Hisense’s all mini-LED lineup for 2023 is led by its brightest TV yet
>
Hisense’s sprawling stand CES 2023 was packed with TVs – unlike some other brands, the full 2023 line-up was on display, with detailed specs for each series. All sets should all be available in the spring, which is the time when manufacturers typically start rolling out new TVs.
Last year, Hisense introduced its first mini-LED models, the U8H serieswhich is on our list of the best 4k tvs because of its great performance for the price. For 2023, the company will include mini-LED backlighting across its entire premium ULED (quantum dot) TV range, with prices starting at less than $500 / £410 for a 50-inch model. Along with mini-LED backlighting, each series will use Google TV’s smart interface and offer gaming-focused features including up to 144Hz refresh rate, VRR, ALLM and FreeSync Premium Pro, except for the entry-level U6K model. All sets also support the Wi-Fi 6E standard for fast streaming, along with both Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ high dynamic range formats.
There’s something built in that’s of interest to American viewers ATSC 3.0 tuners found in the entire Hisense line. We expect more TVs to come out in 2023 that can handle this next-gen TV broadcast standard, which includes support for 4K video with HDR and Dolby Atmos audio. But of the new TVs announced at CES 2023, only LG has so far confirmed that its flagship G3 4K and Z3 8K models will have built-in ATSC 3.0 tuning capabilities.
ULED EX
The ULED EX (pictured above) is Hisense’s flagship TV for 2023. Only available in an 85-inch screen size, the backlight includes more than 20,000 mini-LED modules. Over 5,000 local dimming zones and a 16-bit lighting control algorithm are used to enhance contrast and shadow detail, and peak brightness is specified at 2,500 nits. The ULED EX also has an ultra-low-reflection screen with a 30% wider viewing angle than standard LED-backlit TVs – a first for a Hisense set, and something I’d appreciate seeing it in person at CES.
The limited edition ULED EX has the most advanced built-in audio system to appear in a Hisense TV: 4.1.2 channels, with over 80 watts used to power the set’s seven speakers.
U8K series
Last year’s U8H series paved the way for Hisense’s expansion into mini-LED, and the new U8K models for 2023 double that technology with over 1,000 local dimming zones. Peak brightness is listed as 1,500 nits, but if the super-bright U8H model we tested in 2022 is any indication, that will prove to be a conservative spec.
Available in screen sizes ranging from 55 to 85 inches (last year’s U8H series topped out at 75 inches), U8K series TVs will have a low-glare, non-glare screen. A built-in 2.1.2 audio system with upward-firing speakers is another new addition, making it possible to hear Dolby Atmos soundtracks without a separate soundbar. The U8H series also features IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker picture modes – two other features found in the 2023 Hisense mini LED TV line.
U7K series
Last year’s U7H series had standard LED backlighting, but that’s been rectified this year on the U7K series with mini-LED backlighting on all screen sizes and up to 500 local dimming zones with a specified peak brightness of 1,100 nits. The U7H series TVs are available in screen sizes from 55 to 85 inches.
U6K series
Available in screen sizes from 50 to 85 inches, the U6K series will be Hisense’s high-performance quantum dot models. They’ll also be affordable for mini-LED-backlit TVs, with the 50-inch version selling for less than $500. The U6K series offers many of the same features found higher up in the Hisense TV line, the main difference being a display panel limited to over 200 local dimming zones and a 60Hz refresh rate.