If you’re after a crazy-bright TV, Hisense’s U8 series has you covered. In the past few years, each new U8 model has ramped up the juice considerably, with the U8QG offering another powerful upgrade over last year’s U8N (8/10, WIRED Recommends). Considering I freely referred to the U8N with words like “nuclear” and “weapons-grade,” that’s saying something. Of course, while TV brightness is key for bolstering colors and hitting the hottest HDR (high dynamic range) highlights, brighter doesn’t always mean better.
The 65-inch U8QG review model I tested has some knocks against it, including some odd color inaccuracies in SDR (standard dynamic range), a more convoluted setup process than usual, and maybe most notable, just three HDMI ports instead of the four you’ll get with last year’s model (and virtually all rivals).
The latest U8 still has plenty to recommend it, not least of which is its blend of potent mini LED backlighting, inky black levels, and excellent dimming control for knockout contrast. Colors really pop, and there are plenty of gaming features to go with its zippy 165-Hz refresh rate. I think you’re better off with last year’s still-explosive U8N while it lasts, but if you need a screen somewhere between nuclear and quasar, this TV’s got you.
Premium Design, Budget Caveats
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Like the U8N before it, the U8QG (the “G” stands for Google TV) ships with a stout and stylish pedestal stand. It’s more work to assemble than the leg-stands on older models, but it looks slick, fits on just about any console, and offers two stand positions for adding a soundbar or skinny center speaker. One of the most frustrating parts of the setup was the sheer amount (and type) of tape covering my review model, requiring a razor blade and tweezers to get the final gunk out of the nooks and crannies. Not exactly a usability masterstroke.
Setting up the Google TV smart system is much simpler, especially with a G Suite account. You can do most of the work from your phone, though the new Google TV app Hisense employs was jankier connecting to my system than the Google Home app used in previous models. I also experienced at least three network “disconnected” incidents, usually fixed by simply clicking on said network again. Otherwise, streaming was swift and intuitive. One other setup note: after going through the main permissions gauntlet, go to Advanced System in the settings and click Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information.
As we’ve come to expect, the U8QG is generally well-appointed, including conveniences like Google Cast and AirPlay, an ATSC 3.0 tuner for next-gen broadcasts from TV antennas, a headphone jack, support for all major HDR formats, and a handy backlit remote.