What makes this deal ZDNET recommended?
If you’re a console gamer or entertainment buff looking for a high-quality, dedicated TV for your space, the Hisense U8N.
Also: How I optimized the cheapest 98-inch TV available to look and sound incredible
While I’m primarily a PC gamer, I do have a PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, so I can keep up with platform exclusives and play party games with friends whenever the stars align (and we all have a Saturday free.) My main TV is an older 50-inch Samsung TU7000, which is fine enough for gaming, and the Hisense U8K I previously tested has pride of place in the master bedroom, where it’s mostly a glorified YouTube and Dropout box. Even though last year’s Hisense U8K has served me well, the U8N definitely has it beat.
Right away, you’ll notice the bright, bold colors and deep contrast the QLED panel offers, even in Google TV’s dynamic home menus. Setting up the U8N is quick and simple, just like its predecessor. If you don’t install the pedestal base backward at first, as I did, you can go from box to streaming or gaming in about 15 minutes.
I appreciate the pedestal foot more than the traditional TV feet, as it definitely feels more sturdy and durable. This is needed since this is a heavy TV at 65 inches, so the 75- and 85-inch models need even more reliable support.
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I have my Switch set up in my office/gaming room, and the PS5 is in the main living room because I also use it as a Blu-Ray/DVD player for my extensive physical media collection, barring music CDs, but that’s another article entirely. While I could easily move the consoles around the house, especially the Switch, since it’s quite literally designed to be a mobile game device, it’s still a hassle to unhook everything, untangle the cables, and move it all without tripping over the cats.
, and the U8N did an incredible job of rendering the radically different art styles and color palettes. From dark purples of subterranean caves and the deep blacks of space to warm desert tones and crisp blues of icy passages, the TV handled each level beautifully. I spent countless minutes just admiring the background details and flavor animations between badge challenges and collecting every level star.
I also did a quick Hades is an excellent TV for streaming movies, music, and TV shows with its bold colors and contrast, as well as immersive audio. With a 144Hz refresh rate, you’ll get smoother motion during fast-paced movie and game scenes as well as live sports broadcasts. Dolby Atmos support gives you virtual surround sound without needing a headset or expensive home audio setup, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR helps prevent screen tearing and stuttering.
The U8N is available in screen sizes ranging from 55 to 85 inches, typically retailing from $1,100 to $2,800. While this is on the more expensive side, the Hisense U8N packs plenty of premium-grade features to make it a worthwhile investment, especially if you are looking for a TV that you’re not going to have to replace in five years.