Choosing Between Hisense's Giant TVs: Premium vs Value in 2024

When it comes to creating a theater-like experience at home, few things make as big an impact as a massive TV. Today, we're comparing two of Hisense's largest offerings: the premium 98" UX Series 4K Mini-LED ULED Google TV ($4,499) and the more affordable 100" QD7 Series QLED 4K UHD Smart TV ($1,799). Both were announced at CES 2024, representing Hisense's latest technology.

Understanding Large Format TVs

Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes these massive TVs special. When you're looking at screens this large, you're essentially creating a home theater experience. At these sizes, you'll want to sit about 10-15 feet away for the best viewing experience. That's because these 4K displays pack in over 8 million pixels, and you need some distance to let your eyes properly take in all that detail.

The technology that powers these giant screens has come a long way. Just a few years ago, a TV this size would have cost well over $10,000 and likely wouldn't have performed nearly as well. Today's advanced manufacturing processes have made these cinema-sized displays both better and more affordable.

Display Technology: A Tale of Two Approaches

The UX Series uses Mini-LED technology, which is like having thousands of tiny flashlights behind the screen that can be precisely controlled. With over 10,000 dimming zones, it can make parts of the screen very bright while keeping other areas perfectly dark. Think of it like having thousands of light switches that can be individually adjusted - it's what allows for those stunning HDR effects where you see both bright sunlight and deep shadows in the same scene.

The QD7 uses QLED technology with more basic local dimming. QLED (Quantum Dot LED) enhances color reproduction by using tiny particles that emit very pure colors when hit with light. While it's still excellent technology, it doesn't have the same precise control over brightness as Mini-LED. It's like having fewer, larger light switches - still good, but not as precise.

Real-World Performance

Having spent time with both technologies, the difference is most noticeable in challenging scenes. For instance, when watching a space movie with bright stars against a black background, the UX Series creates pinpoint stars that really pop while keeping the space around them perfectly black. The QD7 still looks good, but you might notice some slight glowing around bright objects (what we call "blooming" in the TV world).

The UX Series hits brightness levels over 5,000 nits (a measure of light output), which is honestly brighter than most people will ever need. The QD7 likely reaches around 600-1000 nits, which is still plenty bright for most rooms but won't have quite the same punch in HDR content.

Gaming Capabilities

Both TVs support 144Hz refresh rates (meaning the screen can update 144 times per second) and variable refresh rate technology, which prevents screen tearing during gaming. They both offer low input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen) and support for the latest gaming features.

The UX Series has a slight edge with better HDR performance in games and potentially lower input lag, but honestly, both provide an excellent gaming experience. Playing games on a screen this size is incredibly immersive - imagine having a racing game filling your entire field of view!

Smart Features and Connectivity

Both TVs run Google TV, which provides access to all major streaming services and has helpful features like content recommendations and voice control. They both support hands-free voice commands and can integrate with smart home systems.

The main difference is in the processing power - the UX Series has a more powerful chip that makes the interface feel a bit snappier and handles upscaling (converting lower resolution content to 4K) better.

Value Proposition

Here's where things get interesting. The UX Series at $4,499 offers the absolute best picture quality, but the QD7 at $1,799 delivers 90% of the experience for 40% of the price. For most people, the QD7 represents an incredible value, especially considering that comparable TVs from other brands often cost significantly more.

Home Theater Considerations

If you're building a dedicated home theater, there are a few extra things to consider:

• The UX Series handles ambient light better, so it's more flexible about room lighting
• Both TVs are huge and heavy - make sure your wall or stand can support them
• The UX Series has better built-in audio, though in a theater setup you'll likely use separate speakers anyway
• Both support all major HDR formats, including Dolby Vision

How to Decide

Consider your priorities:

1. If budget is your main concern, the QD7 is an easy choice. It's an incredible value for a TV this size.
2. If you want the absolute best picture quality and price isn't a major factor, go for the UX Series.
3. For bright rooms, the UX Series is worth the premium - its higher brightness really helps.
4. For dedicated home theaters with controlled lighting, either will work well, though the UX Series will give you that extra wow factor.

Remember that both of these TVs represent significant improvements over models from just a few years ago. The fact that we can get TVs this size, with this level of performance, at these prices is remarkable.

Final Thoughts

Both TVs are impressive achievements, but they serve different markets. The UX Series is for the enthusiast who wants the absolute best and is willing to pay for it. The QD7 is for someone who wants a massive, high-quality TV without breaking the bank.

In my experience, the QD7 will delight 90% of users, while the UX Series exists for those who can spot (and appreciate) that extra 10% of performance. Both represent excellent values in their respective categories, and both will create an impressive centerpiece for any home entertainment setup.

Remember to measure your space carefully and consider viewing distances - these TVs are truly massive and need appropriate room to shine. But if you can accommodate them, either one will transform your viewing experience into something special.

Hisense 98" UX Series 4K Mini-LED ULED Google TV Deals and Prices

Hisense 100" QD7 Series QLED 4K UHD Smart TV Deals and Prices