Hisense vs TCL: Which Reigns Supreme, TCL or Hisense?

Hisense and TCL are two of the most popular budget TV brands across the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and numerous other countries.

While both brands also produce premium TVs, they’re particularly known for their budget-friendly offerings.

Yet, when it comes to choosing between the two, which brand delivers the most value for money and reliable TVs that won’t disappoint over time?

Moreover, are these brands alone worthy contenders, or should you consider other options?

Let’s clear all doubts in this comprehensive Hisense vs TCL comparison.

Overview of Hisense and TCL

Founded in 1969 in Qingdao, China, Hisense has a long history, while TCL came into existence in 1981 in Huizhou, China.

Both companies, originating from China, primarily focus on the budget segment but also delve into premium offerings.

Although they manufacture various electronics, TVs are their flagship products and the primary focus of their popularity.

Given their emphasis on catering to budget-conscious consumers, they don’t directly compete with industry giants like Sony, Samsung, or LG, who consistently push cutting-edge technology.

Both Hisense and TCL allocate significant resources to research and development to integrate new technologies into their products, making it inaccurate to say that one invests more in R&D than the other.

Product Range

Hisense offers:

• Televisions (LED/LCD, smart TVs, 4K/UHD TVs, etc.)
• Refrigerators (French door, side-by-side, top mount, bottom mount, etc.)
• Air conditioners (split-system, window units, portable ACs, etc.)
• Mobile phones (in select regions)
• Small kitchen appliances (microwaves, blenders, kettles, toasters, etc.)
• Soundbars and home audio systems
• Projectors
• Freezers, Dehumidifiers, Wine coolers, Vacuum cleaners, Dishwashers
• Commercial display screens
• Home entertainment accessories (remote controls, HDMI cables, etc.)

TCL offers:

• Televisions (LED/LCD, smart TVs, 4K/UHD TVs, etc.)
• Smartphones
• Home appliances (Refrigerators, Washing machines, Air conditioners, Kitchen appliances)
• Audio devices (Headphones, Soundbars, Accessories to complement entertainment setups)

While both companies offer a wide range of products, Hisense has a slightly broader portfolio.

It’s important to note that although both companies have diverse product offerings, they are mainly recognized for their TVs, which have gained popularity in North America and other regions.

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Brand Reputation and Trustworthiness

Both brands have garnered a decent to good reputation in the US, although they are not flawless.

Through careful analysis, we’ve observed that many users express satisfaction with their purchases from either brand, yet there are also many reported complaints.

While their brand reputation is favorable, it doesn’t quite match up to premium brands.

It’s crucial to understand that brand reputation is determined by product performance, and while the TVs from these brands offer good quality, they may not be considered the absolute best.

Therefore, when we say both brands have a good reputation, it’s within the context of the market they target, particularly the budget segment. In comparison to premium brands, there’s a clear distinction.

In terms of trustworthiness, both Hisense and TCL are decently reliable. However, a significant number of users have reported issues with both brands. Thus, it’s fair to say that they are not as trustworthy as premium brands like Samsung, LG, or Sony.

In our honest opinion, both brands enjoy a good level of popularity in the US and are equally trustworthy, which is respectable.

Build Quality and Reliability

When considering build quality, we’ve observed that TCL TVs generally exhibit slightly better construction, although not significantly so.

Upon close examination, you may notice a slightly weaker build quality in Hisense TVs compared to TCL.

However, this doesn’t mean that Hisense TVs are inferior. They still feel sturdy, but in direct comparison, TCL TVs have a slight edge.

Both brands offer reliable TVs. We’ve been using a TCL TV for approximately four years without any signs of damage, and the same holds true for Hisense TVs.

Under normal usage conditions, TVs from both brands can last for years.

However, we have noted some software glitches on Hisense TVs, which are less prominent on TCL TVs. Additionally, users have reported issues with remote control malfunctions and hardware failures on TVs from both brands.

Therefore, while Hisense and TCL TVs are reliable overall, it’s possible to encounter some hardware and software issues, as electronic devices are prone to such occurrences, particularly when they are not from premium brands.

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Design and Aesthetics

Here, we have to say that both brands are doing a commendable job. With slim form factors and nearly bezel-less designs, Hisense and TCL TVs exude a premium appearance.

Whether you purchase a $150 TV or a $500 TV from either brand, you can expect it to look attractive and high-end.

The screens extend seamlessly to the corners, enhancing the overall viewing experience and immersion.

Therefore, in terms of design and aesthetics, you won’t encounter any issues with either brand.

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Screen Quality

Screen quality is the most crucial factor when selecting a TV, and it can vary depending on the model chosen.

From our experiences thus far, we’ve found that TCL TVs generally boast superior screen quality compared to Hisense.

It’s important to note that Hisense TVs are not lacking in quality. However, in direct comparison, TCL tends to excel.

So, what sets TCL TVs apart?

TCL TVs offer better color reproduction, higher brightness levels, and superior viewing angles, resulting in a more visually pleasing experience. These TVs strike a balance in color saturation, offering vivid hues without being overly intense, creating an appealing visual experience.

On the other hand, Hisense TVs also deliver vibrant colors, but with decent contrast and slightly inferior viewing angles. However, both brands offer equally impressive sharp picture quality.

Can an average user discern the difference?

Upon careful analysis, one can indeed notice disparities in color and overall viewing experience between the two brands.

Please note that while both brands utilize commendable display technology in their TVs, it’s not on par with what you’d find in TVs from premium brands like Samsung, LG, or Sony.

Therefore, when we say both brands provide a good viewing experience, it’s not at the level of premium brands.

Overall, if you ask us, TCL TVs offer slightly better screen quality out of the two, enhancing the overall viewing experience compared to Hisense TVs.

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Operating System

In the USA, some Hisense TVs are equipped with Roku OS, while the majority come with the Android TV OS.

Android TV offers extensive features and customization options, including access to the Google Play Store with thousands of apps, games, and media content.

Android TV seamlessly integrates with various Google services like Google Assistant, Google Cast (for casting content from mobile devices), Google Photos, and Voice Assistant.

However, we have observed that some apps do not function seamlessly on Hisense TVs.

TCL primarily utilizes Roku OS across its lineup.

Roku OS is also known for its user-friendly interface, facilitating swift content discovery and navigation. It offers a vast selection of streaming apps, including popular services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

A standout feature of Roku OS is its Cross-Platform Search, allowing users to search for movies and TV shows across multiple streaming services. Additionally, users can access thousands of apps for installation through the Roku Channel Store.

Both operating systems offer great features, and the choice depends on individual priorities.

If you want the Google ecosystem with extensive customization options and integration with Google services, then Android TV is the preferred choice.

However, if simplicity, a wide selection of streaming content, and ease of use are your priorities, Roku OS will be more suitable.

If you ask us, we prefer Google Android TV for its seamless integration with Google services and clean UI.

Other Features

Sound Quality:

Sound quality can vary depending on the specific model, but as a general trend, Hisense TVs tend to offer louder and richer sound compared to TCL, thanks to DTS Studio Sound and Dolby Atmos.

While there may be exceptions to this rule, in most cases, Hisense TVs deliver superior sound quality.

Although TCL TVs also provide decent sound, they tend to feel slightly quieter and have a narrow sound signature in comparison.

Refresh Rate:

Typically, TCL TVs feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate. While some models offer higher refresh rates of 90Hz or 120Hz, the majority are limited to 60Hz.

In contrast, Hisense TVs provide options ranging from 60Hz to 144Hz. While higher refresh rate options may come at an additional cost, flexibility is available.

Therefore, in terms of refresh rate capabilities, Hisense TVs surpass TCL TVs.

Response Time:

Response time, measured in milliseconds (ms), indicates how quickly the pixels on a TV screen can change colors or transition between different shades. A lower response time implies faster pixel changes, leading to smoother motion and reduced motion blur, particularly evident during fast-paced sequences in movies, sports, or video games.

Hisense TVs boast a shorter response time, resulting in smoother viewing experiences during fast-paced scenes.

In comparison, TCL TVs have slightly longer response times.

Connectivity Options:

You get all the connectivity ports on both Hisense and TCL TVs, including USB ports, HDMI, AV-IN, headphone jack, and ANT/Cable port. Some ports may vary depending on the models, but generally, you will have these ports.

More Features:

Hisense TVs come with features such as built-in Chromecast, DTS Virtual X, Sports & Game Modes, and Voice Remote.

TCL TVs also offer features like lower input lag, voice remote, and gaming mode. However, it’s worth noting that TCL TVs in a similar price range may lack features like Chromecast.

Overall, Hisense TVs offer a broader range of features compared to TCL TVs.

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Price Range and Value for Money

Pricing stands out as the primary factor driving the popularity of both Hisense and TCL brands in America, and it’s commendable how both brands strive to maintain competitive pricing.

You can find TCL and Hisense TVs starting from under $150, offering proper smart TV functionality, a decent array of features, and good display quality.

As you move up the price range, additional features are added to enhance the viewing experience.

While premium TVs from both brands may range from $1200 to $10000, it’s important to note that such high-priced models may not always offer the best value for money. Both brands prioritize affordability, a key aspect they are known for.

Overall, there are no complaints regarding the pricing of TVs from either brand, as they both strive to keep their prices competitive.

Moreover, both brands offer great value for money, although this may vary slightly depending on individual preferences.

For instance, if you prioritize solid features, Hisense may offer better value for money. On the other hand, if you prioritize slightly better display quality, TCL may be the preferred option.

Regardless, both brands provide good value for money, particularly in the budget and mid-range TV segment.

User Reviews and Satisfaction

After carefully analyzing reviews, it’s evident that opinions about both brands are mixed.

While the majority of reviews are positive, a significant number of users have reported various issues, and this is true for both brands.

Commonly reported issues include software glitches, hardware failures, screen bleeding, and remote malfunctions.

In terms of satisfaction, it’s clear that those who have encountered problems may not be the most satisfied users of either brand.

Our analysis reveals that approximately 70% of users are completely satisfied with their TV from either brand, feeling they’ve received good value for their money.

Contrarily, about 30% of users have experienced some form of issue or are not entirely satisfied with the display quality of their TV from either brand.

These findings were somewhat expected, as both brands prioritize affordability, which can sometimes lead to quality control issues. Additionally, cheaper components may be more prone to exhibiting problems.

Nevertheless, the majority of users are fully satisfied with both brands.

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Customer Support and Warranty

Both brands provide a standard one-year warranty for their TVs, with the option to extend it to four years for an additional fee.

Regarding customer support, the experience is average for both brands. There isn’t a significant difference in quality between them.

Many users express satisfaction with customer support, citing timely responses, helpful troubleshooting guidance, and smooth warranty claims.

However, some users have reported long wait times and inadequate responses to their queries. Worse still, there have been instances where Hisense and TCL have blamed users for damaging the TV and voided the warranty.

It’s important to note that these brands aren’t in the same league as premium brands like LG, Sony, or Samsung, which excel in customer support.

While both Hisense and TCL are working to improve their customer support in America, it still falls short of the standards set by premium brands.

Therefore, you can expect average to decent customer support from both Hisense and TCL.

Conclusion: Hisense vs TCL, Which Brand is Right for You?

So, which is better, Hisense or TCL?

Let’s simplify it.

If you prioritize more features, then Hisense TVs are a great choice. However, if you lean towards slightly better build quality and display, then TCL TVs are preferred.

If we were to recommend one, we’d suggest going with TCL TVs. They offer a decent set of features along with better display quality.

However, it’s essential to note that if you’re spending around $1000 or more, we highly recommend avoiding these brands and opting for more reliable options from Samsung or LG.

When investing a significant amount, you expect better reliability and customer support, which may not be provided by these brands as premium ones can offer.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Our aim is to help you make a wise choice to get the best value for your money. If you find all your requirements fulfilled by a TV from a particular brand, you can confidently go with that.

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FAQs

Hisense vs TCL, which brand better suits your needs? By now, you likely have a clear answer.

If you still have any doubts, feel free to ask us in the comment section.

Also, share your thoughts if you agree or disagree with the points mentioned above.