Hisense U7KQ vs TCL P89K / TCL P8K

Direct comparison

P8K / P89K

Info

Available screen sizes: 100”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”98”

Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: VIDAA

Model year: 2023

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Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2025

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Overall rating

7.5

6.6

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    7.5

    6.1

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    7.3

    6.0

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.6

    6.1

  • Gaming on console

    8.2

    8.1

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.0

    8.6

  • Watching in bright light

    7.8

    4.6

  • Utility functions

    8.2

    7.4

  • Apps

    7.7

    9.6

  • Sound quality

    6.9

    6.7

Advantages

  • Very good black

  • High brightness of the panel

  • Stable and fast-operating system

  • Very good price-to-quality ratio in the 100" variant

  • Good contrast thanks to the VA panel

  • Google TV system with a huge number of applications

  • Good motion smoothness. 144Hz panel

  • Great features for gamers: HDMI 2.1, VRR, 4K@120Hz, HGiG, Dolby Vision in games

  • Very good colour gamut coverage thanks to the PFS filter (QLED)

  • Very good compatibility with PC. 240Hz mode

  • Low input lag – gaming is smooth and responsive

  • Well-implemented HDR dynamic tone mapping feature. Despite low brightness: HDR content looks surprisingly good.

  • 2.1 sound from Onkyo with a subwoofer – surprisingly good bass

  • Very attractive price

Disadvantages

No like
  • No music apps (Spotify, Tidal)

  • Poor HDR performance in dark scenes with small light sources

  • Average viewing angles

  • Low brightness – around 250–300 nits

  • Very poor viewing angles

  • Average digital image processing

  • Incorrectly implemented Dolby Vision mode

  • System errors and cuts occur

  • Not very loud sound, volume limiter is active

Our verdict

Hisense U7KQ with a size of 100" is clearly a better television compared to the smaller variants. The proprietary VIDAA system has a similar interface to other TVs (e.g., with Google TV onboard). It operates quickly and smoothly. It doesn't freeze or contain errors. The built-in media player sometimes had difficulties functioning, though. It's worth looking at the app test, as not all of them were available at the time of writing this review. The TV's features are quite extensive, and nearly everything we tested was successful. During day use, the high brightness of the panel is commendable, handling even brightly lit rooms well. When watching in cinematic conditions, we can count on good blacks, thanks to the VA panel supported by multiple dimming zones. The screen handles low-quality content (e.g., SD channels or DVDs) reasonably well, but a downside is the lack of a function to reduce posterisation (which involves clearly defined tonal transitions). It looks much better with 4K HDR movies as we have a wide colour palette and strong light effects. Support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos is another advantage, although the speakers built into the screen are rather average. Sports enthusiasts will be pleased with the 120Hz panel featuring motion smoothing. When connected to a console, gaming on the television is very good due to the low input lag. Motion blur is moderate, meaning that very rarely can slight "trails" be noticed when there is dynamic movement against a dark background. The lack of HGiG mode diminishes the visual quality of games in HDR format, while the absence of local dimming in VRR mode renders the latter feature useless. Overall, the picture quality can be described as good and appropriate for its price. There aren't any obvious flaws or unexpected advantages here, but the large size is a significant factor.

The TCL P8K is a TV that immediately wins you over. It seems cheap, supposedly from a lower tier, but it can surprise you. This device shows that you can get a product with character at this price – and it's aimed at a specific group of users. Because let's be honest, the P8K is a television created with gamers in mind. Two HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR support, 4K at 120 Hz, HGiG, and even Dolby Vision in games – it sounds like something that could only recently be found in much more expensive models. Plus, it has a 144 Hz panel and can reach up to 240 Hz on PC. At this price? It's hard not to smile. Then there's Google TV, the system that breathes life into this screen. Everything works intuitively, with access to a huge library of applications and a responsive Google Assistant that actually understands what you're saying – even if you phrase it your way. Of course, it's not the perfect TV. Brightness of around 250–300 nits isn't impressive and probably won't make a mark in a sunny lounge. But just add an evening, a movie, and a bit of darker surroundings, and you'll find that this screen can do a lot. Thanks to dynamic tone mapping, the P8K handles HDR surprisingly well, and colours can look natural. In film scenes, there's no sign of a plastic, overexposed image – it's just pleasant. Let's not pretend this is a competitor to Mini LEDs or OLEDs – because that's not the point. The P8K / P89K is meant to be a TV that's simply enjoyable to use. And that's where its strength lies. For someone who wants to game, watch Netflix, fire up YouTube, and have it all in one simple device – it's a perfect hit. The TCL P8K shows that "cheap" doesn't have to mean "poor quality". It's a TV with character that doesn't pretend to be premium equipment, yet offers a lot. And maybe that's why it's so easy to like.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
Other inputs
RCA (Chinch)
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps, Ethernet (LAN) 1Gbit
Build quality
BuildQuality-Good
Average
Stand type
Legs
Legs
Bezel color
Graphite
Graphite
Stand
Fixed
Fixed
Accessories
Stand
Stand

Contrast and black detail

8/10

5.5/10

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 1620 (30 x 54)

Local dimming function: No

Contrast:

Review Hisense U7KQ Contrast and black detail

Result

124,650:1

Review Hisense U7KQ Contrast and black detail

Result

56,350:1

Review Hisense U7KQ Contrast and black detail

Result

24,550:1

Review Hisense U7KQ Contrast and black detail

Result

15,600:1

Review Hisense U7KQ Contrast and black detail

Result

12,600:1

Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Contrast and black detail

Result

5,650:1

Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Contrast and black detail

Result

3,950:1

Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Contrast and black detail

Result

5,700:1

Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Contrast and black detail

Result

5,450:1

Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Contrast and black detail

Result

2,600:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

Review Hisense U7KQ Contrast and black detail
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Contrast and black detail

The television is equipped with a VA panel, which has high contrast even without the support of local dimming technology. With the additional support of Mini-LED technology, the television is able to offer really good blacks, both in subdued, dark scenes and in mixed scenes where black is interspersed with bright elements. Suffice it to say that even in the most challenging test sequences, it achieved a result above 10,000:1. In a fully darkened room, zone dimming can sometimes be visible, appearing as a slight halo effect around text or bright areas lightening up when a bright object moves quickly across the screen. However, this is a normal phenomenon that isn't bothersome. The television, like most LCD screens with local dimming, has a moderate tendency to darken the image, particularly small light sources in dark scenes.

TCL P8K is an example of a television that shows that even in the lower range, you can still find solid contrast. The VA panel does a really good job here – a measurement around 6000:1 may not sound impressive, but in real scenes, it creates an effect that is simply pleasing to the eye. In the darkness of the forest in “The Revenant” or in the futuristic scenes of “Oblivion,” you can see depth and light separation that’s hard to expect from equipment at this price. The P8K can render darkness without the feeling that everything is drowning in grey. The Direct LED backlighting also works in its favour. Of course, there is no local dimming here, but the system can dim the whole screen when the scene requires it or slightly brighten it to bring out details in the bright areas. It's a somewhat analogue approach to contrast – simple but effective. This was well demonstrated on the test pattern from the legendary Pioneer Kuro: the television prioritised bright points, while the background lost some depth, yet it still retained a decent appearance. Of course, there is no perfectly jet-black here. In a dark room, you can see that the black leans towards navy, but despite that, the overall presentation is just good. In normal home conditions, the contrast is more than enough to feel the cinematic atmosphere.

HDR effect quality

6.3/10

4.5/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 96.0%, Bt.2020: 76.0%
DCI P3: 93.6%, Bt.2020: 70.4%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Hisense U7KQ Brightness measurement

Result

985 nit

Review Hisense U7KQ Brightness measurement

Result

343 nit

Review Hisense U7KQ Brightness measurement

Result

737 nit

Review Hisense U7KQ Brightness measurement

Result

298 nit

Review Hisense U7KQ Brightness measurement

Result

1170 nit

Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Brightness measurement

Result

207 nit

Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Brightness measurement

Result

238 nit

Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Brightness measurement

Result

313 nit

Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Brightness measurement

Result

251 nit

Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Brightness measurement

Result

299 nit

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Review Hisense U7KQ HDR effect quality
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K HDR effect quality

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

Review Hisense U7KQ HDR effect quality
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K HDR effect quality

Static HDR10

Review Hisense U7KQ HDR effect quality
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K HDR effect quality

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Review Hisense U7KQ HDR effect quality
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K HDR effect quality

HDR luminance chart:

TCL P89K / TCL P8K

HDR luminance

Hisense U7KQ

HDR luminance

Describing the HDR effect in the hundred-inch model Hisense U7KQ is not straightforward and requires a broader context. As can be seen, the results are highly variable, depending on the type of scene and the intensity of the bright effects that the television has to reproduce. In bright scenes, the device achieves over a thousand nits of brightness, translating to vivid and realistic images – these are exactly the effects we expect from equipment of this class. Unfortunately, the situation worsens in darker scenes. In mixed shots, such as those in the film "Gemini Man," the television still offers good brightness at around 700 nits, allowing for high-quality viewing. However, problems arise in very dark scenes where small light sources play a major role. The television does not fully utilise its capabilities here to avoid degrading the black levels in adjacent areas. As a result, there is no spectacular "WOW" effect, and such shots often do not give the impression of being realised in HDR technology.

The maximum brightness of the TCL P8K peaks at around 300 nits, although in real film scenes the television typically maintains closer to 250 nits. These are values that cannot be considered sufficient to achieve a true HDR effect – they are more aligned with a solid base for SDR content. Therefore, we won’t see spectacular flashes, bursts of light, or moments where the screen actually “blinds” as is the case with more expensive models. The image is consequently a bit flat, and the differences between light and shadow – more symbolic than realistic. Fortunately, TCL has a few aces up its sleeve that save the overall impression. One of these is the coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut at around 93-94%. Thanks to an additional QLED layer (PFS LED), colours gain depth and intensity, clearly surpassing standard LCD panels. As a result, while the typical “wow effect” associated with HDR brightness is lacking, the image itself can impress with its richness and vibrant tones, making the film scenes pulse with colour and not appear significantly washed out.

Factory color reproduction

5.5/10

5.4/10

Review Hisense U7KQ Factory color reproduction
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Factory color reproduction

Factory Mode

After calibration

Review Hisense U7KQ Factory color reproduction
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Factory color reproduction

Factory Mode

After calibration

The best factory mode we measured was “Filmmaker”. Despite this, its characteristics left a lot to be desired. Let’s take a look at the gamma chart, which is responsible for the depth and contrast of the image. First, we'll note the orange line running through the middle of the graph, starting at point 2.4. This is the reference value of the REC.709 standard. Now let’s look at the measured value, marked by a white, connected multi-point. Such a clear drop in gamma to a value of 2.0 meant a significant reduction in contrast, resulting in the image lacking appropriate depth, and the so-called “milk” effect was noticeable. The next thing we tested was the white balance. Though seemingly minor, if poorly adjusted, it can change the entire characteristic of the image. While the beginning of the chart looked quite promising, as we progressed further, the chart began to be dominated by two colours: red and blue. Due to the current state of affairs, all the materials we used for testing had an unpleasant tint in those colours. However, thanks to rich calibration tools, such as an advanced colour management system (CMS) and 2- and 20-point grey scale adjustments, we were able to significantly improve the display's performance in SDR materials, as confirmed by low deltaE errors and very well-modeled gamma and white balance.

In Filmmaker mode, the TCL P8K revealed certain imperfections in image reproduction from the start. We noticed that the TV had a tendency to slightly brighten scenes – its gamma was somewhat lowered, which made the image appear softly "washed out," lacking depth, as if the contrast had slipped out of control. This was most noticeable in HDR content, where the EOTF brightness curve clearly deviated from reference values. As a result, darker areas of the image looked too gloomy, and brighter ones did not always reach the correct level of luminance. The second noticeable issue was a slight blue overdrive – the TV stubbornly boosted this colour, causing some parts of the image, especially skin tones and reds, to have a slight purple tint. It is not a major flaw, but to a discerning eye – noticeable. Fortunately, most of these errors could be adjusted during calibration. You can see the results of this calibration in the charts and photos below.

Color reproduction after calibration

7.8/10

7.5/10

Review Hisense U7KQ Color reproduction after calibration
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Color reproduction after calibration
Review Hisense U7KQ Color reproduction after calibration
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Color reproduction after calibration

In SDR mode, after calibration, the Hisense 100U7KQ television performs excellently. There is nothing to fault in terms of colour reproduction - both pastel and deeply saturated hues are displayed according to the Rec. 709 standard. This ensures that the image looks natural and in line with the director's vision. As a result, viewers can enjoy an authentic visual experience, with colours and tonal subtleties faithfully represented.

In HDR mode, however, there is a noticeable boost in bright tones. The television tries to enhance the image, which can lead to artificial brightening. This phenomenon becomes even more apparent in real scenes, where bright parts of the image can be excessively amplified. Although colours in HDR are generally good, they are intentionally boosted too much by the manufacturer, which may affect their naturalness.

This manufacturer's approach to displaying images in HDR mode may not be to everyone's taste, especially those who value authenticity and fidelity to original colours. However, for those who prefer more dynamic and vivid images, this bright tone enhancement can be an appealing solution, adding extra sparkle and impact to scenes.

After calibration, the TCL P8K revealed a completely different side. It managed to achieve nearly perfect, even reference-level colour reproduction for both SDR and HDR content. The screen no longer had a tendency towards a cool tint, and the white balance was perfectly aligned. The gamma values for SDR materials finally look as they should – the image has the right depth and no longer appears washed out. The only concern that can still be raised about the P8K pertains to its "Chinese" traits, known from most TCL models. The TV still likes to manipulate saturation in HDR content in its own way – sometimes it gently boosts it, other times it smooths it out, making the effect not always fully predictable. Nevertheless, after calibration, the colours look stunning, and their accuracy is truly impressive. In most cases, measurement errors dropped below values of 1–2, which is a performance that much more expensive models would not be ashamed of.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

10/10

9.1/10

Review Hisense U7KQ Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Hisense U7KQ Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Hisense U7KQ Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Hisense U7KQ Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Smoothness of tonal transitions

Tonal transitions on the tested television can be described in one word: perfect. Throughout the testing sequence, where we played back very dark gradients from the most challenging scenes we know, there was not a hint of discontinuity or layers distinguishing themselves from each other. These impressive results testify to the high quality of the panel and advanced image processing algorithms. Of course, the ideal experience is maintained as long as we watch the television straight on – at an angle, dark shades can become quite pronounced, which is discussed in detail in the dedicated paragraph. It’s also worth noting that such a problem can be observed with lower quality materials, but this is not the television’s fault; rather, it's the lower quality of the source itself.

The television excels at colour blending – gradients are smooth, free from visible bands or unpleasant jumps. This is best seen in classic test scenes, like shots from the film Kingsman or The Martian, where most televisions reveal their weaknesses. The P8K maintains consistency and subtlety of hues, creating an image that is pleasant and natural to behold.

Minor imperfections only emerge in extremely dark shades or on grey palettes – this is the point at which even significantly more expensive models start to struggle. However, in everyday viewing, this is of no consequence. Overall, the TCL P8K does an outstanding job of colour blending, offering an image that is fluid, harmonious, and free from artifacts.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6/10

6/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
OK
OK
Smooth transition function
No
OK

Smooth transition function

Review Hisense U7KQ Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Review Hisense U7KQ Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Despite the television being equipped with a function to reduce posterisation called "Smooth Gradation", we did not notice a significant effect of its operation. Materials subjected to heavy compression, such as YouTube videos, still showed choppy, abrupt tonal transitions, which did not look particularly appealing. While this is due to the material itself and not the television, it would be good if there was a function to mask these issues, similar to those found in competing brands.

Image scaling, which is crucial when playing lower resolution content, we rate as average. Details are not overly blurry, and the image is not "smudged", however, there is noticeable jaggedness on the edges of objects, such as branches, and a halo effect around characters and text. While the television performs quite well, there is still room for improvement, especially in the context of displaying lower quality materials.

The TCL P8K performs somewhat weaker when it comes to the fluidity of tonal transitions in lower quality materials. The television does offer a feature to smooth out unwanted bands, but its effectiveness leaves a lot to be desired. Even at the highest setting, it's hard to speak of a real improvement—at times, the effect is even opposite to what was intended, as the feature can introduce small artifacts and unnatural blurring on the screen.

On the other hand, the upscaling, which involves scaling the image to 4K resolution, looks definitely better. The P8K handles this task surprisingly well—HD content, and even SD, is enhanced in an aesthetically pleasing way without excessive loss of sharpness. There are indeed slight “hard” edges typical of this class of equipment, but this can be easily adjusted using the sharpness slider according to personal preferences. The final effect is more than satisfying, especially considering the price range this model is in.

Blur and motion smoothness

7/10

7.1/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
240Hz
144Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
No
No
BFI function 120Hz
No
No
Brightness drop with BFI
-%
-%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur ():

Blur (4K@144Hz):

The TV correctly receives a 4K signal up to 144 Hz, allowing for very smooth images in high resolution. When limited to Full HD resolution, the TV can handle even 240 Hz, but such a signal can only be obtained from a PC. Unfortunately, the use of this feature is limited by several factors.

Firstly, Full HD resolution on a large TV screen may seem insufficient, affecting image quality. Furthermore, the response time of the panel in this model is not short enough to fully utilise the refresh rate of 240 Hz. As a result, at such a high refresh rate, there is significant overdrive, which causes noticeable smearing and so-called "ghosting" behind moving objects.

It is also worth noting the motion smoothing feature in the TV, which operates up to 120 Hz. This is particularly useful when watching sports and movies, where motion smoothness is crucial. The TV offers stable operation of this feature, minimising the amount of generated artefacts. Motion smoothness can be adjusted using two sliders – one for smoothness in movies and the other for reducing smearing in sports content.

In summary, although the TV Hisense U7KQ offers impressive capabilities in image refresh rates, limitations related to the response time of the panel and appropriate resolution may affect the actual benefits of these features. Nevertheless, the motion smoothing function works very well, enhancing the experience of watching dynamic content.

TCL P8K is one of the cheapest televisions offering a 144 Hz refresh rate, which in itself is a significant advantage in this price segment. Thanks to the fast panel, this model can confidently be recommended to both sports fans and gamers – the image is smooth, and the movements of the ball or dynamic actions look natural. However, this does not mean that the P8K is suitable only for sports. On the contrary – it can also maintain the right dynamics in movies without introducing an artificial 'theatrical' effect, as long as the settings are adjusted thoughtfully. The television is equipped with a motion smoother called 'Motion Clarity', which features two sliders: blur reduction and flicker reduction. The first is responsible for smoothing the image by generating additional frames, which increases fluidity but can cause a slight soap opera effect. The second, on the other hand, reduces flicker and improves sharpness in motion, although it may slightly dim the screen. Properly adjusting these two parameters allows for a truly good balance between natural motion and fluidity. The 60 Hz screen is good for dynamic content, though more discerning users will notice that it is not a top-tier panel in terms of motion clarity.

Console compatibility and gaming features

8.5/10

9.8/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 144Hz
    48 - 240Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    No
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

The Hisense U7KQ TV supports all the key features for gamers that users of Xbox or PlayStation consoles might expect. These features include support for high refresh rates, low input lag, and a game bar. Generally speaking, most of these features work well, providing a satisfying gaming experience.

However, the VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology does not function optimally. When VRR is activated, the TV disables local dimming, which significantly reduces image quality. In VRR mode, there is a lack of good contrast and high brightness in HDR mode, resulting in unsatisfactory image quality. In practice, this means that the VRR mode may be rarely used by gamers due to these limitations.

Additionally, the TV does not support the HGIG (HDR Gaming Interest Group) mode, which is designed to optimise HDR image quality in games. The absence of this mode leads to issues with double tone mapping—once in the TV and again in the console. As a result, the quality of HDR gaming is lower, which can affect the overall gaming experience.

In summary, while the Hisense U7KQ offers many features for gamers, certain key aspects, such as optimal VRR performance and support for HGIG, may not meet the expectations of more demanding users. Nevertheless, the TV still provides good support for most standard gaming features, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of gamers.

Although the TCL P8K is a budget television, it absolutely cannot be said that it is unsuitable for gaming. On the contrary – this screen can pleasantly surprise any gamer. On board, we find two HDMI 2.1 ports, which allow us to effortlessly send a 4K image at 120 Hz. If someone plays on PC, they will also be pleased to know that the television can operate even with a refresh rate of 240 Hz at a lower resolution – a small thing, but it’s appreciated. Additionally, there is a full set of gaming-specific features: automatic game mode, a Game Bar with quick parameter previews, VRR, HGiG, and support for Dolby Vision in games. All of this makes gaming on the P8K a truly enjoyable experience – the image is smooth, the response is quick, and the television works well with next-gen consoles. The TCL P8K shows that a cheap screen doesn't have to mean giving up on fun. Definitely not when it comes to gaming.

Input lag

9.8/10

9.5/10

SDR

1080p60
16 ms
22 ms
1080p120
8 ms
13 ms
2160p60
16 ms
22 ms
2160p120
7 ms
13 ms

HDR

2160p60
16 ms
19 ms
2160p120
8 ms
10 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
16 ms
20 ms
2160p120 DV
8 ms

The Hisense U7KQ TV features very low input lag across all picture modes, which is crucial for gamers who require quick screen response. Regardless of the signal type – whether it's 4K, Full HD, 60 Hz, or 120 Hz – the lag remains below 20 ms. This result is excellent and ensures that even the most demanding gamers will not experience any delays while playing. As a result, this TV deserves the highest rating for gaming performance.

In terms of delays, the TCL P8K performs quite well. In game mode at 4K and 60 Hz, the input lag is about 22 ms, and at 4K and 120 Hz, it drops to 13 ms. These values make the TV respond quickly and there's no noticeable "lag" between the controller and the screen.

Compatibility with PC

8/10

8.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Good
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
16ms
13ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
BGR
Max refresh rate
240Hz
144Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes
Review Hisense U7KQ Compatibility with PC
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Compatibility with PC

The Hisense U7KQ television works excellently with a PC, thanks to several key features. First and foremost, it supports chroma 4:4:4, which is essential for displaying text and graphics in the highest quality without losing details. This ensures that images and texts are clear and sharp, which is particularly important for users who use the television as a monitor for work or gaming.

Additionally, the Hisense U7KQ features very low input lag in PC mode, meaning minimal delays between actions taken on the computer and the displayed image. This is crucial for gamers who need quick screen response to gain an edge in dynamic games. The low input lag ensures that every action is immediately reflected on the screen, enhancing the overall user experience.

Despite using a BGR pixel arrangement instead of the more traditional RGB layout, the readability of fonts on the screen is at a good level. BGR (Blue-Green-Red) is a configuration where the subpixels are arranged in a different order than in standard RGB. This can sometimes affect text quality, depending on the operating system settings.

In summary, the Hisense U7KQ is a good choice for PC users, offering support for chroma 4:4:4, low input lag, and good text readability, making it a versatile device for both work and entertainment.

The TCL P8K also performs excellently as a computer monitor. The readability of fonts is at a very good level, and working with documents or browsing the web is simply comfortable. The only minor downside occurs at a 144 Hz refresh rate in 4K – dark text on a light background can slightly lose sharpness. The problem disappears when switching to 120 Hz, so it's worth keeping that in mind for everyday use. Besides, it's not just a work screen, but also a fantastic monitor for gamers. The 144 Hz refresh rate (and even 280 Hz at a lower resolution) combined with G-Sync synchronisation guarantees very smooth gameplay. Of course, we will fully appreciate its capabilities only with a suitably powerful computer, but the potential of the P8K in this role is really significant.

Viewing angles

4/10

2.8/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
71%
86%

The screen uses a VA panel, which unfortunately has its limitations in terms of viewing angles. Unlike some competing models, Hisense U7KQ does not have any coatings to improve this aspect, which means that image quality significantly decreases when viewed at an angle.

With even a slight deviation from the central axis, one can notice that the contrast of the image begins to deteriorate. Details in the dark areas of the image become overly pronounced, and colour saturation diminishes. These effects are typical of VA panels, and in practice, this means that the best viewing experience can only be obtained when sitting directly in front of the screen.

For users who plan to watch the television from different spots in the room, this can be a significant limitation. Reduced image quality at an angle may affect overall satisfaction with the product, especially when watching movies or shows with a larger group.

The Achilles' heel of the TCL P8K is undoubtedly its viewing angles. The VA panel used has its advantages in terms of solid contrast, but unfortunately, it suffers significantly when viewed from the side. Colours clearly fade, saturation drops, and the overall image takes on a cooler, washed-out tone. In practice, this means that the best picture is achieved when sitting directly in front – any significant deviation results in a noticeable loss of quality.

Daytime performance

7.8/10

4.6/10

Panel finish
Matte
Satin
Reflection suppression
Average
Decent
Black levels during daytime
Good
Good
Review Hisense U7KQ Daytime performance
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Daytime performance
Review Hisense U7KQ Daytime performance
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Daytime performance

Panel brightness

Average luminance SDR

TCL P89K / TCL P8K: 299 cd/m2

Hisense U7KQ: 966 cd/m2

Hisense U7KQ does not have the best reflection handling properties, as its panel is equipped with a satin finish, which is not as effective in reducing glare as the matte finishes used in some other TVs, nor does it maintain as deep a black as glossy panels. It is somewhere in between these two effects. Light reflections may be visible, especially in brightly lit rooms, which can affect viewing comfort.

However, the high peak brightness values that this model achieves effectively compensate for these limitations. Thanks to this brightness, the image remains clearly visible even in sunny rooms. This means the TV performs quite well in challenging lighting conditions where other models may struggle to provide adequate picture quality.

TCL P8K isn't a fan of bright sunlight. With a brightness level of around 300 cd/m², it’s hard to expect it to perform well in a lounge with large windows and no blinds. In such conditions, the image loses some clarity, and darker scenes can vanish in light reflections. Fortunately, the screen has a satin finish that handles reflections well and saves the day in typical home conditions. In the evening or in a slightly dimmed room, the TV looks quite good. It’s just not the kind of equipment that likes to stand in front of a south-facing window.

Panel details

Backlight Type
PFS LED
PFS LED
Software version during testing
V0000.07.50T.N1222
V8-0012T01-LF1V538.002459
Image processor
MT5896 2,5GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:

Hisense U7KQ

TCL P89K / TCL P8K

TV features

8.2/10

7.4/10

  • HDMI inputs
    2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 48Gbps
    2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 48Gbps
  • Other inputs
    RCA (Chinch)
  • Outputs
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
  • Network Interfaces
    Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
    Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps, Ethernet (LAN) 1Gbit
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C

Classic features:

  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    Yes
    No
  • Recording programming
    Yes
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    No
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Backlit remote control
    No
    No
  • Teletext
    No
    No
  • Audio only mode
    No
    Yes
  • Bluetooth headphones support
    Yes
    Yes
  • Simultaneous Bluetooth headphones & TV audio
    Yes
    Yes

Smart features:

  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
Review Hisense U7KQ TV features
Review Hisense U7KQ TV features
Review Hisense U7KQ TV features
Review Hisense U7KQ TV features
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K TV features
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K TV features
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K TV features
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K TV features
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K TV features
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K TV features
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K TV features
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K TV features

Hisense uses the VIDAA operating system, which is a proprietary solution from this brand. Although it doesn't offer as much expansion and as many apps as the popular Android TV, it has its advantages. The VIDAA system runs quickly and stably, meaning that users don’t have to worry about freezes or long loading times for apps.

However, VIDAA does have some limitations. There are quite a few apps available, but unfortunately, it lacks music apps like Spotify or Tidal. Nevertheless, VIDAA supports most standard features that might be needed, such as screen mirroring, voice search in Polish, the ability to connect a keyboard and mouse, and Bluetooth headphones.

The television also supports many other features that are important to users, such as the ability to record programs to USB and schedule recordings. However, it lacks some specific functions like teletext or the "Audio Only" mode, which allows listening to audio with the screen off.

In summary, while the VIDAA system is lesser-known and has certain limitations compared to Android TV, it offers stable and fast performance and supports most features that users might need. It is a solid solution for those looking for a simple and effective operating system in a television.

SmartTV: Google TV

TCL P8K operates on the Google TV system, which is the heart of the entire device. This is where we see the biggest advantage of this model over many competitors in a similar price range. The system is clear and easy to use, and very well optimized. We can easily use the screen mirroring feature or the built-in Chromecast, which allows you to quickly stream content from your phone to the large screen. However, the biggest asset is the Google Assistant, which responds promptly and truly understands commands – even those that are not precisely articulated. Moreover, the app library on Google TV is a real treasure – you can install practically anything, from major VOD platforms to lesser-known music or sports applications.

Classic functions

When it comes to classic TV functions, the P8K doesn’t have much to boast about. The remote is simple and comfortable, with a large number of buttons, and the presence of Bluetooth allows you to connect wireless headphones or speakers. And that’s pretty much where the list of conveniences ends. You won’t find USB recording, PiP functions, or even a working teletext here. TCL has clearly focused on modern content and internet features, rather than classic solutions known from older receivers. This TV is meant to shine in the world of apps and streaming – and it does exactly that.

Playing files from USB

8.1/10

8.9/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
No
PNG
Yes
Yes
GIF
Yes
Yes
WebP
No
Yes
TIFF
No
No
BMP
Yes
Yes
SVG
No
No

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
No
Yes
6 Mpix
No
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
No
Yes
12 Mpix
No
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
No
Yes
24 Mpix
No
Yes
28 Mpix
No
Yes
32 Mpix
No
Yes

The built-in media player on the Hisense U7KQ television handles most popular video formats well; however, there may occasionally be issues with loading subtitles, which can be frustrating for users who prefer watching films with text.

It is worth noting certain limitations regarding the support for less popular codecs, such as AV1 and H266. While these codecs are not yet widely used, their lack of support could pose a problem in the future when they become more common. Currently, however, most users will not feel their absence.

Strange behaviour has been observed when playing photos – some files in specific resolutions may not load correctly. This can be problematic for those wanting to browse their photographs directly from a USB stick. For this reason, viewing photos on this television may be limited, as some files may not load at all.

In summary, although the built-in media player on the Hisense U7KQ performs well with most standard video formats, users may encounter certain limitations related to loading subtitles and photos in specific resolutions. Issues with the support of less popular codecs are currently minimal but could become more significant in the future.

Playing files from USB on the TCL P8K performs quite decently. The television handles most popular video formats without any issues, as well as subtitles and audio files. Problems may arise only with less common codecs or unusual file containers that the built-in player simply doesn't recognise. Fortunately, in the case of Google TV, this isn't a problem – within a few moments, you can download an external player like VLC, MX Player, or Kodi, and the issue disappears.

Apps

7.7/10

9.6/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
No
Spotify
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
HBO_MAX
No
Kodi
No
Apple_music
No
Eleven_sports
No
Xbox Game Pass
No
GeForce Now!
No
Amazon Luna
OK
Boosteroid
No
Steam Link
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
HBO_MAX
OK
Kodi
No
Apple_music
OK
Eleven_sports
No
Xbox Game Pass
OK
GeForce Now!
No
Amazon Luna
OK
Boosteroid
OK
Steam Link

Sound

6.9/10

6.7/10

  • Maximum volume
    83dB
    80dB
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1
    Yes
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD
    Yes
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA
    Yes
    Yes
  • DTS-HD Master Audio
    Yes
    Yes

The Hisense U7KQ TV offers satisfactory sound quality, which is sufficient for most everyday uses. The sound system of this model features good volume and clarity, making dialogues and sound effects clear. However, the TV may not deliver the full audio experience that can be obtained from dedicated audio systems or soundbars. One of the main audio advantages of the U7KQ is its ability to reproduce sound with minimal distortion at higher volume levels reaching up to 83dB and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS.

For a television in this price range, the TCL P8K can really surprise with its sound. The 2.1 system featuring Onkyo, along with the subwoofer located at the back of the unit, offers surprisingly pleasant, rich bass and quite a wide soundstage. The audio is warm, and with the right material, you can even get the impression that the sound gains depth and character – something rarely expected from a television at this price. It actually performs quite well for music. However, it's not perfect. The P8K is not one of the particularly loud televisions – during testing, we noticed a strange tendency to automatically lower the volume, even with the volume slider set to maximum. It seems like some internal limiter is at work, presumably to protect the speakers (or our ears). It's a shame because there's significant potential in this set, and without that limitation, the sound could be even fuller.

Acoustic Measurements

No acoustic data

80dBC (Max)

75dBC