Hisense U8K – Review

When it comes to making budget televisions, Hisense has done an outstanding job. Value is the priority and Hisense has been able to deliver to an extent that most are unable to achieve. While the U8K is priced a bit higher than its predecessor, it does come with significant improvements.

Design and build

In terms of design, you are going to feel déjà vu when you check out U8K because it is similar to the U7K. The layout and location of the input area is the same, as is the thin border frame, cable management and frame. There are four HDMI ports on the left side, two of which offer 4K at 60Hz, while the other two support it at 144Hz. One of the two of the latter is the eARC port.

There is one digital optical audio, one analog audio, Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6E and two USB ports. You can position the feet tight or wide. They also comprise of the cable management, which means there are two hooks on the back of each.

As far as the front is concerned, the U8K looks like a very attractive television. The bottom of the front panel has a border, which is a brushed silver and simple bar boasting the Hisense logo. The microphone is below it and can be used for talking to the TV.

The remote

The remote design of the U8K is the same one that Hisense has been using for several years now and there is only a small change, with the hamburger icon now replaced by the ‘Menu’ button. You can access the game bar through this button when you plug in a console or PC. There are six shortcut buttons on the remote. It provides you with all the options you could need.

Software and UI

As it uses Google TV, you could have every possible app you want. The interface is also familiar and you have the option of turning off all the ads. The user-interface is responsive, but it is a tad slower than its predecessor. While it does not interrupt your entire experience, but it does have bugs.

Picture options is one area where Hisense has done a great job as well as HDR support. There is support for Dolby Vision, HDR 10, HDR 10+ as well as HLG. You can also find a number of options in picture settings, which include Vivid, Filmmaker Mode, Standard and IMAX Enhanced. Audio formats like Dolby advanced and DTS are also supported.

Picture quality

You can take your viewing experience with the U8K because of the number of dimming zones. It offers a very nice contrast and also has impressive brightness. HDR content looks truly spectacular. Even though it is not like OLED, it does a great job, but off-angle viewing is a problem that has persisted since the U7K. In terms of color, you will not have any complaints and while you can make adjustments, the U8K offers great colors straight out of the box.