Choosing Between Giant TVs: Comparing the Latest 98"+ Smart TVs

Looking for a massive TV that can transform your living room into a home theater? Let's compare two of the newest and largest consumer TVs - the Hisense 100" U76 Series and the LG 98" UT90. Both were released in early 2024 and represent the latest in large-format TV technology.

Why Go This Big?

Before we dive into the comparison, let's talk about why you might want a TV this massive. These 98"+ TVs deliver a truly cinematic experience without the hassles of a projector setup. You get instant-on capability, no bulb replacements, and excellent brightness even in well-lit rooms. While projectors still reign supreme for sizes beyond 100 inches, these TVs hit a sweet spot for many home theater enthusiasts.

Display Technology and Image Quality

The Hisense U76 uses QLED technology (think regular LED TV with a special quantum dot layer that improves color) combined with 256 zones of local dimming. Local dimming means the TV can make different parts of the screen brighter or darker independently, which helps create deeper blacks and more dramatic contrast. With 256 zones, you get pretty precise control, though you might occasionally notice some slight blooming (light bleeding) around bright objects on dark backgrounds.

The LG UT90 takes a different approach, using standard LED technology with direct backlighting (where the LEDs sit directly behind the panel rather than at the edges). While this creates good uniform brightness, it can't match the contrast capabilities of the Hisense's more advanced local dimming system.

In real-world viewing:

• The Hisense produces noticeably better HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, with brighter highlights and deeper blacks
• The LG handles motion slightly better, which matters for sports and action movies
• Both TVs offer good color accuracy, but the Hisense's quantum dots give it an edge for vibrant content

Smart Features and User Experience

Having tested both platforms extensively, I can say each has its strengths:

Google TV (Hisense):

• Better content recommendations
• Wider app selection
• More frequent updates
• Occasionally less stable

webOS (LG):

• More polished interface
• Better remote control
• More stable performance
• Fewer advanced features

The choice here really comes down to personal preference. I tend to prefer Google TV for its better content discovery, but I completely understand why others would choose webOS for its reliability.

Gaming Features

If you're a gamer, particularly on next-gen consoles or PC, the Hisense U76 has a clear advantage:

• 144Hz refresh rate (meaning it can display up to 144 frames per second)
• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support to prevent screen tearing
• Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for reduced input lag
• FreeSync Premium certification

The LG UT90 isn't far behind:

• 120Hz refresh rate
• VRR support
• ALLM support
• Good input lag performance

For most gamers, both TVs will perform admirably, but competitive gamers might appreciate the Hisense's higher refresh rate.

Home Theater Performance

In a dedicated home theater setting, both TVs can create an impressive experience, but they have different strengths:

Hisense U76:

• Better contrast makes it ideal for dark room viewing
• Superior HDR performance creates more impactful movie scenes
• 100 inches provides slightly more immersive experience
• Dolby Vision support improves movie playback

LG UT90:

• Better bright room performance
• Superior motion handling
• More accurate out-of-box picture settings
• Better upscaling of non-4K content

From my experience setting up home theaters, the Hisense's better contrast and larger size make it the superior choice for dedicated theater rooms. However, if your space serves multiple purposes or has lots of ambient light, the LG might be the better option.

Room Considerations

These are massive TVs that require careful planning:

Physical Size:

• Hisense: 88.0" × 50.6" × 4.0" (without stand)
• LG: 85.9" × 49.5" × 4.3" (without stand)

Optimal Viewing Distance:

• Hisense (100"): 10-15 feet
• LG (98"): 10-14 feet

Both TVs weigh over 130 pounds and require solid wall mounting or substantial furniture support. Make sure your installation plan accounts for this significant weight.

Value and Price Competition

The Hisense U76 typically retails for $2,999, while the LG UT90 comes in at $2,499. This $500 difference needs to be weighed against the features you're getting:

Hisense Advantages:

• Larger screen
• Better contrast
• Superior gaming features
• Better HDR performance

LG Advantages:

• Lower price
• More established brand reputation
• Better motion handling
• More polished smart platform

How These TVs Have Evolved

Both TVs represent significant improvements over their predecessors:

Hisense's Progress:

• Increased brightness (now 800 nits peak)
• More local dimming zones
• Improved processing
• Better gaming features

LG's Advances:

• Larger size offering (previous max was 86")
• Enhanced processor
• Improved smart features
• Better color accuracy

How to Decide

Choose the Hisense U76 if:

• You're creating a dedicated home theater
• Gaming features are important to you
• You want the absolute largest size
• HDR performance is a priority

Choose the LG UT90 if:

• You want to save some money
• You prefer a more established brand
• Your room has significant ambient light
• You value motion handling for sports

Final Thoughts

Both TVs represent impressive achievements in consumer display technology. The Hisense 100" U76 offers better overall performance and a larger screen, making it my recommendation for enthusiasts and those building dedicated home theaters. The LG 98" UT90 provides excellent value and might be the better choice for bright rooms or viewers who prioritize motion handling and reliability over absolute picture quality.

Remember that either TV will provide an impressive viewing experience - the final choice often comes down to your specific room conditions, usage patterns, and budget priorities. Given the significant investment these TVs represent, I'd recommend viewing them in person if possible before making a final decision.

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

LG 98" Class UT90 Series 4K UHD Smart TV 2024 Deals and Prices