Hisense E7K Pro (55E7K Pro) review: A top choice for gamers seeking value

Discover gaming nirvana with the feature-packed Hisense E7K Pro mid-ranger

55-inch TV: Hisense 55E7K Pro
(Image: © What Hi-Fi? / Netflix, Our Planet II)
last updated May 22, 2024

Verdict

The Hisense E7K Pro offers an array of features and solid sound for $999, though its image quality could be better.

Pros

  • + Enhanced gaming experience
  • + Great value
  • + Superior picture quality

Cons

  • - Less vivid dark scenes
  • - Colors may appear inaccurate

Hisense is making waves in 2023, capturing attention with its standout U8K and U7K Mini LED TVs. The excitement continues with the launch of the more budget-friendly 55E7K Pro. Priced at just £999 (approximately $1250 / AU$1950), this 55-inch TV doesn't skimp on quality, offering top-notch gaming features and broad HDR compatibility. It's a prime example of getting premium technology without breaking the bank.

Discover Great Value in Today's TV Market

In an era where snagging a 55-inch TV for under £300 has become the norm, the 55E7K Pro is a standout, priced at £999. This positions it comfortably within the mid-range sector, yet it boasts features that echo those found in more premium models, making it an outstanding value proposition—provided it delivers on performance.

The 55E7K Pro is part of a broader lineup that also includes a slightly more affordable variant, the £699 55E7K. The main differences? The non-Pro version skimps on advanced gaming features, sporting a basic 60Hz panel compared to the Pro's 120Hz offering. It also features a less robust audio system and runs on an older version of the VIDAA smart platform.

For those seeking larger screens, Hisense doesn't disappoint, with 65- and 75-inch versions of the E7K Pro available for £1199 and £1499, respectively. However, at present, this appealing range remains exclusive to European consumers, with no mention of availability in the US or Australia in Hisense's initial announcements for 2023.

It's also interesting to note that the 55-inch model from Hisense’s U7K mini LED range is priced £200 higher, highlighting the 55E7K Pro's competitive edge in the price-to-performance ratio.

55-inch TV: Hisense 55E7K Pro
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi? / Netflix, Our Planet II)

Design & Build Highlights

The E7K dazzles with its chic, faux metallic frame, embodying mid-range elegance without crossing into overambitious territory. Its design is thoughtfully minimalistic, allowing viewers to immerse fully in the visual experience. The slim metal stands might seem understated, but their narrow profile is hardly noticeable, reinforcing the set's sleek look.

Peek behind the 55E7K Pro, and you're greeted by a surprisingly sophisticated backside, boasting more depth and style than typical TVs. This extra volume not only adds a touch of 360-degree refinement but also suggests a spacious chamber for its robust 40W 2.1 speaker system, complete with a bass-rich subwoofer, promising immersive audio that enhances every viewing.

Lifting the screen hints at the premium materials used in its construction, suggesting value far beyond its price. Despite its heft, the impression of quality and durability is unmistakable, providing assurance of its excellent build.

The 55E7K Pro's remote, while functional, doesn't mirror the TV's premium aura, trading a metallic finish for straightforward efficiency. Yet, it impressively integrates direct access buttons to popular streaming services, such as Disney+, YouTube, Prime Video, Netflix, Freeview Play, and even Apple TV, catering to all your entertainment needs right at your fingertips.

Discover the Wonders of the Latest TV Technology

Embark on a journey through the stunning features of a remarkably priced £999 55-inch TV. This marvel of modern technology stands out with its innovative design, incorporating a VA panel that is known for its superior contrast ratios, now enhanced with wide-angle technology to address the common drawback of limited viewing angles. Moreover, an anti-reflection filter is thoughtfully added to further improve contrast, providing an immersive viewing experience.

The color experience is elevated to a whole new level thanks to a state-of-the-art Quantum Dot technology that promises to unleash a spectrum of a billion colors across a refreshingly smooth 120Hz panel. This feature is a boon for gamers and cinephiles alike, supporting high-speed 144Hz feeds for PC gaming and allowing the latest gaming consoles and PC graphics cards to showcase their full potential through 4K/120Hz feeds on two dedicated HDMIs.

Gaming adventures become even more thrilling with VRR support, including AMD Freesync Premium, and ALLM switching, guaranteeing that the TV automatically shifts into its fastest response mode for an edge in competitive play. Impressively, the input lag in Game mode is astonishingly low, making it a top choice for serious gamers.

Adding to its allure, this TV proudly embraces both Dolby Vision and HDR10+, delivering unparalleled high dynamic range video quality without forcing viewers to choose between these two leading formats. It smartly adapts to ambient light, offering the best viewing experience possible.

For gaming enthusiasts, the inclusion of a Dolby Vision Gaming mode and support for high-impact 4K/120Hz Dolby Vision gaming, along with a dedicated Game Bar for in-depth gameplay adjustments, signals an impressive dedication to gaming excellence.

Vivid picture quality is further refined by an AI-equipped video processing system and an Ultra Motion processor, ensuring every scene flows beautifully with reduced judder and smoother sports action. The audio experience matches the visual splendor, featuring a robust 2.1 speaker system with Dolby Atmos compatibility, ensuring cinematic sound that fills the room, with the convenience of eARC for seamless connection to soundbars and AV systems.

The TV is rounded off with the latest iteration of Hisense’s own VIDAA smart system, offering easy access to a wide array of streaming services and intuitive control, including Amazon Alexa voice commands, ensuring this TV is not just a technological triumph, but a centerpiece for the modern smart home.

55-inch TV: Hisense 55E7K Pro
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi? / Netflix, Our Planet II)

Revamping Your Viewing Experience: The 55E7K Pro Overview

Stepping into the spotlight, the 55E7K Pro doesn't just simply 'show up'. It makes a statement with its picture quality, though not without its quirks. Let's dive into what sets this TV apart and address some of the mixed feelings it may evoke.

At first glance, the Dynamic mode on the 55E7K Pro catches your eye with its vivid colors and impressive brightness. It's like unlocking a new level of HDR experience without local dimming, showcasing some notable HDR highlights. However, this mode can sometimes feel like it's overdoing it, with colors that can seem exaggerated, and motion in films that may appear too smooth, hinting at the potential for a more refined setting.

The encounter with Dolby Vision IQ unveils a brighter than expected presentation, exposing some challenges in dark scene noise management and black level depth. It's an intricate dance of color and light, where details emerge from the shadows, yet sometimes at the cost of natural color accuracy.

Switching gears to HDR10, we navigate through its settings with a bit more freedom, obtaining a brighter and more consistent image, yet still grappling with slight color discrepancies and occasional brightness overreach.

Exploring the realms of Filmmaker Mode, we're drawn closer to what feels like the director's vision - a more balanced and authentic imagery, even if it means uncovering some limitations in black levels and off-axis viewing fidelity.

Beyond its visual feats, the 55E7K Pro shines as a beacon for gaming enthusiasts, offering a responsive and engaging experience with vibrant and steadfast imagery that seems tailored for the gaming domain.

In summary, while traversing through its various picture settings, the 55E7K Pro reveals itself as a multifaceted gem with room for refinement. Its ability to illuminate the essence of HDR content and adapt to different entertainment needs, from cinematic endeavors to high-octane gaming, marks it as a noteworthy contender in its category.

Discover Unparalleled Sound Quality

Step into a world where audio quality elevates your viewing experience to whole new heights with the 55E7K Pro. This device masterfully balances its audio output, showcasing strengths that overshadow its minimal weaknesses.

The built-in stereo speakers redefine expectations for mid-range LCD TVs, offering volumes and a dynamic range that immerse you deeply into any scene. Whether it's the subtle dialogue in a quiet scene or the intense crescendo of an action-packed moment, the clarity and richness remain uncompromised, ensuring a crisp, engaging sound experience.

Vocal clarity is remarkably maintained against the bustling background of any storyline, creating an immersive feeling that voices are emanating directly from the action on screen. Detail is not lost in this audio landscape; instead, it is enhanced by sophisticated audio processing techniques, hinting at a three-dimensional soundscape reminiscent of Dolby Atmos technology, effectively expanding the auditory experience beyond the screen.

The subwoofer steps up, delivering a depth of bass rarely experienced in TVs within this price range. It actively contributes to the overall sound mix, adding richness and depth that fully immerses movie enthusiasts. While occasionally, the most intense basslines might introduce a slight distortion, the subwoofer’s performance is a game-changer, enriching the 55E7K Pro’s sound to impressively compete with higher-priced models.

In summary, the 55E7K Pro offers an audio experience that not only meets but exceeds the expectations for its price point, setting a new benchmark for mid-range LCD TV audio quality.

55-inch TV: Hisense 55E7K Pro
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)

Our Impressions

Hisense's E7K Pro TV sets its sights high, aiming to redefine what we expect from mid-range televisions. It boasts a vibrant QLED screen that brings colors to life, coupled with a sound system that's both potent and rich in bass. Beyond its superb audio-visual capabilities, the E7K Pro shines with its smart features and excellent support for gamers, eagerly demonstrating Hisense's commitment to excellence in the competitive mid-range market.

However, despite its lofty aspirations, the E7K Pro stumbles when it comes to unifying its high-end features into a cohesive viewing experience. This inconsistency slightly dims its potential, leaving it shy of the exceptional value proposition it initially promised. Nevertheless, Hisense’s ambition to elevate the mid-range TV experience remains clear, showcasing their dedication to innovation and quality.

55-inch TV: Hisense 55E7K Pro
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi? / Netflix, Our Planet II)
55-inch TV: Hisense 55E7K Pro
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
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