Hisense 85-Inch U6 Series Mini-LED 4K UHD TV review and features analyzed

Description

A Big Screen with an Even Bigger Impact

Testing the Hisense 85-Inch Class U6 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Google Smart TV (85U6N) felt like stepping into a new realm of home entertainment. The sheer size of this television—85 inches—is already a statement piece in any room. But it’s not just the size that grabs your attention; the Mini-LED technology paired with Full Array Local Dimming Pro creates an immersive viewing experience. Even in my brightly lit living room, the screen maintained its impressive clarity, from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights.

I couldn’t help but notice how Dolby Vision IQ enhanced subtle details, like the emotions on actors’ faces during intense scenes. Combining this with Dolby Atmos, the audio made me feel like I was right in the middle of the action. Whether I was streaming a movie, watching sports, or gaming, the results were consistently spectacular.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the television’s sleek, minimalist design stood out. Despite its gigantic screen size, it’s surprisingly thin at just 3.6 inches, making it ideal for wall mounting. Sitting on its stand, the black finish adds an elegant touch to the room without being overly flashy. One thing I appreciated was the solid construction—it doesn’t feel flimsy or unstable like some other large-screen options I’ve encountered.

However, while it looks premium, the item weight of 30.6 pounds means you’ll likely need an extra pair of hands when setting it up. The thoughtfully included 4 HDMI inputs, including one with eARC, allowed me to connect my gaming console, soundbar, and streaming device all at once. No compromises here, and no need to shuffle cables around.

Picture Quality That Pops

This TV’s QLED Quantum Dot Color technology is a game-changer. Watching nature documentaries was nothing short of mesmerizing—each shade of green in a rainforest looked so lifelike, it felt like I could reach out and touch the leaves. With over a billion individual shades, the colors seemed richer and more diverse than what I’ve seen on older TVs.

The Hi-View Engine chipset deserves a mention here too. It uses AI to enhance details, and I noticed this particularly when viewing older content. The Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro and AI HDR Enhancement brought new life to some of my favorite shows, making them look sharper and more vibrant than ever before.

Gaming Performance

As someone who spends a fair amount of time gaming, I was thrilled to test out the Game Mode Plus features. The Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) deliver buttery smooth gameplay with minimal lag. Games felt responsive, and there was no screen tearing even during fast-paced action sequences.

The 120Hz refresh rate combined with Motion Rate 240 ensures that every movement on-screen is fluid. I tested it with a few sports games, and the clarity was mind-blowing—each pass and goal looked incredibly crisp. AMD FreeSync compatibility is another bonus for gamers, ensuring synchronization between the TV and my gaming system.

Positives

The Hisense U6 Series has a lot going for it, and several key benefits stood out during my testing:

• Mini-LED and Full Array Local Dimming Pro create stunning contrast and brightness levels.
• Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos provide a cinematic experience at home.
• Game Mode Plus and Motion Rate 240 cater perfectly to gamers with smooth visuals and low latency.
• Google TV integration makes finding content convenient and intuitive.
• The 85-inch screen size is perfect for those who want a theater-like experience.

Drawbacks

That said, no product is perfect, and I noticed a few areas for improvement with this TV:

• The power consumption of 380 watts might be higher than what some energy-conscious buyers prefer.
• While the Google TV interface is user-friendly, occasional glitches during app navigation were a bit frustrating.
• The speakers, while decent, don’t match the visual quality—investing in a soundbar is almost a necessity for audiophiles.

Product Competitors

In comparison to rivals like the Samsung QN85C and LG NanoCell TVs, the Hisense U6 Series holds its own in several areas. The Mini-LED backlight technology is comparable to Samsung’s offerings, but Hisense manages to deliver similar results at a more competitive price point.

Where LG NanoCell TVs shine is in their color accuracy, but I found the Hisense’s Quantum Dot technology to be more vibrant and enjoyable for everyday viewing. However, the built-in audio on the Samsung QN85C outperforms the Hisense, so as mentioned earlier, an external audio setup might be necessary here.

Price Performance

Looking at the value for money, this TV is a standout choice for anyone wanting premium features without breaking the bank. Similar models from other brands often cost significantly more, yet they don’t always offer extras like Game Mode Plus or AI HDR Enhancement.

For someone seeking a large-screen TV with cutting-edge technology, the investment feels justified. That said, it may not be the best fit for those on a tight budget or those who primarily focus on energy efficiency. But if you’re after immersive visuals and robust gaming features, this TV is worth every penny.

Additional information