Remember when a 65" TV seemed enormous? The landscape of home entertainment has changed dramatically, and now we're seeing incredible 98" and 100" TVs that transform living rooms into legitimate home theaters. Let's compare two leading options in this premium category: the Hisense 100" U8 Series ($2,999) and the LG 98" UT90 Series ($3,499).
Both these TVs were released in early 2024, representing the latest advancements in large-format display technology. They're part of an exciting trend where manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in home entertainment.
The Hisense U8 uses Mini-LED QLED technology, which means it has thousands of tiny LED lights behind the screen for backlighting, combined with quantum dots for color enhancement. Think of it like having thousands of precisely controlled flashlights that can dim or brighten independently, creating amazing contrast and bright, vivid colors.
The LG UT90 uses a more traditional LED setup with fewer dimming zones. While still impressive, it's like having fewer, larger flashlights controlling the picture. This difference becomes noticeable in dark scenes where you want precise control over which parts of the screen are lit.
Having tested both displays in various lighting conditions, the Hisense's superior brightness capability (1500 nits vs LG's ~800 nits) makes a real difference. This matters especially when:
The Hisense's better local dimming also means deeper blacks and less "blooming" (where bright objects on dark backgrounds create a halo effect). In a dedicated home theater setting, this difference becomes even more apparent.
Both TVs offer excellent gaming features, but there are important differences:
For gamers, especially those with current-gen consoles or gaming PCs, the Hisense U8 offers a notably better experience. The higher refresh rate and more advanced gaming features make fast-paced games feel more responsive and look smoother.
The Hisense runs Google TV, which I've found to be more intuitive and feature-rich than LG's webOS. Google TV offers:
LG's webOS is still capable but feels more limited in comparison. However, it's extremely stable and runs smoothly, which some users might prefer over additional features.
In daily use, both TVs handle basic tasks well, but the Hisense's more powerful processor makes navigation snappier and handles upscaling of lower-resolution content better. This is crucial for a screen this size, where any imperfections become more noticeable.
When setting up a dedicated home theater, several factors become especially important:
Both TVs need:
For serious home theater use, you'll want external speakers regardless of which TV you choose, but the Hisense's better built-in audio could be important for casual viewing.
The Hisense U8 at $2,999 offers better performance in almost every metric than the LG UT90 at $3,499. This price difference becomes even more significant when you consider the Hisense's superior features:
After extensive testing and comparison, the Hisense 100" U8 emerges as the better choice for most users. It offers superior technology and better performance at a lower price point. The LG UT90 is still a capable TV, but it's harder to justify its higher price given the performance difference.
For home theater enthusiasts, the Hisense's better contrast, brightness, and local dimming make it particularly well-suited for dedicated viewing rooms. The addition of superior gaming features also makes it more future-proof for mixed-use scenarios.
Remember, whichever TV you choose, proper installation and room setup are crucial for getting the best experience from these massive displays. Consider professional installation if you're not confident about handling such large panels, and make sure your viewing distance and room layout are optimized for these cinema-sized screens.
| Hisense 100" U8 Series ($2,999) | LG 98" UT90 Series ($3,499) |
|---|---|
| Display Technology - Determines overall picture quality and contrast | |
| Mini-LED QLED with advanced local dimming | Standard LED with basic local dimming |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room viewing | |
| 1,500 nits (excellent HDR performance) | 800 nits (good but not spectacular) |
| Refresh Rate - Important for gaming and fast motion | |
| 144Hz with FreeSync Premium Pro | 120Hz with basic VRR |
| Local Dimming Zones - More zones mean better contrast | |
| 1,000+ zones (superior contrast control) | ~500 zones (decent but less precise) |
| Smart Platform - Affects ease of use and app availability | |
| Google TV (more apps, better recommendations) | webOS (stable but more limited) |
| Gaming Features - Critical for next-gen console gaming | |
| ALLM, VRR, 144Hz, <15ms input lag | ALLM, VRR, 120Hz, ~20ms input lag |
| Audio System - Important if not using external speakers | |
| 50W 2.1.2 channel with Dolby Atmos | 40W 2.2 channel system |
| HDR Support - Affects compatible content quality | |
| Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | HDR10, HLG only |
| Color Volume - Determines color richness and accuracy | |
| Quantum Dot (wider color range) | Standard LED (good but less vibrant) |
| Value Proposition - Overall bang for buck | |
| Better performance at lower price | Higher price with fewer premium features |
The Hisense 100" U8 Series is superior for dedicated home theater use due to its better contrast ratios, higher peak brightness (1500 nits), and advanced local dimming. These features create a more cinematic experience, especially in controlled lighting conditions.
At $2,999, the Hisense U8 offers better value compared to the LG UT90 at $3,499. The Hisense provides superior features and performance at a lower price point.
The Hisense U8 has better gaming features with 144Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium Pro, while the LG offers 120Hz. The Hisense's lower input lag (<15ms) makes it the better choice for serious gamers.
The Hisense 100" U8 performs better in bright rooms thanks to its higher peak brightness of 1500 nits, compared to the LG UT90's approximately 800 nits.
Yes, both TVs support Dolby Atmos, but the Hisense U8 has a more powerful 50W 2.1.2 channel audio system compared to LG's 40W 2.2 channel system.
The Hisense U8 uses Google TV, offering more apps and better content recommendations, while the LG UT90 uses webOS, which is stable but more limited in features.
Both TVs handle motion well, but the Hisense U8 has superior motion handling with its 144Hz panel and better brightness for daytime sports viewing.
The Hisense U8 supports more HDR formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, while the LG UT90 only supports HDR10 and HLG.
The Hisense 100" U8 offers a better movie-watching experience with its superior contrast, better HDR performance, and more advanced local dimming technology.
Due to their size and weight (both over 130 lbs), professional installation is recommended for both the Hisense U8 and LG UT90 to ensure safe mounting and optimal setup.
For both the Hisense 100" and LG 98", a viewing distance of 12-15 feet is recommended for optimal experience, though this can be adjusted based on room size and personal preference.
While both manufacturers offer similar warranties, LG has a longer track record for reliability. However, the Hisense U8 uses newer technology that should provide excellent longevity, and its lower price point might make long-term value less of a concern.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: bestbuy.com - valueelectronics.com - pcrichard.com - youtube.com - cnet.com - bargainoutletandmore.com - bestbuy.com - files.hisense-usa.com - fouanistore.com - bestbuy.com/6561416) - salesindia.com - rtings.com - shopjetson.com - abt.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - pcrichard.com - lg.com - rcwilley.com - lg.com - elechid.com - lg.com
