TV Comparisons
Hisense U8QG vs TCL QM8K: Which One Should You Buy?
In Tech Steve’s side-by-side comparison of the 65-inch models, the Hisense U8QG stood out for brighter HDR, richer-looking color, slightly better viewing angles and glare control, marginally sharper 480p upscaling, and punchier built-in sound. The TCL QM8K countered with more natural-looking color in several modes, stronger contrast and blooming control, smoother 24 fps motion, and an extra HDMI input. Both delivered consistent screen uniformity and smooth gaming, so the better choice depends on whether you prioritize the Hisense’s brightness and connectivity or the TCL’s motion and local-dimming behavior.
Hisense U8QG vs TCL QM8K: Which 2025 Mini-LED TV Wins?
In Tech Steve’s side-by-side comparison of the 65-inch models, the Hisense U8QG stood out for brighter HDR, richer-looking color, slightly better viewing angles and glare control, marginally sharper 480p upscaling, and punchier built-in sound. The TCL QM8K countered with more natural-looking color in several modes, stronger contrast and blooming control, smoother 24 fps motion, and an extra HDMI input. Both delivered consistent screen uniformity and smooth gaming, so the better choice depends on whether you prioritize the Hisense’s brightness and connectivity or the TCL’s motion and local-dimming behavior.
| Feature | U8QG | QM8K | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Available sizes | Hisense U8QG: 55, 65, 75, 85 and 100 inches | TCL QM8K: 65, 75, 85 and 98 inches | Hisense offers a smaller 55-inch option and a larger 100-inch option, while TCL tops out at 98 inches. |
| Viewing angles | Hisense U8QG: Retained slightly more visible color in the 65-inch demonstration | TCL QM8K: Good off-angle image with slightly less color retention in the demonstration | Tech Steve gave the Hisense a slight edge for off-angle color. |
| Glare control | Hisense U8QG: Anti-Reflection Pro; reflected slightly less room light | TCL QM8K: Anti-reflective treatment but showed slightly more reflection | The Hisense coating performed slightly better in the side-by-side glare demonstration. |
| Overall color style | Hisense U8QG: More saturated with additional perceived layers of color | TCL QM8K: More natural-looking in several scenes | The preferred presentation depends on whether the shopper favors vivid saturation or more natural color. |
| SDR picture modes | Hisense U8QG: Less punchy in the demonstrated SDR mode comparison | TCL QM8K: Punchier color and stronger perceived saturation | Tech Steve preferred the TCL’s colors in the SDR picture-mode comparison. |
| HDR brightness | Hisense U8QG: Appeared substantially brighter | TCL QM8K: Less bright in the side-by-side demonstration | The Hisense produced the brighter HDR presentation in the compared modes. |
| Screen uniformity | Hisense U8QG: Minor variations but generally consistent | TCL QM8K: Minor variations but generally consistent | The two 65-inch samples appeared almost identical for uniformity. |
| Low-resolution upscaling | Hisense U8QG: Slightly more background detail at 480p | TCL QM8K: Very similar overall upscaling | Tech Steve saw a small detail advantage on the Hisense during the 480p test. |
| Blooming control | Hisense U8QG: More visible haloing in difficult scenes | TCL QM8K: Better halo suppression and faster star rendering | The TCL performed better in the local-dimming and blooming demonstration. |
| 24 fps motion | Hisense U8QG: Slightly less smooth | TCL QM8K: Smoother 24 fps presentation | Tech Steve preferred the TCL’s motion at 24 fps. |
| 60 fps motion | Hisense U8QG: Smooth and similar to TCL | TCL QM8K: Smooth and similar to Hisense | Motion appeared very similar at 60 fps. |
| Skin tones | Hisense U8QG: Smoother appearance with more perceived color | TCL QM8K: More neutral presentation with a lighter background | Tech Steve preferred the Hisense’s skin-tone presentation. |
| Native 4K refresh rate | Hisense U8QG: 165Hz | TCL QM8K: 144Hz | The Hisense supports the higher verified refresh rate at native 4K resolution. |
| Reduced-resolution high-refresh mode | Hisense U8QG: Game Booster 288 | TCL QM8K: Game Accelerator 288 | Both offer an advertised 288Hz mode that lowers resolution; neither provides 4K at 288Hz. |
| Total HDMI inputs | Hisense U8QG: 3 | TCL QM8K: 4 | The TCL accommodates one additional HDMI source. |
| HDMI 2.1 inputs | Hisense U8QG: 3 | TCL QM8K: 2 | The Hisense accommodates one additional HDMI 2.1 gaming source. |
| Built-in sound | Hisense U8QG: 4.1.2-channel system with built-in subwoofer | TCL QM8K: Bang & Olufsen-tuned audio | Tech Steve found the Hisense sound punchier in the direct comparison. |
| Overall result | Hisense U8QG: Best for brightness, saturated color, 165Hz gaming, HDMI 2.1 connectivity, and built-in audio | TCL QM8K: Best for blooming control, natural color, 24 fps motion, and total HDMI count | Each model wins meaningful categories, and the best choice depends on the shopper’s priorities. |
U8 Series MiniLED ULED 4K Google TV
A high-brightness Mini-LED Google TV available from 55 to 100 inches, with a 165Hz native 4K panel and 4.1.2-channel audio.
Key technology
MiniLED ProUses a dense Mini-LED backlight and full-array local dimming to control bright and dark areas independently.
Hi-View AI Engine ProHisense's picture and sound processor analyzes scene content and automatically adjusts image and audio processing.
Anti-Reflection ProA low-reflection screen treatment intended to reduce visible room-light glare.
QLED ColorQuantum-dot color technology used to expand the television's color range.
165Hz Game Mode UltraGaming mode supporting VRR from 48Hz through 165Hz, ALLM and compatible variable-refresh technologies.
Game Booster 288A reduced-resolution high-frame-rate gaming mode advertised up to 288Hz. It is separate from the panel's 165Hz native-resolution capability.
Total HDR SolutionHisense's name for support across multiple HDR standards, including Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive.
Buyer advantages
- Hisense U8QG delivered brighter HDR and richer-looking color in the 65-inch comparison
- TCL QM8K demonstrated better blooming control and smoother 24 fps motion
- Both TVs provided consistent screen uniformity and smooth gaming
- Hisense supports 165Hz at native 4K and has three HDMI 2.1 inputs
- TCL supplies four total HDMI inputs and a natural-looking movie presentation
- Both support Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Atmos, and Google TV
Things to consider
- Hisense showed more haloing than the TCL in difficult local-dimming scenes
- Hisense has only three HDMI inputs in total
- TCL is limited to 144Hz at native 4K and has only two HDMI 2.1 gaming inputs
- TCL appeared less bright during the HDR comparison
- Manufacturer 5,000-nit and maximum-zone claims do not represent sustained real-content performance
- The largest sizes in both series require very wide furniture when used with their included legs
Sizes, mounting and buying details
| Size / model | Peak HDR | VESA | Feet width | Viewing distance | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55"55U8QG | 5,000 nitsManufacturer series peak-brightness claim; not an independent measurement. | 400 x 400 | 15.7 in | 6.3–8.6 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 65"65U8QG | 5,000 nitsManufacturer series peak-brightness claim; not an independent measurement. | 400 x 400 | 15.7 in | 7.4–10.1 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 75"75U8QG | 5,000 nitsManufacturer claim on the official 75U8QG product page; not an independent measurement. | 600 x 400 | 15.7 in | 8.6–11.7 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 85"85U8QG | 5,000 nitsManufacturer series peak-brightness claim; not an independent measurement. | 600 x 400 | 17.3 in | 9.7–13.2 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 100"100U8QG | 5,000 nitsManufacturer series peak-brightness claim; not an independent measurement. | 800 x 400 | 68.3 in | 11.5–15.6 ft | Check price ↗ |
Complete specifications
Audio
Speaker System4.1.2-channel multi-channel surround
Woofer Count1
Included SubwooferBuilt-in
Included Rear SpeakersNo
Dolby AtmosYes
Dolby Audio FormatsDolby Atmos, Dolby Audio, Dolby Digital Plus
DTS SupportYes
DTS Audio FormatsDTS Virtual:X
Sound ModesAuto, Standard, Theater, Sports, Music, Speech, Late Night, Game, Intelligent Sound
Room CorrectionAuto Acoustic Tuning using the microphone in the remote control
Dialogue EnhancementDolby Audio Dialogue Enhancement
Voice AssistantsGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Connectivity
HDMI Ports3
HDMI 2 1 Ports3
HDMI Inputs3
HDMI Outputs0
HDMI eARCYes
Optical Inputs0
AirPlayYes
ChromecastYes
Design & Installation
Wall Mount IncludedNo
Gaming
Native Refresh Rate Hz165 Hz
Maximum Refresh Rate Hz165 Hz
VRR48-165Hz VRR; AMD FreeSync Premium Pro; G-SYNC SPD compatible
ALLMYes
Picture
Display TechnologyQLED LCD with Mini-LED Pro full-array backlight
Resolution3840 x 2160
Local DimmingFull-array local dimming. Hisense advertises up to 5,600 local-dimming zones for the series, but an exact manufacturer-verified count for each size was not located.
Peak Brightness Nits5000 nits
HDR FormatsDolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, HLG, Advanced HDR by Technicolor
Size Details
Dimensions Without Stand Inches48.4 x 28.1 x 1.9 in
Weight Without Stand lb39.5 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches57.0 x 33.0 x 1.8 in
Weight Without Stand lb53.8 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches65.7 x 37.9 x 1.8 in
Weight Without Stand lb76.1 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches74.6 x 43.0 x 1.9 in
Weight Without Stand lb104.5 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches87.8 x 50.5 x 3.2 in
Weight Without Stand lb136.7 lb
Smart Features
Operating SystemGoogle TV
ProcessorHi-View AI Engine Pro
Specifications
Screen Sizes55, 65, 75, 85, 100
VESA By Size55": 400 x 400 mm, 65": 400 x 400 mm, 75": 600 x 400 mm, 85": 600 x 400 mm, 100": 800 x 400 mm
Stand Width By Size55": 15.7, 65": 15.7, 75": 15.7, 85": 17.3, 100": 68.3
Stand Depth By Size55": 11.4, 65": 11.4, 75": 13.4, 85": 15.7, 100": 18.9
Picture Modes SDRVivid, Standard, Sports, PC/Game, Energy Saving, Theater Day, Theater Night, FILMMAKER MODE
QM8K Series QD-Mini LED QLED 4K UHD Smart TV with Google TV
A QD-Mini LED Google TV available from 65 to 98 inches, with a CrystGlow WHVA panel, 144Hz native refresh rate, and Bang & Olufsen-tuned audio.
Key technology
QD-Mini LEDCombines a Mini-LED backlight with quantum-dot color technology.
TCL Halo Control SystemCoordinates the light-emitting chips, optical lenses, panel and dimming processing to improve local light control and reduce visible halos.
Precise Dimming L2TCL's local-dimming implementation for independently controlling Mini-LED backlight regions.
CrystGlow WHVA PanelTCL's high-contrast LCD panel with an anti-reflective treatment and wider-viewing-angle design.
TCL AiPQ Pro ProcessorUses scene analysis to adjust color, contrast, clarity and other picture parameters.
Game Accelerator 288Supports frame rates above the 144Hz native panel rate by reducing the input resolution. It is not a 4K 288Hz mode.
ZeroBorderA minimal-border display construction intended to reduce the visible inactive border around the image.
Audio by Bang & OlufsenThe television's integrated audio system and sound tuning were developed in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen.
Buyer advantages
- Better blooming control keeps bright objects cleaner against dark backgrounds.
- Smoother 24 fps motion makes it the stronger choice for many movie viewers.
- Natural-looking color and grass tones provide a less exaggerated presentation in several picture modes.
- The CrystGlow WHVA panel combines high-contrast design with anti-reflective and wider-angle treatment.
- Four total HDMI inputs provide more connection flexibility than the Hisense’s three inputs.
- The Halo Control System rendered stars more quickly in Tech Steve’s local-dimming demonstration.
- Bang & Olufsen audio tuning, Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X, and multiple sound modes are included.
- The center pedestal on 65- through 85-inch models fits relatively narrow furniture.
Things to consider
- HDR appeared less bright than the Hisense during the 65-inch comparison.
- The 144Hz native 4K refresh ceiling is lower than the Hisense’s verified 165Hz ceiling.
- Only two of the four HDMI inputs are identified as HDMI 2.1 gaming ports.
- Built-in sound was less punchy than the Hisense in Tech Steve’s audio comparison.
- Exact size-specific local-dimming-zone counts are not specified.
- Complete speaker-channel, driver-count, and audio-output specifications are not stated.
- The 98-inch model requires furniture approximately 73 inches wide for its two-leg stand.
- Game Accelerator 288 reduces resolution and is not a 4K 288Hz mode.
Sizes, mounting and buying details
| Size / model | Peak HDR | VESA | Feet width | Viewing distance | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65"65QM8K | 5,000 nitsManufacturer HDR5000 claim for this size; not an independent measurement. | 300 x 300 | 15.28 in | 7.4–10.1 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 75"75QM8K | 5,000 nitsManufacturer HDR5000 claim for this size; not an independent measurement. | 400 x 400 | 15.28 in | 8.6–11.7 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 85"85QM8K | 5,000 nitsManufacturer HDR5000 claim for this size; not an independent measurement. | 600 x 500 | 16.14 in | 9.7–13.2 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 98"98QM8K | 5,000 nitsManufacturer HDR5000 claim for this size; not an independent measurement. | 600 x 500 | 73 in | 11.2–15.2 ft | Check price ↗ |
Complete specifications
Audio
Speaker SystemAudio by Bang & Olufsen
Included Rear SpeakersNo
Dolby AtmosYes
Dolby Audio FormatsDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, PCM
DTS SupportYes
DTS Audio FormatsDTS Virtual:X
Sound ModesMovie, Speech, Music, Games, Night, Sports, Custom
Dialogue EnhancementSpeech sound mode
Voice AssistantsGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit
Connectivity
HDMI Ports4
HDMI 2 1 Ports2
HDMI Inputs4
HDMI Outputs0
HDMI eARCYes
Optical Inputs0
AirPlayYes
ChromecastYes
Design & Installation
Wall Mount IncludedNo
Gaming
Native Refresh Rate Hz144 Hz
Maximum Refresh Rate Hz144 Hz
VRRUp to 144Hz at native resolution; AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
ALLMYes
Picture
Display TechnologyQLED LCD with QD-Mini LED backlight
Panel TypeCrystGlow WHVA
Resolution3840 x 2160
Local DimmingPrecise Dimming L2 with TCL Halo Control System; manufacturer advertises up to LD3800 for the series.
Peak Brightness Nits5000 nits
HDR FormatsDolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Vision Gaming, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Size Details
Dimensions Without Stand Inches56.46 x 32.44 x 1.97 in
Weight Without Stand lb46.52 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches65.28 x 37.36 x 2.01 in
Weight Without Stand lb62.61 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches74.02 x 42.24 x 2.09 in
Weight Without Stand lb85.76 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches85.8 x 48.66 x 2.13 in
Weight Without Stand lb121.25 lb
Smart Features
Operating SystemGoogle TV
ProcessorTCL AiPQ Pro Processor
Specifications
Screen Sizes65, 75, 85, 98
VESA By Size65": 300 x 300 mm, 75": 400 x 400 mm, 85": 600 x 500 mm, 98": 600 x 500 mm
Stand Width By Size65": 15.28, 75": 15.28, 85": 16.14, 98": 73
Stand Depth By Size65": 14.49, 75": 14.49, 85": 14.92, 98": 16.54
Picture Modes SDRIntelligent, Vivid, Standard, Sports, FILMMAKER MODE, Movie
Which one should you buy?
The Hisense U8QG is the stronger fit for bright-room viewers, gamers with several HDMI 2.1 sources, and shoppers who want impactful built-in audio. It delivered brighter HDR, richer color, slightly better glare handling, and marginally better low-resolution upscaling in the 65-inch comparison. Its tradeoffs are more visible blooming in difficult scenes, only three HDMI inputs in total, and a picture that can look less natural without adjustment. The TCL QM8K is better suited to movie viewers who prioritize blooming control, contrast, and smooth 24 fps motion. Its color often looked more natural, and it provides four HDMI inputs, although only two are identified as HDMI 2.1 gaming connections. Its tradeoffs are a lower 144Hz native refresh ceiling, less HDR brightness in the comparison, and built-in sound that was less punchy than the Hisense. There is no universal winner: the U8QG favors brightness, gaming connectivity, and audio, while the QM8K favors controlled contrast, natural color, and movie motion.
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