Hisense 85U8N Review

The Hisense 85U8N emerges as a compelling contender in the high-end TV market, offering a significant leap in display technology and smart features at a price point that often undercuts its premium competitors.

This review will delve into why the 85U8N, with its ULED X Mini-LED panel, formidable brightness, and robust gaming capabilities, is a strong recommendation for anyone seeking a large-screen, immersive viewing experience without breaking the bank.

It represents a strategic move by Hisense to deliver top-tier performance, especially for HDR content and dynamic gaming, making it a standout option for value-conscious consumers looking for true flagship-level picture quality.

Product	Size Inches	Display Technology	Peak Brightness Nits	Refresh Rate Hz	Key Feature 1	Key Feature 2
Hisense 85U8N	85	ULED X Mini-LED	~3,000	144	IMAX Enhanced	Game Mode Pro
LG C3 OLED	65-83	OLED	~800	120	Self-Lit Pixels	α9 AI Processor Gen6
Samsung QN90C Neo QLED	55-85	Neo QLED Mini-LED	~2,000	144	Neural Quantum Processor 4K	Anti-Glare Screen
Sony BRAVIA XR A95L QD-OLED	55-77	QD-OLED	~2,000	120	Cognitive Processor XR	Acoustic Surface Audio+
TCL QM8 Mini-LED	65-98	Mini-LED	~2,000+	120	QLED Pro	ONKYO Audio
Vizio Quantum Pro	65-75	QLED Mini-LED	~1,500	120	ProGaming Engine	IQ Active Processor
Nvidia Shield TV Pro	N/A	Streaming Device	N/A	N/A	AI Upscaling	Plex Media Server

Design and Build Quality: A Premium Aesthetic

The Hisense 85U8N presents itself with a design that quietly asserts its premium status, yet remains practical for a modern living space.

When you’re dealing with an 85-inch behemoth, the aesthetics and structural integrity become paramount.

Hisense has largely succeeded here, delivering a TV that feels robust and looks sleek without being overly flashy.

Minimalist Bezel and Slim Profile

One of the first things you’ll notice about the 85U8N is its remarkably thin bezels.

This minimalist approach serves to maximize the screen real estate, pulling you deeper into the content.

• Edge-to-edge Immersion: The nearly bezel-less design creates an expansive canvas, making the 85 inches feel even more immense and truly immersive. This is crucial for large screens where any distraction around the edge can pull you out of the experience.
• Modern Appeal: It lends a contemporary, high-end look that helps the TV blend seamlessly into various decor styles. It doesn’t scream for attention, but rather provides a clean, sophisticated frame for the stunning visuals.

Despite its large size, the profile of the 85U8N is surprisingly slim for a Mini-LED TV.

While not as razor-thin as an OLED, it’s certainly not bulky, which is a significant achievement considering the complex backlight system it houses.

Central Stand and Cable Management

The Hisense 85U8N employs a central pedestal stand, a design choice that offers both aesthetic and practical benefits.

• Stability and Placement Flexibility: Unlike TVs with wide-set feet, a central stand allows for easier placement on narrower TV stands or media consoles, which is a major plus for a set this large. The stand itself is solid and provides excellent stability.
• Integrated Cable Management: Hisense has incorporated a thoughtful cable management system within the stand. This helps to keep your cables tidy and out of sight, contributing to a cleaner setup. No one wants a tangled mess behind their pristine new TV.

Connectivity Ports and Placement

Accessibility to ports is a key consideration for any TV, especially one designed for a connected home theater.

The 85U8N offers a comprehensive array of ports, strategically placed. Adata Sd810 Review

• Side-Facing Primary Ports: The most frequently accessed ports, such as HDMI 2.1 inputs and USB ports, are located on the side. This is a user-friendly design choice, making it easy to plug in and unplug devices without having to awkwardly reach behind the massive panel.
• Rear-Facing Less-Used Ports: Ports like Ethernet, optical audio, and legacy inputs are typically located on the rear, which is standard practice for less frequently accessed connections.
• Port Configuration: The 85U8N comes equipped with:
  • 4 x HDMI ports: Crucially, two of these are full HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K @ 144Hz, ALLM Auto Low Latency Mode, and VRR Variable Refresh Rate. This is fantastic news for gamers and those with next-gen consoles or high-end PCs.
  • 2 x USB ports: For connecting external storage or peripherals.
  • Ethernet port: For a stable wired internet connection.
  • Optical digital audio output: For connecting to soundbars or AV receivers.
  • RF input: For antenna or cable connections.
  • Composite video input: For older devices though increasingly rare to use.

The overall design of the Hisense 85U8N is one of understated sophistication.

It’s a TV that looks good, feels sturdy, and offers practical solutions for integration into your home entertainment system, particularly impressive given its substantial size.

Picture Quality: The Mini-LED Marvel

The Hisense 85U8N truly shines when it comes to picture quality, leveraging its ULED X Mini-LED panel to deliver an experience that rivals, and in some areas surpasses, many premium TVs.

This is where Hisense demonstrates its commitment to pushing boundaries.

Mini-LED Backlight with ULED X Technology

At the heart of the 85U8N’s stunning visuals is its Mini-LED backlight system, enhanced by Hisense’s proprietary ULED X technology. This isn’t just marketing jargon. it’s a significant advancement.

• Unprecedented Dimming Zones: The 85-inch U8N boasts an astonishing number of local dimming zones, significantly more than its smaller counterparts or previous generations. While the exact number varies by size, the 85-inch model often features over 2,000 dimming zones. This granular control over backlighting is what allows the TV to achieve incredibly precise contrast.
• Reduced Blooming: With so many individual zones, the TV can dim or brighten specific areas of the screen with exceptional accuracy. This drastically reduces the dreaded “blooming” or “halo” effect often seen on full-array local dimming FALD TVs, where bright objects on a dark background can appear to have a glow around them. The U8N minimizes this to an almost imperceptible level.
• Enhanced Brightness and Contrast: ULED X optimizes the Mini-LED performance to deliver staggering peak brightness levels while maintaining deep, inky blacks. This combination results in a picture with incredible dynamic range, making HDR content truly pop.

Peak Brightness and HDR Performance

This is where the 85U8N truly sets itself apart from the pack, especially for its price point.

The sheer luminescence it can output is breathtaking.

• Staggering Peak Nits: The Hisense 85U8N can reach peak brightness levels in excess of 3,000 nits in certain picture modes and scenes. This is an incredible figure, surpassing many flagship OLEDs and even some high-end QLEDs. This extreme brightness is crucial for an impactful HDR experience.
• Impactful HDR Highlights: With such high brightness, specular highlights in HDR content—like the glint of sunlight on water, reflections from metallic surfaces, or distant streetlights—are rendered with astonishing realism and intensity. They literally jump off the screen, adding a palpable sense of depth and dimension.
• Excellent HDR Format Support: The 85U8N supports all major HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG. This ensures you get the optimal HDR experience regardless of the content source, whether it’s streaming services, 4K Blu-rays, or games.
  • Dolby Vision IQ: This advanced version of Dolby Vision intelligently adjusts the picture based on ambient light in your room, ensuring a consistent and optimal viewing experience throughout the day.
  • HDR10+ Adaptive: Similar to Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive uses ambient light sensors to optimize the picture for your viewing environment.

Color Accuracy and Volume

Brightness is nothing without good color, and the 85U8N delivers on this front too, thanks to its Quantum Dot color layer.

• Quantum Dot Technology: The integration of Quantum Dot technology allows the 85U8N to produce a wider spectrum of colors with greater saturation and accuracy. This translates to incredibly vibrant and lifelike images.
• Exceptional Color Volume: The combination of high brightness and Quantum Dots means the TV can display bright, saturated colors without them appearing washed out. This “color volume” is critical for HDR content, where colors need to maintain their vibrancy even at extreme brightness levels.

Black Levels and Shadow Detail

While OLED reigns supreme for absolute black levels, the 85U8N’s Mini-LED system comes remarkably close, offering impressive depth and detail in dark scenes.

• Near-OLED Blacks: Thanks to the highly precise local dimming, the TV can achieve incredibly deep blacks, particularly in controlled viewing environments. In many real-world scenarios, it’s challenging to distinguish its black levels from an OLED without direct side-by-side comparison in a pitch-black room.
• Excellent Shadow Detail: Unlike some TVs that crush blacks, the 85U8N retains excellent detail in shadows. You can discern subtle nuances in dark scenes, which adds to the realism and immersion, preventing a muddy, indistinguishable mess. This is often where lesser FALD TVs fall short.

In summary, the Hisense 85U8N’s picture quality is nothing short of exceptional. Asus Proart Pa602 Review

Its ULED X Mini-LED panel, combined with groundbreaking brightness, comprehensive HDR support, and excellent color reproduction, creates a truly immersive and vibrant viewing experience that punches well above its weight class.

Gaming Features: A Gamer’s Delight

For the avid gamer, the Hisense 85U8N is poised to be a serious contender, offering a suite of features that cater to the demands of modern console and PC gaming.

Hisense has clearly prioritized the gaming experience, making this TV a very attractive option for those looking to level up their setup.

144Hz Variable Refresh Rate VRR

This is a marquee feature for high-performance gaming.

• VRR Support FreeSync Premium Pro: The TV features Variable Refresh Rate VRR, specifically AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. This technology synchronizes the TV’s refresh rate with the frame rate output by your console or PC.
  • Eliminates Screen Tearing: VRR dynamically adjusts the display’s refresh rate, ensuring that each frame is displayed as soon as it’s rendered. This eliminates screen tearing, where the image appears to split horizontally during fast motion.
  • Reduces Stuttering: It also helps to smooth out frame rate fluctuations, reducing stuttering and providing a more consistent and enjoyable gaming experience, even when frame rates drop below the target.

Auto Low Latency Mode ALLM

ALLM is a convenience feature that enhances the gaming experience by automating display settings.

• Automatic Game Mode Activation: When the TV detects a signal from a gaming console or PC, ALLM automatically switches the TV into its low-latency Game Mode. This bypasses unnecessary video processing, drastically reducing input lag.
• Seamless Transition: You don’t have to manually go into menus and change settings every time you start or stop playing a game. The TV handles it for you, providing a seamless transition between watching movies and gaming.

Low Input Lag

Input lag is crucial for competitive gamers, as it determines how quickly your commands button presses, mouse movements register on screen.

• Responsive Gameplay: The 85U8N delivers impressively low input lag, particularly in its Game Mode. While exact figures can vary slightly depending on the resolution and refresh rate, you can expect input lag figures well under 10ms at 4K/120Hz. This responsiveness makes a noticeable difference in fast-twitch games like first-person shooters or fighting games, where every millisecond counts.
• Competitive Edge: Low input lag means your actions are almost instantaneously reflected on screen, giving you a competitive edge and making the gaming experience feel much more direct and engaging.

Game Mode Pro and Gaming Bar

Hisense bundles its gaming features under the “Game Mode Pro” umbrella, which also includes a useful “Gaming Bar” overlay.

• Dedicated Gaming Enhancements: Game Mode Pro optimizes picture settings for gaming, prioritizing responsiveness and clarity. It adjusts brightness, contrast, and color to make games look vibrant while keeping latency at a minimum.
• On-Screen Gaming Bar: The Gaming Bar is an intuitive overlay that provides quick access to critical gaming information and settings without having to exit your game.
  • Real-time Stats: It displays real-time frame rate FPS, refresh rate, and VRR status.
  • Quick Adjustments: You can quickly toggle features like ALLM, adjust picture modes, or enable/disable specific gaming enhancements directly from the bar. This is a fantastic quality-of-life feature for gamers.

HDR Gaming

The 85U8N’s stellar HDR performance translates directly into an incredible HDR gaming experience.

• Vibrant HDR Worlds: Games that support HDR benefit immensely from the TV’s high peak brightness and wide color gamut. Explosions are brighter, shadows are deeper, and colors are more vivid and lifelike, creating a truly immersive gaming world.
• Dolby Vision Gaming: Support for Dolby Vision gaming for compatible Xbox Series X/S titles further enhances the experience, providing dynamic metadata that optimizes the picture scene-by-scene for even greater realism.

In summary, the Hisense 85U8N is a powerhouse for gamers.

Its combination of 144Hz VRR, ALLM, incredibly low input lag, and excellent HDR capabilities ensures a fluid, responsive, and visually stunning gaming experience across all platforms. Beyerdynamic Dt 770 Pro X Le Review

It’s a compelling choice for anyone serious about gaming on a big screen.

Smart TV Features: Google TV Ecosystem

The Hisense 85U8N runs on the Google TV smart platform, offering a comprehensive and user-friendly experience that puts content discovery at its forefront.

This is a significant advantage for users already familiar with Google’s ecosystem or those looking for a robust and intuitive smart TV interface.

Intuitive User Interface

Google TV provides a highly personalized and streamlined user experience.

• Content-Centric Approach: Unlike some smart TV platforms that prioritize apps, Google TV focuses on content. The main home screen prominently displays recommended movies, TV shows, and live TV, aggregated from all your subscribed streaming services. This makes discovering new content incredibly easy.
• Personalized Recommendations: Leveraging your viewing habits and preferences, Google TV provides tailored recommendations, helping you cut through the clutter and find something you’ll actually want to watch. This is a powerful feature for content junkies.
• Easy Navigation: The interface is clean, well-organized, and responsive, making it easy to navigate through menus, find apps, and switch inputs.

Built-in Chromecast and Google Assistant

The integration of Google services is a core strength of the Google TV platform.

• Seamless Casting with Chromecast: With Chromecast built-in, you can effortlessly cast content from your smartphone, tablet, or computer directly to the TV. This includes photos, videos, podcast, and even entire web pages, offering incredible flexibility for sharing content on the big screen.
• Voice Control with Google Assistant: The 85U8N comes with Google Assistant built-in, accessible via the remote’s microphone button. You can use voice commands to:
  • Search for content: “Find action movies,” “Play The Mandalorian.”
  • Control TV functions: “Turn up the volume,” “Switch to HDMI 1.”
  • Get information: “What’s the weather like?”, “Tell me about the actors in this show.”
  • Control smart home devices: If you have other Google Assistant-compatible smart home devices, you can control them directly from your TV, like turning off lights or adjusting the thermostat.

Wide App Ecosystem

The Google TV platform grants access to an extensive library of apps, ensuring you can find virtually any streaming service or content platform you desire.

• All Major Streaming Services: You’ll find all the popular streaming apps available, including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Max formerly HBO Max, Apple TV+, Hulu, YouTube, and many more. The breadth of available apps is a significant advantage over some proprietary smart TV systems.
• Gaming and Utility Apps: Beyond streaming, there are also various utility apps, fitness apps, and even some casual games available for download.
• Regular Updates: As a Google product, the Google TV platform receives regular software updates, bringing new features, performance improvements, and security patches, ensuring the TV remains current and responsive over time.

Customization and Profiles

Google TV offers a degree of personalization beyond just content recommendations.

• User Profiles: You can set up individual user profiles, allowing each member of the household to have their own personalized home screen, watch history, and recommendations. This is particularly useful in multi-person households.
• Watchlist Feature: The integrated “Watchlist” feature allows you to add movies and shows you want to watch later, regardless of which service they’re on, creating a unified queue across platforms.

The Google TV platform on the Hisense 85U8N is intuitive, feature-rich, and deeply integrated with Google’s ecosystem.

It offers seamless content discovery, robust voice control, and access to a vast array of applications, making it a powerful and convenient smart TV experience for everyday use. Nothing Ear A Review

Audio Quality: Surprisingly Capable

Often, the audio quality on modern flat-panel TVs is an afterthought, with manufacturers assuming users will pair their sets with a soundbar or home theater system.

While that’s often a valid assumption, the Hisense 85U8N surprisingly offers a more robust built-in audio experience than many of its competitors, particularly for a TV of this size.

Built-in 2.1.2 Channel Speaker System

The 85U8N goes beyond standard downward-firing speakers by incorporating a more sophisticated multi-channel setup.

• Integrated Subwoofer: A key differentiator is the inclusion of a built-in subwoofer on the rear of the TV. This adds much-needed depth and richness to the bass, providing more impactful explosions, fuller podcast, and clearer dialogue. This is a significant upgrade over TVs that rely solely on small, full-range drivers.
• Up-firing Speakers 2.1.2 Configuration: The “2.1.2” designation signifies the presence of two up-firing speakers, designed to bounce sound off the ceiling to create a sense of height and immersion. This is particularly beneficial for content encoded with Dolby Atmos.
• Enhanced Stereo Separation: With dedicated left and right channels, plus the subwoofer and up-firing speakers, the TV can produce a wider and more engaging soundstage compared to typical stereo setups.

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support

The 85U8N supports leading object-based audio formats, enhancing the spatial audio experience.

• Immersive Audio for Supported Content: The TV can decode and play back Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio, which are object-based surround sound formats. While the built-in speakers can’t replicate a full home theater setup, the up-firing drivers and intelligent processing create a more three-dimensional sound field.
  • You’ll notice sounds appear to come from above or around you, adding to the immersion, especially with movies or games mixed in these formats.
• Pass-through via eARC: For external sound systems, the 85U8N’s eARC enhanced Audio Return Channel enabled HDMI port is crucial. This allows for the pass-through of uncompressed, high-bitrate audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to compatible soundbars or AV receivers with a single HDMI cable, ensuring the best possible audio quality from your external setup.

Dialogue Clarity and Sound Modes

Hisense has implemented features to ensure dialogue remains clear amidst action sequences and to tailor the sound to different content types.

• Dialogue Enhancement: Despite the added bass and surround effects, the TV generally maintains good dialogue clarity. Voice frequencies are well-separated from background effects, making conversations easy to follow.
• Customizable Sound Modes: The 85U8N offers various pre-set sound modes e.g., Standard, Cinema, Sport, Podcast, Game that optimize the audio profile for different types of content. Users can also often find custom EQ settings to fine-tune the sound to their personal preference.

While no built-in TV speakers will ever truly replace a dedicated sound system, the Hisense 85U8N’s audio performance is surprisingly good for a TV of its class.

The inclusion of a built-in subwoofer and up-firing speakers, coupled with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, provides a more dynamic and immersive audio experience out of the box than you might expect, making it perfectly suitable for casual viewing without immediate need for external audio.

Price and Value Proposition: A Flagship Killer?

The Hisense 85U8N’s most compelling argument might just be its aggressive pricing.

In a market where premium 85-inch TVs often venture into stratospheric price ranges, the U8N positions itself as a disruptive force, offering flagship-level performance without the accompanying flagship price tag.

Competing with the Big Names

When you stack the 85U8N against its direct competitors from LG, Samsung, and Sony, the value proposition becomes clear. Avast One Essential For Mac Review

• Significantly Lower Price: Typically, an 85-inch Mini-LED or OLED TV from a top-tier brand will cost substantially more than the 85U8N. We’re talking potentially thousands of dollars in savings, depending on sales and specific models.
• Feature Parity or Superiority in Some Areas: Despite the lower price, the U8N doesn’t skimp on features. It offers:
  • Comparable Peak Brightness: In some cases, the 85U8N can even surpass the peak brightness of more expensive Mini-LED TVs from competitors, crucial for HDR impact.
  • Full HDMI 2.1 Suite: Two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K@144Hz, VRR FreeSync Premium Pro, and ALLM put it on par with the best gaming TVs.
  • Advanced Backlight: The ULED X Mini-LED system with thousands of dimming zones directly competes with the most sophisticated backlight technologies from premium brands.
  • Dolby Vision/Atmos/HDR10+ Support: Comprehensive HDR and audio format support.
• “Bang for Your Buck”: For consumers looking for the absolute best picture quality and gaming features at the largest possible size, the 85U8N offers an unparalleled “bang for your buck.” It democratizes premium TV technology, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Ideal Use Cases

Considering its feature set and price, the Hisense 85U8N is an ideal choice for several types of users:

• Home Theater Enthusiasts on a Budget: If you crave a large, immersive home theater experience with stunning HDR visuals but have a strict budget, the U8N is designed for you. It delivers punchy, vibrant pictures that will impress.
• Hardcore Gamers: With its 144Hz refresh rate, VRR, ALLM, and low input lag, it’s a dream come true for both console and PC gamers who want a responsive, tear-free, and visually spectacular gaming display.
• Bright Room Viewers: The immense peak brightness of the 85U8N makes it an excellent choice for living rooms or spaces with significant ambient light. It can easily overcome glare and maintain picture vibrancy even during the day.
• Value-Conscious Buyers: Those who prioritize performance over brand prestige and are savvy enough to recognize top-tier specifications at a competitive price will find the U8N extremely appealing.

Potential Trade-offs Minor

While the value is undeniable, it’s worth noting that to achieve this price point, Hisense might make very minor compromises, often imperceptible to the average user. These could include:

• Processing Sophistication: While Hisense’s processing is good, it might not always match the absolute top-tier motion handling or upscaling algorithms of Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR or Samsung’s Neural Quantum Processor in the most demanding scenarios. However, this is often a nuanced difference that only trained eyes might consistently detect.
• Build Materials: While the build quality is solid, some ultra-premium TVs might use slightly more exotic materials or offer a more refined finish. Again, this is often a very subtle distinction.

The Hisense 85U8N’s price-to-performance ratio is arguably one of its strongest selling points. It’s not just a budget TV.

It’s a genuine competitor to much more expensive models, delivering a premium large-screen viewing and gaming experience that makes it a true “flagship killer” in terms of value.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While the Hisense 85U8N is an exceptionally strong performer, especially for its price, no TV is perfect.

It’s important to be aware of a few potential downsides and considerations to ensure it meets your specific expectations.

Off-Angle Viewing

Like many TVs with VA Vertical Alignment panels, the 85U8N can experience some degradation in picture quality when viewed from wide angles.

• Color Saturation and Contrast Loss: When moving significantly off-center, you may notice a slight reduction in color saturation and contrast. Blacks can appear less deep, and colors might look a bit washed out.
• Brightness Dimming: There can also be a noticeable drop in perceived brightness.
• Impact on Large Rooms: This is more of a concern in large living rooms where viewers might be seated far to the side of the main viewing axis. For dedicated home theater setups where seating is typically centered, or smaller rooms, this is less of an issue. If you often have a large gathering with people spread across a wide seating area, this is something to consider. Some competing Mini-LED TVs use wider viewing angle layers to mitigate this, but often at a higher cost.

Minor Software Glitches or Stability

While Google TV is generally robust, and Hisense has improved its software, some users occasionally report minor quirks.

• Infrequent Lag or Bugs: Like any complex software system, there can be very infrequent instances of minor interface lag, app crashes, or unexpected reboots. These are generally rare and often resolved with software updates.
• Reliability Over Time: While Hisense has significantly improved its quality control, some users might still harbor concerns about long-term software stability compared to more established brands. However, with Google TV, many core updates come directly from Google, which helps maintain consistency.
• Updates and Support: Ensure you keep the TV’s firmware updated to the latest version, as Hisense regularly releases patches to improve performance and address bugs.

Motion Handling for Purists

While the 85U8N offers excellent motion for gaming due to its high refresh rate, some purists might notice very subtle nuances in motion handling for cinematic content compared to the absolute best.

• Minor Stutter in 24p Content: Due to the instantaneous response time of LED pixels, 24p cinematic content like movies can sometimes exhibit a slight stutter, especially in slow panning shots. This is common on many modern TVs and often mitigated by motion interpolation settings though many purists prefer to keep these off.
• Hisense’s Motion Processing: While Hisense’s processing is very good, it might not be quite as refined or natural-looking as the top-tier solutions from Sony, which are renowned for their motion interpolation algorithms. This is often a very subtle difference that only highly sensitive viewers or those accustomed to specific high-end TVs might notice. For the vast majority of viewers, the motion handling will be perfectly acceptable.

These considerations are relatively minor in the grand scheme of the 85U8N’s overall performance and value. Amd Ryzen 5 8600G Review

For most users, the immense benefits of its picture quality, brightness, and gaming features will far outweigh these small trade-offs.

However, it’s always best to have a comprehensive understanding before making a significant purchase.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

The Hisense 85U8N positions itself not just as another large-screen TV, but as a genuine disruptor in the premium television market.

It’s a compelling statement from Hisense, demonstrating their capability to deliver cutting-edge display technology at a price point that makes flagship performance genuinely accessible.

Why the Hisense 85U8N Stands Out

• Exceptional Picture Quality for the Price: The ULED X Mini-LED panel, combined with an astonishing number of dimming zones and peak brightness levels exceeding 3,000 nits, delivers breathtaking HDR performance. Colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and highlights pop with incredible intensity, creating an immersive visual experience that rivals, and often surpasses, TVs costing significantly more.
• Gaming Powerhouse: For gamers, the 85U8N is a dream. Its 144Hz native refresh rate, full HDMI 2.1 support VRR with FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, and incredibly low input lag ensure a fluid, responsive, and visually stunning gaming experience across all platforms. The integrated Gaming Bar is a thoughtful touch.
• Robust Smart TV Experience: The Google TV platform is intuitive, feature-rich, and deeply integrated with Google’s ecosystem, offering seamless content discovery, powerful voice control via Google Assistant, and access to a vast array of streaming apps. Chromecast built-in is another major plus.
• Surprisingly Capable Audio: While a soundbar is always recommended for true home theater immersion, the 85U8N’s built-in 2.1.2 channel speaker system with an integrated subwoofer and up-firing drivers provides a much better audio experience out of the box than most flat-panel TVs, complete with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support.
• Unbeatable Value Proposition: This is arguably the U8N’s most significant selling point. It delivers a truly premium, large-screen experience with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a top-tier TV, but at a price that significantly undercuts its direct competitors.

Who is it for?

The Hisense 85U8N is an ideal choice for:

• Value-conscious home theater enthusiasts who want a massive, vibrant screen with stunning HDR.
• Serious gamers looking for a highly responsive, high-refresh-rate display for both consoles and PCs.
• Anyone with a bright living room who needs a TV that can combat glare and maintain picture fidelity.
• Consumers prioritizing raw performance and features over established brand names.

The Verdict

The Hisense 85U8N is a resounding success and an easy recommendation. It’s not just a good TV for the money. it’s a genuinely great TV, period.

While minor considerations like off-angle viewing or the absolute pinnacle of motion processing might be present for the most discerning eyes, these are easily overshadowed by its overall brilliance and the exceptional value it offers.

If you’re in the market for a large, feature-packed television that delivers a truly premium picture and gaming experience without requiring you to refinance your house, the Hisense 85U8N should be at the very top of your list. It’s a testament to Hisense’s growing prowess and a formidable competitor in the high-end TV space. It’s a genuine flagship killer, and it comes highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ULED X Mini-LED technology?

ULED X Mini-LED is Hisense’s proprietary display technology that combines a Mini-LED backlight with advanced local dimming algorithms and quantum dot color.

It allows for extremely high peak brightness, precise contrast control, and wide color volume, resulting in a vibrant and dynamic picture, especially for HDR content. Avast One Silver Review

What is the peak brightness of the Hisense 85U8N?

The Hisense 85U8N can reach peak brightness levels in excess of 3,000 nits in specific HDR scenes and picture modes. This makes it exceptionally bright and impactful for HDR content.

Does the Hisense 85U8N support 144Hz refresh rate for gaming?

Yes, the Hisense 85U8N supports a native refresh rate of up to 144Hz via its HDMI 2.1 ports, making it ideal for high-frame-rate PC gaming. It also supports 120Hz for next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

How many HDMI 2.1 ports does the Hisense 85U8N have?

The Hisense 85U8N features two full HDMI 2.1 ports that support features like 4K@144Hz, Variable Refresh Rate VRR, and Auto Low Latency Mode ALLM.

What HDR formats does the Hisense 85U8N support?

The Hisense 85U8N supports all major HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10, and HLG. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of HDR content.

What smart TV platform does the Hisense 85U8N use?

The Hisense 85U8N runs on the Google TV smart platform, which offers a content-centric interface, personalized recommendations, and access to a vast app ecosystem.

Does the Hisense 85U8N have Google Assistant built-in?

Yes, the Hisense 85U8N has Google Assistant built-in, allowing for voice control of the TV and compatible smart home devices via the remote.

Does the Hisense 85U8N have Chromecast built-in?

Yes, the Hisense 85U8N has Chromecast built-in, enabling easy casting of content from mobile devices or computers directly to the TV.

What is the audio quality like on the Hisense 85U8N?

The Hisense 85U8N features a 2.1.2 channel speaker system with a built-in subwoofer and up-firing speakers. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing surprisingly good and immersive audio for built-in TV speakers.

Does the Hisense 85U8N have eARC?

Yes, the Hisense 85U8N has an eARC enhanced Audio Return Channel enabled HDMI port, allowing for the pass-through of uncompressed, high-bitrate audio formats to compatible soundbars or AV receivers.

Is the Hisense 85U8N good for bright rooms?

Yes, due to its exceptionally high peak brightness, the Hisense 85U8N is excellent for bright rooms, as it can easily overcome ambient light and glare to maintain picture vibrancy. Nikon Nikkor Z 135Mm F18 S Plena Review

Does the Hisense 85U8N support Variable Refresh Rate VRR?

Yes, the Hisense 85U8N supports VRR, specifically AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, which helps to eliminate screen tearing and reduce stuttering in games.

Does the Hisense 85U8N have Auto Low Latency Mode ALLM?

Yes, the Hisense 85U8N supports ALLM, which automatically switches the TV into its low-latency game mode when a gaming console or PC is detected.

What is the input lag of the Hisense 85U8N?

The Hisense 85U8N offers impressively low input lag, typically under 10ms at 4K/120Hz in Game Mode, making it highly responsive for gaming.

Does the Hisense 85U8N have a wide viewing angle?

Like most VA panel TVs, the Hisense 85U8N can experience some minor degradation in color and contrast when viewed from very wide off-angles. For optimal viewing, a more central position is recommended.

How much does the Hisense 85U8N typically cost?

The Hisense 85U8N is competitively priced, often significantly undercutting comparable 85-inch Mini-LED or OLED TVs from other premium brands, offering exceptional value. Prices can vary with sales and retailers.

Is the Hisense 85U8N good for movies?

Yes, with its high brightness, deep blacks, excellent contrast, and comprehensive HDR support, the Hisense 85U8N is excellent for movies, providing a truly cinematic experience.

Can I mount the Hisense 85U8N on a wall?

Yes, the Hisense 85U8N is VESA compliant and can be mounted on a wall using a compatible wall mount. Given its size and weight, a sturdy mount and professional installation are recommended.

What is the difference between ULED and OLED?

ULED as in Hisense’s ULED X refers to an enhanced LED TV with a sophisticated Mini-LED backlight and quantum dots, aiming for high brightness and contrast.

OLED Organic Light Emitting Diode TVs use self-emissive pixels that can turn completely off, offering perfect blacks and infinite contrast, but generally lower peak brightness than top Mini-LEDs.

Does the Hisense 85U8N come with a remote control?

Yes, the Hisense 85U8N comes with a remote control, typically featuring dedicated buttons for popular streaming services and a built-in microphone for Google Assistant voice commands. Original Prusa Mk4 Review

What kind of processor does the Hisense 85U8N have?

The Hisense 85U8N is powered by Hisense’s Hi-View Engine X processor, which is responsible for image processing, upscaling, motion handling, and overall system performance.

Can the Hisense 85U8N display 8K content?

No, the Hisense 85U8N has a native 4K 3840 x 2160 resolution. It can upscale lower-resolution content to 4K, but it cannot display native 8K content.

What is the lifespan of a Mini-LED TV like the Hisense 85U8N?

Mini-LED TVs like the Hisense 85U8N generally have a long lifespan, comparable to traditional LED TVs, typically tens of thousands of hours of usage. They are not susceptible to burn-in issues that can affect OLED panels.

Does the Hisense 85U8N have an ATSC 3.0 tuner for NextGen TV?

Yes, the Hisense 85U8N typically includes an ATSC 3.0 tuner, also known as NextGen TV, allowing you to receive broadcast 4K over-the-air signals where available.

Is the Hisense 85U8N good for sports?

Yes, with its high refresh rate, good motion handling, and excellent brightness, the Hisense 85U8N is very good for watching sports, ensuring fast-moving action remains clear and fluid.

Does the Hisense 85U8N support Wi-Fi 6?

Yes, the Hisense 85U8N typically supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, providing faster and more stable wireless internet connectivity.

Can I connect Bluetooth headphones to the Hisense 85U8N?

Yes, the Hisense 85U8N features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly connect headphones, soundbars, or other Bluetooth-enabled audio devices.

Does the Hisense 85U8N have an anti-glare screen?

The Hisense 85U8N has a screen finish designed to reduce reflections, which helps with glare in bright rooms.

While not always completely matte, it handles reflections well for its class.

How does the Hisense 85U8N compare to the TCL QM8?

Both the Hisense 85U8N and TCL QM8 are excellent Mini-LED TVs offering high performance and value. Shure Mv7 Plus Review

The U8N often boasts higher peak brightness and a slightly more refined picture processing, while the QM8 may offer even more local dimming zones in some sizes. Both are strong competitors.

Is the Hisense 85U8N worth the money?

Yes, given its outstanding picture quality, comprehensive gaming features, robust smart TV platform, and aggressive pricing, the Hisense 85U8N offers exceptional value for money and is considered a top-tier choice in its category.