Hisense is a Chinese consumer electronics giant that has made strong inroads into the North American TV market in recent years. But who exactly is behind the brand, and are Hisense TVs well-made? This guide takes a deep dive into Hisense‘s history and manufacturing footprint, product lineups, and overall value as a TV brand.
A Chinese Tech Company With Global Ambitions
Hisense has origins tracing back to a radio factory in Qingdao, China established in 1969. In the late 1970s, the enterprise shifted into developing televisions and appliances. After operating as an OEM maker of products for other brands, Hisense establish its own identity and began selling TVs and appliances under its brand worldwide in the 2000s.
💡 **Today, Hisense sells televisions in over 160 countries globally. According to research firm Omdia, Hisense holds nearly 6% market share of global TV shipments, making them a top 7 brand.**
Although headquartered in China, Hisense operates R&D facilities and factories in locations including South Africa, Mexico, Czech Republic, and Georgia USA. Their main TV manufacturing campus producing flat panel displays is based in the Chinese port city of Fushan. Total TV production capacity exceeds 10 million units annually.
Through acquisitions and partnerships, Hisense has increased access to display technologies like LCD, ULED, and OLED to power its televisions. Refrigerators, air conditioners and small appliances complement Hisense‘s TV lineup as part of their range of smart home products.
Key Hisense TV Product Lines
Hisense manufactures televisions in a multitude of display resolutions, sizes and technological underpinnings. Ranging from affordable 720p series up to premium 4K ULED and 8K ULED models, Hisense TVs target a range of budgets and needs.
Entry-Level 720p & 1080p Series
The A4 Series comprises Hisense‘s most affordable TVs, available mainly in 720p HD and 1080p Full HD resolutions in screen sizes 32" up to 43". Despite their wallet-friendly pricing, these TVs incorporate smart capabilities based on the Android TV platform for accessing apps and streaming services.
📺 **Ideal uses**: Secondary/extra TVs, bedroom TVs, office displays
Mid-Range 4K & QLED Series
Hisense‘s bread-and-butter are their mid-priced 4K Ultra HD and 4K QLED (quantum dot enhanced LED) television series. Ranging from 43" up to a cinema-sized 100", popular lines include:
- A6 Series – Entry-level 4K with Dolby Vision HDR
- U6 Series – Affordable mid-range 4K
- U7/U8 Series – Higher-end 4K with quantum dot color and full array local dimming
These TVs boast upgraded picture quality via technologies like Hisense‘s proprietary ULED backlighting, quantum dot wide color gamut, full array local dimming zones and Dolby Vision high dynamic range (HDR) support. Gaming-centric features are also provided.
⚡️ **Well-suited for**: 4K streaming & gaming living room entertainment
High-End 8K ULED Series
On the cutting-edge resides Hisense‘s 8K television lineup topped by the U80H and higher-end U80G ULED models. Priced under $3,000 even for the 75" size, these 8K TVs make ultra-high resolution more accessible for early adopters wanting future-proofed sets. AI smart upscaling can boost lower resolution content for an enhanced 8K-like effect.
👁️ **Best for**: Cinephiles and enthusiasts wanting bleeding-edge 8K resolution
Beyond resolution and underlying technology, Hisense TV sizes span a vast spectrum from small 32" bedroom TVs up to cinema-sized 85", 88" and 100"+ displays. Most buyers should find a Hisense TV suited to their space constraints and budget.
Where to Buy Hisense TVs
Shoppers in the United States have ample options when it comes to purchasing Hisense televisions, whether online or local brick-and-mortar outlets:
- Amazon – Extensive assortment. Frequent deals/sales. Fast shipping.
- Best Buy – All key Hisense series represented. Price match guarantee.
- Walmart – Robust selection of Hisense TVs both in-store and online.
- Target – Carry midrange to higher-end Hisense 4K TVs.
Beyond the major national retailers above, regional electronic chains also may carry Hisense inventory during promotions and holiday sales periods at competitive pricing.
Are Hisense TVs Good Quality for the Price?
Evaluating TV picture performance requires analyzing key metrics like:
- Resolution support
- Color reproduction
- Contrast/black levels
- Motion clarity
- Viewing angles
- Input lag
While unable to match the gorgeous OLED-perfect black levels and crispness of more costly brands like LG and Samsung, Hisense TVs deliver very solid 4K picture quality for the money. Reviewers praise their color vibrancy, black level depth for LED/LCD displays and gaming responsiveness.
Motion processing can demonstrate some weaknesses on affordable models, showing artifacts and blurring during fast action scenes. Upgraded chipsets on select 2021/2022 U7 and U8 ULEDs have elevated motion handling closer to levels expected on high-end TVs but a bit of motion discrepancy remains compared to OLEDs or Sony X95K QD-OLED based on professional assessments.
Buyers should have realistic expectations – while Hisense TV technologies have progressed impressively in recent generations, their displays generally measure a notch below more expensive OLED/QLED-grade panels that cost $800+ more at equivalent screen sizes.
However, paying less means getting 85" to 100"+ screen real estate – a scale only accessible typically on premium TVs priced exorbitantly out of reach.
If seeking huge TVs for immersive viewing rather than ultimate display perfection, Hisense models become extremely compelling options. Their smart platforms based on Android TV or VIDAA U5 OS enable access to all key streaming video apps as well.
While no TV brand is perfect, Hisense‘s continual technology advancements and strong value established their identity as a quality affordable TV. The proof is in their ascendence from newcomer to a North American top 7 bestselling television manufacturer. When purchased with well-aligned expectations on technology compromises balanced against affordability upsides, buyers can certainly be satisfied with a Hisense entertainment display in their living space.
