Hisense U9G 75in TV review – One way to realise that size isn’t everything

Is R40,000 too much to pay for a 75in TV? The Hisense U9G doesn’t think so. But then, if all you’re after is a super-large screen, you can get that for less. Samsung’s got a few models, one as cheap as R25,000. Heck, if you’ll willing to lose five inches, you can grab a 70in TV for R16,000. Nobody even knows how long five inches is anyway, right?

But with this sort of price gap in the market, the Hisense U9G has a lot to prove. Why is it worth dropping an extra R15,000 on Hisense’s panel over Samsung’s screens? That’s a slightly trickier question to answer. A TV is a TV, generally speaking. It’s the software that makes or breaks, with the panel having some say in the final outcome.

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The South African version of the Hisense U9G is a gigantic 4K TV. Not to be confused with the 8K international model with the same designation, this one packs a few interesting technologies. Hisense claims to sport quantum dot tech, as pioneered by Samsung. Indeed, compared to the Samsung Q60B, the front design and the way the feet have been arranged are near identical. The major difference (besides the operating systems)? It’s a little thicker through the side, and it weighs 36kg to Samsung’s 32kg. Still, more to love, right?

Actually, not if you’re setting one up. It’s technically possible to take this TV out of its box and set it up alone, but only just. And even then, expect to perform your television assembly while stacking the screen on as many blankets as you can muster. And, if you get that far, you’ll have to find a way to get it into position without snapping it in half or something equally stupid. For once, when the box says it’s a two-person job, it’s actually a two-person job. But just the lifting. Actual assembly involves four screws and putting the batteries in the remote. That, you can do on your own.

Livin’ la VIDAA loca

Once all the hard work is done, the real work can begin. First, a network connection, second, you’re prompted to set up a VIDAA account. If you’re considering the Hisense U9G and aren’t planning on connecting it to the internet, look elsewhere. You can get the size you’re after far cheaper. The VIDAA account serves at least one purpose — you’ll be halfway to turning your smartphone into a remote control. There’s an associated app, because of course there is.

Hisense’s software itself is up against some serious competition. LG’s webOS is still the gold standard, no matter what Samsung wants you to think. Tizen OS is a very close second. VIDAA U5 is an Android-based operating system with few of the advantages of properly Android TVs. Navigation is simple, as is the overall layout. Everyone from Disney+ to Netflix uses the tiled interface but Hisense’s implementation here feels a little simplistic. We suspect it’s because the VIDAA operating system is an Android version or two behind the likes of Skyworth’s more vanilla take on the OS.

Still, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to apps. Everything is supported and installed from the outset. The major local options are all represented on the remote control with a dedicated button, in case you don’t feel like arrowing through the various menus. You might find yourself spending time with these keys. Navigation… has been done more smoothly elsewhere.

Are we clear?

So the operating system isn’t the best there’s ever been. That’s only part of the reason you’re considering this TV. In terms of hardware, you can expect a far better experience. If you’re a gamer, you’re bound to be pleased. There are four HDMI 2.1 inputs, three along the side and a fourth that also supports ARC facing outward. The TV itself supports HDR 10 and operates at 120Hz. If you’re looking for a monster screen for your shiny new PS5, you’ve found it. We still reckon 75 inches is way too large for gaming, but you do you. This is one area where Hisense’s TV wallops the cheaper Samsung Q60B. That set runs at a paltry 50Hz. Boo.

There are a few other features that might catch your eye. The U9G is IMAX Enhanced — in other words, compatible content will show a little more than you’d see on a non-certified TV. DTS X is there, and a range of Dolby certifications are built-in too — expect Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.

The panel itself is proper 4K — 3,840 x 2,160, which looks bright and crispy at the right distance. Like all monster panels, the picture breaks down a little as you get closer. Which is fair enough. Spreading the same number of pixels over a greater surface area always has the same effect. The Hisense U9G uses what it calls a combination of micro-LED and quantum dot tech for its panels. The result is a bright enough screen — 500 nits of brightness will get the job done in most cases.

The problem with micro-LED, though, is that there’s some bloom. Micro-dimming zones help, but they don’t eliminate the bright spots encroaching on darker sections. At least there’s no remote control-enabled pointer to contend with. LG’s micro-LED TVs are famous for having enough bloom to qualify them for a cherry blossom festival. It’s no dealbreaker, but it’s not OLED. Just keep that in mind.

Hisense U9G verdict

Do you really want to drop 40 grand on a Hisense U9G? That depends. Are you all-in on a massive gaming TV? Are you ambivalent about a slick operating system? Do you have another person on hand to help you take it out of the box? If you’ve answered yes to any of these, you’re probably a prime candidate for a 75in Hisense TV. The app-enabled remote control feature is a bit of a gimmick and the software really could be better. But if you’re after a decent batch of hardware features and certifications in a (relatively) affordable package, the Hisense U9G is worth looking into. Just be aware of its eccentricities, is all.