When it comes to massive 98-inch TVs, two models have been making waves in 2024: the premium Hisense 98" UX Series ($8,000) and the more affordable LG 98" UT90 Series ($2,500). Let's dive into what makes these giants different and help you decide which one deserves a place in your home.
The 98-inch TV category has evolved significantly in the past few years. What was once an ultra-premium segment with $20,000+ price tags has become increasingly accessible, though still representing a significant investment. These TVs aim to deliver a cinema-like experience without the complexity of projection systems.
The key advance enabling these more attainable prices has been manufacturing improvements in LCD panel production. Both the Hisense UX and LG UT90 launched in early 2024, representing the latest in their respective technologies.
The Hisense UX utilizes Mini-LED technology - think of it as thousands of tiny LED lights behind the screen that can be precisely controlled in small zones. With over 10,000 dimming zones and a stunning 5,000 nits of peak brightness (nits measure how bright a display can get - a typical TV reaches 300-500), it's one of the brightest TVs ever made.
The LG UT90 uses more conventional LED technology with fewer dimming zones and lower peak brightness. While still bright enough for most rooms, it can't match the Hisense's ability to make HDR content pop with brilliant highlights while maintaining deep blacks.
Both TVs use quantum dot technology (tiny particles that enhance color reproduction), but the Hisense's superior brightness gives it an edge in color volume - the ability to show bright, saturated colors. The difference is most noticeable in HDR content like nature documentaries or modern video games.
Modern TVs aren't just for movies anymore, and these giants offer different gaming experiences:
The Hisense UX provides:
The LG UT90 offers:
For competitive gamers or those with high-end gaming PCs, the Hisense's higher refresh rate and more advanced gaming features provide a tangible advantage.
Both TVs offer comprehensive smart platforms, but with different approaches:
The Hisense uses Google TV, which provides:
LG's webOS platform delivers:
While both platforms are capable, Google TV tends to receive more frequent updates and new features, though webOS is generally more stable and streamlined.
For dedicated home theater use, several factors come into play:
The Hisense UX shows its premium positioning with superior processing capabilities:
The LG UT90 performs adequately but doesn't quite match the Hisense's processing prowess. However, for most content, the differences are subtle.
Neither TV will replace a dedicated sound system, but the Hisense's more advanced speaker system provides better built-in audio. However, at this price point, most buyers should budget for at least a quality soundbar or, preferably, a full surround sound system.
The elephant in the room is the price difference - the Hisense UX costs 3.2 times more than the LG UT90. Is it worth it?
Your choice should depend on several factors:
Since their 2024 releases, both TVs have received firmware updates improving their performance. The Hisense UX has particularly benefited from updates to its local dimming algorithms, while the LG UT90 has seen improvements in its smart features.
Looking forward, both TVs support the latest HDMI 2.1 features and should remain capable performers for years to come. The Hisense's higher brightness and more advanced features may give it more headroom for future HDR content, but the LG's core feature set will remain relevant.
For most buyers, the LG UT90 represents the more sensible choice. Its combination of good performance and reasonable price makes it an excellent value in the giant-screen TV category. The Hisense UX is undeniably the superior technical performer, but its premium price positions it for enthusiasts and those who demand the absolute best regardless of cost.
Remember that these are massive TVs - ensure you have adequate space and viewing distance (ideally 10-15 feet) before making your purchase. Also consider professional installation, as these sets are heavy and awkward to handle.
Whichever you choose, both represent the current state of the art in consumer television technology, offering impressive cinema-like experiences in your home.
| Hisense 98" UX Series ($8,000) | LG 98" UT90 Series ($2,500) |
|---|---|
| Display Technology - Impacts overall picture quality and brightness | |
| Mini-LED with 10,000+ dimming zones | Standard LED with basic local dimming |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR performance and bright room viewing | |
| 5,000+ nits peak brightness | ~500-700 nits (estimated) |
| Refresh Rate - Important for gaming and motion clarity | |
| 144Hz native refresh rate | 120Hz native refresh rate |
| HDR Support - Affects contrast and color in high dynamic range content | |
| Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | HDR10, HLG |
| Smart Platform - Controls app access and user experience | |
| Google TV with hands-free voice control | webOS 24 with Magic Remote |
| Gaming Features - Relevant for console and PC gaming | |
| HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, 144Hz support | HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, 120Hz support |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality | |
| 4.2.2 channel Cinestage X system | 2.0 channel standard speakers |
| Processor - Affects upscaling and motion handling | |
| Hi-View Engine X with AI optimization | α8 AI Processor 4K |
| Connectivity - Important for device compatibility | |
| 4 HDMI (2 @ 4K/144Hz), 2 USB, eARC | 4 HDMI (4K/120Hz), 2 USB, eARC |
| Weight - Installation considerations | |
| 145 lbs with stand | 143.5 lbs with stand |
| Special Features - Additional capabilities | |
| NextGen TV tuner, Anti-glare screen, Far-field mics | Basic TV tuner, Multi View feature |
| Warranty - Protection for your investment | |
| 1 year parts and labor | 1 year parts and labor |
The Hisense 98" UX Series ($8,000) offers significantly better picture quality with its Mini-LED technology, 10,000+ dimming zones, and 5,000 nits peak brightness. The LG UT90 ($2,500) provides good but not exceptional picture quality with standard LED technology.
For most users, the LG UT90 provides better value. However, if you're a home theater enthusiast or demand the absolute best picture quality, the Hisense UX justifies its premium price with superior brightness, contrast, and HDR performance.
The Hisense UX performs better in dark rooms due to its superior local dimming capabilities and contrast ratio. While the LG UT90 is adequate, it can't match the Hisense's ability to produce deep blacks and bright highlights simultaneously.
The Hisense UX offers superior gaming features with 144Hz refresh rate and advanced gaming modes. The LG UT90 provides good gaming performance with 120Hz refresh rate, but lacks some premium gaming features.
With its 5,000+ nits peak brightness, the Hisense UX significantly outperforms the LG UT90 in bright rooms. The Hisense also features better anti-glare technology.
Yes, both the Hisense UX and LG UT90 are extremely large and heavy (140+ lbs). Professional installation is strongly recommended for safety and optimal setup.
The Hisense UX uses Google TV with more frequent updates and broader app support, while the LG UT90 uses webOS which is stable but more limited. Both provide good smart functionality for most users.
Both TVs handle streaming content well, but the Hisense UX offers better upscaling and HDR processing for streaming services. The LG UT90 provides good streaming performance for most content.
Yes, while both TVs have built-in speakers, we recommend external speakers or a soundbar for proper home theater sound. The Hisense UX has slightly better built-in audio than the LG UT90, but neither matches dedicated audio systems.
Both handle motion well, but the Hisense UX offers better motion processing and brightness for daytime sports viewing. The LG UT90 performs adequately for most sports content.
For optimal viewing of either the Hisense UX or LG UT90, maintain a viewing distance of 10-15 feet. This allows comfortable viewing while appreciating the 4K resolution.
Both the Hisense UX and LG UT90 are 2024 models with similar build quality and one-year warranties. The Hisense's more advanced features may provide better future-proofing, but both should last many years with proper care.
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 - walmart.com - stealthoptional.com - youtube.com - soundandvision.com - youtube.com - hdtvtest.co.uk - avsforum.com - hisense-canada.com - fouanistore.com - displayspecifications.com - rtings.com - shopjetson.com - abt.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - pcrichard.com - lg.com - rcwilley.com - lg.com - elechid.com - lg.com
