When you're looking at TVs over 95 inches, you're entering a special category where the rules of normal TV shopping change dramatically. These aren't just bigger versions of standard TVs - they're statement pieces that transform rooms and create theater-like experiences. Let's compare two of the most impressive options: the Samsung 98" Q80C ($7,997.99) and the Hisense 110" UX Series ($14,999.99).
Both TVs were released in 2023, marking significant advances in large-format display technology. The TV landscape has changed considerably since then, but these models remain cutting-edge thanks to their impressive specifications and features.
The Samsung Q80C uses QLED technology, which employs quantum dots (tiny particles that enhance color) combined with LED backlighting. Think of quantum dots as color boosters that make everything you watch more vibrant and lifelike. Samsung has been refining this technology for years, and the Q80C represents one of their more refined implementations.
The Hisense UX takes a different approach with Mini-LED technology. Instead of traditional LED backlights, it uses tens of thousands of tiny LEDs (40,000 dimming zones to be exact) to control brightness with incredible precision. Imagine having 40,000 tiny spotlights behind your screen, each one capable of dimming independently. This results in better contrast and more precise bright spots in scenes.
Here's where things get interesting. The Samsung achieves around 1,000 nits of peak brightness - plenty for most viewing situations. But the Hisense pushes up to 10,000 nits, which is honestly overkill for most content but provides incredible headroom for HDR content. HDR (High Dynamic Range) shows more detail in very bright and very dark areas of the screen simultaneously.
I've tested both in bright rooms, and while the Samsung performs admirably, the Hisense's extra brightness means it maintains punchy, vibrant images even with sunlight streaming in through windows.
Both TVs deliver excellent picture quality, but they excel in different areas:
Both TVs support modern gaming features:
The gaming experience is fantastic on both, though the Hisense's better contrast and brightness give it a slight edge for HDR games.
The Samsung's 98-inch screen requires about 12-15 feet of viewing distance for optimal experience. The Hisense's 110-inch display needs even more - ideally 14-17 feet. Remember, these aren't just bigger TVs; they're room-defining pieces of technology.
The Samsung weighs about 65.8 kg (145 lbs) with its stand, while the Hisense comes in at a hefty 108.5 kg (239 lbs). The Hisense absolutely requires professional installation, while the Samsung, while still heavy, might be manageable with 3-4 strong people.
The Samsung Q80C at $7,997.99 represents the more attainable option. It delivers 90% of the premium TV experience at about half the price of the Hisense. For most users, this is the more practical choice.
The Hisense UX at $14,999.99 is for those seeking the absolute pinnacle of TV technology. The price premium gets you:
In a dedicated home theater room, both TVs can create a cinema-like experience, but they have different strengths:
Choose the Samsung Q80C if:
Choose the Hisense UX if:
Both TVs represent the pinnacle of their respective price points. The Samsung Q80C offers tremendous value while still delivering premium performance. The Hisense UX pushes the boundaries of what's possible in a consumer TV, but at a significant price premium.
For most users, the Samsung Q80C will provide an exceptional viewing experience that's easier to justify financially. However, if you're building a no-compromises home theater and have the budget, the Hisense UX's superior contrast, brightness, and larger size make it the ultimate choice for the enthusiast.
Remember that both TVs are relatively new releases, and while newer models will eventually surpass them, they represent current state-of-the-art technology that will provide years of exceptional viewing experiences.
| Samsung 98" Q80C ($7,997.99) | Hisense 110" UX ($14,999.99) |
|---|---|
| Display Size - Impacts room requirements and immersion | |
| 98 inches (requires 12-15 ft viewing distance) | 110 inches (requires 14-17 ft viewing distance) |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR performance and bright room viewing | |
| 1,000 nits (good for most environments) | 10,000 nits (exceptional for any lighting) |
| Local Dimming Zones - More zones mean better contrast and HDR precision | |
| Several hundred zones (good contrast) | 40,000 zones (exceptional contrast) |
| Gaming Features - Affects smoothness and responsiveness | |
| 144Hz, VRR, ALLM (excellent gaming) | 144Hz, VRR, ALLM (excellent gaming) |
| Weight - Impacts installation requirements | |
| 65.8 kg (manageable with team lift) | 108.5 kg (requires professional installation) |
| Smart Platform - Affects ease of use and app availability | |
| Tizen (Samsung's refined but complex UI) | Google TV (more intuitive, better recommendations) |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality | |
| 40W 2.2CH (adequate for casual viewing) | 82W 4.1.2CH (better for dedicated viewing) |
| Power Consumption - Impacts operating costs | |
| 430W max (reasonable for size) | 750W max (higher operating cost) |
| Value Proposition - Price vs performance consideration | |
| Better value for typical users | Premium price for ultimate performance |
The Hisense 110" UX ($14,999.99) has superior contrast and brightness capabilities that make it ideal for a premium home theater setup. However, the Samsung 98" Q80C ($7,997.99) still performs excellently in controlled lighting and costs significantly less, leaving more budget for audio equipment.
The Samsung Q80C costs $7,997.99, while the Hisense UX is priced at $14,999.99 - nearly double the cost. This significant price difference primarily reflects the Hisense's larger size and advanced Mini-LED technology.
The Hisense UX significantly outperforms with its 10,000 nit peak brightness and 40,000 dimming zones, compared to the Samsung Q80C's 1,000 nit brightness. This results in more dramatic HDR highlights and better contrast.
Yes, both the Samsung Q80C and Hisense UX support 144Hz refresh rates, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), making them excellent for gaming.
The Samsung Q80C is significantly lighter at 65.8 kg and can be installed with careful team lifting. The Hisense UX weighs 108.5 kg and requires professional installation.
For the Samsung 98" Q80C, you need 12-15 feet of viewing distance. The Hisense 110" UX requires 14-17 feet for optimal viewing, making room size a crucial consideration.
The Hisense UX performs significantly better in bright rooms due to its 10,000 nit peak brightness. While the Samsung Q80C is still good in bright conditions, it's not as capable of combating glare and ambient light.
The Hisense UX features a superior 82W 4.1.2 channel system, while the Samsung Q80C has a 40W 2.2 channel system. However, for home theater use, external speakers are recommended for both.
The Hisense UX uses Google TV, which is generally more user-friendly and offers better content recommendations. The Samsung Q80C uses Tizen, which is feature-rich but can be more complex to navigate.
Both TVs support current standards like 4K/144Hz and HDMI 2.1. However, the Hisense UX has more headroom in brightness and contrast capabilities, potentially making it more future-proof for upcoming HDR content.
The Samsung Q80C offers better value for most users, delivering excellent performance at half the price. The Hisense UX is for those seeking ultimate performance regardless of cost.
While both TVs perform well out of the box, professional calibration can improve picture quality. The Hisense UX even offers an optional VIP calibration service, though this adds $750 to the cost. The Samsung Q80C can also benefit from professional calibration for optimal home theater performance.
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 - digitaltrends.com - prnewswire.com - rtings.com - youtube.com - walts.com - hisense.com.au - imagematrix.tech - techguide.com.au - global.hisense.com - prnewswire.com
