This week, Hisense invited TV reviewers, tech journalists and content creators to a special event in New York City to unveil the company’s new premium ULED TV line-up for 2025. We were impressed enough with the company’s prototype 116-inch UX RGB-lit MiniLED TV and L9Q UST Projector at CES to award them both “Best in Show” for CES 2025. And having now spent a bit of additional time with them, I will say our first impressions have held up.
But the new flagship models weren’t the only TVs (or projectors) on display. The other projectors we saw are currently under embargo (stay tuned) but the real stars of the show were the Hisense 2025 ULED MiniLED TV line-up, from the entry-level U6QF to the flagship U9QG. Read on to find out what makes these sets special. And, by the way, pricing for all models has not yet been revealed but we’ll post an update when it is.
Per David Gold, President of Hisense Americas and Hisense USA, “Hisense delivers industry-leading performance, premium quality, and innovation without compromise. With MiniLED across the entire ULED lineup and advanced AI processing, we’re pushing picture quality to new heights—offering big-screen excellence and demonstrating that top-tier technology can be for everyone.”
U6 to U9 – New Models Across the Board
At the event in New York City, the company showed off all four model series in their ULED TV line-up for 2025, including new versions of the U6, U7, U8 and U9 TVs. All models feature quantum dot color technology, MiniLED backlighting and local dimming, with the number of lighting zones, peak brightness and processing power improving as you move up through the line-up. The U6 series (U6QF) includes Amazon’s FireTV OS while the U7, U8 and U9 are all built on the Google TV platform.
U9QG – A Top Performer with Impressive Peak Brightness
At the top of the MiniLED line-up for 2025 is the U9QG, which will be available in screen sizes of 65, 75 and 85 inches. The 65-inch size U9 is new for 2025. The 2025 U9QG TVs will feature a high 165 Hz native refresh rate – ideal for gaming and sports – and a reported peak brightness of a whopping 6,500 nits. The 2025 nit war has begun – opening salvo: Hisense! High peak brightness means the TV should do particularly well with UHD content encoded in HDR10, HDR10+ or Dolby Vision HDR.
The U7, U8 and U9 sets feature next-generation AI processing for enhanced picture quality, which, as you would expect, gets better as you move up the line. At the top end is the Hi-View AI Engine X, derived from the flagship ULED X lineup and now featured in the U9QG. The U7 and U8 series include Hi-View AI Engine Pro. Both versions of the processor automatically fine-tune contrast, color accuracy, and motion clarity in real-time, improving perceived depth and motion reproduction across any type of content.
The U9QG’s Ultra LR panel reduces reflections and offers an ultra-wide viewing angle. We viewed the U9 at the event on found that colors were still bright and accurate even when viewed from 30 to 45 degrees off axis. Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, IMAX Enhanced, and Filmmaker Mode are available to preserve the creative intent of film-makers and content creators, while the upgraded 165Hz native refresh rate, FreeSync Premium Pro, and ALLM support provide enhanced gaming performance. On the audio side, Hisense’s CineStage X Surround, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Virtual X are all available on board for a 4.1.2-channel surround soundscape (5.1.2-channel sound in 75 and 85 inch options).
U8 Series: Big and Bright
The U8QG is powered by the Hi-View AI Engine Pro, which automatically optimizes brightness, contrast, and color in real-time without user intervention. With peak brightness levels up to 5000 nits and expanded local dimming zones, compared to the U6 and U7, the U8QG delivers deep blacks, bright whites and colors, exceptional contrast and reduced blooming or haloing around bright objects. On demo content at the show, it was hard to find fault with this one, even in its 100-inch screen size. Blooming and haloing around bright objects was difficult to spot and fast moving images were smooth and free of tearing.
The U8QG carries over the 165Hz native refresh rate from the U9 series making it an excellent choice for hard core sports lovers and gamers who need a quick responsive panel in a larger screen size. Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, and IMAX Enhanced support ensure cinema-quality visuals, while AI-enhanced motion and picture processing adjust seamlessly to any content.
With screen sizes up to 100 inches, Wi-Fi 6E for ultra-fast streaming, and a built-in 82W Dolby Atmos 4.1.2 multi-channel sound system, the U8QG delivers fast connectivity, ultra large screen viewing and remarkably good sound for a TV.
U7 Series: The “Game Changer”
The U7QG may hit the sweet spot for performance and value. While pricing has not been announced, we assume it will be priced close to last year’s U7 series, though impending tariffs may impact actual street pricing. The 2025 U7 Series is poised to offer strong performance and a wealth of features starting well under $1,000 for the smaller screen sizes. The U7QG combines MiniLED Pro technology with a 165Hz native panel refresh rate, ensuring fluid motion and crystal-clear visuals for fast-paced action.
Equipped with 165Hz Game Mode Ultra, Game Booster 288Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision Gaming, and FreeSync Premium Pro, the U7QG is optimized for next-gen consoles and high-speed PC gaming, minimizing input lag and screen tearing. And all this without a premium price tag.
The 2025 version of the U7 offers upgraded Dolby Atmos audio with 60W 2.1.2 channel sound designed to deliver a taste of that cinematic immersive surround experience you get with a good soundbar or component audio system. The U7QG will include screen sizes ranging from 55 inches to 100 inches. The U7’s AGLR-Antiglare low reflection panel ensures glare-free visuals even in brightly lit rooms.
U6 Series: Big Screen Performance on a Budget
The U6 (U6QF) may be the most affordable in the 2025 ULED TV line-up but it promises to be a strong performer as well. It’s reported to be able to hit around 1,000 nits of peak brightness, which is pretty good for a budget-priced MiniLED/LCD TV with Quantum Dot color technology. This entry-level MiniLED model even features a native 144Hz refresh rate which will make budget-minded gamers and sports fans happy. The U6 will be available in screen sizes from 55 inches to 100 inches, with a matte anti-glare screen being featured on the 100-inch model only.
With the included Alexa Voice Remote, navigating and discovering content on the U6 TV should be simple and straightforward. The FireTV OS provides access to all of the major (and minor) streaming apps and services including Netflix, Apple TV+, Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and more.
The Bottom Line
With improved brightness, a wealth of features, 165 Hz panels and more screen sizes than ever, Hisense is poised to make even more in-roads in TV market share this year with their upgraded ULED TV line-up. Assuming prices stay close to last year’s models, Hisense should offer some stiff competition – particularly in the value-priced premium TV segment – in 2025.
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Anton
March 29, 2025 at 11:15 am
It’s remarkable how quickly Hisense and TCL have jumped in quality. My local BB had the U8 on display for under $1500 on sale and it was a very impressive looking TV in less than ideal lighting conditions.
Chris Boylan
March 29, 2025 at 7:04 pm
Yeah, they’re like the new VIZIO. Or if you go back to the late 1990s, the new Samsung. 5 years ago, TCL and Hisense were what you settled for at Walmart or Target when you needed a cheap TV. Now they compete with the big guys.
ORT
March 29, 2025 at 1:32 pm
In the last year or so I have purchased 4 Hisense TVs, all of which are 65” models. The first one was for myself to replace/upgrade from a curved screen Samsung 55”. I was hooked.
I then purchased another 65” Hisense for my daughter and her family and not long after another for her neighbor and her family. Two weeks ago I bought one for my older sister. I do this when I can, because I can. I have become friends with my daughter’s neighbors, a young couple with two children and was only too happy to make help out as their old TV had begun to fail. My big sister is, well…my big sister.
Hisense makes a quality product across their TV line and are affordable enough that I can make others happy. As my TV is only a year old, i won’t be replacing it anytime soon but if I and when I do, it would more than likely be another one from Hisense!
Thank you so very much for a look at the new ones coming soon!
The ORTicle at Helfi.
Chris Boylan
March 29, 2025 at 7:06 pm
Thank you, Sir ORT, for single-handedly staving off economic ruin for our country. I guess when they say consumer sentiment is negative, they forgot to talk to ORT!
Anton
March 31, 2025 at 12:18 pm
A man with some common sense.
Stay away from Samsung appliances. Always break and zero parts to fix them.
I have more faith in Hisense at this point than Samsung.
Ian White
March 31, 2025 at 2:06 pm
ORT is our resident Lord of Wit and Common Sense.
And he’s no fool. He only buys value.
And I agree in regard to Samsung appliances. Not very reliable. Worst fridge I ever owned.
Hisense makes very good TVs these days…especially the U8 and U9 series. Superb performance for the money.
IW
STEPHEN FLESCHLER
March 30, 2025 at 8:15 pm
The one thing that is missing from the comments here and elsewhere is the durability of these budget TVs. I have owned Panasonic plasmas that lasted 20 years without a hiccup and now Sony LCD TVs (all 75″) for 8 and 10 years without a hiccup. Even my 40″ Sony tube tv worked for 20 years with only an undersized power cap replaced once.
Will these TVs last a decade or two or are they near term refuse and throw away electronics like most cell phones (iPhones are probably the longest in longevity?
Anton
March 31, 2025 at 12:52 pm
Excellent point but I think we’re being delusional if we think companies care anymore about durability or longevity. And that applies to all of them.
I think the rush to make every TV razor thin will eventually bite these companies in the ass.
Panasonic and Sony made excellent products that were designed to perform. I had a Pioneer Elite plasma that lasted over 13 years without issue.
My take on Hisense and TCL is that it’s too early to know how their premium TVs will fare in terms of quality and reliability.
We have created a “disposable” society and that applies to almost every category; clothing, furniture, electronics and people.
Can’t even find a reliable Toyota anymore with an engine that isn’t defective.