Hisense has made a significant entry into the premium television market with the introduction of the UR9 RGB LED TV, a product that stands as a formidable competitor to OLED technology. Priced at $3,500 for the 65-inch model, the UR9 is designed to showcase the capabilities of RGB LED technology, offering vibrant colors, impressive brightness, and advanced features that aim to elevate the home viewing experience.
The UR9 is the first RGB LED TV of 2026 and utilizes individual red, green, and blue LEDs for its backlight, distinguishing it from traditional mini-LED TVs. This new backlight technology allows for enhanced HDR performance, delivering colorful and accurate visuals that can exceed the P3 color space typically used in movies and TV shows. However, at a price point comparable to high-end OLED models from LG and Samsung, the UR9 faces intense competition in the market.
Hisense previously launched the 116-inch Hisense 116UX, priced at $30,000, but the UR9 aims to make this technology more accessible. Despite being the first to introduce a more affordable RGB LED TV in 2026, it still competes against flagship mini-LED models like the TCL QM9K. The UR9 is available in four sizes: 65 inches ($3,500), 75 inches ($5,000), 85 inches ($6,000), and 100 inches ($9,000), making it a direct competitor to OLED displays.
Performance and Features
The 65-inch UR9 features a sleek design, measuring just 1.8 inches thick, and uses a pedestal stand for support. Limited to three HDMI 2.1 inputs, it also includes a USB-C DisplayPort connection, which is positioned on the side of the TV—a design choice that may not be ideal for users who wish to keep their setup tidy. The TV supports a native refresh rate of 180Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, with an update planned for Dolby Vision 2 in the future.
During testing, the UR9 was evaluated in various lighting conditions using a range of content, including streaming services and gaming consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The TV delivered impressive HDR performance, showcasing vibrant colors during scenes from BBC's Planet Earth II, particularly with the lush greens of the jungle and the vivid colors of hummingbirds.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Bright image, accurate HDR performance, extended color coverage beyond P3.
- Cons: Some motion judder, higher price compared to other mini-LED options.
Despite its strengths, the UR9 does exhibit some minor motion judder, particularly during fast-paced scenes. Adjusting the motion settings to 'Film' can help mitigate this issue without artificially smoothing the motion.
Technical Specifications
The Hisense UR9 boasts impressive specifications that cater to both movie enthusiasts and gamers. It features:
- Display Type: RGB LED
- HDR Formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
- Operating System: Google TV
- HDMI Inputs: 3 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort over USB-C
- Audio Support: Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual X
- Gaming Features: 4K/180Hz, VRR, FreeSync Premium Pro
- Sizes Available: 65, 75, 85, 100 inches
While the UR9's price positions it against leading OLED models, it remains to be seen how consumers will respond to this new technology. The RGB LED TV market is evolving, and as manufacturers continue to innovate, the competition will intensify. For now, despite the allure of the UR9, OLED TVs hold a significant advantage when it comes to contrast and overall picture quality.
As the market for TVs in 2026 becomes increasingly competitive, the Hisense UR9 RGB LED TV offers an exciting glimpse into the future of display technology. While it may not dethrone OLED just yet, it certainly paves the way for advancements in RGB LED technology.
Source: The Verge News