Hisense U9N vs TCL QM8

Hisense U9N wins — U9N is the better TV on every technical metric — 67% more peak brightness, double the dimming zones, tighter HDR perform…

Scores: Hisense U9N 9/10 · TCL QM8 8/10

U9N is the better TV on every technical metric — 67% more peak brightness, double the dimming zones, tighter HDR performance. But at $500 more, it only matters in direct sunlight or for calibration enthusiasts. In a typical living room with shades drawn, TCL QM8 at $1299 delivers 90% of the visual experience for two-thirds the money.

Hisense U9N lists at $1,799 while TCL QM8 lists at $1,299 — TCL QM8 undercuts Hisense U9N by $500 (38%).

Spec-by-spec comparison

Hisense U9NTCL QM8
display65 inch 4K Mini-LED, 5000 nits peak, 2304 local dimming zones65 inch 4K Mini-LED, 3000 nits peak, 1152 local dimming zones
panelVA, 144Hz nativeVA, 144Hz native
hdrDolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HLGDolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HLG
audio2.1.2 Atmos, 60W2.1.2 Atmos, 50W
osGoogle TVGoogle TV
ports4x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps), 2x USB4x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps), 2x USB

Hisense U9N

What works

  • 5000 nit peak is the brightest Mini-LED TV under $2000 — crushes HDR highlights in daylit rooms
  • 2304 local dimming zones vs QM8's 1152 means tighter zone control and less blooming
  • All four HDMI ports are 2.1 48Gbps — no hunting for the right port for your console

What doesn't

  • VA panel narrows viewing cone: colors shift noticeably beyond 30 degrees off-axis
  • Some low-motion scenes exhibit micro-blocking artifacts in dark gradients
  • Google TV interface shows ads and promoted content in prime screen real estate

TCL QM8

What works

  • At $1299, $500 less than U9N for 80% of the visual performance in most content
  • Motion handling in 144Hz mode is smooth with TCL's IMAX Enhanced certification
  • Google TV interface is identical to U9N — same app ecosystem and voice control

What doesn't

  • 3000 nit peak loses to U9N's 5000 nit in window-adjacent rooms in direct sunlight
  • 1152 dimming zones produce more visible blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds
  • Color volume at 100% Rec.2020 trails U9N by about 8% in measured DCI-P3 coverage

Bottom line

Our pick: Hisense U9N. It edges out the alternative on 5000 nit peak is the brightest mini-led tv under $2000 — crushes hdr highlights in daylit rooms. That said, TCL QM8 still wins on at $1299, $500 less than u9n for 80% of the visual performance in most content — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.

Browse all comparisons | Trending