Should You Buy a 98" LG or 110" Hisense? A Complete Guide to Ultra-Large TVs

Let's dive into the world of truly massive TVs by comparing two giants: the LG 98" UT90 Series 4K TV ($2,499) and the Hisense 110" UX Series Mini-LED TV ($14,999). These aren't just big TVs - they're room-defining centerpieces that can transform your home entertainment experience.

Understanding Ultra-Large TVs

When we talk about TVs over 95 inches, we're entering a special category where traditional TV shopping rules change a bit. At this size, factors like viewing distance and room layout become critically important. You'll need at least 12-15 feet between your seating and the screen for comfortable viewing - imagine sitting too close to a movie theater screen and you'll get the idea!

The technology in this category has made impressive leaps since 2020. We've seen brightness levels climb from around 1,000 nits to the astonishing 10,000 nits that the new Hisense claims. For context, a nit measures brightness, and most HDR content is mastered for 1,000-4,000 nits - so these improvements really matter for picture quality.

Core Technology Differences

Display Tech: LED vs Mini-LED

The LG UT90 uses traditional LED backlighting with basic local dimming. Think of this like having a few dozen lights behind your screen that can brighten or dim in zones. It's good, but not amazing for contrast.

The Hisense UX uses Mini-LED technology with an incredible 40,000 dimming zones. Imagine having 40,000 tiny lights that can each adjust independently - that's why this TV can display such deep blacks next to bright highlights without the light bleeding between them that you might see on simpler LED TVs.

Brightness and HDR

Here's where things get interesting. The LG offers decent HDR performance, but it's limited by its traditional LED technology. It'll look great in a normally lit room, but it might struggle if you have lots of windows or bright lights.

The Hisense, with its 10,000 nit peak brightness, is literally one of the brightest TVs ever made. For perspective, your smartphone probably hits around 500-1,000 nits at maximum brightness. This means the Hisense can display intensely bright highlights in HDR content while maintaining deep blacks, creating an incredibly lifelike image.

Real-World Performance

Movies and TV Shows

Both TVs will give you a cinema-like experience, but they excel in different environments:

• The LG UT90 performs best in controlled lighting conditions. It's great for movie nights when you can dim the lights.
• The Hisense UX shines (literally) in any lighting condition. Its extreme brightness and advanced HDR processing mean it can deliver impressive performance even in bright rooms.

Gaming Experience

For gamers, there's a clear difference:

• The LG offers 120Hz refresh rate and basic gaming features - plenty good for casual gaming.
• The Hisense steps up with 144Hz refresh rate, lower input lag, and advanced gaming features like AMD FreeSync Premium Pro (which prevents screen tearing for smoother gameplay).

Installation and Practical Considerations

Let's talk about the elephant in the room - these TVs are massive! You'll need:

• Strong wall support or a very sturdy entertainment center
• At least two people for installation (preferably professionals)
• A room large enough to view from 12-15 feet away
• For the Hisense: extra consideration for its weight (over 100 pounds)

Home Theater Integration

If you're building a home theater, these TVs offer interesting alternatives to projectors. The Hisense particularly shines here because:

• Its brightness exceeds any consumer projector
• You don't need to worry about ambient light
• It requires less setup than a projector system

The LG can work well in a home theater too, especially if you can control the lighting, but it won't deliver quite the same "wow factor" as the Hisense.

Value Proposition

Here's where your decision might get easier. The LG at $2,499 represents solid value for an ultra-large TV. It delivers good performance and a massive screen size at a relatively reasonable price point.

The Hisense at $14,999 is clearly targeting a different market. It's expensive, but you're getting arguably the most advanced LED TV technology available today.

How to Decide

Consider these key factors:

1. Budget
   • If $3,000 is your max, the LG is your only choice here
   • If budget isn't a major constraint, the Hisense offers superior technology
2. Room Environment
   • Bright room with lots of windows? The Hisense will perform much better
   • Dedicated home theater or darker room? Either could work well
3. Primary Use
   • Casual TV viewing and occasional movies? The LG is plenty
   • Serious home theater or gaming? The Hisense's superior performance might be worth the investment
4. Installation Location
   • Consider room size and viewing distance
   • Factor in wall strength or furniture support needed

Final Thoughts

The LG 98" UT90 is the practical choice for most people. It offers a massive screen and good performance at a reasonable price point. You'll still get an impressive viewing experience, even if it's not the absolute best available.

The Hisense 110" UX is the "money-no-object" choice. Its superior technology, brightness, and contrast make it one of the best TVs available at any size. But you'll pay a premium for that performance.

Both TVs represent different approaches to ultra-large screen sizes. The LG makes this size category more accessible to average consumers, while the Hisense shows what's possible when engineering constraints take a back seat to performance goals.

Remember - at these sizes, proper installation and room setup are crucial for the best experience. Consider professional installation, and make sure your viewing space can accommodate these massive screens properly.

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

Hisense 110" UX Series 4K Mini-LED ULED TV Deals and Prices