What is the Hisense U7A?
The Hisense U7A is a mid-range flat-screen flagship with a FIFA touch. Reflecting the sponsorship of the Russian World Cup brand, it starts with the logo of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. If you want to feel connected with footie every time you turn on, this is clearly the game for you. But, what if he does not resort to football to help? Well, we have good news …
Hisense offers three sizes of U7A: 50 inches, 55 inches (reviewed here, the full name is Hisense HE55U7A1WTSG) and a 65-inch model. In terms of design, they are all in the ball. The bezel is ultra thin, very similar to the panel itself, and swells only to accommodate electronics and speakers.
The sonic supply is also above the average. In addition to the stereo speakers that are activated downwards, there is a pair of woofers that look back, which enhances the lower middle range of the TV.
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Hisense U7A – Design and features
The Hisense U7A may be a midfielder, but you would not know by the cosmetics
The ultra-narrow bezel has an elegant curve that emulates the design at the upper end of the market. The display itself is on a heavy V-shaped pedestal. This not only looks elegant, but is perfectly suited to the Most types of AV furniture, and marks a positive change with respect to spaced feet.
Connectivity consists of four HDMI, two of which support 4K @ 60Hz and others that handle 4K up to 30Hz There is also a composite AV and two USB (one is the fast v3.0 variety), plus one output digital audio optics. The tuner option is Freeview Play or HD satellite.
The remote control is a regulation wand, but it has dedicated keys for YouTube and Netflix.
It may not be as ambitious as Android TV OS, or multifunctional as LG's webOS, but there's a welcome simplicity for Hisense's Vidaa U smart platform.
The home screen is an overlay, with tiles for free playback, applications, inputs, media and settings. Streaming services include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube, all of which offer 4K (HDR is compatible with the main duo). There are also conventional television services that are updated, courtesy of Freeview Play.
One of the most unusual tricks of this model is the automatic detection of the sport mode. When the TV identifies a sports broadcast, it automatically offers to activate its sports video and audio preset. While this only works on the content delivered by the tuner, rather than anything that comes with HDMI, it is much more impressive than the soccer modes we have seen on other TVs.
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Hisense U7A – Performance
The image quality of the Hisense U7A is generally impressive, but there are warnings. Choosing the correct image preset makes a big difference.
Standard dynamic range image modes include Standard, Cinema Day, Cinema Night, Dynamic and Sports.
Cinema modes are not particularly flattering. The skin tones acquire an unhealthy tone and the image is flattened. Standard offers a better and brighter balance, while Dynamic is a complacent crowd without complexes. For a really attractive image, I suggest lowering the saturation and the sharpness a bit in the latter.
With HDR content, these preset presets are HDR Dynamic, HDR Day and HDR Night.
The resolution of the image is excellent; There is no compromise in the details here. With 4K Blu-ray and OTT services, HDR Dynamic mode provides the highest elevation to fine details.
The problem is that the set is not particularly bright. I measured the maximum luminance to just under 300cd / m 2 (or nits) in HDR dynamic mode, using a 5% window. This is lower than some midrange HDR LED LCD screens we have seen. However, while the U7A lacks maximum brightness, it still manages dynamic performance.
The set has a (relatively) good black level and a decent uniformity. To get the maximum contrast and color, sit upside down; viewing out of angle decreases both.
Sport mode always anxious lifts the APL (average Llevel image) and saturates the color. In particular, reds and greens receive a luminous glow. It is not very precise, but I suspect that many will like it.
As befits the sporting nature of the U7A, powerful movement management is offered. The Ultra Smooth Motion processor of the brand has no problems to eradicate the vibration and preserve the details. The Clear and Standard modes keep the action sharp and the views polished.
Inevitably, there are artifacts of movement around some moving objects, but these are not too intrusive.
I However, I would not choose to use USM for movies or film television programs. That look at the frozen soap opera is not really conducive to a cinematic experience.
The set gets a tic when it comes to games. Using the standard preset, the image delay is moderately high at 47.6ms. However, with the dedicated game mode activated, it is reduced to 30.9 ms more acceptable.
Audio performance is solid. The output power has a power of 2 x 10 W, which translates into decent noise. The set offers a selection of postprocessed sound modes (Standard, Theater, Music, Speech, Evening at Night and Sports), as well as an option for PCM or DD 5.1 on the digital audio output. Variable lip synchronization can be used to combat any screen latency error.
There is also digital audio output, variable between PCM and Dolby Digital.
Why buy the Hisense U7A?
Buying in the middle range can be a crapshoot when it comes to building quality and usability. In general, cheap screens are sold only on the surface of the screen. The U7A does not play those games. The cosmetic finish has a cut above its pay grade, the 4K resolution is impressive, and a combination of support for 4K playback service and Freeview Play make it an easy panel to see it caught.
However, if your hyperbright HDR is your aspiration, or you will be seeing in a well-lit environment, then this model is probably not going to be adequate. That said, the great vitality of the U7A is likely to mark with sports fans.
Verdict
If you want a stylish looking 4K flat screen, built around a decent intelligent platform with some fun features, the U7A should definitely make your list.