Should You Buy a Massive TV? Comparing 97" OLED vs 100" QLED

As TVs keep getting bigger and more affordable, the dream of having a theater-sized screen at home is becoming reality. Today, we're looking at two giants in the TV world: the Hisense 100" U76 Series ($2,999) and the LG 97" OLED evo G4 ($19,999). I've spent time with both, and there's a lot to unpack about these impressive displays.

The Rise of Large Format TVs

Remember when a 65" TV seemed enormous? Now, manufacturers are pushing boundaries with screens approaching 100 inches. These massive displays aim to deliver cinema-like experiences without the complexity of projector setups.

Both of these TVs were announced at CES 2024, showing how far display technology has come. Just five years ago, a TV this size would have cost more than a luxury car. Now, at least one of them is surprisingly attainable.

Understanding the Technologies

Let's break down how these TVs create their images, because it matters a lot for picture quality:

QLED (Quantum Dot LED)

The Hisense U76 uses QLED technology, which means it has:

• A traditional LED backlight
• A layer of quantum dots (tiny particles that enhance color)
• Local dimming zones that can brighten or darken different screen areas

Think of it like a giant grid of tiny flashlights behind the screen, each one able to adjust its brightness independently. The Hisense has 256 of these zones.

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)

The LG G4 uses OLED technology, where:

• Each pixel creates its own light
• Pixels can turn completely off for perfect blacks
• No backlight is needed

Having used both technologies extensively, I can tell you OLED produces noticeably better contrast. However, QLED typically gets brighter, which matters in well-lit rooms.

Real-World Performance

Brightness and Room Lighting

In my experience, the Hisense's 800 nits of brightness makes it better for bright rooms. The LG compensates with its new Brightness Booster Max technology, but it still can't quite match QLED's raw brightness.

Color and Contrast

• The Hisense delivers vibrant colors and good contrast
• The LG provides perfect blacks and more natural color gradients
• Both support HDR (High Dynamic Range) content

Motion Handling

For sports and action scenes:

• The Hisense has a 144Hz refresh rate with decent motion processing
• The LG has nearly instant pixel response time, making fast motion crystal clear

Gaming Features

Both TVs are surprisingly capable gaming displays:

Hisense U76:

• 144Hz refresh rate
• Variable refresh rate support
• Gaming mode with low input lag

LG G4:

• 120Hz refresh rate
• G-Sync and FreeSync support
• Ultra-low input lag (<1ms)

For gaming, both are excellent, but the LG's OLED technology gives it an edge in dark scenes and response time.

Smart Features and Usability

Operating Systems

• The Hisense uses Google TV, which I find more intuitive and better integrated with other services
• The LG uses webOS, which is smooth but sometimes feels cluttered

Voice Control and Integration

Both support voice commands and smart home integration, but Google TV's ecosystem is more comprehensive.

Installation and Practical Considerations

Here's something crucial: these TVs are massive and heavy. The Hisense weighs 132 pounds, and the LG isn't much lighter. You'll need:

• Solid wall mounting or a very sturdy TV stand
• At least two people for setup
• Professional installation is recommended

Home Theater Usage

For dedicated home theaters, these displays offer different advantages:

The LG G4 excels with:

• Perfect blacks for dark room viewing
• Wide viewing angles
• Superior contrast for movie watching

The Hisense U76 provides:

• Excellent value for the size
• Good brightness for ambient light
• Solid overall performance

Value Proposition

Let's be frank about the price difference. The Hisense U76 at $2,999 delivers about 80-90% of the image quality of the LG G4 at $19,999. That's a massive price gap.

Is the LG worth over six times more? For most people, no. But for home theater enthusiasts or those demanding the absolute best picture quality, it might be.

How to Decide

Consider these factors:

1. Room Environment
   • Bright room? Lean toward Hisense
2. Dedicated theater? LG has the advantage
3. Primary Usage
   • Movies and gaming? LG excels
4. Sports and TV? Either works well
5. Mixed use? Hisense offers better value
6. Budget
   • If budget is a major factor, the Hisense is the clear choice
7. If seeking the absolute best regardless of cost, the LG wins

Final Thoughts

After spending time with both TVs, here's my take:

The Hisense U76 represents incredible value. It delivers a cinema-sized experience with very good picture quality at a surprisingly reasonable price. For most people, this is the logical choice.

The LG G4 is the better TV in almost every technical aspect. It produces a noticeably better picture and offers superior performance. However, its price puts it in a different category entirely.

For most buyers, I recommend the Hisense. It provides an impressive experience at a fraction of the cost. But if you're a serious enthusiast with the budget for the LG, you'll appreciate its superior performance every time you turn it on.

Remember: whichever you choose, make sure you have enough viewing distance (at least 10-12 feet) and a proper installation plan. These aren't just TVs; they're room-defining pieces of technology that deserve careful consideration in your space.

Hisense 100" U76 Series 4K UHD QLED Google TV Deals and Prices

LG 97" OLED evo G4 Series 4K UHD Smart TV Deals and Prices