When choosing between the Hisense U8G and the TCL 6 Series, it’s a close call. Both TVs are impressive, and it can be challenging to decide which one is better. In this article, we’ll look at the differences between these two TVs and compare their features, image quality, design, and performance. So if you are looking to buy any of these TVs and can’t decide which one to buy, keep reading.
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Design and Features
The Hisense U8G and the TCL 6 Series look similar in design, with thin borders around the screen and a sleek, minimalist look. Both TVs are well-built and feel sturdy, with stands that provide stable support. The Hisense has a slightly wider stand than the TCL, which can be a factor if you have limited space. The TCL has a small bump on the back, which houses the TV’s ports, while the Hisense has all the ports on the TV’s side.
Both TVs have similar features, with built-in Wi-Fi and voice control capabilities. The TCL has Roku TV, while the Hisense uses Android TV, but the difference is not huge, both are great interfaces.
In terms of channel support, both platforms integrate popular streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, or Peacock TV. However, Android TV can run almost every app available on the Google Play Store, including games and live TV apps like Sling and Pluto TV. In contrast, Roku throws in hundreds of free channels, including its own, The Roku Channel.
Regarding the user interface, Roku has a cleaner and simpler UI than Android TV, with larger icons and smaller advertisements. However, Android TV’s UI is customizable. Regarding voice control, Android TV’s Google Assistant has seamless integration, giving users the full range of features of the AI voice assistant. In contrast, Roku’s voice remote supports both Alexa and Google Assistant but has a pared-down version of the latter.
Android TV is better regarding Bluetooth connectivity, providing it across the board. In contrast to the Roku TV on TCL 6 Series, Android TV’s default Bluetooth support is much more hassle-free. Android TV also has Chromecast, allowing users to project their Android phone’s video output to the TV with a tap, while Roku plays nicer with Apple devices, with native support of AirPlay on newer models. Overall, Android TV seems to be the better option here but Roku TV isn’t any bad either.
Image Quality
The Hisense U8G and the TCL 6 Series both have impressive image quality, but they have some differences. The TCL has Mini LED backlighting, which provides excellent contrast and helps improve the picture’s dynamic range. The Hisense has a more traditional local dimming feature, but it surprisingly performs better than the TCL, as it doesn’t raise the black level as much when bright objects are on the screen.
In terms of contrast, the TCL is slightly better, with deeper blacks and more vivid colours. However, this difference is not noticeable with real content; both TVs display HDR content well. The TCL is also brighter, with higher peak brightness, making it a better choice for bright rooms. However, the Hisense has better reflection handling, so it’s a better choice if you have a lot of windows or other light sources in the room.
Local Dimming
One area where the Hisense U8G excels is its local dimming feature, which provides excellent black uniformity and reduces blooming around bright objects. The TCL has a more aggressive local dimming feature, which can cause some black smearing with fast-moving content. In some instances, it can look good, but in other instances, it may be unable to produce true blacks, leading to greyish black.
Viewing Angles
The Hisense has a narrow viewing angle, so it’s not ideal for a wide seating arrangement or if you like to move around with the TV on, as the image degrades at the sides. The TCL also has a narrow viewing angle, but it’s slightly better than the Hisense in this regard.
Refresh Rate
While the TCL 6 Series has a higher refresh rate of 144 Hz compared to the Hisense U8G’s 120 Hz, this advantage is said to be negligible. The Hisense U8G is still able to perform exceptionally well in terms of refresh rate, making it a strong option for gamers.
So, if you’re using the TV in a bright room, the Hisense U8G is the better option due to its better reflection handling. However, if you’re using the TV in a dark room, the TCL R646 is the better option due to its fantastic contrast.
Picture Settings
Both TVs offer a variety of picture settings to customize the viewing experience to your liking. The Hisense U8G has an advanced set of picture settings that allows for more precise calibration, making it a great option for those who want to fine-tune the picture quality. This includes features like color gamut settings, gamma settings, and white balance adjustments.
Similarly, the TCL 6 Series also offers a range of picture settings, including color temperature, gamma, and picture mode. However, it doesn’t offer the same level of control over the picture settings as the U8G.
Sizes
The TCL 6 Series is available in larger sizes than the Hisense U8G, making it a better option for those who want a bigger screen. The TCL 6 Series comes in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch models, while the U8G is available in 55-inch and 65-inch models.
Gaming
Both the Hisense U8G and the TCL R646 are excellent for gaming. They both have low input lag and great gaming features like variable refresh rate (VRR) support. However, the U8G has an excellent response time, which results in a smooth gaming experience, and it supports HDMI 2.1, which is ideal for 4K @ 120Hz gaming. On the other hand, the TCL R646 has HDMI 2.1 bandwidth on two inputs, which is great if you have multiple gaming consoles.
So, if you’re looking for a TV with excellent response time and HDMI 2.1 support, the Hisense U8G is the better option. However, if you have multiple gaming consoles, the TCL R646 is the better option due to its HDMI 2.1 bandwidth on two inputs.
Price
In terms of price, the Hisense U8G is priced lower than the TCL 6 Series. The Hisense U8G has a price point of $949, while the TCL 6 Series is priced at over $1000. This makes the Hisense U8G a more attractive option for those looking to purchase a high-quality television on a budget.
Which One is Best?
Overall, the Hisense U8G appears to be the superior option compared to the TCL 6 Series. The Hisense U8G has a better picture quality, strong refresh rate, and superior local dimming capabilities. The lower price point and Android TV software make it a better value overall.
While the TCL 6 Series has a higher refresh rate, this advantage is negligible, and its inconsistent local dimming capabilities make it a less desirable option. Ultimately, those looking for a budget-friendly television with excellent picture quality and customization options may want to consider the Hisense U8G.
Again, if you prefer using Roku TV and want a larger size TV, the TCL 6 Series isn’t a bad option. It’s up to you to decide which TV you will buy. Finally, if you have any further questions, let us know in the comments section. We will try to help you out.
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