REVIEW – With TV prices dropping in recent years and the technology somewhat plateaued, buying a new TV these days can quickly become overwhelming. It’s easy to get hit with “analysis paralysis” when researching features and trying to get the best deal. Fortunately, many mid-range TVs now offer a range of high-end features without high-end prices. The Hisense 65″ Class U6 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K Google TV is one such option, combining advanced display technology with smart features running on the Google TV platform. Priced at just over $700, the Hisense U6N delivers a premium viewing experience at a bargain basement price, although not without some caveats.
What is it?
The Hisense U6N 65″ TV is a 4K smart television featuring Mini-LED technology, Quantum Dot Color, and ULED enhancements. It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos, and runs on the Google TV platform with streaming, voice control, and app integration.
The Hisense ships in a large, double-walled box to protect the TV during transit, with reinforced corners and thick internal foam padding.
What’s included?
Tech Specs
Design and features
The Hisense 65″ U6 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K Google TV combines a sleek, modern design with a variety of features aimed at enhancing picture quality. The slim profile and narrow bezels maximize screen space and frame the picture perfectly. The stand attachments are sturdy and offer solid support for the 65″ screen.
The core of the Hisense U6N is its Mini-LED technology, which is said to enhance brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. Combined with ULED and Quantum Dot Color, the Mini-LED technology delivers vibrant images with deep blacks and bright highlights. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ further enhance the experience, providing improved contrast and a wider color spectrum when viewing compatible content.
The Hisense U6N has four high-speed HDMI inputs, including one that supports HDMI 2.1, allowing for higher resolutions, higher frame rates, and more bandwidth for future-proofing and enhanced gaming experiences.
Additionally, the TV includes USB ports, an Ethernet jack for wired internet connections, and built-in Wi-Fi. The U6N also has Bluetooth connectivity for connections to external devices like speakers, headphones, or soundbars.
The remote included with the Hisense U6N features a streamlined, minimalist design that is easy to handle and navigate. The remote’s layout is intuitive, with responsive buttons that provide a satisfying tactile feel.
The remote includes dedicated buttons for quick access to streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Google Assistant, as well as volume and input controls. Performance-wise, it offers reliable functionality, allowing users to control the TV with minimal lag or delay. The voice control feature works seamlessly, making it easy to search for content or adjust settings hands-free.
Assembly, Installation, Setup
The setup of the Hisense 65″ Class U6 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K Google TV is straightforward, with only a few steps required to get it up and running.
Setting up the stand is easy and can be done with a screwdriver in about 10 to 15 minutes.
There are two sets of slots to mount the stands in underneath the U6N. I opted to attach the stands to the outer slots for more stability.
The stands fit into the slots easily and are each secured with two screws.
For those opting for a wall-mounted setup, there are VESA-compatible mounting holes on the back of the U6N.
Once the stand is on, the Hisense needs to be connected to your video source(s) or antenna. If connecting the U6N to an audio setup, there’s an optical audio out jack on the back as well. There’s also an Ethernet port for connecting the U6N directly to your router.
Once the TV is physically set up, the software setup is pretty user-friendly. After powering up the TV, you’ll be prompted to select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and log into your Google account to sync the Google TV platform.
If you already use other Google services, syncing is quick, and your apps and preferences will automatically be imported.
For those unfamiliar with Google TV, the system is easy to navigate, and additional setup options, like connecting smart devices or adjusting display settings, are clearly explained. The process is intuitive, and the on-screen instructions guide you through the setup step-by-step.
When setting up a new TV, I always find it preferable to run it through some standard color procedures. There are tons of free TV calibration videos on YouTube that are simple to follow and help get a great picture from your TV.
Performance
The Hisense U6N really shines when it comes to picture quality, especially after calibrating it. The combination of Mini-LED backlighting and ULED technology provides deep blacks, bright highlights, and a wide color gamut. When watching 4K content, particularly, the U6N delivers sharp detail and excellent clarity.
The picture is so realistic, it tricked our resident squirrel expert into believing a giant squirrel had invaded the sanctity of his home.
During color tests, the U6N accurately represented all the color ranges I threw at it.
Brightness, contrast, and black-level tests also proved the U6N to be capable of high-quality, consistent image and video reproduction.
While the Hisense U6N offers impressive visual performance, the audio quality isn’t great. The built-in speakers, which are fine for everyday viewing, don’t really provide the full immersive experience that the picture quality suggests. The sound lacks depth and can feel flat, especially in more complex scenes. However, most users, like myself, often connect their TVs to soundbars or home media systems for a more cinematic experience.
Despite the sound, the TV provides a solid all-around experience for most entertainment needs. The Hisense U6N also excels in its smart TV capabilities, powered by the Google TV platform.
Final thoughts
The Hisense 65″ Class U6 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K Google TV offers impressive performance for those seeking high-end features without the premium price tag. For just $703, you get a 4K display, four HDMI inputs, plenty of image-improving options, and an intuitive Google TV interface. While some apps may not perform as smoothly as others, the sound could be better, and the build quality isn’t as sturdy as I’d like it to be, these drawbacks are overshadowed by the overall value. The U6N delivers a solid experience without breaking the bank. For anyone seeking a feature-rich TV at a reasonable price, the Hisense 65″ Class U6 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K Google TV is a good choice.