This was the review that I both wanted and loathed at the same time. Why? I am running a 65″ TV that is a decade old, and in front of me for this review is the gargantuan Hisense U8 series 75-inch 4K Mini-LED TV (Australian model, the 75U8QAU).
It’s bigger and better TV to grace my abode. EVER. It is also cheaper than my existing Bravia at time of purchase.
At the same time, I have the Hisense HT Saturn to pair with it. So let’s take a walk down the Hisense lane.
The Hisense U8: Value Meets Premium Mini-LED Performance
The landscape of premium 4K televisions is seriously competitive. Over the years Hisense has worked hard to improve and perfect their ULED technology.
In the U8 series they have integrated Mini-LED backlighting and Quantum Dots, offering screen performance that is a challenger to much more expensive flagship models..
Breaking down the jargon a little. What are Quantum Dots? In the simplest terms that will absolutely not do it any justice, they are microscopic semiconductor crystals that are utilised to create a purer, more saturated and brighter colour palette than traditional LED or LCD TVs.
In short – it’s the magic sauce for brighter and deeper contrasted picture quality, and faster response on your TV screen.
Right off the bat, the U8 transformed my very humble living room into a cinematic experience, complete with talking kids, random noises and smartphone screens lighting up at random times.
TL;DR
The Hisense 75U8QAU 4K Mini-LED TV is a “Premium Budget Flagship” offering phenomenal value in Australia.
Pros:
- Stunning Picture: 75-inch screen with Mini-LED and Quantum Dots provides exceptional brightness (up to 5,000 nits), deep blacks, and vivid colours, conquering bright rooms easily.
- Elite Gaming: Features a class-leading 165Hz refresh rate panel, three HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR, ALLM, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.
- Great Audio Synergy: The TV has above-average built-in 4.1.2 sound. When paired with the optional HT Saturn Soundbar, the proprietary Hi-Concerto technology uses the TV’s speakers as the centre channel for an expanded, Devialet-tuned soundstage.
- Value: Extremely competitive price point (RRP A$2999, typically lower) for its size and premium features.
Con:
- The VIDAA app is functional but basic, lacking features like a virtual keyboard.
Verdict: An outstanding choice for movie watchers, sports fans, and gamers looking for massive screen size and high-end performance without the high-end price tag.
Unboxing the Beast: Design and Premium Build Quality
The unboxing of the Hisense U8 was an event. When it arrived my brain was frizzing, trying to comprehend just how huge this thing is going to be in my house during the review process. That extra 10-inches upsizing from my 65″ just felt massive.
The design feels and looks premium, belying the price point Hisense pitches it at. The frame is almost bezel-less, just a tiny thin border that kind of defies how much tech is housed inside the unit.
The screen-to-body ratio is maximised, allowing the picture to be front and center, the focal point of the experience.
The central pedestal stand has a remarkably small footprint, which would make it super versatile to put on entertainment units. At first blush you would probably wonder if the TV would be stable enough, but the base plate of that stand is heavy – far heavier than what the visual impressions would suggest.
I would mount the TV on the pedestal and test it. But silly me missed seeing them stuck into the Styrofoam initially so I started the review with it propped up on my couch. It was one of those days but I did eventually locate them much to my embarrassment.
The overall chassis is relatively slim for a Full Array Local Dimming (FALD) TV, the bottom section is slightly thicker to house the speaker system and necessary components.
Connectivity is solid with three HDMI 2.1 ports, with HDMI 3 being eARC enabled. In addition it has a USB-C port with DP 1.4, a USB 3.0 and a USB 2.0 port.
In addition, it has Wi-Fi 6E which supports the 6GHz band, Ethernet and Bluetooth 5.3.
To round it off, you have a 3.5mm headphone jack, Composite In (remember those?) and a coaxial RF input.
This is adequate for most setups, but gamers with both a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and a high-end gaming PC might find themselves wishing for more.
Getting Started
Let’s talk unboxing for a minute. This beast is big, and weights in at 52.5kg. You are going to need two people to grab this due to the sheer size.
Setting up the Hisense U8 was easy. The screen directs you to the VIDAA app and within a few steps, I was up and running.
There are some caveats to the process, you need to opt into the Smart TV clauses to get the most out of it. I do like that a VIDAA account was not mandatory. I will cover off more on the app later.
The first time you are setting up the TV, expect some updates to come through. There may be more than one.
Picture Quality Reign: Peak Brightness and Cinematic Contrast
The U8’s picture quality is genuinely the main event, and it’s dominated by its Mini-LED backlight system.
The Hisense U8 is an absolute spectacle of light. Honestly I was blown away with the picture quality, even during broad daylight.
Hisense provides the specifications of 165Hz native refresh rate, with a peak brightness of up to 5,000 nits. Hisense says there are 1500 local dimming zones in this screen.
Full transparency here, I ran the Hisense U8 in a sub-optimal setup. Plenty of light bleeds, poor viewing angles, essentially all the things one really should not do for a great viewing experience. The size of the TV is very much at the absolute limits I can manage in my living room. Despite all the handicaps, it still performed like a champ.
The light output, combined with the huge number of dimming zones, created a stunning High Dynamic Range (HDR) picture with contrasts that pops off the screen with plenty of chops.
If your TV room has plenty of natural light (like mine), the Hisense U8 conquers it.
Black Levels and Local Dimming Precision
The huge number of Full Array Local Dimming (FALD) zones allows the U8 to control light with a level of granularity that has to be seen to be believed. Blacks are inky black and colours are vivid.
Not everything is perfect, in complex dark scenes you can occasionally see a faint halo of light around bright objects. It is an occasional artefact and not unusual for non-OLED TVs.
Even that infamous Game of Thrones episodes, the Long Night (S08E03). At the time it was aired, I was watching a dark screen for pretty much the entire episode. Watching it again on the U8? Gorgeous subtle details pop out thanks to the FALD. No it doesn’t magically fix the appalling story writing of final two seasons, but it did make the cinematics look top notch.
Colour Volume, Accuracy, and Universal HDR
Colours on the U8 are punchy, rich and vibrant, covering a wide colour gamut that satisfies the requirements for modern 4K content.
The Last Skywalker, a movie that I thoroughly dislike, C3-PO’s golden exoskeleton pops in a stunning reproduction on screen. The Quantum Dot technology helps the U8 deliver a phenomenal colour volume.
If you are a purist, Hisense includes a Filmmaker Mode out of the box. This provides a colour-accurate picture which preserves the creator’s intent. The TV also offers universal HDR support, embracing Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG. This versatility means that no matter which streaming service or 4K Blu-ray format you use, the U8 will display the best possible picture.
Motion and Upscaling
Motion handling on the U8 is fluid and clean. The processing handles fast-moving action well, and interpolation is effective without introducing the overly artificial “soap opera effect,” provided it is adjusted to moderate levels.
Upscaling (taking lower-resolution content like 1080p and converting it to 4K) is generally competent, producing a sharp image with minimal noticeable artefacts.
165Hz Game Mode: The Ultimate Gaming TV for PS5 & Xbox Series X
For gamers, the 75-inch Hisense U8 is a dream machine, competing head-to-head with dedicated gaming monitors in terms of responsiveness and features.
The U8 features a class-leading 165Hz refresh rate panel.
This capability, supported by the HDMI 2.1 ports, makes it perfect for high-frame-rate PC gaming and the maximum output of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
I didn’t test this aspect as I don’t have the gaming hardware on hand, but the benefit will be incredibly smooth motion and reduced eye strain during prolonged play sessions.
I would expect the input lag to be low in the provided Game Mode.
Advanced Gaming Features
The U8 fully embraces the latest HDMI 2.1 specification with support for:
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): This technology synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the console or PC’s frame rate, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering for a smoother, more stable image.
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode): The TV automatically detects when a console is turned on and switches instantly to the low-input-lag Game Mode, eliminating the need to manually adjust settings.
AMD FreeSync Premium Pro: Provides additional HDR support while utilizing VRR, broadening compatibility with various gaming hardware.
Smart Platform and Impressive Built-in 4.1.2 Audio
The U8 runs the VIDAA Smart TV platform, which is Hisense’s proprietary smart TV operating system which was developed in house.
The OS feels fast and responsive on the U8, with plenty of services supported out of the box. There is an app store which you can add in additional services. For me it was quick and simple to add the Plex app to access my own locally hosted content.
Built-in Sound That Impresses: 4.1.2 Audio & Dolby Atmos
The 75U8QAU (the review model) is outfitted with a 4.1.2 Multi-Channel Surround Sound setup. It is a far cry from the I’ll give you a speaker because I have to bundle one 2.0 or 2.1 system that is typical of the average TV.
My Google-fu says the built-in system total 90W of output in the following configuration:
| Speaker Type | Channel Position | Individual Wattage | Total Wattage |
| Main Speakers | Left & Right Front | 2 x 15W | 30W |
| Side Speakers | Left & Right Side | 2 x 10W | 20W |
| Subwoofer | Rear-Firing | 1 x 20W | 20W |
| Height Speakers | Left & Right Up-Firing | 2 x 10W | 20W |
| Total Audio Output: | 90W |
The system fully supports Dolby Atmos, with two upward-firing speakers to bounce sound off the ceiling to create that height dimension. Even in my admittedly awful test setup for the U8, my low ceilings works well to leverage this.
Out of the box, the audio is richer, louder and more spacious than what I am used to.
The honest review though, is that whilst it is a step up, it does not replace a dedicated soundbar or a home theatre system.
If you are just in for casual viewing, rather than a full immersive home theatre experience, this isn’t a shabby way to do it.
But if you are in for an eargasm upgrade, you can pair the U8 with the Hisense HT Saturn.
Hi-Concerto Synergy: Elevating Sound with the HT Saturn System
Hisense has engineered the U8 to work seamlessly with the HT Saturn wireless home theatre.
What is the HT Saturn? It is a 4.1.2 channel system in it’s own right, with four wireless satellite speakers, a 6.5″ wireless subwoofer and a maximum 720W of audio power. Just a step up from the built-in 90W.
The pairing of the 75U8QAU – the Hisense U8 and the HT Saturn brings to life proprietary synergy features.
Where most TV and soundbar setups are binary – you use one or the other for audio, this particular pairing leverages the U8’s built-in speakers to work in sync with the Saturn system.
The feature is called Hi-Concerto Technology and is far beyond a duplication of sound output. Hi-Concerto Technology expands the soundstage and turns the TV’s integrated speaks to act as the center channel and front height presence.
The external HT Saturn system complements it by delivering the deep bass, wider surround and dedicated rear/side effects.
The whole is greater than the sum of the parts, and the sound is room-filling (and also not great with kids trying to sleep nearby.)
Tuned by Devialet and Auto-Calibration
Hisense has partnered with Devialet, with the HT Saturn system tuned to ensure high fidelity, clear vocals, and punchy, controlled bass. In case you ever forget it, all the satellite speakers have a little gold “Tuned by Devialet” writing on them. Apart from that, for something that is going to be put into corners and largely out of sight, they are quite a beauty.
Audio calibration is a dark art with many moving components, but Hisense has a smart calibration technology called Room Fitting Tuning feature specifically available when connected to the Hisense U8 via the Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC).
This calibration technology is designed to analyse your room’s acoustics based on sound travel and returns (not dissimilar to how sonar, radar, lidar). It automatically fine-tunes the system to create balanced, personalised audio designed to eliminate nodal points.
This brings back fond memories of Year 10 physics classes, where my teacher was unable to convince his mum that her favourite spot in the lounge to watch TV is a nodal point – where sound wave has minimum amplitude. No amount of turning up the sound was going to make it louder.
I would like to say this system is absolutely amazing, which I am sure it is. I did only some basic testing here because the 75″ was really pushing the absolute maximum my room can handle, and the satellites jammed all the way into the corners of the room to give some spacing. The lounge room in my place isn’t amazing for a HT sound system.
However I could not pass up on the ease of auto calibration. I remember having to do it manually many moons ago and it was a long iterative process.
EZPlay: Control and Convenience
The integration with the Hisense U8 did not just limit itself to the audio. Hisense has done away with the need for multiple remote controls, with thanks to EzPlay.
All of the HT Saturn’s settings – volume, sound modes (Movie, Sport, Game, etc.) can be accessed directly through the U8QAU’s VIDAA OS using only the TV’s standard remote control. There is no more fumbling and looking for the right remote to do the job.
Other Thoughts on the HT Saturn
Whilst the audio to the satellite speakers and subwoofer are all wireless, the inescapable truth is that they all need a power source.
To truly take advantage of the HT Saturn system requires a level of planning and thought. With the need for power and positioning of each satellite speaker. It is a permanent installation to get the most out of it.
Other Features
A nice to have feature with the Hisense VIDAA ecosystem is VIDAA Art.
A curated gallery of art work could adorn your wall or TV whilst it is idle, making good use of what may be dead space otherwise.
The attention to detail is hard to fault. The remote control has a premium look and feel to it. As an added bonus, it has a built in solar panel so you are never stranded for power.
VIDAA App
There has to be a let down somewhere right? For me, it comes in the form of the VIDAA App.
Don’t get me wrong, it is not terrible. It connected easily to the U8 and got me up and running. The app just comes across as a bit rudimentary.
I can launch apps, use it as a virtual remote or even in mouse mode. But what I wanted was ability to have a virtual keyboard so I don’t need to use the on-screen keyboard. It would be nice to just type on my phone what I want to search for example.
Verdict: Is the Hisense 75U8QAU the Best Value 4K TV in Australia?
I am going to wrap this review up with a few words from Neil Sedaka.
“Don’t take your love away from me
Don’t you leave my heart in misery
If you go, then I’ll be blue
‘Cause breaking up is hard to do”
The 75-inch Hisense U8 Mini-LED TV is a beauty that delivers gorgeous imagery and above average sound. The brightness, cinematic contrast and gaming support at a price point that is far more affordable that I had expected, , all while featuring a great detail like a solar-powered remote.
For a match made in Hisense heaven, the HT Saturn is a seamless integration in uplifting the audio experience.
What is it ideal for?
- a bright living room who watches movies and sports.
- gamer demanding high refresh rate performance
- consumer who wants a massive 75-inch screen without compromising on quality
It is not perfect, but it also isn’t a five figures unit. The RRP for the 75U8QAU model is A$2999, but you will find it typically available at around $2499 or lower. At the price and size, I can absolutely live with the quibbles.
The Hisense 75U8QAU is the textbook definition of a “Premium Budget Flagship.” For its combination of stunning brightness, massive screen size, and high-end gaming features, it sets a new benchmark for value in the high-end TV market.
The Hisense HT Saturn 720W 4.1.2 Channel has a RRP of A$1199, but seems to be retailing around $999 and less (especially at this time of the year).
DRN would like to thank Hisense for providing the review units. Don’t mind the tears streaming down my face as I watch the courier walk it out of my house.
