Tomasz Wadowski
The year 2025 is shaping up to be a breakthrough moment in the world of televisions. Hisense – one of the largest global players – is not only focusing on increasingly larger screen sizes and better Mini LED backlighting, but is also boldly experimenting with connections. The latest range of televisions from this brand brings something that no one has done before: a USB-C port with DisplayPort support.
In an era where laptops are increasingly eliminating classic HDMI outputs in favour of 2–3 USB-C ports, this solution seems truly genius. We are fans of this direction and believe that other manufacturers should follow in the footsteps of Hisense.
New processor – new possibilities
As noted by FlatpanelsHD, Hisense is the first manufacturer in the industry to transition from the MediaTek Pentonic 700 chipset to the newer Pentonic 800. It is thanks to this that support for a greater number of HDMI 2.1 ports is possible without compromise.
Instead of simply opting for four HDMI 2.1 ports, Hisense has made a bold move: the U8Q and UXQ models feature three HDMI 2.1 ports (up to 4K 165 Hz), while the fourth connection… has been replaced with a USB-C port with DisplayPort support. This is the first such application in a television noted in the market.
From the user's perspective, this is a revolutionary change. More and more ultrabooks, MacBooks, and mobile devices lack the classic HDMI – instead, the manufacturer offers 2–4 USB-C ports. Until now, this meant the necessity of using adapters or docking stations. Now, thanks to Hisense, one USB-C → USB-C cable is all that is needed to stream 4K quality video from the laptop without any additional equipment.
U8Q – the new star of Hisense?
Among the announced models for 2025, a particular focus is on the Hisense U8Q – the manufacturer's new flagship, competing with TCL (C8) and Samsung (QN90). The television will be available in sizes ranging from 55 to 100 inches, featuring Mini LED backlighting and even 6144 dimming zones. The LCD panel offers a refresh rate of 165 Hz in 4K and even 288 Hz in Full HD. On board, we will of course find HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and also... DTS:X (which is becoming rare these days).
Hisense also continues to divide platforms depending on the region: in the USA, televisions will operate on Google TV or Fire TV, while in Europe – on the proprietary Vidaa system. There will also be a new model, the A85Q OLED. However, it will be quite limited in terms of availability. Hisense consistently focuses on MINI-LED LCD televisions here.
News also in backlighting – RGB miniLED
In the 116-inch UXQ model, Hisense will also employ RGB miniLED, which is backlighting using red, green, and blue diodes instead of the typical blue LED. This allows for a wider colour palette and greater energy efficiency. It will likely be the first commercially available television with RGB miniLED. In Europe, this model is expected to cost around 30,000 euros.
A bold decision that we like!
The use of USB-C with DisplayPort in the television is a step that no one has dared to take before. Hisense shows that it can think outside the box – instead of blindly copying the competition, it offers real solutions that respond to market changes. We keep our fingers crossed that other manufacturers will follow in their footsteps. USB-C in the television? We are on board!
