Hisense Television Reviews: An In-Depth Look at the U7 Series
Hisense’s U7 series offers a compelling blend of performance and price, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a quality television. The U7 series often retails for around $1,000 for a 65-inch model but can frequently be found on sale for $800 or less. This series stands out for its impressive features, including quantum dot technology for vibrant colors, excellent gaming capabilities, and an improved Google TV interface. The newer U7N model boasts enhancements over its predecessor, the U7K, with higher brightness and improved backlighting for deeper black levels.
The U7N’s setup process is remarkably straightforward. The panel is lightweight, and the new pedestal-style stand assembles easily. Hisense’s implementation of Google TV further streamlines the software setup, allowing for quick network connection, automatic login using saved Google credentials, and seamless integration with Google services like Google Photos. The interface is generally responsive, though minor hiccups like brief volume muting during fast-forwarding or rewinding can occur.
Picture optimization requires a bit more effort, but it’s manageable once you understand Hisense’s settings. For optimal viewing, switching to cinema-based picture modes like Theater Night or Filmmaker Mode for SDR content is recommended. For HDR content, Dolby Vision Dark mode offers excellent performance, even in moderately lit rooms. The U7N’s brightness capabilities allow for comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions. Maintaining high settings for Local Dimming and Peak Brightness generally yields the best results, though adjustments can be made based on personal preference.
A notable quirk of the U7N is its optical light sensor, which automatically adjusts screen brightness based on ambient lighting. Unlike most TVs that offer a global setting for this feature, Hisense integrates it into each picture mode inconsistently. This requires manual adjustment within each mode to ensure the sensor is on or off according to your preference. It’s crucial to switch each mode from “Current” to “All Sources” to apply these settings universally.
While the U7 series presents an attractive option for its price point, potential buyers should be aware of possible quality control issues, such as screen uniformity problems. For those prioritizing impeccable image quality and willing to invest more, Hisense’s U8N or Sony’s Bravia 7 might be better alternatives. However, for those seeking a solid upgrade over basic 4K HDR TVs without breaking the bank, the U7N offers a compelling combination of features and performance.
