The U8N is Hisense's latest release, aiming to demonstrate that Mini LED technology can rival OLED for movie enthusiasts and gamers seeking the ultimate home cinema experience.

This effort is bolstered by numerous upgrades addressing major issues found in the earlier Hisense U8K, which showed promise during our tests last year. However, with several brands like Samsung and Sony having struggled to achieve this with more expensive flagship models, will Hisense succeed?

Overall, the answer is yes. The U8N marks a significant improvement in Hisense's ULED (Mini LED) offerings, as observed during our tests in dedicated viewing rooms. If you're looking for a great value, high-end Mini LED TV and have ruled out OLED for whatever reason, the U8N is definitely worth considering – but keep in mind, it's still not entirely flawless.

Price

Our product's pricing is designed to offer exceptional value, balancing affordability with outstanding quality. By choosing our product, you’re not just purchasing an item; you’re investing in long-lasting performance and satisfaction. We promise a competitive price point that ensures you get the best bang for your buck, making it an unbeatable choice in its category.

Features

Experience a feature-rich product that caters to your every need. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Innovative Design: Sleek, modern, and user-friendly, our product’s design is both eye-catching and practical.

• Advanced Technology: Equipped with the latest technology, it ensures top-notch performance and reliability.

• Easy to Use: Designed for effortless operation, it’s perfect for everyone, from novices to pros.

• Durability: Built to last, it withstands the test of time and delivers consistent performance.

User Experience

Your satisfaction is our priority. We’ve tailored our product to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience. From intuitive controls to responsive settings, every aspect is crafted to exceed your expectations.

Conclusion

Choosing our product means opting for quality, innovation, and exceptional value. It’s a decision you won’t regret, promising satisfaction and performance that stand the test of time. Make the smart choice today and elevate your experience with our top-of-the-line offering.

Globally, the Hisense U8N is available in 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, and 100-inch sizes. However, in the UK, you can only purchase the 65- and 75-inch options.

The U8N is positioned as the third most expensive choice in Hisense’s 2024 Mini LED lineup, ranking below the higher-end Hisense U9N and the 2024 version of the Hisense UX.

The prices are currently variable, but you can typically find the 65-inch model we’re reviewing for £1800 / $1500 / AU$2699 at the time of writing. This places it slightly below Mini LED competitors such as the Samsung QN90D, which is currently priced a bit higher at £2200 / $2400 / AU$4000. It’s also considerably less expensive than flagship Mini LED models from other brands, including the 65-inch Samsung QN95D we reviewed earlier this year, which sells for around £2600 / $3300 (approximately AU$5040).

The 75-inch U8N option is also priced lower than its competitors, retailing for £2400 / $2000 – a significant drop compared to the £4499 / $4000 / AU$6995 price tag of the 75-inch Sony Bravia 9. In the US, where more sizes are available, the pricing remains very competitive, with the 55-inch model selling for $1100 and the 85-inch for an exceptionally reasonable $2800.

Therefore, among premium Mini LED sets, it is more affordable than many of its rivals. The only caveat is that, due to recent price reductions, you can now purchase a step-down OLED TV for only a few hundred more, including the recently reviewed LG C4 and last year's highly-rated Sony A80L.

Design

Our latest product offers an innovative and sleek design, blending form and function seamlessly. The modern aesthetic is crafted to appeal to the contemporary user, ensuring that it not only looks great but also performs exceptionally well. Every curve and detail is meticulously thought out to enhance user experience, making it a standout in its category. Whether you're using it at home or on the go, this product's design is sure to turn heads and make a statement.

From the moment we unboxed the U8N in our viewing room, it was evident just how much effort Hisense has put into its design. The TV presents a stark contrast to its predecessor. The earlier model's soundbar-sized bottom speaker has been refined into a sleek, thin grille. With the U8N set to its maximum height, there's now enough room to comfortably place a regular-sized soundbar beneath it.

The U8N’s stand has been redesigned and now boasts exceptional build quality and durability. The unit remains stable with no flex or movement, even when the TV is adjusted. The increased weight enhances the TV's overall robust build quality, making it a solid and reliable presence in any living space.

One minor drawback is the absence of a swivel mechanism in the stand, which means you can't easily adjust the screen’s angle or access ports without moving the entire TV. This can be slightly inconvenient, especially since moving the TV is a two-person task due to its heft.

The back of the TV has seen significant improvements as well. Although it is still constructed from plastic, it feels infinitely more rugged and well-built compared to the U8K model, which had a slightly cheaper feel. The back panel also reveals the sub and upward-firing channels of the built-in 2.1.2 speaker system, which supports DTS:X, IMAX DTS and Dolby Atmos formats.

The remote control is notably chunkier than those of competitors, being longer and thicker than the Sony Bravia 9's sleek remote and the compact, plastic LG C4 controller. However, this design choice is justified by the large solar charging panel on its top face, which allows the remote to recharge using light. While this feature may not appeal to cinephiles who prefer watching movies in dark, controlled environments, it adds a practical touch for the average user. The remote is impressively functional, featuring backlighting - a must-have for any remote - and providing quick, easy access to all major streaming services through an intuitive layout.

Exciting Features to Look Out For

Discover the latest innovations and enhancements that set our product apart in the market.

The Hisense U8N Mini-LED TV is a top contender in its class, boasting impressive features that either match or surpass those of its rivals.

Let's start with its standout specifications. The 65-inch model comes with a 4K VA-panel, equipped with Quantum Dot technology and Mini LED backlighting—technologies collectively referred to as ULED by Hisense. These enhancements build upon last year’s Hisense U8K with notable upgrades.

This new model sports 1600 dimming zones and achieves a peak brightness of 3000 nits, which is a substantial leap from the U8K’s 1008 dimming zones and 1500 nit peak brightness. These advancements result in stronger contrast without the traditional Mini LED blooming issues, where light spills into darker picture sections. Such precision is further enhanced by the custom Hi View Pro image processor, claimed by Hisense to provide superior local dimming control compared to its competitors.

However, one trade-off is the TV’s support for only two full-speed 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 inputs, with one doubling as an eARC. Gamers and PC users with multiple consoles or those wanting to attach a Dolby Atmos soundbar will need to juggle their cable connections.

Speaking of gaming, the U8N offers solid support with a 4K/144Hz refresh rate for PC gamers, although limited to 4K/120Hz when using Dolby Vision gaming. A higher refresh rate ensures a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.

The game bar feature returns, allowing quick adjustments to game-related settings, enhancing the overall user experience.

For HDR content, the Hisense U8N supports multiple standards, including Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, and HDR10+. It also supports advanced formats like Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive, which automatically adjust the TV’s settings based on room lighting conditions.

Moreover, the U8N is IMAX Enhanced certified, meaning you can enjoy enhanced viewing on Disney+ and select 4K Blu-rays.

In the US, this model operates on the Google TV platform, but the UK model reviewed here runs on Hisense’s own VIDAA U7.6 software. While less recognized, VIDAA offers an intuitive user interface, albeit with a slightly annoying top ad bar.

The software supports standard streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, all available in 4K with Dolby Vision or HDR10+ where supported. Local services are also robust with Freely tuner and apps for BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and My5. The only limitation is the lack of cloud gaming services such as SteamLink and Nvidia GeForce Now, which are available on competing LG webOS TVs.

Picture

Captivating visuals are the essence of modern storytelling, especially in the digital space. When we talk about picture quality, we're referring to elements like clarity, color accuracy, brightness, and contrast, all contributing to a breathtaking visual experience. A picture worth a thousand words can transcend mere descriptions, drawing viewers into a realm where details come alive.

Clarity

Clarity is paramount. It ensures that every pixel adds to the overall sharpness, making images crisp and lifelike. A screen that delivers high clarity will make even the smallest details stand out, whether you're immersing yourself in a blockbuster movie or admiring the nuanced tones of a photo collection.

Color Accuracy

Color accuracy ensures that the hues you see on your screen are true to life. This is especially important for content creators and designers who rely on precision. When colors pop as they should, the visual content becomes more engaging and vibrant, capturing the viewer's attention effortlessly.

Brightness and Contrast

Brightness and contrast work hand in hand to produce images that are both vivid and well-defined. The right balance allows for deep blacks and brilliant whites, creating a dynamic range that adds depth and dimension to every scene. This balance is crucial for enjoying content in a variety of lighting conditions.

Immersive Experience

The ultimate goal of superior picture quality is to enhance the viewer's experience. Whether it's the stunning landscapes of a nature documentary or the intricate designs of a video game, great picture quality can turn a simple viewing session into an immersive journey.

The main question we encounter when recommending a TV is, “how good is the picture?” The answer for the Hisense U8N is that it performs well by Mini LED standards, provided you fine-tune the setup.

Right out of the box, the TV’s HDR Standard mode aims to highlight the U8N’s impressive maximum brightness. In the opening scene of Top Gun: Maverick, the sea glistens and pops, but the colors and contrast appear over-processed. Motion handling is also overly intense, making the movements of planes and ground crew look less natural. Peak bright areas lack detail, appearing washed out and too white due to excessive contrast.

Switching to Filmmaker mode results in a more nuanced picture with realistic motion and colors appearing neutral and accurate. However, black levels look grey, even for Mini LED standards. Bright sections also become too subdued, resulting in a slightly flat, dull picture. Skin tones suffer from a lack of contrast and dimension, which is not ideal for a TV in this price range.

Optimizing the settings yields better results. We found that using Filmmaker mode with Local Dimming set to High, Adaptive Contrast to Low, motion processing in Film mode, and the Color Profile on Warm 2 (despite a potential software bug) significantly improves the picture quality. Black levels become deeper without losing detail, and skin tones gain a wider color range, enhancing the three-dimensionality.

Using our BladeRunner 2049 test disc, the improvements continue, though some minor issues remain—a common trait among recent Mini LED sets. Black levels aren't as deep as OLED models, such as the A80L we compared it with. Colors, while good, aren't as vibrant; the yellows and reds of Dave Bautista’s hazmat suit, for example, appear less rich. Minor motion handling issues arise during the drone scene, with a brief ghost frame appearing.

The picture quality of the U8N is impressively well-balanced. It delivers a clear image without oversharpening. Whites are controlled, and bright scenes are detailed. Even though it doesn't match OLED's perfect black levels, dark areas show impressive shadow detail, revealing every wrinkle and dirt stain clearly.

When watching Pan, a disc we use to test bright scenes due to its 4000 nits mastering, the U8N maintains its balance in our recommended settings.

A scene featuring a pirate ship flying into the sunset displays a vibrant range of colors and retains extensive detail, even in areas that are pure white in HDR Standard or Vibrant settings.

However, this balanced approach means sacrificing the extreme brightness of settings that push peak brightness to the limit. While not as bright as the A80L, the U8N still competes well with more expensive Mini LED TVs.

In our Dune test, the U8N excels. The ornithopters over the desert show detailed texture and balanced realism. There’s no ghosting or artifacts, and characters’ skin tones in the bright desert sun are realistic, making the image pop. However, dark areas of the sand and clothing don't reach the depth or dynamism of the A80L.

Overall, if you're upgrading from a basic LCD, the U8N will feel transformative. For those accustomed to OLED, the U8N's less deep blacks and cooler color temperature will be noticeable.

During our True Grit upscaling test, the U8N showcases its upscaling precision. The challenging scenes of this film, full of intense contrasts and grainy quality, are upscaled to 4K without losing detail or the nostalgic film grain. Shadow details are preserved, and the image remains authentic.

This quality persists when streaming 1080p content on Netflix and Disney Plus. Shows look sharper while maintaining their natural appearance – even the contestants of Takeshi's Castle look their best.

Sound

Immerse yourself in a world where every note resonates with clarity and depth. Our sound systems are designed to deliver an unparalleled auditory experience, bringing your favorite music and movies to life. From the deep, rich bass to the crystal-clear highs, each element is meticulously crafted to provide a balanced and immersive soundscape.

Whether you're an audiophile or just love to enjoy high-quality sound, our products are tailored to meet your needs. With advanced technology and sleek design, we ensure that our sound systems not only perform exceptionally but also complement your home decor.

Explore our range of sound systems and experience the difference. Enhance your audio experience with us and let the sound shine through.

The Hisense U8N’s 2.1.2 built-in speaker system offers a decent audio experience, but it's far from exceptional, especially when compared to a good soundbar.

Watching Netflix with the volume under 50%, the system provides neutral, distraction-free audio. Yet, it feels flat and lacks dynamism.

During our standard Blade Runner 2049 stress test, the system manages respectable low-end performance while maintaining composure. However, increasing the volume beyond 50% introduces minor distortion and speaker rattle.

In the next scene, where the main character converses with a hologram, the U8N's performance is comparable to competitors like the Philips OLED809. Still, it fails to stand out. The audio lacks directionality and the dialogue doesn't separate well from the film's sound, resulting in a safe but uninspiring experience.

Switching to Top Gun: Maverick, the system tries to do justice to Kenny Loggins’ iconic Danger Zone. Unfortunately, the sound remains flat, and sibilance becomes noticeable at a volume of 60.

For everyday TV watching at moderate volumes (50 was sufficient for most average-sized rooms during our tests), the U8N is adequate. If you're after an immersive movie or sports experience, investing in a soundbar or speaker package is recommended.

Verdict

If you're looking for a comprehensive home entertainment experience, this device is your go-to choice. It offers exceptional picture quality, immersive sound, and a user-friendly interface. Whether you're streaming your favorite TV shows or watching the latest blockbuster, you're in for a treat. Upgrade your home theater setup and enjoy a seamless entertainment experience from the comfort of your living room.

The U8N is a solid performer and an enticing option when compared to other Mini LED sets in its category. However, with recent price drops, several step-down OLED TVs are now within a similar price range. If you can invest a bit more, you might consider the LG C4, which offers easier set-up, deeper blacks, pixel-level contrast control, an impressive app ecosystem, and superior gaming features. This makes the U8N a good, yet not perfect, choice for those looking to invest in a premium TV.