Hisense U7KQ vs TCL C655 / C69B 98'

Direct compare

C655 / C69B

Info

Available screen sizes: 100”

Available screen sizes: 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: 2024

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Overall rating

7.6

6.7

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    7.5

    5.7

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    7.3

    5.7

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.6

    6.2

  • Gaming on console

    8.2

    8.5

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.0

    7.6

  • Watching in bright light

    7.8

    5.6

  • Utility functions

    8.2

    7.1

  • Apps

    8.6

    10.0

  • Sound quality

    6.9

    6.7

Advantages

  • Very good black

  • High brightness of the matrix

  • Stable and fast-operating system

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

  • High brightness at 450 nits

  • High native contrast

  • Google TV support with access to numerous streaming applications

  • Features for gamers, such as ALLM, VRR, and Game Bar, as well as Dolby Vision support in gaming mode

  • Very low input lag, even in Dolby Vision mode (13 ms)

  • Apple AirPlay support and the ability to connect devices via Bluetooth

  • Relatively low price

  • 120/144Hz and HDMI 2.1 in the 98' variant *

Disadvantages

No like
  • Missing music applications (Spotify, Tidal)

  • Poor HDR effect in dark scenes with small light sources

  • Average viewing angles

  • Poor viewing angles resulting from the VA matrix – the image loses quality when viewed from the side

  • Absence of content recording function to USB and picture-in-picture (PiP) option

Our verdict

Hisense U7KQ with a size of 100" is clearly a better television compared to the smaller diagonal variants. The proprietary VIDAA system has a similar interface to other televisions (e.g., with Google TV on board). It works quickly and efficiently. It does not freeze or contain errors. Only the built-in file player sometimes struggled with performance. However, it is worth looking at the app tests, as not all of them were available at the time of writing the review. The television's features are quite extensive, and nearly everything we tested was successfully implemented. When used during the day, the high brightness of the panel is commendable, as it can cope even in very sunlit living rooms. When watching in cinema conditions, we can expect good blacks thanks to the VA panel supported by multiple dimming zones. The screen handles low-quality content (e.g., SD channels or DVDs) relatively well; a certain downside is the lack of a function to reduce posterisation (i.e., the distinct tonal transitions). This looks much better in 4K HDR films because 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 with a smoothing system. When connected to a console, gaming on the television is very good due to low input lag. Motion blur is moderate, which means that it is very rare to notice slight "trails" during dynamic movements on a dark background. The lack of an HGiG mode reduces the visual quality of games in HDR format, while the absence of local dimming in VRR mode makes this latter function useless. Overall, the picture quality can be described as good and adequate for its price. There are no obvious flaws or unexpected advantages here, but there is a large size.

The TCL C655 / C69B in the 98” version stands out from smaller models, as it is equipped with a 144 Hz panel, opening up new possibilities for fluidity and dynamics of the image. This QLED from 2024, introduced by the Chinese manufacturer, retains a very good quality-to-price ratio, especially for a device of this size. The 98” variant offers all the advantages of smaller versions, including the modern Google TV system. It is an incredibly convenient solution - allowing users to access an intuitive interface, control the television with voice commands in Polish thanks to Google Assistant, and quickly access the most popular streaming applications, such as Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video. Support for AirPlay and the ability to connect devices via Bluetooth further enhance its versatility. Admittedly, the lack of recording features and picture-in-picture (PiP) may disappoint those accustomed to these options, but an external decoder should mitigate this issue. In terms of image quality, the TCL C655 / C69B still offers high native contrast, thanks to the VA panel, and rich colour coverage (DCI-P3), attributed to quantum dot technology (PFS-QLED). Although this model lacks local dimming (present in the C655 PRO version), its black level and image quality are still very good within its class. Gamers will also find something for themselves - the television supports variable refresh rate (VRR), automatic switching to low latency mode (ALLM), and Dolby Vision in gaming mode. In summary, the TCL C655 / C69B in the 98” version is a great option for those looking for a large television with solid image quality and good equipment, distinguished by an excellent quality-to-price ratio.

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)
Toslink (Optical audio)
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

Where to buy

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Contrast and black detail

8/10

6.2/10

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 C655 / C69B 98' Contrast and black detail

Result

7,000:1

Review TCL C655 / C69B 98' Contrast and black detail

Result

6,850:1

Review TCL C655 / C69B 98' Contrast and black detail

Result

6,350:1

Review TCL C655 / C69B 98' Contrast and black detail

Result

7,050:1

Review TCL C655 / C69B 98' Contrast and black detail

Result

4,850:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

The television is equipped with a VA panel, which has a high contrast even without the support of local dimming technology. Through additional support from Mini-LED technology, the television is able to offer really good black levels, both in muted, dark scenes and in mixed ones where black is interwoven with bright elements. It is safe to say that even in the most challenging test sequences, it achieved a result above 10,000:1. With the room fully darkened, sometimes the effect of zone dimming can be seen, in the form of a slight halo effect around text or brightening areas when a bright element moves quickly across the screen. However, this is a normal occurrence that is not bothersome. The television, like most LCD screens with local dimming, has a moderate tendency to dim the image, particularly small light sources in dark scenes.

The TCL C655 / C69B television uses a VA panel, providing solid contrast, which translates to better image depth and more satisfying blacks compared to IPS panels. However, the absence of local dimming technology, available in the model with the "Pro" suffix, means that the quality of blacks does not reach its full potential. In demanding scenes, such as night shots in the film Sicario 2, the blacks take on a slightly bluish hue, which may slightly weaken the sense of immersion. Overall, it is good, but the use of local dimming could significantly enhance the effect.

HDR effect quality

6.1/10

5.3/10

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: 93.5%, Bt.2020: 70.0%

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 C655 / C69B 98' Brightness measurement

Result

370 nit

Review TCL C655 / C69B 98' Brightness measurement

Result

420 nit

Review TCL C655 / C69B 98' Brightness measurement

Result

485 nit

Review TCL C655 / C69B 98' Brightness measurement

Result

403 nit

Review TCL C655 / C69B 98' Brightness measurement

Result

455 nit

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

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

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

HDR luminance chart:

TCL C655 / C69B 98'

Hisense U7KQ

Describing the HDR effect in the hundred-inch model Hisense U7KQ is not straightforward and requires broader context. As can be observed, the results are highly varied, depending on the type of scene and the intensity of the bright effects the television is meant to reproduce. In bright scenes, the device achieves over a thousand nits of brightness, which translates to vivid and realistic images – these are exactly the effects we expect from equipment of this class. Unfortunately, the situation deteriorates in darker scenes. In mixed shots, such as those in the film "Gemini Man," the television still offers good brightness at a level of 700 nits, allowing for enjoyment of high-quality content. However, problems arise in very dark scenes, where small light sources play a central role. The television does not fully utilise its capabilities here to avoid degrading the black level in adjacent areas. As a result, there is no spectacular "WOW" effect, and such frames often do not seem as if they are being produced in HDR technology.

The quality of HDR effect on the TCL C655 / C69B looks quite promising. The average value in the test charts is around 450 nits, which already allows for a hint of the brilliance of light effects and better image dynamics. However, as previously mentioned, this effect can be somewhat subdued by slight differences in bright and dark colours, resulting from the lack of local dimming technology. Nevertheless, the DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage of 94% deserves high praise, and this is made possible by the use of a quantum dot (QLED) panel. As a result, colours are vibrant and well-rendered when watching HDR content.

Factory color reproduction

5.5/10

4.2/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The best factory mode we measured was 'Filmmaker'. Despite this, its characteristics left a wide scope for comment. Let us take a look at the gamma chart, which is responsible for the depth and contrast of the image. First, we will pay attention to the orange line running through the middle of the chart, starting at point 2.4. This is the reference value of the REC.709 standard. Now, let us look at the measured value, which is marked by a white, connected multi-point. Such a significant drop in gamma to a value of 2.0 indicates a considerable decrease in contrast, resulting in an image lacking proper depth, and one could observe the so-called 'milk' effect. The next thing we tested was the white balance. Though unassuming, if poorly configured, it can alter the entire character of the image. At the beginning, the chart was progressing quite well, but as we went further, it 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 adjustment, we were able to significantly improve the display's performance in SDR materials, as evidenced by low deltaE errors and very well-rendered gamma and white balance.

The TCL C655 / C69B television offers a film mode that has been tested for colour reproduction quality. Although this mode is called film mode, unfortunately, it has many errors that the director would certainly not want to see when recording their work. Starting with image analysis, it's worth examining the white balance – both in HD and 4K HDR content, the white balance has significant errors. In both cases, the red colour dominates, making the colours too warm, and the overall image takes on a pink or yellow tint. The Colour Checker test confirms these errors – the colour samples stray into incorrect shades, affecting the overall colour fidelity. A minor issue is the brightness characteristics. However, this too is not without flaws. The gamma graph shows a strong spike at the beginning, which can cause the image to be excessively brightened, and the EOTF curve responsible for brightness in 4K HDR materials also has significant variations – it is evident how the television tries to maintain the appropriate brightness, but it does not always manage to do so effectively.

Color reproduction after calibration

7.8/10

8/10

In SDR mode, after calibration, the television Hisense 100U7KQ looks excellent. There is nothing to fault in terms of colour reproduction - both pastel and strongly 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 rendered.

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

This approach by the manufacturer to displaying images in HDR mode may not appeal to everyone, especially those who value authenticity and fidelity to original colours. However, for those who prefer more dynamic and vivid images, such an emphasis on bright tones can be an attractive solution, adding extra sparkle and impact to the scenes.

After calibrating the television's movie mode TCL C655 / C69B , the white balance has been adjusted, and the colours are displayed as they should be – which is confirmed only by slight deviations in the Colour Checker test. The gamma is really correct, which means the television shouldn't have problems with brightness in low-resolution materials. Unfortunately, a similar EOTF characteristic is still visible, which is a natural phenomenon in televisions that do not have local dimming – they simply struggle to "shine" stronger in a given section of the screen. Despite this design limitation, which cannot be bypassed, we recommend adjustment in the settings, as the overall coloration looks really very good.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

10/10

4.5/10

The tonal transitions on the tested television can be described in one word: perfect. Throughout the test sequence, where we played very dark gradients from the most difficult scenes known to us, there was no sign of any choppiness or separating layers. These impressive results testify to the high quality of the panel and the advanced image processing algorithms. Of course, the ideal experience is maintained as long as we watch the television straight on – at an angle, the dark shades can significantly stand out, which is discussed in detail in a dedicated paragraph. It is also worth noting that such a problem can be observed with lower quality materials, but this is not the fault of the television, rather the inferior quality of the source itself.

The tonal transitions in TCL C655 / C69B are really quite good and would deserve a high rating; however, the score has been clearly lowered for another reason - the image is artificially sharpened despite the 'sharpness' setting being at 0. As a result, the image is unpleasant to look at. While this may be unacceptable for purists, those who care less about perfect image reproduction may find this effect appealing.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6/10

5/10

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

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Although the television is equipped with a feature for reducing posterisation called "Smooth Gradation," we did not notice a significant effect of its operation. Materials subjected to heavy compression, such as YouTube videos, still exhibited choppy, distinct tonal transitions, which did not look particularly favourable. While this is due to the material itself rather than the television, it would be good if there were a feature to mask these problems, similar to those found in displays from competing brands.

The image scaling, which is crucial when playing lower resolution content, is rated as average. Details are not overly blurred, and the image is not "smudged"; however, there is visible jaggedness on the edges of objects, such as branches, and a halo effect around figures and text. Although the television performs quite well, there is still room for improvement, especially in the context of displaying lower quality materials.

The TCL C655 / C69B television handles tonal transitions in lower quality materials well. The "Gradual Smoothing" function, at its lowest setting, effectively eliminates visible banding, but at the same time causes a loss of detail, for example, in the texture of objects. The advantage is that it does not interfere with film grain, allowing the image to maintain a natural appearance.

In terms of digital processing, the television adds a considerable amount of artificial sharpness, which may appeal to those who prefer a crisp image. For those who favour a more subtle representation of details, this could be a downside. Another drawback is the rather aggressive overscan – the image gets cropped, leading to the loss of portions at the edges and limiting the field of view.

Blur and motion smoothness

7/10

7.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
240Hz
144Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Nie
Nie
BFI function 120Hz
Nie
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
-%
-%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

The television correctly accepts a 4K signal up to 144 Hz, allowing for very smooth images to be displayed in high resolution. When the resolution is limited to Full HD, the television is capable of handling 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.

First of all, the Full HD resolution on a large television screen may seem insufficient, which affects 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, significant overdrive occurs, causing noticeable smearing and so-called "ghosting" behind moving objects.

It is also worth noting the motion smoothing function in the television, which operates up to 120 Hz. This is especially useful when watching sports and films, where smooth motion is crucial. The television provides stable operation of this function, minimising the amount of generated artifacts. Motion smoothness can be adjusted using two sliders – one for film smoothness and the other for reducing smearing in sports content.

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

Unlike smaller versions, the 98” model stands out with significantly better motion fluidity. Instead of the standard 60 Hz, this colossal screen is equipped with a full-fledged 144 Hz matrix, which opens up entirely new possibilities – both for gamers and movie lovers. Thanks to the full motion smoother, the television provides incredible image fluidity, eliminating motion blur and enhancing the viewing comfort of dynamic scenes. It is worth noting that this technology works across the full refresh range, meaning that there is no need to compromise between fluidity and quality. Additionally, the "Flicker Reduction" function allows you to adjust the fluidity to your own preferences – you can opt for a more cinematic effect with visible frames or an extremely smooth image.

Console compatibility and gaming features

8.5/10

9.8/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 144Hz
    48 - 144Hz
  • 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 television supports all the key features for gamers that users of Xbox or PlayStation consoles may expect. These features include, among others, support for high refresh rates, low input lag, and a game bar. Generally speaking, most of these features work correctly, providing a satisfying gaming experience.

However, the VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology does not function optimally. When VRR is activated, the television disables the local dimming feature, 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 television 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 television and once in the console. As a result, the quality of HDR games is lower, which may affect the overall gaming experience.

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

The 98-inch TCL C655 / C69B is excellently equipped for gamers. Full HDMI 2.1 ports and a 144 Hz panel allow for gaming in 4K at 120 Hz, providing fluidity and responsiveness that will impress even the most demanding.

The television supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), eliminating screen tearing, while the Automatic Low Latency Mode (ALLM) ensures that the game starts immediately without the need for manually switching settings. There is also support for Dolby Vision and HGiG, making the image quality in games even better – details are sharp, colours are natural, and contrast is perfectly balanced.

Additionally, the television offers a dedicated gaming panel that allows for quick adjustment of picture settings without the need to exit the game. It is a device that meets virtually all the requirements of a modern gamer.

Input lag

9.8/10

10/10

SDR

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

HDR

2160p60
16 ms
14 ms
2160p120
8 ms
9 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
16 ms
14 ms
2160p120 DV
8 ms
9 ms

The television Hisense U7KQ is characterised by very low input lag in all picture modes, which is important for gamers requiring quick screen response. Regardless of the type of signal – whether it's 4K, Full HD, 60 Hz or 120 Hz – the delays remain below 20 ms. Such a result is excellent and ensures that even the most demanding gamers will not experience any lags during gameplay. As a result, this television deserves the highest rating in terms of gaming performance.

An input lag of less than 15 ms is truly an impressive result. Regardless of the selected mode – even in Dolby Vision – the lag is practically imperceptible. This ensures that every reaction is instantaneous, providing excellent experiences both in gaming and when watching dynamic content.

Compatibility with PC

8/10

7.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Good
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Average
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

The Hisense U7KQ television works excellently with a PC, thanks to several key features. Firstly, it supports chroma 4:4:4, which is essential for displaying text and images in the highest quality without losing detail. As a result, images and text 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 boasts very low input lag in PC mode, meaning minimal delays between actions performed on the computer and the image displayed. This is crucial for gamers who need quick screen response to gain an advantage in fast-paced games. Low input lag ensures that every action is instantly reflected on the screen, enhancing the overall user experience.

Despite using a BGR pixel layout 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 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 television will easily function as a monitor (though it's hard to imagine a desk that could accommodate a 100-inch screen). You can effortlessly connect a PC to it, and with a 144 Hz panel and support for G-Sync and FreeSync technology, it will be an excellent choice for gamers. When it comes to text readability, the television also performs well, although very small fonts can have their drawbacks – sometimes the lines of pixels are slightly broken. Of course, with such a screen and a distance of several metres, these minor flaws are practically unnoticeable, but it's worth being aware that they exist.

Viewing angles

4/10

2.5/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
71%
82%

The screen features a VA matrix, which unfortunately has its limitations regarding viewing angles. Unlike some competing models, Hisense U7KQ does not have any coatings that improve this aspect, meaning that the image quality significantly decreases when viewed from an angle.

With a minimal deviation from the central axis, it becomes apparent that the image contrast starts to deteriorate. Details in the dark parts of the image become excessively pronounced, and colour saturation decreases. These effects are typical for VA matrices and in practice, this means that the best viewing experience can only be achieved when sitting directly in front of the screen.

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

The viewing angles in this model are typical for VA panels, which unfortunately means they are poor. TCL plans to improve this aspect from 2025 onwards, but for the time being, it does not present well. Considering the huge screen size, which will often be viewed at various angles, the effect is simply disappointing. Even IPS panels, although they offer weaker contrast, perform better in this regard.

TV efficiency during daytime

7.8/10

5.6/10

Matrix coating
Matte
Satin
Reflection suppression
Average
Average
Black levels during daytime
Good
Good

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

TCL C655 / C69B 98': 484 cd/m2

Hisense U7KQ: 966 cd/m2

Hisense U7KQ does not have the best anti-reflective properties, as its panel is equipped with a satin finish that is not as effective in reducing glare as the matte coatings used in some other televisions, nor does it maintain as deep a black as glossy panels. It is somewhere between these two effects. Light reflections may be visible, particularly 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 well visible even in sunny rooms. This makes the television perform quite well in challenging lighting conditions, where other models might struggle to provide adequate image quality.

Generally, the TCL C655 / C69B offers decent brightness, reaching around 480 nits. This makes the television suitable for bright rooms and allows for comfortable viewing even during the day. Unfortunately, the satin finish of the panel rather poorly dampens reflections, which in strong sunlight can worsen the visibility of the image. Despite this, in most cases the brightness of the television is sufficient to ensure a decent quality of picture.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
PFS LED
PFS LED
Software version during testing
V0000.07.50T.N1222
v8-r75pt01-lf1v195.000731
Image processor
RTD6748 2GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Hisense U7KQ

TCL C655 / C69B 98'

TV features

8.2/10

7.1/10

  • System
    VIDAA
    Google TV
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    Yes
    No
  • Recording programming
    Yes
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    No
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker
    Yes
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    No
    No
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    RF
    RF
  • Backlit remote control
    No
    No
  • Teletext
    No
    Yes

Hisense uses the VIDAA operating system, which is a proprietary solution from this brand. Although it does not offer as much expansion and the number of applications as the popular Android TV, it has its advantages. The VIDAA system operates quickly and stably, meaning that users do not have to worry about glitches or long loading times for applications.

Nevertheless, VIDAA does have certain limitations. There are quite a few applications available, but unfortunately, there is a lack of music apps such as Spotify or Tidal. Nevertheless, VIDAA supports most standard features that may 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 programmes to USB and schedule recordings. However, it lacks more specific features like teletext or "Audio Only" mode, which allows users to listen to audio with the screen turned off.

In summary, the VIDAA system, although less well-known and having certain limitations compared to Android TV, offers stable and fast performance and supports most features that users may need. It is a solid solution for those looking for a simple and effective operating system in their television.

The TCL C655 / C69B television operates on Google TV, an enhanced system based on Android TV. This solution provides users with personalised recommendations based on their preferences and previous choices. The interface is clear and intuitive, making it easy to browse applications, series or films. The platform supports the most popular streaming services – from Netflix to Disney+ – giving access to a wide library of content. With Google Assistant, it is possible to control the television with voice commands and integrate with the smart home ecosystem.

In terms of connectivity, the TCL C655 / C69B offers features such as AirPlay, allowing media to be streamed from Apple devices in moments. Bluetooth ensures seamless connection of peripherals such as headphones or keyboards, enhancing the comfort of using the television. Unfortunately, this model does not offer recording capabilities or a Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, which may be somewhat disappointing for users accustomed to more versatile solutions.

Regarding its appearance, the TCL C655 / C69B is solid and modern. Although it is not the thinnest and its bezels are not the narrowest, it presents itself neatly and elegantly. The adjustable metal legs deserve special mention, allowing for a narrow placement. This practical solution makes it easier to position the television on various types of tables, making it more versatile for different home spaces.

Playing files from USB

8.1/10

8.3/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
No
PNG
Yes
No
GIF
Yes
No
WebP
No
No
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
No
12 Mpix
No
No
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
No
No
24 Mpix
No
No
28 Mpix
No
No
32 Mpix
No
Yes

The built-in media player in the Hisense U7KQ television performs well with most popular video formats; 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 some limitations regarding support for less popular codecs, such as AV1 and H266. Although these codecs are not yet widely used, their lack of support could pose a problem in the future as they become more common. However, for the time being, most users will not feel their absence.

Strange behaviour has been observed when playing photos – some files in certain resolutions may not load properly. This can be problematic for individuals who wish to browse their photographs directly from a USB drive. 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 of the Hisense U7KQ handles most standard video formats well, users may encounter certain limitations related to loading subtitles and photos in specific resolutions. Issues with support for less popular codecs are currently minimal but may become more significant in the future.

Thanks to the built-in media player, the TCL C655 / C69B can play most popular formats from connected storage devices. This is a convenient solution that facilitates access to favourite content stored on external drives or USB sticks. However, there are situations where less common formats may not be properly supported. Fortunately, the television uses the Google TV system, which allows for downloading alternative applications from Google Play. This means that media players tailored to individual needs can be installed, significantly expanding the device's capabilities and eliminating potential file compatibility issues.

Apps

8.6/10

10/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
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
MAX
No
Kodi
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
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
MAX
OK
Kodi

Sound

6.9/10

6.7/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    6.9/10
    6.7/10
  • 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 television offers satisfactory sound quality that is adequate for most everyday applications. The sound system of this model is characterised by good volume and clarity, making dialogues and sound effects clear. However, the television may not provide 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, as well as support for Dolby Atmos and DTS.

The 98” variant stands out with a superior audio system compared to smaller models, offering a more dynamic and spatial sound. Combined with a subwoofer branded by Onkyo, the sound gains depth and clarity. This device proves to be effective not only for watching films but also for listening to music or watching concerts.