When it comes to creating a truly cinematic experience at home, there's nothing quite like a massive TV. Today we're looking at two impressive contenders in the 95+ inch category: the Hisense 100" U8 Series ($2,999) and the LG 98" QNED ($3,999). Both of these TVs represent the latest in large format display technology, but they take different approaches to delivering that big-screen experience.
The landscape of large format TVs has changed dramatically in recent years. What was once a niche market dominated by projectors has become increasingly accessible thanks to manufacturing advances and growing consumer demand. These 95+ inch TVs represent a sweet spot for many home theater enthusiasts - they're large enough to provide a truly immersive experience but don't require the dedicated setup and light control that projectors need.
Let's break down what makes these displays special and help you decide which might be right for your space.
The Hisense U8 uses Mini-LED QLED technology, which means it has thousands of tiny LED backlights combined with a quantum dot layer. Think of it like having incredibly precise control over hundreds of small flashlights behind your screen. This results in excellent contrast and very bright highlights - up to 1500 nits, which is bright enough to combat even serious glare from windows.
The LG QNED takes a slightly different approach, combining quantum dots with LG's NanoCell technology. This hybrid approach typically delivers excellent color accuracy and wider viewing angles, though it can't quite match the peak brightness of the Hisense.
Both TVs were released in 2023, but the Hisense uses more cutting-edge Mini-LED technology, which has seen significant improvements in the last two years, particularly in reducing "blooming" (that halo effect you sometimes see around bright objects on dark backgrounds).
Having spent time with both displays, the differences become clear in specific scenarios:
For gamers, there are some important distinctions:
The Hisense U8 offers:
The LG QNED provides:
Both will provide an excellent gaming experience, but the Hisense has a slight edge in features and performance.
When setting up either TV in a home theater, there are several factors to consider:
For a 98-100 inch TV, you'll want:
Both TVs are extremely heavy (130+ pounds) and require:
While both TVs have built-in speakers, in a home theater setting you'll want to pair them with a proper sound system. Both support:
The Hisense has a slight edge in audio processing, but in a home theater setup, you'll likely be using an external audio system anyway.
The $1,000 price difference between these TVs is significant, even at this price point. The Hisense U8 offers:
The LG QNED counters with:
Consider these key factors:
After spending considerable time with both displays, I lean toward recommending the Hisense U8 for most users. Its combination of higher brightness, better HDR performance, and lower price make it a compelling value proposition. The technology improvements in Mini-LED over the past two years have really shown in this model, and the extra screen size, while minimal, is nice to have.
However, the LG QNED remains an excellent choice, particularly if viewing angles are a priority or if you prefer LG's webOS smart platform. Its motion handling and processing are top-notch, and LG's reputation for reliability might provide peace of mind for such a significant investment.
Remember, at this size, either TV will provide an impressive viewing experience. The key is matching the display to your specific needs and room conditions. Don't forget to factor in professional installation and potential audio upgrades in your budget planning.
Both TVs represent how far home entertainment has come - offering cinema-sized displays with technology that was unimaginable just a few years ago. Whether you choose the value-leading Hisense or the premium LG, you'll be getting a stunning centerpiece for your home entertainment setup.
| Hisense 100" U8 Series ($2,999) | LG 98" QNED ($3,999) |
|---|---|
| Screen Size - Impacts immersion and minimum room size needed | |
| 100" diagonal | 98" diagonal |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room viewing | |
| 1,500 nits (excellent for bright rooms) | 800 nits (requires more light control) |
| Display Technology - Affects contrast, brightness, and viewing angles | |
| Mini-LED QLED (better contrast, higher brightness) | QNED (better viewing angles, more consistent) |
| Refresh Rate - Important for gaming and fast motion | |
| 144Hz (superior for gaming) | 120Hz (still excellent) |
| HDR Support - Determines range of HDR content compatibility | |
| Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG (complete suite) | HDR10, HLG (basic support) |
| Gaming Features - Critical for next-gen console gaming | |
| VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium Pro, Dolby Vision Gaming | VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium |
| Smart Platform - Affects ease of use and app availability | |
| Google TV (more customizable, better search) | webOS (simpler, more stable) |
| Viewing Angles - Important for wide seating arrangements | |
| Limited (best viewed straight-on) | Superior (better for wide rooms) |
| Weight - Impacts installation requirements | |
| 134 lbs (professional installation required) | 143.5 lbs (professional installation required) |
| Value Proposition - Overall price to performance ratio | |
| Better features at lower price point | Premium brand, better processing, higher price |
The Hisense 100" U8 Series ($2,999) is generally better for dedicated theater rooms due to its superior contrast ratios and higher peak brightness, which creates more impactful HDR viewing. However, if you have wide seating, the LG 98" QNED ($3,999) might be preferable due to better viewing angles.
For pure picture quality, the Hisense U8 edges out with its Mini-LED technology, delivering higher brightness (1500 nits vs 800 nits) and better contrast. The LG QNED offers more consistent performance across different viewing angles.
Both TVs require similar room dimensions. The minimum viewing distance should be 10-12 feet, with optimal viewing at 13-15 feet. Room width should be at least 13 feet for comfortable viewing of either display.
Yes, both the Hisense U8 and LG QNED require professional installation due to their size and weight (130+ pounds). This isn't a DIY project - proper mounting and safety considerations are essential.
The Hisense U8 has superior gaming features with 144Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision Gaming support. The LG QNED is still excellent for gaming with 120Hz, but lacks some advanced gaming features.
Both TVs handle streaming content well, but the Hisense U8 offers better HDR performance with fuller format support including Dolby Vision. The LG's processing might handle motion slightly better for some content.
The Hisense U8 performs significantly better in bright rooms due to its 1500 nit peak brightness, compared to the LG QNED's lower brightness levels.
The $1,000 premium for the LG is difficult to justify based on performance alone. The Hisense offers better specifications in most areas at a lower price point, making it the better value for most users.
Both TVs handle motion well, but the Hisense U8 has a slight advantage with its 144Hz refresh rate. The LG QNED might be better for group viewing due to wider viewing angles.
Both TVs offer similar audio connectivity options with eARC support. They'll work equally well with external home theater audio systems, which is recommended for either TV.
Both manufacturers offer similar 1-year warranties. LG has a longer track record for reliability, but both TVs use modern technology that should last 7-10 years with proper care.
Both handle upscaling well, but the LG QNED might have slightly better processing for lower-quality content. However, the Hisense U8 offers better overall picture quality, which can make up for any minor processing differences.
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 - bestbuy.com - greentoe.com - pcrichard.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - ecdcom.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - displayspecifications.com - techradar.com - youtube.com - kitele.com - youtube.com
