When it comes to massive home theater displays, two standout options have emerged in 2023: the Samsung 98" Q80C ($7,997.99) and the Hisense 100" U8 Series ($2,999.99). Let's dive into what makes these TVs special and help you decide which one deserves a place in your home.
The market for 95"+ TVs has evolved significantly. What was once an ultra-premium segment with $20,000+ price tags has become more accessible, though still representing a serious investment. These TVs aim to deliver a true cinema experience at home, competing directly with high-end projectors.
Both of these models were released in mid-2023, representing the latest in large format display technology. They've incorporated features that were impossible just a few years ago, like high refresh rates and advanced gaming capabilities on screens this size.
The Samsung Q80C uses QLED technology (quantum dots that enhance color reproduction) combined with a traditional LED backlight. This delivers excellent brightness and color accuracy, especially noticeable when watching HDR content. Samsung's neural processor does an exceptional job upscaling lower resolution content - critical since most content isn't native 4K.
The Hisense U8 takes a different approach with Mini-LED technology, which uses thousands of tiny LED backlights for more precise local dimming. Think of it like having more individual light switches in a room - you can control the brightness in smaller areas for better contrast. The result is deeper blacks and more dramatic HDR highlights.
In real-world viewing:
The price difference here is striking - you could buy two Hisense U8s and still have money left over compared to one Samsung Q80C. But what do you get for that premium?
Samsung's advantages:
Hisense offers:
Both TVs support modern gaming features, but there are important differences:
Samsung Q80C:
Hisense U8:
For most gamers, the Hisense's higher refresh rate and Dolby Vision Gaming support give it an edge, though Samsung's Game Bar interface is more polished.
The Samsung Q80C runs on Tizen OS, which feels more premium and responsive. The interface is cleaner, and integration with other Samsung devices is seamless. However, it can feel a bit restrictive in terms of customization.
The Hisense U8 uses Google TV, offering better content discovery and more flexibility. You get features like built-in Chromecast, better voice search, and more app options. The interface occasionally shows ads, but it's more customizable.
For dedicated home theater use, both TVs excel but in different ways:
Samsung Q80C:
Hisense U8:
Having spent time with both displays, here are some practical observations:
Both TVs support HDMI 2.1 and modern gaming features, but the Hisense has a slight edge with its 144Hz panel and ATSC 3.0 tuner for next-gen TV broadcasts. However, Samsung typically provides longer software support for their TVs.
Choose the Samsung Q80C if:
Choose the Hisense U8 if:
The Hisense U8 represents incredible value, delivering 90-95% of the Samsung Q80C's performance at less than half the price. For most buyers, it's the smarter choice. However, if absolute picture quality is your priority and budget isn't a concern, the Samsung's superior processing and motion handling make it the enthusiast's choice.
Remember, both TVs are massive upgrades over typical 65" displays, and either will deliver an impressive home theater experience. The decision ultimately comes down to your priorities between maximum performance and value.
| Samsung 98" Q80C ($7,997.99) | Hisense 100" U8 ($2,999.99) |
|---|---|
| Screen Technology - Impacts overall picture quality and brightness | |
| QLED with Direct Full Array | Mini-LED QLED with more dimming zones |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room viewing | |
| 1,500 nits | 1,500 nits (up to 3,000 in certain modes) |
| Refresh Rate - Higher is better for gaming and sports | |
| 120Hz (excellent for most content) | 144Hz (slight edge for gaming) |
| Processing - Affects upscaling and motion quality | |
| Neural Quantum Processor (superior) | Hi-View Engine (good) |
| Smart Platform - Impacts daily usability | |
| Tizen OS (more polished but closed) | Google TV (more flexible, better content discovery) |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| VRR, ALLM, 4 HDMI 2.1 ports | VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision Gaming, 2 HDMI 2.1 ports |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality | |
| 40W 2.2CH | 50W 2.1.2CH with Dolby Atmos |
| Extra Features - Additional value considerations | |
| Better upscaling, Samsung ecosystem | ATSC 3.0 tuner, Wifi 6E, 2" larger screen |
| Value Proposition - Overall price-to-performance ratio | |
| Premium price, marginally better processing | Better value, 90% of performance at 40% of cost |
For dedicated home theater use, the Hisense U8 ($2,999.99) offers better contrast and black levels, which are crucial for dark-room viewing. However, the Samsung Q80C ($7,997.99) has superior motion handling and upscaling for mixed content.
The Samsung Q80C has slightly better overall picture quality due to superior processing and color accuracy. However, the Hisense U8 offers better contrast ratios and potentially higher peak brightness, making the difference less noticeable in real-world viewing.
For most buyers, no. The Hisense U8 delivers about 90% of the performance at less than half the price of the Samsung Q80C. The price premium is only justified if you absolutely need the best possible processing and upscaling.
The Hisense U8 has a slight edge for gaming with its 144Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision Gaming support. Both TVs offer VRR and ALLM, but the Samsung provides four HDMI 2.1 ports compared to Hisense's two.
Both TVs handle motion well, but the Samsung Q80C has slightly better motion processing for fast-moving content. The Hisense U8's higher brightness can be beneficial for daytime sports viewing.
Both TVs offer similar peak brightness levels, but the Hisense U8 can achieve higher peaks in certain modes, making it slightly better for bright rooms. Both have good anti-glare coatings.
The Samsung Q80C has better upscaling for streaming content, especially with lower-quality sources. The Hisense U8 performs well with high-quality 4K content but may show more artifacts with compressed streams.
Samsung's Tizen OS is more polished and responsive, while Hisense's Google TV offers better content discovery and more app options. Google TV is generally more user-friendly for most people.
The Hisense U8 is 100 inches while the Samsung Q80C is 98 inches - a minimal 2-inch difference that's barely noticeable at these sizes.
Yes, both TVs support eARC for connecting to external sound systems, which is recommended for a proper home theater setup. Both are compatible with major audio formats including Dolby Atmos.
Samsung typically provides longer software support and has a better track record for reliability. However, both TVs are 2023 models with modern features that should remain relevant for years.
For most buyers, the Hisense U8 represents the better value, offering similar performance to the Samsung Q80C at a much lower price. Choose the Samsung only if you demand the absolute best processing and have the budget to support it.
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: techradar.com - samsung.com - rtings.com - abt.com - trustedreviews.com - billsmith.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - images.samsung.com - samsung.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - valueelectronics.com - pcrichard.com - youtube.com - cnet.com - bargainoutletandmore.com - bestbuy.com - files.hisense-usa.com - fouanistore.com - bestbuy.com/6561416) - salesindia.com
