Hisense’s first 8K TV delivers excellent picture quality, particularly when it comes to upscaling.
In the past, we’ve criticized Hisense somewhat for the occasional image scrambling that can happen on its televisions during fast moving scenes. We’re happy to report that this is seemingly not an issue with the fantastic new Hisense U80G ULED 8K TV, which delivered exceptionally smooth motion and picture quality during our tests. Launching initially in Australia, Hisense’s 75-inch U80G ULED (65-inch and 85-inch models set to arrive later in the year) is the Chinese company’s first 8K television, and what a great debut it is. The television offers everything you would expect from a high-end model in 2021, including HDMI 2.1 and eARC support, built-in voice assistant functionality and excellent upscaling. While the U80G ULED can’t hope to match the astonishing black levels of Hisense’s own Dual Cell TV, which combines a traditional local dimming system with additional precision-bonded LCD layers for colour and luminance, it still achieves impressively deep blacks thanks to a full array local dimming system. Additionally, we applaud Hisense’s decision to employ Google’s Android TV platform over its own VIDAA OS on the U80G ULED, meaning users no longer have to miss out on any popular streaming apps, such as Disney Plus. That said, Android TV isn’t the quickest of TV platforms, and some users may find the OS to be sluggish compared to what’s available on other smart TVs. Speaking of smarts, the inclusion of Android TV means the U80G ULED offers full support for Google Assistant, allowing you to simply ask your television for information which is then read back to you and also displayed on-screen. Admittedly, the U80G ULED’s speakers are just okay, not quite living up to the high standard set by Hisense’s recent Dual Cell TV, which boasted a built-in soundbar and additional wireless subwoofer. That said, the U80G ULED marks a terrific 8K TV debut for Hisense – one which is quite reasonably priced for its category. Initially, the Hisense U80G ULED 8K TV will only be available in a 75-inch model, which has been priced at AU$6,999 in Australia. Hisense’s 75-inch U80G ULED 8K TV should be launching sometime this month, and the company assures us that 65-inch and 85-inch models are also on the way, set for Australian release later in the year. At present, we don’t have pricing and availability information for other regions, but based on the television’s Aussie pricing, its cost should roughly translate to $5,476 in the US and £3,922 in the UK. In terms of price, the flagship U80G ULED manages to be consistent with some entry-level 8K sets on the Australian market, while also being far more affordable than other top-end 8K tellies. For instance, Samsung’s 75-inch Q800T from 2020 can be purchased for around AU$6,795, while its flagship Q950T model goes for around AU$10,995. Make no mistake, Hisense’s U80G ULED 8K TV is an attractive telly, sporting a sleek design with a striking speaker grill along its bottom edge and bezels that don’t stand out too much. That said, it’s not as flat out gorgeous as some other 8K TVs on the market, such as Samsung’s aforementioned Q950T, which has done away with visible bezels and speakers completely (from the front, at least). Admittedly, Samsung’s TV costs a few grand more, so it really is a matter of weighing up how much you’re willing to pay for those aesthetic touches. The U80G ULED sleekness continues on the television’s rear side, with smooth, textured plastic covering the back panel. There is a slight waviness to the plastic which hits its thickest along the middle of the TV, indicating that’s where the majority of its internal components are housed. We must give high praise to the U80G ULED’s cable management system, which does a great job of hiding unsightly cords behind a detachable plastic panel. Those who value their privacy will be pleased to know there’s a dedicated button along the bottom edge of the telly that will stop the U80G ULED from listening to you via Google Assistant.
