Hisense U7KQ vs TCL C855

Direct compare

C855 / C85

Available screen sizes: 100”

Available screen sizes: 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: 2024

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Overall rating

7.6

7.6

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    7.5

    7.4

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    7.3

    7.1

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.6

    6.7

  • Gaming on console

    8.2

    8.8

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.0

    8.6

  • Watching in bright light

    7.8

    7.4

  • Utility functions

    8.2

    7.1

  • Apps

    8.6

    10.0

  • Sound quality

    6.9

    7.2

Advantages

  • Very good black

  • High brightness of the matrix

  • Stable and fast-operating system

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

  • Very large number of built-in applications

  • High contrast and deep blacks

  • Very good HDR effect in bright scenes

  • Very high brightness - excellent television for bright rooms

  • Image quality comparable to much more expensive televisions

Disadvantages

No like
  • Missing music applications (Spotify, Tidal)

  • Poor HDR effect in dark scenes with small light sources

  • Average viewing angles

  • Poor viewing angles

  • Poor colour reproduction out of the box (can be improved with calibration)

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.

Once again, the manufacturer demonstrates that although it is a relatively young player in Poland (but not worldwide) in the RTV market, it certainly cannot be said that it is a second-tier choice. The television TCL C855 is an incredibly versatile device that performs well in various applications and excels in its price class. Thanks to the Mini LED backlighting, the results of contrast and blacks are very solid, allowing for a deep and vivid image. It is worth noting that the television's algorithm effectively manages to maintain black uniformity, and blooming effect is rarely noticeable. This backlighting is also a strong point of the television in HDR materials, although with some caveats. TCL C855 can achieve a brightness of up to 1800 nits, which is an impressive result; however, brightness can drastically drop to around 200 nits when a bright but small element appears on the screen. Another drawback is the boost in mid-tones, which can lead to a loss of contrast and a decrease in image fidelity with the director's vision. The television also performs excellently when connected to a console or powerful PC. In this category, TCL C855 truly showcases its power, offering incredibly low latency and high-quality gameplay, made possible by the full implementation of HDMI 2.1 features. The Google TV operating system is another advantage, providing users with nearly unlimited installation options for applications, even those from outside the official store, thanks to support for APK files.

In summary, TCL C855 is the ideal choice for those who know what they expect from a television. It is a good, versatile piece of equipment that, although not perfect, offers excellent picture quality, low gaming latency, and a flexible and robust operating system.

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)
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

Where to buy

No links

No links

Contrast and black detail

8/10

8.6/10

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

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 1344 (48 x 28)

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 C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

176,000:1

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

54,000:1

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

30,500:1

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

13,700:1

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.

TCL C855 uses a high-contrast VA panel. The ANSI contrast (without dimming) was a very decent 5238:1, which allows for at least very good black levels. Additionally, the panel itself is equipped with multi-zone Mini LED backlighting, which is divided into 1344 independent dimming zones for the 65-inch model. Such a number allows for very good results in our tests. It is worth noting that TCL, as one of the few manufacturers, offers such a specification without spending excessively large amounts of money, unlike the classic quartet of manufacturers. As you can see, in the vast majority of scenes we prepared, the results are impressive, particularly in the first three, as even in the third one, with a score of 54,000:1, it cannot be said that the black levels and contrast are weak, as they are more than satisfactory. These deteriorate in two scenarios: scenes with film stripes and when there are many elements surrounded by black on the screen. And while the last of the test scenes still has excellent contrast, the final tested scenario shows some blooming in the blacks. The frame from the film "Oblivion" performed exceptionally well on the TCL C855, with the level of black comparable to OLED screens, which is quite an achievement. It is also worth noting the good separation of lights, which is not easy to achieve. Our flagship scene from "Sicario 2" performed equally well in terms of contrast, but it is clear that details in the blacks on the first, second, and third planes tend to disappear. The operation of the backlight control algorithm also deserves praise, which minimizes the halo/blooming effect to an absolute minimum. However, it is worth noting that very small elements, such as stars, the TCL C855 can sometimes completely dim.

HDR effect quality

6.1/10

6.5/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 96.0%, Bt.2020: 76.0%
DCI P3: 97.0%, Bt.2020: 79.0%

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 C855 Brightness measurement

Result

1472 nit

Review TCL C855 Brightness measurement

Result

445 nit

Review TCL C855 Brightness measurement

Result

754 nit

Review TCL C855 Brightness measurement

Result

237 nit

Review TCL C855 Brightness measurement

Result

1820 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 C855

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.

TCL C855 delivers a highly varied HDR effect. On one hand, the television truly shines, while on the other, it resembles a lower model with FALD backlighting. This situation is, however, regularly observed in this brand, so it was not a surprise to us. The first and last scenes, featuring large elements of light, look almost phenomenal, "shining" with brightness levels of 1470 and 1820 nits respectively. Such effects will certainly cause more than one person to squint, while simultaneously feeling the extraordinary dynamism of the scene itself. You can truly feel as if you are inside the film. The situation changes dramatically when small or minor elements with high luminance surrounded by black appear on the screen. The TCL C855, in order to avoid the halo effect, significantly reduces brightness to a level of even 240 nits, which is a disappointing result, causing the film to not appear as if it was recorded in HDR. The HDR effect in the TCL C855 makes watching dynamic scenes more engaging, allowing the viewer to feel as though they are part of the action. Even with smaller elements of high luminance, the television manages to maintain details without excessive dimming. Moreover, the TCL C855 test shows that the brightness of the image is adjusted for scenes with a large amount of detail, which enhances viewing comfort.

Factory color reproduction

5.5/10

5.2/10

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 best factory mode for the TCL C855 is "Film," and it is on this mode that we conducted all our tests. Like any mode predefined by the manufacturer, it had its drawbacks that are worth correcting to achieve an image as close as possible to what the film producer intended. We will examine the colour characteristics in both SDR and HDR materials. Looking at the first, we see a noticeable dominance of green in the white balance, which, as you might imagine, resulted in an unpleasant greenish tint across the entire image. Observing the very important gamma chart, which is responsible for the image's contrast, we see a significant deviation from the reference line marked at 2.4. From the left, we can observe a strong spike in the measured value, which at this point caused the image to be overly contrasted, merging details into a dark blob. This situation persisted for quite some time, up to 20% of the chart's value, before then dipping below the reference. This, in turn, meant a brightening of the image and a significant drop in contrast. The factory mode performed slightly better in HDR materials, as the white balance looked quite good, except for the second half, where green once again took precedence. Looking at the EOTF curve, which, unlike gamma, shows the rate of brightness increase, we see primarily two errors: the darkest scenes were too dark, and the brightest ones were overexposed. This was something we could also observe in the scene from the film "Pan" in the paragraph checking the TV's HDR.

Color reproduction after calibration

7.8/10

6.9/10

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.

TCL, like the vast majority of manufacturers, provides advanced calibration tools in its televisions. Here we find 2- and 20-point adjustments for greyscale as well as an advanced colour management system. The results, as you can see, are very good, and in SDR materials we have significantly approached the reference image. We eliminated both the green tint and the gamma issue, although there is still a slight "kink" at the very beginning. The performance with HDR materials was somewhat poorer, as the TCL C855 did not allow us to model them adequately. We were only able to slightly adjust the EOTF curve and significantly improve the colours themselves.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

10/10

9.2/10

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.

Nevertheless, an important aspect in assessing image quality is tonal transitions. To obtain a clear image free from posterisation effects, the television must demonstrate very good algorithms for smoothing out colour gradations. We must admit that the one used in TCL C855, named "Gradual Smoothing," is among the best we have had the opportunity to test. Practically every scene performs very well here and there is nothing to criticise. The best example of this is the scene from "The Green Knight," which is the most demanding due to the vast amount of fine and subtle transitions in the mist. The C855 effectively smooths out everything contained in the scene and allows the full suspense to be felt. The only moment where a slight posterisation can be observed is in a shot from the film "The Green Knight," where the reds in the upper left section of the screen stand out from each other.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6/10

5.5/10

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

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.

Once again, we will take a look at the function of smoothing tonal transitions, but this time also at image scaling. The latter is particularly important when watching lower-quality materials, such as certain television programmes or older films. We will focus on the function responsible for tonal transitions. Interestingly, just like in the scenes of the previous test, it performed excellently and smoothed out practically all the inconsistencies; however, here it had problems. Using the menu responsible for this function, we found that no setting - even the strongest - was of any help.

Image scaling in TCL C855 is described as one of the best we have had the opportunity to test so far. The image is sharp, but in a way that could be described as natural for our eyes. Even the small, fine branches do not have jagged edges, and there is no white halo around figures, which is characteristic of inferior scaling systems.

Blur and motion smoothness

7/10

8/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
240Hz
144Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Nie
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
BFI function 120Hz
Nie
Yes, 120Hz
Brightness drop with BFI
-%
51%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

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.

The maximum refresh rate we can set on the TCL C855 is 144 Hz. Naturally, this is only possible by connecting the TCL C855 television to a very powerful PC. Otherwise, we will be operating at a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz, which is recommended if we primarily want to watch sports or content with a lot of motion dynamics. For those requiring high image fluidity, the manufacturer has implemented a multi-stage motion smoother. This has been divided into two separate sliders regulating the sharpness of moving images (Motion Blur Reduction) and flicker (Flicker Reduction). Both sliders can be set in the range from 0 to 10, with each increment affecting the level of smoothing, so everyone can find their sweet spot. We present a setting that allows for slight smoothing without the soap opera effect.

The panel of the TCL C855 features a very good response time. This is particularly important as VA panels often have issues with so-called ghosting, which is the effect where a black halo can be seen behind a fast-moving object.

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 TCL C855 television is equipped with full HDMI 2.1 connectors with a full bandwidth of 48 Gb/s. During our tests, we confirmed the seamless operation of all functions that are part of this standard. As can be seen, all checkboxes light up green, which will certainly be appreciated by gamers, both console and those using the television as a monitor for their computer. Additionally, the TCL C855 supports both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA's G-Sync, which can be easily activated in the graphics card settings. Those with a very powerful setup can send a 144 Hz signal to the C855, which this television handles effortlessly. It is also worth mentioning the implementation of the HGIG mode, which, however, due to the flaw of the “Game” mode, is overly brightened, making it difficult to configure properly on screen. Fortunately, the television performs excellently with the Dolby Vision format.

The TCL C855 is one of the first manufacturers to equip its televisions with a special GameBar, which allows for extensive setting changes on the fly, without the need to exit the game. It features functions such as an additional crosshair grid, black level correction, and settings for people with disabilities. In the picture, we can see the next generation of this solution.

In summary, the TCL C855 television will be an ideal solution for those seeking a screen for all sorts of electronic gaming. Thanks to all the features supporting such entertainment, it is incredibly engaging. It is also important to highlight the very low input lag, regardless of the selected settings, including with the HDR Dolby Vision format.

Input lag

9.8/10

9.8/10

SDR

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

HDR

2160p60
16 ms
16 ms
2160p120
8 ms
7 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
16 ms
17 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.

The delay times of the TCL C855 are remarkably low in every scenario. Even the most avid gamers will surely appreciate the very low input lag of just 7 ms at demanding 4K 120 Hz settings with HDR. Furthermore, the delays at these same settings, but with Dolby Vision HDR enabled, remain at the same level, which is not so obvious in the case of competing models. Consequently, the TCL C855 deserves the highest rating and recommendation.

Compatibility with PC

8/10

8.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Good
Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
16ms
16ms
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.

TCL C855 when connected to a computer as a monitor performs very well. This is due to the very low latency between the mouse, eye, and screen, as well as excellent font clarity, which results from the correct implementation of chroma 4:4:4 at all resolutions, including 4K@144Hz. The subpixel layout is BGR, which does not negatively impact usage in Windows. However, the situation may change when using macOS or other software that cannot adapt fonts to this subpixel layout. Additionally, the television has minor issues with displaying fonts on a black background, which is why we deducted some points.

Viewing angles

4/10

3.5/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
71%
73%

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.

A widely known drawback of VA matrixes without an angular coating is their poor performance in terms of viewing angles. The same is true for TCL C855, where even a slight shift off-axis leads to significant image washout and colour degradation.

TV efficiency during daytime

7.8/10

7.4/10

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

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

TCL C855: 910 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.

The glossy finish of the panel in TCL C855 did not allow for the highest rating in terms of the television's performance during daytime viewing, although it is precisely because of this that the blacks during the day are very good. Thanks to the high brightness in SDR content, the actress's face stands out strongly against reflections. A downside of the panel, however, is that light falling directly on the television "spills" further rather than being contained in one place. Generally speaking, if sun rays do not hit the panel, TCL C855 will be a very good choice for brightly lit rooms.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
PFS LED
Mini-LED QLED
Software version during testing
V0000.07.50T.N1222
TV+:TVM6.0.1_926b00935_240329
Image processor
mt5896

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Hisense U7KQ

TCL C855

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.

TCL C855 operates on the Google TV system, which is a significant advantage compared to televisions equipped with proprietary systems from manufacturers, where installing applications from a USB drive may be difficult or often downright impossible. Thanks to Google TV, we have the ability to install practically any application, both from the official store and directly from internet repositories via APK files.

This system also offers many conveniences in terms of control. We can connect a keyboard with a touchpad, which greatly facilitates inputting queries. Additionally, thanks to integration with Google, we can use voice control functions with the remote, which works very well, although there are occasional minor issues with the translation of functions and options. It is worth adding that Google TV regularly receives updates that improve functionality and introduce new options. We can also confirm that according to reports from users of older models, the software can have its bad days, and sometimes it experiences a "bad day".

In summary: Google TV is currently one of the most popular systems on the market. Thanks to an efficient CPU, it operates very smoothly, does not freeze, and does not have issues with lagging for a significant part of its usage. This is definitely the best option for those who want to make the most of the capabilities of the TCL C855 television and value the openness of the system.

Playing files from USB

8.1/10

9.2/10

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 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.

The default media player on the TCL C855 performs very well with practically all the content we have prepared for it. Virtually every video format is supported. However, a notable deficiency may be the lack of a feature to change the font colour. There are hardly any issues with photos and their maximum resolution. It is worth noting negatively the absence of support for Apple's HEIC and SVG files. On the other hand, audio files can be played without any problems, and we do not believe that a large portion of you uses AIFF or DSD64. However, an undeniable advantage of the C855 and its operating system is that we can download another player from the app store at any time, which will play everything.

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

7.2/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    6.9/10
    7.2/10
  • 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.

When evaluating the sound on the TCL C855, we pay attention to several key aspects, such as whether the tones are clearly audible and do not clash with one another, as well as whether none of them dominates the others. In the case of the TCL C855, the sound is positively presented – it is balanced and does not evoke any negative feelings. Generally, the sound is simply good.

For those with a home cinema system, the TCL C855 offers a wide range of audio codecs, including the two most important: DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Atmos. This ensures high audio quality that will satisfy users seeking better audio experiences.