If you’re in the market for a new television, you’ve likely heard of industry giants like Samsung or Sony While they’re household names, they can also come with a hefty price tag, making them out of reach for some budgets.
Luckily, there are alternatives. Brands like Hisense and TCL offer quality televisions at more wallet-friendly prices. Both have carved a niche in the mid-range television and electronics market. So, faced with these options, which brand should you lean towards? Hisense or TCL? Let’s dive deeper.
Contents
- Hisense vs. TCL: The Showdown
- Comparison
- A Broad Range of Models
- Operating Systems: Android TV vs. Roku TV
- Hisense and Android TV
- TCL and Roku TV
- Tip: Consider Streaming Sticks
- Screen Technologies: LCD, ULED, OLED, and Beyond
- Focus on Image Quality
- Black Levels
- Brightness
- Clarity and Color Accuracy
- Local Dimming
- Features for Gamers
- Motion Handling
- Refresh Rates
- Input Lag
- Response Time
- Built-in Speaker Quality
- Remote Control
- Conclusion
Hisense vs. TCL: The Showdown
The competition is tight between Hisense and TCL. However, TCL TVs edge ahead with their superior color accuracy, clearer visuals, and excellent motion handling. Additionally, they often come at a more affordable price point. Another feather in TCL’s cap is their integration of Roku for streaming, which many users find more intuitive than Android TV.
When you place a Hisense TV side by side with a TCL, considering similar criteria (price, release date, size, panel type…), TCL often stands out for its color accuracy. So, if you’re torn between Hisense and TCL, my advice would lean towards TCL.
However, it’s worth noting that both Hisense and TCL offer a wide range of TVs to fit various budgets. If you’re on the hunt for an affordable 4K TV, you’ll likely be looking at one of these two brands. And for those eyeing OLED technology, Hisense has got you covered, unlike TCL which hasn’t rolled out OLED models yet.
Comparison
| Feature/Aspect | Hisense | TCL |
|---|---|---|
| Price Point | Mid-range | Often more affordable than Hisense |
| Streaming Integration | Android TV (some with VIDAA OS) | Primarily Roku (some with Google TV) |
| Screen Technologies | LCD LED, ULED, Mini-LED, OLED, Laser TVs | QLED, Mini-LED |
| Image Quality | ||
| – Black Levels | Deep blacks | Good, but Hisense often edges out |
| – Brightness | Generally brighter | – |
| – Clarity | – | Often clearer |
| – Color Accuracy | – | Slightly better |
| – Local Dimming | Better | Good, but Hisense often excels |
| Gaming Features | ||
| – Motion Handling | – | Smoother visuals, less stuttering |
| – Refresh Rates | Up to 120Hz at 4K | Up to 120Hz at 4K |
| – Input Lag | Good | Slightly better |
| – Response Time | Good, OLED models very fast | Often faster |
| Speaker Quality | Standard | More powerful |
| Remote Control | Feature-packed, larger, with number pad | Simple, fewer buttons |
| Overall Recommendation | Brightness, deep blacks | Better motion, faster response, value for money |
A Broad Range of Models
Hisense and TCL aren’t just about entry-level models. They also boast high-end televisions in their lineup. For instance, Hisense offers a 75-inch ULED 8K TV, which can go toe-to-toe with some Samsung or LG models but at a more attractive price point. On the other hand, TCL features a 75-inch QLED Mini-LED 8K TV of its own.
Most of their TVs, however, are tailored for the mid-range market. And indeed, comparing Hisense to TCL is no easy task, as both brands roll out a plethora of models with varying sizes and features.
Another factor to consider is that Hisense and TCL often source their panels from the same suppliers. At times, the primary difference between a Hisense and a TCL model might boil down to the operating system in use.
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh several factors: your ideal TV size, budget, preferred operating system, desired image quality, and other specific features. I’ll delve into the most popular features of each brand below to help you make an informed choice.
And remember, while some differences might seem significant on paper, they might be subtle to the naked eye.
Operating Systems: Android TV vs. Roku TV
Hisense and Android TV
The latest Hisense TV models come equipped with Android TV, Google’s operating system. Some models also use VIDAA OS. Android TV grants you access to the Google Play Store, allowing you to download a plethora of apps directly to your TV. It’s like having your Android phone’s system but tailored for a smart TV.
Another perk of Android TV is its built-in Chromecast feature, making it a breeze to stream content from any Android device. And let’s not forget Google’s voice assistant, handy for voice searches and commands.
TCL and Roku TV
Most TCL TVs run on Roku TV, though some recent models also use Google TV. Roku OS is purpose-built for TV streaming. It houses a vast app library, covering almost all major streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Apple TV.
In terms of user interface, many find Roku to be more user-friendly and responsive than Android TV. However, the choice between Roku and Android TV will truly hinge on your personal preferences.
Tip: Consider Streaming Sticks
If the operating system is a deal-breaker for you, remember you’re not confined to the one built into your TV. For instance, you could purchase a Chromecast for a TCL TV or a Roku streaming stick for a Hisense.
Maybe you prefer to use a Firestick! You can use multiple streaming sticks on a TV and easily switch between platforms.
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This way, you can tailor your viewing experience to your preferences.
Screen Technologies: LCD, ULED, OLED, and Beyond
Hisense offers a variety of screen technologies, ranging from basic LCD LED to ULED, Mini-LED, OLED, and even Laser TVs. On the flip side, TCL hasn’t introduced OLED models yet but does offer QLED and Mini-LED TVs.
If you’re in the market for an affordable 4K TV, both brands have got you covered. However, each technology has its merits, and it’s essential to grasp what each screen type can deliver.
Focus on Image Quality
Image quality is often the top priority for many buyers. While the differences between Hisense and TCL might be minimal, it’s good to be aware of each brand’s strengths.
Black Levels
Hisense TVs are known for their deep blacks, making dark scenes more detailed. TCL also offers good black levels, but Hisense often has the edge in this department.
Brightness
When it comes to brightness, Hisense takes the lead. Their TVs are generally brighter than TCL’s, making them ideal for watching TV in well-lit rooms.
Clarity and Color Accuracy
Clarity is another area where TCL shines, often offering a slightly sharper image than Hisense. In terms of color accuracy, TCL also tends to be slightly ahead, though the difference is often subtle.
Local Dimming
Local dimming is an area where Hisense excels, often offering better local dimming than similar TCL models.
Features for Gamers
For those of you who are gamers, game-specific features might be crucial. While these features might not be as noticeable when watching movies, they can make a world of difference when gaming.
Motion Handling
When you pit Hisense against TCL, you’ll notice that TCL TVs often deliver smoother visuals with less stuttering. That’s a big plus!
And here’s something for the gamers out there. TCL TVs come packed with features like variable refresh rates (VRR), FreeSync, and G-Sync. What does this mean for you? A smoother gaming experience, free from those annoying screen tears and jitters.
On the flip side, only a handful of Hisense TVs offer G-Sync. Something to consider!
Refresh Rates
Moving on to refresh rates. In simple terms, this determines how smooth your TV shows or movies look. The good news? Both Hisense and TCL are neck and neck here, offering TVs that can refresh up to 120 times a second at 4K resolution. That’s pretty crisp!
Input Lag
Ever noticed a delay between pressing a button on your game controller and seeing the action on screen? That’s input lag. And less lag is always better, especially for those intense gaming sessions.
The verdict? While both brands perform admirably, TCL has a slight edge, offering TVs with just a tad faster response to your commands. For gamers looking to save some bucks without compromising too much, TCL is a solid choice.
Response Time
Let’s clear up some confusion. Response time is different from input lag. While input lag deals with delays, response time is all about how quickly your TV’s screen changes colors.
Why should you care? A slow response time can lead to ghost-like trails behind moving objects – not cool! And in this battle, TCL often emerges as the winner, changing colors a bit faster than Hisense.
But don’t count Hisense out. Some of their models, especially the fancy OLED ones like the Hisense 55PX, are lightning fast with an impressive 1 ms response time.
Built-in Speaker Quality
Now, let’s talk sound. Most TVs come with, let’s be honest, mediocre speakers. But between the two, TCL TVs crank up the volume with more powerful speakers than their Hisense counterparts.
However, a little tip from me: If you really want cinema-quality sound, consider getting a soundbar. Trust me, it’s a game changer!
Remote Control
When it comes to remotes, Hisense seems to pack in more features, with a larger size and dedicated buttons for things like the Google Assistant. It even has a number pad for those who like to punch in channel numbers the old-school way.
TCL, on the other hand, opts for simplicity. Their remotes, designed in the sleek Roku style, are straightforward with fewer buttons. Both have their merits, so it’s really up to personal preference!
Conclusion
So, after this whirlwind tour, which TV should grace your living room? If you’re looking for more bang for your buck, TCL might just be your go-to, especially with its better motion handling and speedy response times.
But if brightness and deep blacks matter more to you, Hisense won’t disappoint. Either way, both brands offer solid options. If you can, head down to a store and see them in action side by side. There’s nothing like a live demo to help you make up your mind!
Lastly, remember, while TCL might have a slight advantage in a few areas, Hisense TVs are still top-notch and definitely worth considering too. Happy viewing!
