Hisense U9 Series TV: Is the 85-Inch Mini-LED the Ultimate Game Changer for 4K UHD Viewing?

When it comes to TVs, there's always a debate over whether bigger really is better. The Hisense 85-Inch Class U9 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Google Smart TV is certainly making its case with features that promise an impressive viewing experience. But we need to ask ourselves: does size alone justify the leap into this latest tech? With a native 144Hz refresh rate and a staggering number of local dimming zones, this model isn't just about being large; it’s about redefining how we experience color and motion on screen. And while it boasts cutting-edge gaming features and immersive audio technologies like Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, can it really deliver on all these promises without sacrificing quality? In this review, we’ll explore whether this massive screen is truly worth the investment or if it’s just another flashy entry in the crowded TV market.

Spec​

Parameter
Hisense U9 Series TV​
Picture​
HisenseU9SeriesTV.jpg
Screen Size​
74.5 Inches​
Reference Price​
$3184.99​
Model Year​
2024​
Specific Uses​
Entertainment, Gaming​
Built-In Media​
Stand, TV, Power Cable, Remote​
Highlight​
MINI-LED X: See your favorite show or movie in a whole new light. Mini-LED X is made up of thousands of LEDs, think of them like pinpoints, that illuminate your screen. Plus, with up to 5,000 local dimming zones, you can experience the whitest whites, the darkest darks and everything in between.
QLED: See color like you’ve never seen it before. QLED Quantum Dot Technology, significantly broadens the range of color you perceive to create over a billion individual shades. So, you can soak up every wave of the Caribbean Sea and every brushstroke of the desert sunset.
144HZ GAME MODE PRO: Level up your gaming. The 144Hz Game Mode Pro is designed with the technology you need to get on the leaderboard. With a Variable Refresh Rate of 48Hz to 144H, your console and PC gaming can beat any opponent that comes your way. AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Auto Low Latency Mode and Low Latency MEMC, virtually eliminate annoyances like screen tearing and controller input lag in your play.
DOLBY VISION*ATMOS: Get transported through the screen. Dolby Vision captures even the most subtle emotions flickering across an actor’s face during a dark night scene. And the multidimensional sound of Dolby Atmos puts you smack-dab in the action, whether that’s a jungle, urbanscape or rocketship.
GOOGLE TV: The entertainment you love. With a little help from Google. Google TV brings together movies, shows, live TV and more from across apps and subscriptions and organizes them just for the user. And helps the user discover new things to watch with recommendations based on their interests.
Operating System​
Google TV​
Internet Applications​
Disney Plus, Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube​
Remote Control​
Bluetooth​
Controller Type​
Remote Control, Voice Control​
Control Method​
Remote​
Aspect Ratio​
16:9​
Display Technology​
QLED, Mini Led, LED, LCD​
Screen Finish​
Flat​
Has Color Screen​
Yes​
Resolution​
4K​
Refresh Rate​
144 Hz​
Response Time​
8 Milliseconds​
Viewing Angle​
178 Degrees​
HDR Format​
HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision​
Backlight Technology​
Mini-LED​
Backlight Setting​
Full Array Local Dimming​
Backlight Configuration​
Direct-Lit​
Picture Enhancement​
QLED and Mini Led​
Motion Enhancement​
Motion Rate 480​
Audio Channels​
4.1.2​
Surround Sound​
Dolby Atmos​
Audio Encoding​
Dolby Atmos​
Audio Output​
Surround​
Audio Input​
HDMI, USB​
Speaker Description​
Dolby Atmos​
Speaker Output Power​
82 Watts​
Compatible Devices​
Laptop, Gaming Console, Tablet, Headphone, Smartphone​
Water Resistance​
Not Water Resistant​
Tuner Type​
ATSC​
Voltage​
120 Volts​
Power Consumption​
480 Watts​
Line Voltage​
100-240 VAC 50-60 Hz​
Other Features​
Hi-View Engine X, CineStage X Surround, Dynamic X Display, Amd freesync, Mini-LED X​
Mount Standard​
600 x 400 mm​
Connectivity Technology​
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
Bluetooth Version​
5.3​
Wireless Technology​
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi​
Usb Ports​
2​
Audio Out Ports​
2​
HDMI Ports​
4​
Connector Type​
USB, Ethernet, HDMI
Signal Format​
ATSC​
Sharing Direction​
Mobile to TV​
Hardware Interface​
Bluetooth, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
D x W x H​
2"D x 76.2"W x 43.1"H​

System Experience​

Setting up my new TV was surprisingly straightforward, which I really appreciated. I was a bit worried about the heavy weight of the unit, but it turned out to be manageable with a friend’s help. However, I do wish I had been more aware of the packaging return policy before purchasing. It’s frustrating to think about how much hassle it would be to return it if needed, especially with the size and weight of the box. I’ve always believed in buying from retailers that offer price matching, and the experience made me realize how important that is for larger items like this.

Viewing Experience​

The picture quality of this TV left me in awe, especially when it comes to HDR. My previous experience with a Sony OLED had set high expectations, but the colors and brightness on this model really stand out. I did find myself adjusting the picture settings frequently to get the best out of my standard HD content, as it seemed to produce more backlight than I was used to. Still, when everything is dialed in, the visuals are breathtaking, particularly for movies and sports.

Audio Experience​

While I haven’t done extensive testing with the sound, I can say that it’s decent enough for casual viewing. I typically prefer to use a soundbar for a more immersive experience with movies, so I’m not overly concerned with the built-in speakers. They perform adequately, but if you're an audiophile, you might want to invest in additional sound equipment to complement the stunning visuals.

Other Experience​

I’m genuinely excited about the integration of Google TV. Having everything in one place makes it so much easier to find what I want to watch. The interface is smooth, and I love that I can easily access my favorite streaming platforms. It’s a game changer for how I interact with my TV, making my viewing experience much more enjoyable and less cumbersome.

Conclusion​

Pros:
The standout features for me are the incredible picture quality, especially in bright rooms, and the true-to-life colors. The wide viewing angles are another plus. It’s a relief to have no glare, even with lots of sunlight streaming in. The two-year warranty also gives me peace of mind, and I appreciate Hisense’s commitment to firmware updates, which will hopefully keep the TV performing well for years to come.

Cons:
The main downside has to be its weight; moving it around is no easy task, and I can see how that could be a dealbreaker for some. Additionally, while I enjoy the picture quality, the need to tweak settings for different types of content can be a bit tedious. I wish it could automatically adjust better for varied viewing experiences.

Overall Evaluation:
Overall, I’m really pleased with my Hisense TV. Despite some minor inconveniences, the brilliance of the picture quality and the functionality of the Google TV interface make it a worthwhile investment. I’m hopeful that it will last and perform well, as I’ve heard mixed reviews about the brand’s longevity. I would definitely recommend this TV to anyone looking for an impressive viewing experience, just with the caveat to be mindful of the weight and setup.
 
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