The Hisense U8QG is one of the smartest TV buys I can recommend

The Hisense U8QG is a smart TV that stands out as one of the best buys, according to ZDNET's recommendation. This reviewer tested the 65-inch model in their Louisville lab and found that it performs well even in brightly lit rooms. The U8QG features ULED technology, which combines 20 patents to deliver vivid and true-to-life viewing, with Ultra Local Dimming, Ultra Wide Color Gamut, Ultra 4K Resolution, and Ultra Smooth Motion Rate.

Setting up the U8QG was straightforward, though it required the assistance of two people due to its weight. The TV is not super-sleek, but it offers a sturdy build and a brushed metal finish remote that lights up when picked up. It has three HDMI ports, which is sufficient for most users, although four ports are becoming the standard among premium TVs.

Upon powering on the U8QG, the retail mode demos were impressive, displaying waterfalls of color and light that looked like 8K video to the human eye. The U8QG's mini-LED aspect truly shines, providing deeper blacks and striking contrast. In dark scenes, like the inky blackness of space in "Alien: Romulus," the U8QG rendered the darkness with intensity that can give an OLED a serious run for its money.

The reviewer also appreciated the TV's vibrant colors, such as the rich greens of a rainforest, and its smooth motion rate of 165Hz, an upgrade from the 144Hz rate in the 2024's U8N model. While the U8QG falls short of having four HDMI ports, it includes a USB-C port that can act as an alternate display port for PC gamers, making it a versatile choice in the budget to midrange options market.