As a digital technology expert who has spent over a decade testing, comparing, and writing about the latest TV technologies, I‘ve witnessed firsthand the rapid pace of innovation in the industry. It‘s an exciting time to be shopping for a new TV, with midrange models now offering performance and features that were reserved for the highest-end sets just a few years ago. Two of the most intriguing options in this category are the TCL 6 Series and Hisense U8H/U7H – both delivering incredible bang for your buck with advanced display technologies like mini-LED and QLED. But which one is the best fit for your specific needs and viewing environment?
I‘ve spent several weeks putting these TVs through their paces side-by-side, and I‘m excited to share my in-depth findings to help you make an informed decision. Let‘s start with a detailed specifications comparison:
| Spec | TCL 6 Series | Hisense U8H | Hisense U7H |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Sizes | 55", 65", 75" | 55", 65", 75" | 55", 65", 75", 85" |
| Display Type | Mini-LED QLED | QLED w/ Full Array Local Dimming | QLED w/ Full Array Local Dimming |
| Resolution | 4K UHD (3840×2160) | 4K UHD (3840×2160) | 4K UHD (3840×2160) |
| Dimming Zones | up to 240 | up to 132 | up to 72 |
| Peak Brightness | ~1100 nits | ~2000 nits | ~1400 nits |
| Wide Color Gamut | 93% DCI-P3 | 96% DCI-P3 | 94% DCI-P3 |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz Native | 120Hz Native | 120Hz Native |
| Variable Refresh Rate | Yes (48-120Hz) | Yes (48-120Hz) | Yes (48-60Hz) |
| HDMI 2.1 Ports | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Smart Platform | Roku TV | Google TV (Android TV) | Google TV (Android TV) |
As you can see, all three models offer 4K resolution, a 120Hz native refresh rate, and wide color gamut support. But there are some significant differences in the underlying display technologies and capabilities.
The TCL 6 Series is the only one to use a mini-LED backlight, which is a relatively new innovation in the TV space. Traditional LED TVs use large LEDs to illuminate the LCD panel, typically numbering in the dozens. Mini-LEDs, as the name suggests, are much smaller – allowing for many more to be packed behind the screen. The 6 Series has up to 240 local dimming zones, each of which can be precisely controlled to achieve better black levels, contrast, and reduced blooming. In essence, you get near-OLED levels of precision for a fraction of the cost.
Here‘s how mini-LED compares to a traditional full-array local dimming (FALD) backlight:
Image Source: DisplayNinja
The Hisense U8H and U7H, meanwhile, use FALD backlights enhanced with quantum dot technology (QLED). Quantum dots are microscopic nanocrystals that emit light at very precise frequencies when stimulated. This allows for a significantly wider color gamut and increased color volume compared to traditional LED TVs. So while the U8H and U7H can‘t match the mini-LED 6 Series‘ precision, they make up for it with incredible color vibrancy and brightness.
In my experience, the U8H is the brightest of the bunch, hitting close to 2000 nits in its most vivid picture mode. This is approaching triple the peak brightness of most midrange sets and makes for absolutely spectacular HDR highlights. Watching a movie like Mad Max: Fury Road or playing a game like Cyberpunk 2077 in HDR is a jaw-dropping experience on the U8H – explosions and neon lights absolutely sear off the screen.
The TCL 6 Series is no slouch though and delivers a more balanced image. What it lacks in peak brightness it makes up for in shadow detail and black levels. In a dark room, you‘ll notice more "pop" to the image compared to the U8H or U7H, with stars, street lights, and other small elements really standing out against the inky backdrop.
All three TVs use advanced upscaling and motion processing technologies to convert lower resolution content and reduce blur. In my testing, I found the TCL 6 Series performed best with 24fps film content and lower resolution sources like 720p streaming and DVDs. It managed to smooth out judder without introducing much in the way of soap opera effect.
The U8H was slightly less consistent and occasionally struggled to lock onto the correct cadence with 24fps content. However, it excelled with sports and other 60fps video, producing a crisp and fluid image. The U7H was similar to the U8H in this regard, though its motion didn‘t seem quite as smooth.
Things get very interesting when it comes to gaming features. All three models support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and 120fps gameplay at 4K – though the U7H is limited to 60fps at 4K. The U8H is a standout here with four full-spec HDMI 2.1 ports and FreeSync Premium support, making it the most future-proof for gaming. The 6 Series has two HDMI 2.1 ports, while the U7H only has one.
Input lag is excellent across the board, with all three sets measuring under 15ms in game mode based on my Leo Bodnar lag tester. Combined with their 120Hz panels, gaming feels incredibly responsive, be it a twitchy shooter or fast-paced racer. HDR games are a particular treat on the U8H and 6 Series, with the expanded contrast making details pop and enhancing the overall atmosphere. The U8H‘s extreme brightness gives it an edge in brighter rooms and really makes colors pop.
On the software side, the TCL 6 Series uses the Roku TV platform, while the Hisense models use Google TV (previously Android TV). Having used both extensively, I find Roku to be more straightforward and user-friendly for the average viewer. The app selection is second to none, with all the major streaming services and tons of more niche ones available. It‘s also highly customizable, with the ability to create app shortcuts and rearrange the home screen to your liking.
Google TV is more visually engaging with large artwork and embedded trailers for content recommendations. It ties into Google‘s knowledge graph to surface content and offers some handy smart home integrations. In general use though, I find it a little more cluttered and harder to navigate than Roku. You‘re also more likely to encounter compatibility issues with Google TV, while Roku is rock solid. Google TV does offer a nice selection of casual games though, which is a neat bonus.
Audio is an area where none of these TVs particularly excel – they all have rather basic stereo speaker systems. The Hisense U8H‘s built-in subwoofers provide some extra oomph and it actually sounds pretty decent for casual viewing. But for the best experience, you‘ll want to pair any of them with a soundbar or home theater system. Fortunately, all three support eARC for uncompressed audio passthrough to a receiver.
So where does all of this leave us? If I had to pick a single winner, it would be the TCL 6 Series for its combination of mini-LED precision, Roku interface, and gamer-friendly features. It delivers the best overall picture quality for movie night and is a joy to use day-to-day. The Hisense U8H, however, is king when it comes to brightness and color pop – it‘s the one I‘d choose for heavily lit environments. The U7H, while a small step down overall, is a very solid choice for those on a tighter budget.
It‘s truly incredible how far midrange TVs have come in recent years. Just 5 years ago, the level of performance offered by the TCL 6 Series and Hisense U8H was reserved for sets costing many times their price. My advice? If you‘re coming from an older 1080p or early generation 4K set, don‘t be afraid to consider one of these models over a premium-priced alternative. The difference in real-world performance is often less than you‘d expect.
Looking ahead, I expect mini-LED to become even more prevalent as a "middle ground" between traditional FALD and OLED displays. We‘re also seeing more TVs adopt advanced gaming features as next-gen consoles drive demand. 8K will continue to inch its way into the mainstream, though I maintain it offers minimal benefit at the screen sizes most people buy. For now, 4K with HDR and a 120Hz panel is the sweet spot.
Regardless of which TV you ultimately choose, you can‘t really go wrong with the TCL 6 Series or Hisense U8H/U7H. Each model offers outstanding performance and cutting-edge features that will drastically upgrade your viewing experience for years to come. I‘ve been consistently wowed by them during my testing and I‘m confident that you will be too.
