Hisense U7N Review: A Budget-Friendly 4K TV, But Don’t Get Your Hopes Up Too High
For those looking for the best bang for their buck in the world of 4K TVs, Hisense is a name that often comes up. The U7N series, in particular, has gained attention for its ability to offer a premium viewing experience at a comparatively affordable price point. While it’s tempting to think you can get a top-tier TV on a budget, the U7N is a reminder that even within the value segment, compromises are inevitable. Let’s dive into what makes the U7N worth considering – and what might hold some viewers back.
An Attractive Price Tag With Some Notable Compromises
The Hisense U7N offers a compelling proposition: a 65-inch 4K TV featuring quantum dot technology for vibrant colors, delivering an immersive experience with Dolby Vision HDR support, all for a price tag that sits comfortably under $1,000. This makes it an attractive option for those looking for an upgrade from their old 1080p TV without breaking the bank. However, it’s crucial to remember that the U7N is a product of calculated compromises – a constant dance between affordability and performance. While it’s a significant upgrade over the U7K model, expecting it to deliver picture quality on par with flagship models from Sony or LG would be unreasonable.
A Simple Setup With Some Minor Annoyances
The U7N prioritizes convenience, boasting a streamlined setup that even first-time TV buyers should find easy to navigate. The panel is refreshingly light, and the new pedestal stand, built with two minimalist legs, combines style with ease of assembly, requiring no screws. The Google TV interface seamlessly integrates into your existing Google ecosystem, simplifying logins and app setup.
However, the user experience isn’t entirely smooth sailing. Minor inconveniences like the cable guides protruding from the stand’s legs and the occasional volume mute during rewind or fast-forward disrupt the otherwise effortless setup and viewing experience.
Navigating the Picture Settings: A Bit of a Learning Curve
The U7N offers a variety of picture settings, making it relatively easy to fine-tune the picture quality to your liking. For a naturally balanced experience, the Theater Night and Filmmaker modes are recommended for standard dynamic range (SDR) content, while Theater Day provides a brighter picture for viewing in well-lit rooms. For the best HDR viewing, consider utilizing the Dolby Vision Dark mode, which prioritizes accuracy and delivers a more immersive experience.
However, navigating the picture settings can feel a bit cumbersome. The ambient light sensor, a feature designed to adjust screen brightness based on room lighting, is integrated inconsistently throughout the different picture modes. While most TVs allow users to disable the sensor globally, the U7N requires a separate setting for each mode. This can be frustrating for those who prefer to maintain control over their TV’s brightness and those who find the automatic adjustments distracting.
The Picture Quality: A Solid Upgrade, But Not Perfect
The U7N delivers a significant improvement over its predecessor, the U7K, in terms of picture quality. The backlighting control is noticeably better, resulting in deeper black levels and a greater sense of depth. The quantum dot technology brings a vibrant, lifelike palette of colors to the screen. While not reaching the levels of flagship TVs, the color reproduction and HDR performance on the U7N are impressive, especially considering its price point.
However, as mentioned earlier, the U7N is a product of compromises. The biggest drawback is the screen uniformity, which can vary from panel to panel. Some users have reported issues with screen clouding or backlight bleed, particularly in dark scenes. This inconsistent performance is a potential deal-breaker for those seeking a flawlessly uniform viewing experience.
Gaming Features: A Solid Choice for Casual Gamers
The U7N offers several features that enhance the gaming experience. It boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and low input lag, making it suitable for fast-paced action games. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 compatibility provides support for 4K 120Hz gaming and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), ensuring smoother and more responsive gameplay.
While it’s a decent choice for the casual gamer, the U7N isn’t in the same league as dedicated gaming monitors or TVs designed specifically for the gaming market. While the features are satisfactory, the lack of G-SYNC or FreeSync support might be a dealbreaker for serious gamers looking for the smoothest possible gameplay experience.
A Decent Choice for Most Viewers, But Buyer Beware
The Hisense U7N is an appealing television for those seeking a 4K upgrade on a budget. Its vibrant colors, immersive HDR experience, and versatile gaming features make it a solid choice for most viewers. However, potential buyers should be aware of the compromises inherent in this relatively affordable option. Those seeking flawless screen uniformity, optimal brightness levels, or top-tier picture quality should consider other options in higher price brackets.
Ultimately, the U7N is a value-oriented television that balances respectable features with a budget-friendly price point. If you’re on a tight budget and are looking for an impressive 4K TV with decent gaming capabilities, the U7N is a worthy contender. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully to see if it’s the right fit for your specific needs and expectations.
