The Hisense U7 series of televisions in 2024 continues to impress with its value for the price. Positioned as a lower-mid-level option below the U8 series, the U7 is a solid choice for serious gamers. Featuring miniLED technology and full-array local dimming, the U7 competes well with its higher-end counterpart.
While the U8 offers superior brightness and more dimming zones, the average user may not notice a substantial difference between the two. Both models excel in brightness, color accuracy, gaming support, and aesthetics, making the U7 a compelling 4K TV for a variety of uses.
Hisense U7 (2024) – Design and Build
The Hisense U7 boasts a sleek design, with a slim profile and lightweight build. Its dual-foot, center-positioned stand adds a unique touch, although it may pose challenges for soundbar placement. The stand, while sturdy, features a large plastic cover that takes up unnecessary space.
Cable management on the U7 is adequate, with cables routed through plastic hooks for a clean look. The TV offers multiple port options, including HDMI 2.1 compatibility and eARC support for enhanced connectivity.
Additionally, the U7 includes a range of ports for USB, audio, LAN, and video inputs, along with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities.
An interesting feature of the U7 is its voice control support, which can be disabled via a switch located at the base of the TV. This feature, while convenient, may not appeal to all users due to the persistent LED indicator when voice control is off.
Hisense U7 (2024) – The Remote
The remote for the Hisense U7 is larger than typical modern TV remotes, featuring pre-programmed shortcut buttons for popular apps like Netflix and YouTube. The remote is straightforward and functional, with a dedicated Menu button for accessing settings and the Game Bar.
Hisense U7 (2024) – Software and UI
Powered by Google TV, the U7 offers a user-friendly interface with support for various streaming services. While the interface may include some ads, users can switch to Apps Only mode for a cleaner experience. Customization options for picture profiles and settings provide flexibility for users.
One minor drawback of Hisense TVs is the on-screen mute indicator when volume is set to zero, which may be bothersome to some users. However, the TV boasts excellent HDR support and a built-in filmmaker mode for enhanced viewing experiences.
Hisense U7 (2024) – Picture Quality
The U7 delivers impressive color accuracy and panel uniformity, with high coverage of color gamuts and minimal deviations. However, some users may encounter a “dirty panel” issue with occasional pixel splotches that could affect display quality.
Brightness levels on the U7 are sufficient for most environments, although bloom effects may be noticeable in high-contrast scenes. The panel performs well in off-angle viewing situations, offering decent color balance and contrast.
Hisense U7 (2024) – Gaming Performance
Gaming on the Hisense U7 is a pleasurable experience, with vibrant colors and good contrast that enhance gameplay visuals. While the TV excels in most gaming scenarios, complex scenes with deep shadows may reveal some limitations in contrast handling.
The U7 offers a helpful game bar feature for monitoring resolution and frame rates, catering to gaming enthusiasts’ preferences.
Hisense U7 (2024) – Audio Quality
Due to its slim design, the U7 may not deliver robust audio performance, with limited bass and mid-range output. External sound systems are recommended for a better audio experience, as the TV’s built-in speakers may not meet audiophiles’ expectations.
Hisense U7 (2024) – The Competition
Competing with models like TCL’s QM7 and Hisense’s U8, the U7 offers a compelling mix of features and performance at an attractive price point. While higher-end options may provide slight advantages in color accuracy and brightness, the U7 holds its own and delivers a solid viewing experience for its price.