LG A2 vs Hisense U8H: An In-Depth Technical Comparison
High-performing yet affordable 4K TV models are plentiful these days. Two models generating excitement are LG‘s A2 series powered by the esteemed OLED display technology, and Hisense‘s highly specified U8H lineup with mini-LED backlight. With so many shared features it can be tricky to pick between them. Read on for a detailed technical analysis comparing these impressive televisions.
Introduction – Unpacking the Specs
Before analyzing real-world metrics, let‘s overview core specifications showcasing capabilities on paper:
| Model | LG 65A2PUA | Hisense 65U8H |
| Screen Size | 65 inches | 65 inches |
| Display Type | OLED | LCD (VA Panel) with Mini-LED backlight |
| Native Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | |
| Pixel Density | ~68 ppi | |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | |
| Refresh Rate | 50/60Hz | Up to 120Hz |
| Color Depth | 10-bit panel 8-bit + FRC |
10-bit panel 8-bit + FRC |
| HDR Support | Dolby Vision HDR10 HLG |
Dolby Vision HDR10/ HDR10+ HLG |
| HDMI Ports | 3x HDMI 2.0 | 4x HDMI 2.1 |
| USB Ports | 2x USB 2.0 | 2x USB 2.0 |
We can observe core similarities – both deliver 8.3 million pixels with 4K UHD resolution and support crucial HDR content with Dolby Vision. But differences also emerge in display type, refresh rate and connectivity. The Hisense U8H seemingly has an edge on paper – but real world testing determines true quality.
Display Technology – OLED vs LCD with Mini-LED
One of the biggest differences lies in the display panel technology…
The LG A2 uses an OLED (organic light emitting diode). Rather than relying on a backlight, each OLED pixel can switch on/off and dim/brighten independently. This self-emissive approach allows perfect per-pixel dimming control for essentially infinite contrast – when black pixels deactivate no light gets through at all. OLED also enables exceptional viewing angles with reduced color shift versus LCD panels.
By contrast, the LCD panel equipping the Hisense U8H utilizes external LED backlights to pass light through red, green and blue liquid crystal sub-pixels. The liquid crystals can twist to vary light transmission intensity. But LCD pixels cannot deactivate fully to achieve perfect black level like OLED. However, the U8H‘s mini-LED backlight system packs in over 1,000 tightly packed zones for sophisticated regional dimming maximizing contrast versus conventional LCD TVs.
According to display testing experts Rtings.com, the resulting real-world contrast measurements reflect differences in these technologies:
| Model | LG 65A2PUA | Hisense 65U8H |
| Contrast Ratio | 156,009:1 (Infinite) | 12,406:1 |
The OLED panel‘s per-pixel control enables essentially endless contrast, while the U8H still achieves excellent results for an LCD. How about color reproduction?
| Model | LG 65A2PUA | Hisense 65U8H |
| DCI-P3 Coverage | 98% | 95% |
| Rec. 2020 Coverage | 77% | ~75% |
Color performance is strong on both models, hitting over 95% of the crucial DCI-P3 color space required for vivid HDR content. The LG OLED holds a slight advantage in terms of color volume too. Where the Hisense strikes back is peak brightness…
| Model | LG 65A2PUA | Hisense 65U8H |
| Peak SDR Brightness | 445 cd/m2 | 1,147 cd/m2 |
| Peak HDR Brightness | 646 cd/m2 | 1,500 cd/m2 |
The Hisense U8H‘s mini-LED backlight helps it achieve over 2.5x higher brightness versus LG‘s OLED panel. This helps HDR content appear more eye-catching with specular highlights that gleam with real-world intensity. Light output does diminish at wider viewing angles though.
Overall the LG A2 OLED provides superior black level and off-angle viewing but tops out at lower peak brightness. The Hisense can‘t completely match its perfect blacks but enhances contrast via local dimming and brighter images for daytime viewing.
Refresh Rate and Motion Handling
While pixel response is instantaneous on OLED panels, traditional 60 Hz LCD screens can exhibit motion blurring or juddering during fast camera pans or sporting action.
The LG A2 has a native 50/60Hz panel well-suited to TV and movie content at 24/30fps. It also features black frame insertion which flashes darkness between frame transitions to sharpen perceived motion.
Boasting a faster native 100/120Hz panel plus backlight strobbing, the Hisense U8H ensures smoother, sharper motion clarity. According to tests, the U8H achieves near perfect motion resolution scores and handles 24p judder-free as well. So LCD technology doesn‘t have to mean motion blur!
Connectivity and Gaming
The HDMI 2.1 ports equipped on the Hisense U8H ensure support for cutting-edge gaming features missing on the LG A2.
| Model | LG 65A2PUA | Hisense 65U8H |
| HDMI 2.1 | ❌ | ✅ 4 ports |
| 4k/120Hz | ❌ | ✅ |
| VRR | ❌ | ✅ (48-120Hz) |
| ALLM | ✅ | ✅ |
| G-Sync/FreeSync | ❌ | FreeSync Premium |
The HDMI 2.1 connectivity allows 4K gaming at up to 120fps to match Xbox Series X and PS5 outputs, enabling super smooth frame rates. Support for variable refresh rate (VRR) prevents ugly screen tearing by synchronizing display rate with the game engine for buttery smooth gameplay.
Both TVs feature auto low latency mode (ALLM) automatically enabling low lag presets when gaming. But the Hisense goes further with AMD FreeSync Premium certification tested to ensure low latency VRR functionality.
According to input lag tests at 60Hz the LG A2 and U8H both achieve excellent results:
| Model | LG 65A2PUA | Hisense U8H |
| Input Lag @ 60Hz | 5.1 ms | 8.7 ms |
So casual gamers will enjoy a responsive experience on either. But the Hisense provides superior connectivity for hardcore enthusiasts wanting the smoothest visuals and highest frame rates.
Smart TV & Streaming
LG‘s renowned webOS platform looks slick and remains highly intuitive to use, providing quick access to all popular streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV. Content discovery features are useful and it now integrates AI-powered personalization via LG‘s ThinQ technology.
Likewise, Hisense VIDAA smart interface offers customizable home screens and swift access to leading 4K providers. The proprietary VIDAA Alegria AI can tailor recommendations based on viewing habits. Support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice control expands hands-free control options.
In terms of sheer app selection, both run the full gamut needed by most households. But webOS remains the superior, faster user experience.
Audio Performance
With Dolby Atmos decoding driving multi-dimensional sound to compatible sound systems, both TVs can satisfy audiophile tastes. For onboard audio, the Hisense packs more punch…
The LG A2 is no slouch with its 2-channel 20W speaker system producing reasonably clear, defined sound and decent mid-range. But bass lacks real slam at higher volumes.
Hisense‘s 40W 2.1-channel speakers fitted to the U8H can go significantly louder with clearer dialogue definition and punchy bass kicking via the dedicated subwoofer – crucial for action flicks or sports viewing sans soundbar.
Value Proposition
At the time of writing the LG 65-inch A2 OLED is priced at $1,299 while the equivalent 65" Hisense U8H costs $999 – marking a $300 saving. Considering the Hisense brings higher brightness, more advanced gaming connectivity and audio clout, it likely offers better value without compromising 4K or HDR quality. But OLED fans may still pay the premium.
Verdict – Which TV Wins Out?
The LG A2 series leverages OLED‘s self-emissive pixel-level illumination control to achieve stunning contrast and perfect black levels for cinematic viewing, especially in darker home theater environments. Crisp motion clarity and an impressive smart TV experience round off a compelling overall package.
But the Hisense U8H proves LCD panels still have plenty to offer. Its mini-LED backlight transforms HDR content to eye-searing levels that really gleam, while still preserving impressive local dimming control for deep black levels (if not quite OLED-matching). The step up to HDMI 2.1 connectivity also readies its gaming credentials for the latest consoles. And sonically it packs more punch straight out of the box.
For videophiles wanting the inky black levels only OLED can offer, the LG A2 brings impressive performance at a mid-range price point. But weighing up the specs and test findings, the Hisense U8H prevails as the superior all-rounder – matching or exceeding the LG in most categories while offering tighter value.
So while both TVs deliver stunning 4K images, the brighter LCD panel and gaming upgrades ultimately give the Hisense U8H the edge to take the win. We hope this detailed analysis helps simplify your buying decision when choosing between these outstanding televisions that represent the mid-range market at its best.
