Hisense 55U6NQ Review

The brand-new Hisense 55U6NQ with a screen size of 55 inches (139 centimeters) has everything needed for movies, series, and sports moments at a technically advanced level and costs well below $1,000.

The ULED TV, which combines Quantum Dot technology with Mini-LED backlighting, offers 4K Ultra HD resolution, allows for reception of private HD channels via HD+, supports all currently available HDR standards, and is well-equipped for both traditional linear TV reception via satellite, cable, and DVB-T2 HD, as well as for streaming through Netflix and more.

It is also suitable for gamers. We’ll reveal how the Hisense 55U6NQ performed in our practical test.

The Hisense U6NQ is available in screen sizes of 50 inches (127 centimeters), 55 inches (139 centimeters), 65 inches (165 centimeters), and 75 inches (190 centimeters).

Design and Connections

Visually, it is a modern and finely designed TV. The 55-inch screen is subtly framed and stands on two slim feet, which, like the frame, are made of plastic. Wall mounting with an optional bracket according to the VESA standard 400 × 200 is also possible.

At the back are the connection options, including a LAN port, two USB 2.0 interfaces, a digital optical S/PDIF output, a headphone jack, and a composite input. Of the three HDMI ports, one can act as an eARC port to pass through 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X without loss.

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Quick Review Picture Quality, Usability, TV and more

Gaming All HDMI ports support the transmission of 4K video content at a refresh rate of up to 60 Hertz, so they are not full 2.1 ports. The Hisense has a dedicated gaming mode that optimizes all settings for an optimal gaming experience. Since the HDMI inputs support ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), the TV automatically switches to this Game Mode Plus when a game console is connected. Additionally, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) is available, ensuring that games with inconsistent frame rates are displayed smoothly. Another important criterion is the input lag, which is pleasantly low at around 10 milliseconds, ensuring that gamers can react quickly to the game action.

Initial Setup and Operation

We were impressed with the initial setup, where it promptly asks if a channel scan should be performed. While setting the parameters for this scan, the channel search runs in the background, saving practical time as the user proceeds with other installation steps. The entire setup process took only about ten minutes. Satellite households can choose between DiSEqC 1.0 and 1.2 or Unicable 1 (EN 50494) and 2 (EN 50607). The connection to the home network can be made via LAN cable or wirelessly through WiFi.

After completing the channel scan, users can make minor channel order changes directly on the TV. For extensive rearrangements, it’s better to export the channel list to a USB stick, edit it with the free software “ChanSort” on a PC, and then import the edited list back into the 55U6NQ.

Hisense relies on its own user interface, VIDAA U, which is installed on the 55U6NQ in its latest version 7.6. The start screen offers quick access to streaming providers’ content without neglecting traditional live TV, which can be conveniently accessed via a menu bar on the left side. In our test, navigating within the menus was smooth and without interruptions.

With the latest Bluetooth remote, fewer buttons mean more convenience. Instead of twelve buttons for direct access to streaming services as in last year’s model, there are now ten. We see this as an advantage, as one of the removed buttons has been replaced with a favorite button that can be programmed to open any app. If you miss a dedicated button for RTL+, for example, you can now assign it to this favorite button. Additionally, the built-in microphone allows for control using the Hisense VIDAA Voice or Amazon Alexa voice assistants.

Network Check

Control

• Smartphone App: VIDAA Smart TV
• Recording Programming (Network/Internet): No/No
• Control / EPG: Yes/No
• Channel List Editor: No
• Streaming Live TV (Network/Internet): No/No
• Streaming Multimedia: Yes

Network Functions

• DLNA / UPnP: Yes (Client)
• Wireless Transmission (Mirroring & Casting): Yes
• Online Software Updates: Yes

VoD Services & Media Libraries

• Apple TV+: Yes
• DAZN: Yes
• Discovery+: No
• Disney+: Yes
• Dyn: No
• Magenta TV: No
• Netflix: Yes
• Paramount+: Yes
• Prime Video: Yes
• Rakuten TV: Yes
• WOW (formerly Sky Ticket): Yes
• HbbTV Version / Public / Private: 2.0.3 / Yes / Yes

Deadpool & Wolverine

The third installment of the Deadpool movie series faced a six-year delay due to the acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney. The benefit of the new ownership is that the loudmouth mercenary is now part of the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. In his first MCU adventure, Ryan Reynolds gets support from Hugh Jackman, who once again plays his iconic role as Wolverine from the X-Men films.
The meeting of these comic icons, featuring lots of action and sharp humor, is set to release in German cinemas on July 24, 2024.

Module Check

• Unitymedia HD Module: UM02 – Supported
• Freenet TV Module: Cardless – Supported
• HD+ Module: HD04 – Supported
• Sky CI Plus Module: V14 – Supported
• ORF CI Plus Module (Strong): Cardless – Supported
• Deltacam Twin “Cobra” 2.01: UM02 / HD04 – Supported
• Unicam Evo “Troja” 4.60: UM02 / HD04 – Supported
• AlphaCrypt Light “One4All” 2.4: UM02¹ / HD04 – Supported
• AlphaCrypt Classic “One4All” 1.0: UM02¹ / HD04 – Yes / No
• TivuSat SmarCAM: TivuSat Smartcard – Supported

¹ Note: Private channels are not available in HD.

Measurement Data

• Power Consumption in Watts:
  • Deep Standby: 0.3 W
  • Standby: 8.1 W
  • SDR: 142.5 W
  • HDR: 143.8 W
• Annual Cost: €54.82
• Boot Times in Seconds:
  • Deep Standby: 3 seconds
  • Standby: 1 second
  • Power Off: 14 seconds

Switching Times (in seconds)

• DVB-S2:
  • SD/SD: 1.8
  • SD/HD: 2.4
  • HD/HD: 2.4
• DVB-C:
  • SD/SD: 1.8
  • SD/HD: 2.7
  • HD/HD: 2.7
• DVB-T/T2:
  • HD/HD: 3.3

TV and More

The Hisense TV is equipped with a single triple-tuner for satellite, cable, and DVB-T2 HD reception. It also supports encrypted channels thanks to a CI+ slot on the back, which handled all common CI modules during our practical test. Users receiving TV channels via the Astra 19.2-degree East satellite can activate the HD+ Operator App to enjoy 39 encrypted private HD channels and three UHD channels for six months without additional hardware.

Model Sizes and Suggested Prices

The Hisense U6NQ series offers the following models with their respective prices: 50″ / $699, 65″ / $1,249, 55″ / $949, and 75″ / $1,499.

VIDAA Smart TV The VIDAA Smart TV app is available for tablets and smartphones in version 1.08.02.006.0 for Android 5.0+ and version 1.08.004 for iOS 11.0+. This free app allows users to control the TV and stream videos, photos, and music from their mobile devices to the Hisense TV.

Setup Recommendations

Recommended viewing distances: SD: 3.5 m, HD: 2.8 m, 4K: 2.0 m

Optimal screen height¹⁾: 0.74 m for an eye level of 1.10 m, 0.89 m for an eye level of 1.25 m

_{1) Measured from the bottom of the TV}

The Hisense supports recording to external USB storage with a maximum capacity of eight terabytes. The drive is paired with the TV, so the recordings cannot be played on other TVs. The single-tuner limitation means you cannot switch channels while recording. Shows can be programmed as one-time, daily, or weekly recordings with pre- and post-recording buffers. The Timeshift feature allows pausing and rewinding live TV.

Smart TV Features

VIDAA U 7.6 provides access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, WOW, and DAZN. However, services like MagentaTV, Discovery+, and Dyn are currently not supported. The TV’s HbbTV version 2.0.3 enables not only access to ARD and ZDF media libraries via the Red Button but also the Replay feature via the blue button when supported by the broadcast. Each channel’s HbbTV can be individually enabled or disabled, which helps prevent annoying ads, especially from private channels.

Increasingly, households are giving up traditional TV connections. However, with the Hisense TV, they can still access public and private channels through integrated IPTV services like Joyn, RTL+, and Zattoo. The 55U6NQ also includes VIDAA Channels, offering more than 100 ad-supported IPTV channels dedicated to specific themes.

In our tests, we found that the recommended HDR Cinema mode delivers the best brightness, with up to 640 nits in HDR Sport mode. These levels are decent for the price range, as is the color gamut coverage of 70.3% (BT.2020) and 90.3% (UHDA-P3).

“Affordable Mini-LED TV with numerous streaming options”

Our Picture Settings (SDR/HDR)

• Mode: Cinema / HDR Cinema
• Picture Mode Settings:
  • Motion Settings: Motion Compensation – Off
• Color Settings:
  • White Balance: 2-Point
  • Red Offset: 1 / 0
  • Green Offset: 0 / 0
  • Blue Offset: -2 / -3
  • Red Gain: 0 / 0
  • Green Gain: 0 / 0
  • Blue Gain: 0 / 0
• All other settings are at factory defaults.

Connections

• Video: HDMI 2.0 (3×), Composite
• Audio: S/PDIF (optical), Headphone jack (3.5mm)
• Data: USB 2.0 (2×), WLAN (b/g/n/ac), LAN

Multimedia Formats

• Video: AVI, FLV, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPEG, TS, VOB, WMV
• Audio: MP3, FLAC, WAV, WMA
• Image: JPEG, BMP, GIF, PNG

Technical Check

• Ultra HD Premium Certification: No
• Dolby Vision: Yes
• High Dynamic Range (HDR10): Yes
• Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG): Yes
• HDR10+: Yes
• HDMI Standard / 2160p@60Hz / 2160p@120Hz: 2.0¹ / Yes / No
• HEVC (H.265): Yes

¹ Note: Partial specifications include ALLM, eARC, and VRR.

Picture and Sound Quality

The Hisense 55U6NQ uses Quantum Dot technology and Mini-LEDs, which are smaller than conventional LEDs, providing a high level of brightness and color accuracy. In our practical tests, the TV’s picture quality impressed us with its natural colors, strong contrasts, and sharp detail in both Blu-ray and upscaled SD/HD content. Fast-paced scenes, such as sports events or action movies, were handled without issues.

The TV supports HDR formats like HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision IQ, and HDR10+, delivering a broad color spectrum and realistic contrasts. However, the viewing angle could be improved, as the picture appears less sharp and more washed out when viewed from the side.

The sound quality is acceptable but not outstanding. The two 10-watt speakers lack the power needed for a full audio experience. We recommend an external sound solution like a soundbar for a more enhanced audio output.

25.7 °C

32.0 °C

HDR content looked excellent on the screen, with vibrant colors and good contrast. However, the limited viewing angle remains a drawback, and side viewers may experience a loss in contrast.

Specs

Technical Data

• Manufacturer: Hisense
• Model: 55U6NQ
• Dimensions (W × H × D in mm): 1,232 × 778 × 31
• Weight (in kg) without stand: 12.6
• Firmware Version: V0000.07.60I.00410

Display

• Technology: LCD with Quantum Dots (QLED) and Direct-LED Backlighting
• Hertz / Motion Picture Optimization: 50/60 / MEMC
• Diagonal (in inches / cm): 55 / 139
• Viewing Angle: Not available
• Resolution: 3,840 × 2,160
• HD Ready / Full HD / Ultra HD / 3D: Yes / Yes / Yes / No

Hardware

• Speakers / Subwoofer / Total Output (Sinus): 2 / No / 20
• DiSEqC Support / Unicable / Unicable 2: 1.0, 1.2 / Yes / Yes
• Tuner Type (Quantity) / HDTV Compatibility: DVB-S2, DVB-C, DVB-T2 (1 each) / Yes
• Smartcard Reader / CI: No / Yes (1× CI+)
• Manual Control: Yes
• Power Switch: No
• Wall Mounting: Yes (VESA 400 × 200)

Special Features

• Recording Function: Yes
• Storage Size: No (External Storage Medium required)
• Smart TV: Yes (VIDAA U 7.6)
• Multichannel Audio: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, DTS
• Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Function: No
• Bluetooth: Yes (Audio, Input)
• Headphone Volume Control: Yes

Software

• Favorites List / Editable: 4 (combinable) / Yes
• Language Selection / Number of Languages: Yes / 34
• EPG / Number of Days: Yes / 7

Cost

• Suggested Retail Price (in €): €949
• Market Price (in €): €710

Conclusion

In our practical test, the Hisense 55U6NQ scored 90.5 out of 100 points, earning a solid “good” rating, narrowly missing the top rating of “very good.” This 4K QD-Mini-LED TV with its popular 55-inch screen size performed well overall, especially with its excellent picture quality and user-friendly operation. Its support for various HDR sources and Dolby Atmos makes it a versatile choice, though its sound quality and viewing angle could be better.

Priced at around $710, the 55U6NQ offers an excellent value for money, making it a great option for budget-conscious shoppers.

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