Hisense 40-inch LED TV 40H4030F4 review Full HD picture and smart features

Description

Initial Impressions of the Hisense 40″ Class 1080p FHD LED LCD Roku Smart TV (40H4030F4)

Testing out the Hisense 40H4030F4 was like unboxing potential. The sleek black design, coupled with its 40-inch screen size, made it a perfect fit for my living room setup. It’s lightweight at just 8.26 kilograms, so maneuvering it was easy, even solo. The Full HD 1080p resolution immediately caught my eye, delivering vivid colors and detailed images right out of the box. Whether I was streaming content or exploring its built-in Roku features, it gave off a premium vibe despite being a budget-friendly option.

Design and Build Quality

The aesthetics of this LED TV are simple yet modern. Its 16:9 aspect ratio ensures that widescreen content looks fantastic, while the thin bezels make the screen feel more immersive. The dimensions (38.2 x 24.1 x 8.7 inches) mean it can fit into cozy spaces without dominating the room, which was ideal for my smaller entertainment area. While the plastic build might not scream luxury, it feels sturdy enough for everyday use.

One thing I appreciated was the inclusion of a QAM tuner, which allowed me to access unencrypted cable channels without the need for a set-top box. It’s these small design features that show the thought put into creating a user-friendly experience.

Picture Performance: Full HD Clarity

The 1080p Full HD resolution delivers a crisp and clear picture that easily handles everything from action-packed movies to vibrant animated shows. Testing it with a variety of content, the 5000:1 contrast ratio stood out, providing deep blacks and bright whites that enhanced visual depth. The 120Hz refresh rate was a game-changer for fast-paced scenes, reducing motion blur significantly.

Streaming a sports event, I noticed how smooth the action looked, with no awkward lag or ghosting. However, in very bright rooms, the screen’s performance wasn’t as striking, as it struggled a bit with glare. Still, for indoor use with controlled lighting, the image quality was impressive for this price range.

Sound Quality: Immersive Audio with Dolby Digital

The built-in speakers surprised me. For a slim TV, the Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound delivered audio that felt immersive without needing external speakers. Testing a thriller movie, I could distinctly hear background effects and dialogue, giving the experience a cinematic touch. While the sound was decent enough for casual viewing, audiophiles might find it lacking in bass. Pairing it with a soundbar could elevate the audio experience for those who demand more depth.

Key Benefits

• Full HD resolution ensures clear and vibrant visuals.
• 120Hz refresh rate minimizes motion blur for smoother playback.
• Built-in Wi-Fi simplifies access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
• Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound adds immersive audio without extra accessories.
• Energy Star certification means it’s energy-efficient, saving on electricity bills.

Connectivity Options and Smart Features

One of the highlights of this TV is its smart functionality. The built-in Roku interface is intuitive and packed with options. From Netflix to Disney+, I had access to all the popular streaming services without needing extra devices. I especially loved the compatibility with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant, making voice control a breeze.

With 2 HDMI ports and 1 USB port, I was able to connect my gaming console, soundbar, and a USB stick for offline media playback. However, I did find myself wishing for an extra HDMI port, especially when juggling multiple devices at once. The V-Chip parental controls were an unexpected but welcome addition, helping me filter out inappropriate content when my niece came over for a movie night.

Areas for Improvement

• Limited HDMI ports, as only 2 are available, which may not suffice for users with multiple devices.
• Average sound quality for bass-heavy content, requiring external speakers for optimal audio.
• Struggles with glare in brightly lit environments, slightly diminishing picture quality.

Competing Brands

Comparing this to competitors like TCL’s 40-inch Roku TV, I noticed a few differences. While both TVs boast similar Roku smart platforms, TCL’s model offers slightly better audio quality due to its enhanced speaker system. However, the Hisense TV excels in motion handling, thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate, which TCL lacks. Another contender, Samsung’s 43-inch UHD TV, offers 4K resolution, but it’s noticeably more expensive and lacks the seamless Roku integration that I found so easy to navigate on this TV.

For budget-conscious buyers, the Hisense model strikes a better balance between price and features, especially if Full HD is sufficient for your viewing habits.

Value for Money

The Hisense 40H4030F4 punches above its weight in terms of performance and features. While it doesn’t compete with high-end 4K TVs, it delivers excellent picture quality, a user-friendly interface, and adequate sound at a fraction of the cost. For those looking for a reliable secondary TV or a main TV for smaller spaces, it’s a smart investment.

Its affordable quality makes it a standout in its category. Despite its minor flaws, the combination of smart features, energy efficiency, and solid build makes it worth considering.

Additional information