Should You Buy a Hisense UX or LG QNED? A Complete Guide to 98-inch Premium TVs

Let's dive into the world of massive TVs and figure out which of these impressive 98-inch displays deserves your hard-earned money. I've spent time with both the Hisense 98" UX Series ($8,000) and LG 98" QNED ($4,000), and there's quite a bit to unpack.

Why Consider a 98-inch TV?

Before we get into the specifics, let's talk about why you might want such a massive TV. These displays are game-changers for home theater enthusiasts - they deliver a truly cinematic experience without the complexity of a projector setup. While 65-inch and 75-inch TVs are common, the jump to 98 inches creates an immersive experience that's hard to match.

Both of these TVs were released in early 2024, representing the latest in large-format display technology. They've brought significant improvements in brightness and processing compared to previous years' models.

Picture Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The Hisense UX is the clear winner in pure picture quality, but the difference might not matter as much as you'd think for many viewers. Here's why:

Brightness and HDR

The Hisense achieves an incredible 5,000+ nits of peak brightness (nits measure how bright a display can get - for reference, many TVs max out at 1,000 nits). This makes HDR content look spectacular, with brilliant highlights that really pop. The LG QNED isn't dim by any means, but it can't match this level of brightness.

Contrast and Black Levels

Both TVs use LED backlighting, but the Hisense has over 10,000 mini-LED zones (small areas of the screen that can dim independently). Think of it like having more precise control over which parts of the screen are lit. The LG QNED has fewer zones, which means slightly less precise contrast control. In a dark room, you might notice some blooming (light bleeding around bright objects) on the LG, while the Hisense manages this better.

Real-World Performance

Here's where things get interesting. While the Hisense has better specs on paper, the real-world difference isn't always as dramatic as the numbers suggest. In my testing:

• In bright rooms: The Hisense's extra brightness is noticeable and beneficial
• In typical living rooms: Both TVs look excellent
• For movies: Both perform admirably, though the Hisense has an edge in HDR scenes
• For gaming: The Hisense's 144Hz refresh rate and better gaming features give it a clear advantage

Smart Features and User Experience

Both TVs offer excellent smart platforms, but they take different approaches:

Hisense with Google TV

• Clean, modern interface
• Excellent content recommendations
• Built-in voice control
• Chromecast built-in

LG with webOS

• More polished experience
• Better app stability
• Smoother navigation
• Magic Remote is intuitive

Home Theater Considerations

If you're building a dedicated home theater, there are some special considerations:

Installation

Both TVs are massive and heavy - professional installation is highly recommended. The Hisense UX weighs slightly more, but both require sturdy wall mounts rated for over 140 pounds.

Viewing Distance

For optimal viewing, you'll want to sit between 10-15 feet from either display. Any closer and you might notice some pixelation, especially with non-4K content.

Room Lighting

• The Hisense handles ambient light better thanks to its brightness
• The LG performs best in controlled lighting conditions
• Both have anti-glare coatings, but the Hisense is more effective

Value Proposition

This is where the LG QNED makes a compelling case. At half the price of the Hisense, it delivers:

• 80% of the picture quality
• Better smart TV experience
• Proven reliability from LG
• Lower power consumption

The Hisense justifies its premium price if you:

• Have a bright viewing environment
• Are serious about gaming
• Want the absolute best HDR performance
• Have the budget for premium features

Long-Term Considerations

Both TVs represent significant investments, so longevity matters:

Brand Track Record

• LG has a longer history of reliable TV production
• Hisense has improved dramatically in recent years but is still establishing itself in the premium segment

Future-Proofing

• The Hisense has more headroom with its gaming features and brightness capabilities
• Both TVs should handle future content formats well
• Software updates are likely to continue for several years on both models

How to Decide

Consider these key factors when making your choice:

1. Budget
   • If $8,000 feels uncomfortable, the LG offers excellent value
   • If budget allows, the Hisense's premium features are worth considering
2. Room Environment
   • Bright room → Hisense
   • Controlled lighting → Either option works well
3. Primary Use
   • Movies/TV → Either option
   • Gaming → Hisense
   • Mixed use → Consider LG for value
4. Installation
   • Both require professional installation
   • Factor in mounting costs and viewing distance requirements

My recommendation? If money isn't the primary concern, the Hisense UX is the better TV, offering superior performance across the board. However, the LG QNED represents better value for most users, delivering excellent picture quality and features at a more reasonable price point.

Remember that either TV will provide an impressive viewing experience - the decision really comes down to your specific needs and budget. Both represent the cutting edge of what's possible in home theater displays, and either one will transform your viewing experience.

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