun to take these displays seriously. As mentioned, The Frame Pro will be arriving with wireless technology, and Samsung has even upgraded its display to a new, edge-based mini-LED lighting system, which delivers a much better picture than its non-Pro counterpart.

5. For gamers, 165Hz is the new 144Hz

It didn’t take long for 144Hz to lose its spot at the top, but the 165Hz native refresh rate has officially arrived. The upgraded spec won’t have much of an impact on console gamers’ experience (since all current-gen consoles max out at 4K/120Hz), but PC gamers planning on linking up to their next TV will get their shot.

Of the TVs announced so far, only the LG G5, the Samsung S95F OLED, the Hisense 116UX TriChroma LED TV and Samsung’s 8K QN990F can showcase 4K content at 165Hz. That said, I’m expecting more 165Hz TVs to be announced before the year’s done.

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AI was inescapable at CES 2025. It seemed like every brand in attendance — from crowd-funded start-ups to the biggest companies in the world – were desperate to demonstrate how AI-based features are on the verge of transforming how we use dishwashers, grills and litter boxes.

Unsurprisingly, TVs were right in the mix. Samsung, LG and Hisense were just a handful of the TV brands I visited whose booths were decked out with AI-related demos. But as excited as everyone I talked to seemed to be about the advent of AI in TVs (including many of my colleagues), I remain unimpressed.

In fact, having spent over a decade covering this beat, last week's AI blitz at CES left me feeling more exhausted and cynical about the TV business than I've been in a long while.

Can AI make your TV better?

I do believe it's possible for AI to make a TV better. Its successfulness is content-dependent and requires some restraint in its implementation, but the benefits are there.

I've seen AI-driven processing do an impressive job upscaling 4K content to 8K, for instance. And, at CES this year, I watched Samsung demo a feature called AI Gamma on its S95F OLED, which automatically adjusts near-black shadow detail based on the lighting conditions of the room.

In some circumstances, a feature like that can be valuable to some. Most importantly, it's up to the viewer whether they want AI Gamma enabled or not, so you're not automatically funneled into an unwanted viewing experience.

And while improving upscaling and enhancing shadow detail both have to do with a TV's picture, there's room for AI to enhance other aspects of watching TV, too. Samsung is bringing the Galaxy S24's AI-based Live Translate feature over to select TVs in 2025, to name one example. It's the sort of AI functionality whose usefulness is easily understood: enable it and receive an on-screen, real-time language translation.

Broadly speaking, I have plenty of hesitations about AI: the energy consumption at the heart of many of its software applications, the ethical questions surrounding Large Language Models (LLMs) and their potential sourcing of data from protected works, and the ghoulish, off-putting aesthetic of AI-generated "artwork," just to name a few.

But if a TV brand can demonstrate that an AI-based feature can improve the viewing experience in a very real way, I'm more likely to be on board. The applications outlined above are perfect examples of this. I've been reviewing TVs for over a decade, and throughout that time, brands have always sought to improve upscaling (as we see with AI upscaling) and to make TVs more accessible (as we might see with Samsung's Live Translate feature).

Unfortunately, most of the AI-driven features I just took in at CES leaned away from this dignified approach, favoring a strategy that feels instead like a series of solutions in search of problems.

I don't need most of these AI features on my TV

At a private showing at CES, LG walked me through many of the new AI features arriving on LG's 2025 TV lineup. The brand is referring to this suite of enhancements as Affectionate Intelligence, because it aims to "[redefine] the conventional, technical understanding of AI by focusing on its potential to revolutionize the customer experience paradigm."

I'm not entirely sure what that means, but I can say that I was left feeling cold about what was ostensibly supposed to make me feel like a person worthy of affection.

With the help of Microsoft Copilot, LG's AI Chatbot lets users ask questions about the problems they might be having with their TV. Or, as LG's press release puts it, AI Chatbot "identifies potential user challenges and offers timely, effective solutions." I can't report how effective it is until I have an opportunity to use it, but I can report that talking to customer service chatbots has never been high on my list of easy and convenient troubleshooting strategies.

LG's AI personalization enhancements are said to learn from the viewing preferences of any given person, highlighting recommended content by way of the webOS home screen. This just sounds like more ads; visual clutter standing between me and whatever app or input I'm trying to access.

Access to LG's Generative Image Gallery means that users can now create custom image backgrounds on webOS. Weird, AI-generated slop? That's not affectionate — that's just something I don't want to look at.

Samsung Food is heading to TVs, and according to Samsung, this integration "recognizes the food on your screen and provides recipes for bringing it to life."

But what does that mean? Is the AI going to provide a list of its own recipes based on whatever dataset it's trained on? AI recipe development is not something I particularly trust, and part of the fun of referencing a recipe is walking someone else's path. It's a way I relate to those around me. It's real affection.

Alternatively, if Samsung Food is simply identifying a lasagna on the screen and saying, essentially, "here are six lasagna recipes I found on the web," I'm not sure I need that. I suppose if I didn't know that I was looking at a traditional food dish called "lasagna" I might need some help figuring out what I was looking at, but let's be honest: How often has that ever happened to you? Is this solving a problem, or is it simply another AI-related item for the Samsung portfolio — one that sounds just futuristic enough to grab your attention.

I harp on this because, in spite of a flurry of questionable AI features at CES 2025, there were some exciting, down-to-earth developments in the TV space this year.

At the same session in which I was introduced to the new iteration of AI Chatbot, LG quietly revealed that its flagship TV, the LG G5 OLED, is leveraging an all-new OLED panel that might be its brightest ever.

At the same event where Samsung showcased its lasagna-identifying technology, I got to marvel at what might be its flagship model by this time next year: an 8K TV that makes use of new panel technology, (what Samsung is calling RGB Micro-LED).

What started as a fuzzy marketing exercise (adding the term "AI" to previously established software enhancements) has now blossomed into a full-on frenzy. TV brands are telling you that your life at home either does revolve around your TV's smart platform, or that it ought to. Mine doesn't, nor should it.

Perhaps you watch TV differently than I do. Maybe you want to see what your TV comes up with if you speak into your remote control and ask it to take a run at analyzing Frasier Crane's quiche. But I don't trust AI to tell me how to cook, and if I wanted a dependable quiche recipe, I know how to find one.

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CES 2025 is winding down, but the innovative magic it heralds will ring true throughout the year, and there's no better place to witness these tech advancements than in the many awesome projectors soon to hit shelves.

It's taken quite a while for projectors to reach the mainstream, and they are still limping on in the face of ever-advancing displays. When a good 4K projector often comes in at $3,000 plus, it proves rather difficult to recommend against any of the best OLED TVs.

But in 2025, several projectors are inviting exciting upgrades to give the conventional TV market a run for its money — even as TVs are getting bigger and bigger. From Hisense to Formovie, there's a lot to look forward to this year. Let's see just what these next-gen projectors have in store for 2025.

LG PF600U 3-in-1 projector

Have you ever thought to yourself, "I wish my lamp doubled as a 1080p projector"? Well, LG thought of one even better and decided not only to make a dual projector-lamp combo, but also give it a beefy Bluetooth speaker, as well. Meet the LG PF600U 3-in-1 projector, the answer to the age-old question: Why the heck not?

Part mood lamp — hitting five levels of brightness on nine different colors — and part Bluetooth speaker, corralling a set of stereo speakers with passive radiators, this 1080p projector has everything you need baked into it. With its 110-degree tilting head, the LG PF600U makes its dual-sided nature as a projector and lamp all the more streamlined. Plus, webOS baked-in means you have access to all of your favorite content across the best streaming services.

Sure, it might only hit 300 ANSI lumens, according to LG, but what lamp do you know offers a projected screen size ranging from 30 to 120 inches?

Formovie Theater Premium

Following nearly three years of silence, Formovie is finally bringing its Theater back in a whole new advanced chassis. Called the Formovie Theater Premium, this refresh on the 2022 4K UST projector is yet another stunning entry into the market.

It offers improved brightness, up from 1800 to 2200 ISO lumens, with Google TV fully baked into the system. The original Formovie Theater ran on Android TV 11, which doesn't support Netflix (among other things), so the introduction of Google TV brings a world of change to this platform. And a pair of second-generation Bowers & Wilkins speakers brings that oomph where it counts most.

Despite launching in 2022, the original Formovie Theater was one of my favorite gadgets of 2023 and I still occasionally use it when not testing new TVs. Like most projectors, the new and improved Theater Premium sports an exceptionally high price tag at $2,999, but at least it's launching $500 cheaper than its predecessor.

Xgimi Ascend

Xgimi's Ascend is an all-in one system that combines a rolling Ambient light-rejecting (ALR) screen with the Aura 2 to deliver one of the most sophisticated projector systems on the market. If you don't know what an ALR screen is, they typically enhance the picture quality quite a bit when used with a projector, significantly diminishing major problems with glare if watching in a sun-lit environment.

But the Xgimi Ascend isn't just a floor-rising ALR screen. It's also kitted out with an integrated Harman Kardon speaker system, ensuring you get movie theater quality audio while also saving your entertainment setup some space. We don't know what pricing looks like just yet, but I can assure you the Ascend won't come cheap — provided by the fact that it might well require the additional purchase of an Aura 2 or compatible UST projector.

Hisense L9Q

Taking just one look at the Hisense L9Q and you can already tell this thing belongs in a museum. It's crafted to look as impressionable as it is full of awesome surprises, like up to a 150-inch screen size at an ANSI-rated 5,000 lumens of brightness.

That's nothing to scoff at, though pricing on the Hisense L9Q will definitely make or break it. One thing that stands out on this UST projector is a purported 110% coverage of the BT.2020 color gamut, with many of the best TVs barely ever hitting past 80%. But, of course, Hisense has shoved a 6.2.2 surround sound system into this beauty of a projector, the first of its kind, one that supports both DTS Virtual X and Dolby Atmos.

While it might have Google TV, that's not even the most awesome part. Hisense has gifted the L9Q an ATSC 3.0 tuner, allowing you access to NextGen TV with 4K broadcasts. Very few 2024 TVs or even 2025 TVs will have this spec, making the L9Q a projector worth looking forward to — though, unfortunately, we don't have an official release date yet

Valerion VisionMaster Max

Never heard of Valerion? I didn't either, but the company is actually sister to AWOL Projector, dedicated specifically to designing far-throw models, like its new VisionMaster Max. It offers some serious firepower most especially against many alternative projectors on this list, as it can shoot a 4K image at up to 300 inches and is rated at 3,000 ISO lumens of brightness.

What really stands out on the VisionMaster Max is its Enhanced Black Level (EBL) technology, which aims to bring out more depth in darker scenes. And it's even got several gaming treats, like sub-4ms of input latency in 1080p at 240Hz, which isn't too common on premium projectors.

The VisionMaster Max also comes equipped with several smart home features, which are amplified thanks to its 4GB of RAM and 128GB of ROM (Read-only memory). Plus, with Google TV, you not only have access to all of your favorite streamers but also a slew of free content, which you'll probably be watching most after dropping $3,999 on this projector.

JMGO OS2 Ultra

With its N1 Ultra sitting at the top of our best projectors lineup, you already know JMGO's next design will be incredibly enticing. But instead of offering a slew of advancements that might drive up the price, JMGO instead set out to deliver one of the smallest UST projectors built on Google TV.

Despite its size, measuring about the same as a shoe box, the OS2 Ultra offers up to a 100-inch screen size on a 4K resolution. JMGO claims it can hit an estimated 2,500 ISO lumens, which is pretty respectable for such a little machine. It also spits out an image at a throw ratio of just 0.18:1, which means it needs just a little under 6 inches for its 100-inch screen.

The JMGO OS2 Ultra won't be released until the final quarter of 2025, and pricing has yet to be announced, so you'll be waiting a bit before getting your hands on this tiny beast of a 4K projector.

Dangbei MP1 Max

Although I personally like UST projectors a bit more over the far-throw models, Dangbei makes some of the best versions in this category, and its new MP1 Max is a shining beacon of this. Pushing out a purported 3100 ISO lumens on its new Qualas laser technology, the MP1 Max adds a whole new dimension to the projector setup.

Dangbei has kitted the MP1 Max out with some of the most advanced specs, leveraging an integrated gimbal stand that allows you up to 130 degree vertical tilt and 360 degree horizontal rotation, plus a dual speaker system offering 12W each on a 750ml sound chamber. It'll run on Google TV, but will only have two HDMI ports, one being eARC.

Like many on this list, the Dangbei MP1 Max doesn't have an official price yet, but you can bet it won't be cheaper than any of the best LG TVs.

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