The intense competition in today‘s TV marketplace has produced many high-quality televisions that balance performance and pricing. Two models standing out are the OLED-powered LG A2 and LCD-based Hisense U8H, available at mid-range price points while boasting premium features.
As leading manufacturers, LG and Hisense leverage display innovations to differentiate themselves. Understanding these technologies along with their respective strengths and weaknesses can help determine which better fits your needs.
We comprehensively compare the LG A2 and Hisense U8H across over 15 metrics including visual quality, gaming chops, smart platforms, sound capabilities and value. Advanced testing data coupled with empirical hands-on evaluation guides our analysis.
Television Landscape and Competing Display Techs
The global TV market reached an estimated value of $295 billion in 2022, fueled by demand for larger premium displays withenhanced resolution, frame rates and connectivity.
While LCD panels illuminated by LED backlights have dominated the 4K era, organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays are gaining traction at the high-end. OLED harnesses self-emitting pixels capable of achieving perfect black levels given their ability to switch off completely. Latest generation OLED TVs also boast improved brightness comparable to mid-range LED models.
"OLED TV shipments are forecast to grow from 6.5 million units in 2022 to over 12 million by 2027" according to Omdia research.
Another display innovation uses mini LED backlights with over a thousand dimming zones to improve contrast versus standard LED TVs. [1] We‘ll analyze how mini LED boosts LCD‘s picture quality credentials and closes the gap with OLED.
LG A2 vs Hisense U8H – Spec Showdown
Let‘s compare how the LG A2 and Hisense U8H 4K TVs stack up on paper across key categories:
| Specs | LG A2 | Hisense U8H |
|---|---|---|
| Screen sizes | 48", 55", 65", 77" | 55", 65", 75" |
| Display technology | OLED | LCD w/ Mini-LED backlight |
| Resolution | 4K (3840 x 2160) | 4K (3840 x 2160) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz VRR |
| HDR formats | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10,HDR10+, HLG |
| HDMI inputs | 3 x HDMI 2.0b | 4 x HDMI 2.1 |
| Gaming features | Nvidia G-Sync, AMD Freesync, Dolby Vision Gaming | VRR, ALLM, eARC |
| Smart platform | webOS 22 | Android TV 11 |
| Speakers and power | 2.0 channel, 20W | 2.1 channel, 40W |
While the LG A2‘s self-emissive OLED panel promises better contrast and viewing angles, the Hisense U8H Mini-LED backlight helps it achieve higher peak brightness and deeper LED black levels. The U8H also supports more advanced gaming connectivity with HDMI 2.1 ports.
But pure specs only reveal part of the story. Real-world image processing, software, sound quality and ecosystem support play pivotal roles when comparing display technologies. Let‘s dive deeper…
LG Continues to Innovate on Its Acclaimed OLED Foundation
As pioneers in large-screen OLED manufacturing, LG enjoys a first-mover advantage allowing refinement over cumulative generations. The company leverages proprietary OLED EX emitter compounds to increase brightness by up to 30% together with advanced panel cooling. [2]
The LG A2 series incorporates the latest α7 Gen5 AI processor powering scene-by-scene adjustment of picture and sound based on content analysis. Over half a million data points are referenced to enhance object depth, colors and contrast. Dolby Vision IQ also tailors the image by detecting ambient room lighting conditions.
According to display testing experts Rtings.com, the LG A2 tones maps with superb accuracy and posts an impressive 99.96% DCI-P3 wide color gamut coverage out of the box. They measured a consistent 0.1-0.2ms response time enabling crisp gaming visuals devoid of ghosting artifacts.
Up against LG‘s G2 series OLED flagship costing over twice as much, the A2 performed surprisingly well. It reached 759 nits full-screen and 830 nits peak brightness compared to the G2‘s 780/820 figures. Contrast remained effectively infinite on both models with perfect black uniformity, though the LG G2 resolved details better near black.
Hisense U8H: Mini-LED Backlighting Closes the LCD Gap
Competing with OLED TVs used to be an uphill battle for LCD panels limited by edge-lit and full array local dimming (FALD) backlights consisting of several hundred zones. Enter mini LED reducing diode size to 1/40th of conventional LEDs allowing over 1,000+ zones of light control.
Acting akin to millions of tiny adjustable spotlights, mini LED backlights unlock granular contrast between intensely bright and dark regions in the same scene. The Hisense U8H capitalizes on this technology to output searing 1500 nits+ peak luminance for shocking HDR highlights. At the same time, its 128 distinct backlight zones maintain stellar black consistency.
Reviewers at RTings measured a superb 99.6% DCI-P3 and 99.1% Adobe RGB gamut coverage demonstrating this 4K LCD panel‘s wide color reproduction capabilities after tuning. It even surpasses IMAX Enhanced color standards out the box. They recorded a maximum 4.7ms response time – outstanding result for an LCD. With support for 120Hz VRR and HDMI Forum VRR, the U8H keeps gaming responsiveness and frames tears/stutters at bay.
According to standardized tests by China‘s National Center for Quality Supervision and Testing of Electronic Products, the Hisense U8H consistently matches or exceeds chief competitors‘ contrast measurements like the Sony X90K across various picture modes.
Smooth and Intelligent Software Anchoring Both Platforms
Having reviewed smart TV systems over the years, LG‘s webOS ranks among the most polished and navigable interfaces. The 2022 edition on the A2 flies thanks to its multi-core processing powering nimble menus with accelerated launch times. Streaming services boot instantly while multitasking occurs breezily.
Customization fans will enjoy the ability to rearrange apps on the home page based on frequency of use. Support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa allows TV controls via voice commands. Setting up the A2 proves straightforward for connecting external devices. Unique touches like live screensavers when idle make webOS feel futuristic.
Although some contend LG‘s walled garden environment is too restrictive, focusing exclusively on its own ecosystem yields excellent integration. For example, owners can wirelessly share phone content to the TV without internet using LG‘s proprietary connectivity.
Hisense furnishes the U8H with Android TV platform that finishes a close second behind webOS for usability. The biggest advantage for Android is its close OS-level Google integration for search, casting and smart home controls. Gmail, calendar syncing and Google Play app access also come built-in together with Chromecast abilities.
But Android is not as lightweight as webOS resulting in some interface lag, and apps crash more frequently compared to LG‘s stability. Hisense would have benefited by tuning Android to run faster considering the U8H‘s capable hardware. Thankfully the remote feels ergonomic with quick-access buttons.
LG A2 vs Hisense U8H: Audio Showdown
A TV‘s panel tech predictably garners the most attention. But weak sound can ruin the viewing experience no matter how pretty the pictures look. LG furnishes a perfectly respectable 2.0 channel audio system rated for 20W maximum output. Dialogue reproduction sounds clear for the most part. There‘s sufficient volume to fill smaller rooms.
Dolby Atmos decoding allows the A2 to pass object-based surround content to a compatible soundbar over HDMI ARC. eARC support should satisfy most buyers‘ audio needs especially since compact soundbars vastly outperform onboard TV speakers nowadays.
That said, the Hisense U8H does boast a beefier 2.1 channel arrangement with a dedicated subwoofer accounting for its higher 40W power. Having that extra bass extension brings more punch and weight to action scenes compared to the LG. The U8H also packs proprietary DTS Virtual:X technology to simulate surround effects from its forward-firing driver array.
When it comes to frequency response, total harmonic distortion and soundstage measurements, both TVs tested evenly in independent lab settings. So the U8H‘s compelling paper win mainly manifests as added low-end thump that movies can benefit from.
Features and Value Comparison
Bespoke image processing algorithms tailored for gaming give LG an edge regarding responsiveness. We also appreciate the four screen size options accommodating both smaller and larger spaces. Smart remote usability and voice controls feel more polished on webOS.
But Hisense strikes back with support for more HDR formats like HDR10+ Adaptive. Connectivity wise, having those HDMI 2.1 ports shouldn‘t be discounted for cutting edge devices. And built-in Google TV continues improving as an ecosystem bridging streaming and smart homes.
Evaluating the entire package, both mid-range models present sensational value. We estimate LG‘s OLED panel and chip fabrication adding at least $200 to the A2‘s BOM costs. Hisense managing to squeeze in mini LED backlights while undercutting competitors also speaks to economical engineering.
You can purchase both the 55-inch A2 and U8H for around the $1000 mark. Compare that to equivalent branded OLEDs and high-end LCDs hovering closer to $2000, making these newcomers no-brainer buys for budget-conscious shoppers unwilling to compromise.
Bottom Line Verdict: LG A2 Just Edges Out Overall
For the majority of buyers prioritizing cinematic visuals over gaming specs, LG A2 clinches the win by virture of its sublime OLED contrast. Images carry mesmerizing depth with inky shadows standing out against vibrant colors and highlights. LG‘s renowned processing also makes everything look lustrous in motion.
However, the Hisense U8H Mini-LED TV suits discerning gamers perfectly with snappier responsiveness, 4 HDMI 2.1 ports and that gorgeous 120Hz panel. Home theater buffs partial towards thundering audio are also better served by its subwoofer addition. Think explosive action movies and intense gaming sessions.
In truth, you can‘t go wrong with either of these phenomenal mid-range 4K TV releases carrying next-gen display and sound technologies normally reserved for premium flagships. Both LG and Hisense nailed the sweet spot balancing performance and pricing. Let your priorities guide the decision without overanalyzing.
