Hisense is ready to roll out its 2025 lineup of premium ULED televisions. ULED, which it calls its “favourite child,” is the company’s interpretation of OLED technology, with claimed improvements to local dimming, resolution, and frame rate. The U-series televisions come in four models: the U6, U7, U8, and U9.
All U-series TVs will include HDMI eARC support, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and compatibility with AI voice agents like Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Homekit.
Hisense a disturbance in the market
Starting with the 144Hz U6, which brings MiniLED technology to lower-end models. MiniLED is made of smaller and more closely packed LEDs for more precise lighting; better for dark or nighttime scenes. The U6 also has Fire TV and Alexa Voice Remote integration. Game Mode introduces lower latency with audio improvements from Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos on a built-in 2.1 subwoofer.
The U7’s display upgrades MiniLED Pro (first prize goes to anyone who can see a significant difference between the two) with anti-glare, low-reflection capability. It has a 165Hz refresh rate, Game Booster takes it to 288Hz. Auto Low Latency Mode, Dolby Vision Gaming, and Dolby Atmos with 60W 2.1.2 multi-channel sound round out some of this device’s offerings.
The U8 features the Hi-View AI Engine Pro, an AI algorithm that Hisense claims offers high picture quality, smooth motion, and immersive audio through real-time optimisation. It has a peak brightness of 5,000 nits and better local dimming at a 165Hz refresh rate. MEMC reduces motion blur. Dolby Vision IQ, HDR 10+, and IMAX Enhanced boost video quality. Sound-wise, it includes 82W Dolby Atmos 4.1.2.
The U9 comes in 65in, 75in, and 85in versions and runs on Hi-View Engine X. This model weaponises AI more than the rest, with applications to 4K Upscaling, Super Resolution, Noise Reduction, Local Dimming, HDR Upscaling, and others. The model is the brightest, though Hisense failed to specify the exact number. Audio features like CineStage X Surround, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Virtual X result in 4.1.2 or 5.1.2 multi-channel sound.
Local pricing and availability haven’t been made public since this is an international announcement. We expect at least some of these models to make landfall here in South Africa at some point in the year.
