The 2024 TV race is off to a hot start, with TCL and Hisense throwing serious competition into the ring against rivals in LG and Samsung. Both manufacturers tout the potential of continuously upgradeable Mini-LED panels in tandem with the benefits of improved AI processing.
One of the main contenders at the forefront of this race is the TCL QM8 Mini-LED TV (2024), which tops the TCL 2024 TV lineup. While it may not be as powerful (or as big) as the QM89 Mini-LED TV, The QM8 is an enticing new QLED built on an entirely new foundation on which TCL builds the QD-Mini-LED.
Then there’s the Hisense U8N Mini-LED TV, which sits just below its U9N counterpart in the Hisense 2024 TV lineup. Using the Hi-View Engine Pro as its main AI processor, the U8N is a stunning proposition that starts at an incredibly low $1,099 for its 55-inch model — making it potentially one of the best 55-inch TVs on the market this year.
The quality of both TVs seems to be impeccable. They use full-array local dimming and mini-LEDs on the LCD panel for superior image quality. As with most manufacturers, TCL and Hisense are also touting the high potential of their AI chips, which will give their respective displays serious firepower in everything from scaling to motion processing.
Which Mini-LED TV is better? We’ve put them to the test, looking at everything from pricing to specs and performance to give a full breakdown of what users can expect from both models. Let’s find out which Mini-LED TV is not only the better option, but also the more financially viable premium display of the year.
TCL QM8 (2024) vs Hisense U8N: Specs Comparison
| TCL QM8 | Hisense U8N | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 65″, 75″, 85″, 98″ | 55″, 65″, 75″, 85″ |
| Ports | 4 HDMI 2.1 | 4 HDMI 2.1 |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160p | 3840 x 2160p |
| HDR | HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision | HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision |
| Smart TV software | Google TV | Google TV |
| ATSC 3.0 support? | Yes | Yes |
| Processor | AIPQ Pro | Hi-View Engine Pro |
| Price for 65 inch screen | 1999 dollars | 1499 dollars |
TCL QM8 (2024) vs Hisense U8N: Design
Hisense U8N and TCL QM8 look almost identical, if not for some basic components that distinguish them. Both run on Google TV and run at 4K resolution, sporting Mini-LED through full backlighting with over 2,000 local dimming zones. Both also have slim bezels and sit at the top of their respective ranges.
The main aspect that differentiates the two is their core chips. The Hisense U8N uses the Hi-View Engine Pro, while the TCL QM8 uses the shiny new AIPQ Pro processor. Both come with their own attractive benefits, which we’ll cover in the performance section below.
Beyond that, these two premium offerings share almost identical specifications in terms of design. Both have access to NextGen TV with ATSC 3.0 tuners, four HDMI 2.1 inputs and have access to a range of HDR formats including HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision.
Where the Hisense U8N comes out on top is its native 144Hz refresh rate. It’s also equipped with WiFi 6e versus WiFi 6 on the TCL QM8. The Hisense U8N is also an easy contender among the best gaming TVs due to its AMD FreeSync and G-Sync support. The TCL QM8, on the other hand, only has access to AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.
Even their speakers match the 2.1.2 system configuration. TCL’s QM8, however, has a boom setup that was designed in partnership with Onkyo, makers of some of the best AV receivers out there. As with most smart TVs in the space, both Mini-LED displays are also equipped with Dolby Atmos support, meaning you won’t need one of the best soundbars to get clear sound.
As you can see, apart from a few minor differences, the QM8 and the U8N are practically the same TV. At 65 inches, the Hisense U8N costs $500 less than the competition, which may make it the more ideal choice for most buyers.
TCL QM8 (2024) vs Hisense U8N: Performance
To test both TVs, we used an X-Rite i1 Pro spectrophotometer, a SpectraCal VideoForge Pro pattern generator, and Portrait Displays’ Calman TV calibration software to take measurements of their brightness, color accuracy, color saturation, and latency.
That being said, our test data may be slightly skewed in favor of the QM8, as TCL insisted we only test the TV in its live mode at a recent hands-on event.
We plan to retest the TVs when we have them available for full reviews, and we can always update this page when those numbers are more accurate. Surprisingly though, very similar to their similarities in basic specifications, the U8N and QM8 turn out to be quite identical in their use of these components.
| TCL QM8 | Hisense U8N | |
|---|---|---|
| SDR brightness (10%, in nits) | 3220.98 | 3469.01 |
| Delta-E (lower is better) | 12,534 | 9.93 |
| Rec. 709 Gamut Coverage | 99.9655% | 99.8619% |
| HDR brightness (10%, in nits) | 5085.32 | 3128.71 |
| UHDA-P3 Range Range | 97.4% | 96.66% |
| Rec. 2020 range coverage | 73.86% | 82.04% |
| Input Latency (ms) | 112.6 ms | 13.1 ms |
That being said, the TCL QM8 clearly takes the top spot in the brightness arena. At 5,085 nits in HDR content, the QM8 takes on glare with exceptional brightness. The Hisense U8N, on the other hand, managed all but 3,130 nits — which, until the TCL QM8 came along, made it one of the brightest TVs we’ve ever tested.
Although clearly skewed by the TV being in Vivid mode, the QM8 offered an input latency of 112.6ms in Vibrate mode versus the Hisense U8N’s 13.1ms in Game mode. The latter is pretty good for most gaming needs, but under 10ms is the sweet spot – especially for those looking to take advantage of that 144Hz native refresh and copy rate using one of the best gaming PCs out there.
When it comes to color, both TVs are anything but sloppy. The QM8 hits a Rec709 color gamut of 99.9655%, where the U8N covers 99.8619%. That way, animated content and color escapes will look great on both displays, but the latter may be best.
The Hisense U8N has an HDR color gamut on the BT.2020 scale of 82.04 versus the QM8’s lower 73.86 percent. Although a little negligible, it still shows how the Hisense Mini-LED TV handles colors in HDR a little better than its competition.
As I said earlier, with limited data on the QM8 beyond its lifetime, matching the two together based solely on the numbers is a bit of a tall order. Still, although somewhat distorted at the time of writing, the Hisense U8N takes the win due to its handling of HDR content and improved gaming features.
TCL QM8 (2024) vs. Hisense U8N: Outlook
The TCL QM8 and Hisense U8N offer incredible Mini-LED performance at relatively unbeatable prices. While they may not be among the best TVs under $1,000, they compete comfortably with premium TVs from Samsung and LG.
Of the two, the clear winner has to be the Hisense U8N Mini-LED TV (at least until we can go back and test the QM8 in other picture modes). While the QM8 may be home to incredibly high brightness, the U8N still comes out on top thanks to being one of the best HDMI 2.1 TVs out there thanks to Hisense’s powerful gaming-oriented add-ons, lower input latency and better accuracy of the colors.
What makes the Hisense U8N stand out even more is its expert price. The QM8 is a $2,000 65-inch TV, while the U8N undercuts it by $500 for the same size and gives you a few upgraded specs, like a 144Hz refresh rate in tandem with G-Sync and FreeSync support.
Full reviews of both TVs will be posted on the site in the coming weeks. Until they arrive, though, be sure to keep an eye on our list of the best TVs to see which screen currently holds the top spot in our entertainment hubs.
