Hardware

Published on October 4th, 2021 | by Andrew Bistak

Hisense UHD 4K TV Series A7G Review #2021Australia

The Review

At its core, the Hisense UHD 4K TV Series A7G is a slimline and lightweight LED 4K (3840 x 2160) TV with noticeable picture quality that is powered by a quad core processor for a super responsive operating system (O/S) that more importantly, is quite affordably priced. We reviewed the 50″ model that has a RRP of $999AUD (Sep 2021) from Hisense, however a quick search on Google had the same unit at just $719. The other sizes include 43″, 55″ and 75″ that again are reasonably priced.

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Before we jump into our review, let’s have a quick recap of what powers the Hisense UHD 4K TV Series A7G and some of its specifications. As mentioned, it is powered by a quad-core CPU that uses LCD/LED display technology and supports a colour depth of 8bit+FRC. It supports all wireless technologies that includes Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi protocols IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac) with two bands 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz. Best of all, it’s quite affordable to run thanks to its 5.5 star energy rating with a standby consumption of just < 0.5 watts. Additionally it supports a personal video recorder via USB that allows for time shift, DTV recording/scheduling and the ability to play a variety of video and audio formats. As you can see, it supports all your modern TV needs, including 4K upscaling to help improve overall video quality of lower resolution videos.

When the TV arrived for review, I was surprised at just how light it was, even with the packaging which is well packed from Hisense. The exterior design of the UHD 4K Series A7G TV eludes a high-end style thanks to its ultra thin bezel to its Spartan yet stylish stand with well-placed ports. Ports include LAN, optical, Antenna, USB 2.0, HDMI 2.0 (x 3 – 4K@60hz, including one ARC/eARC), AV, service-in, headphones and USB 1.0. Further, the TV boasts a 5.5-star energy rating, a 3-year warranty for additional peace of mind and the 50″ model was super lightweight at just 10.8kg with the stand installed.

Needless to say, it’s quite an elegant TV with its overall appearance and the only slight let down is the remote control that does feel a little larger and slightly dated than its competitors, including its rectangular design. Thankfully the remote control keeps it simple by minimizing the amount of buttons and for streaming shortcuts, you have YouTube Music, Netflix, (Amazon) Prime Video, YouTube, Stan, ABC iView and Kayo.

Additionally there is a free to air button, art button (e.g. art screenshots from Deviant Art) and in the middle, a button for Alexa or Google Assistant. While Disney+, Paramount+ and Apple TV are absent from the remote (in a perfect world, there should be a button that allows you to remap its functionality), these services are unfortunately also absent from the app list which is a huge oversight from Hisense, especially considering that Disney+ was launched late in 2019.

Gallery

The O/S that powers the TV is VIDAA which is Hisense’s own operating system that does create a streamlined interface, although some people may find the “recommended” show list a little annoying, particularly if you are not subscribed to them, that is Foxtel. Of course, this feature is not just linked to Hisense as some other manufacturers do the same. The operating system is quite fast and responsive, however to take full advantage of VIDAA, you do need to create an account and I love how it supports two of the world’s most popular voice assistants, Amazon’s Alexa (reviewed) and Google Assistant, including the ability of controlling other smart devices linked to your Wi-Fi network.

So while VIDAA is a responsive O/S, it is hampered by the fact that it doesn’t support new streaming services such as Disney+ or Paramount+. Hopefully Hisense will address this oversight and of course ensure that the O/S is updated regularly as I know this has been an issue with previous Hisense models, so you end up connecting another external device like an Alexa TV Stick or Google Chromecast.

Physically connecting the stand to the A7G is an easy process and just requires four screws and is probably one of the smallest stands I’ve seen and quite stable. In terms of setting up the TV, this process just takes just a few minutes to go through the wizard which includes connecting it to your Wi-Fi, setting up the optional VIDDA account and linking it to your Amazon or Google accounts to use the voice assistant feature. To use the voice assistant, you simply hold down the microphone button on the remote control and talk. For a smart TV, this feature worked very well.

Highlights

• Wide Colour Gamut
• 4K AI Upscaler
• Game Mode (VRR + ALLM)
• Dolby Atmos + Dolby Vision
• VIDAA Smart TV
• VIDAA Art
• Freeview Plus
• TÜV Rheinland Certified Low Blue Light

Setup & Interface

Specifications

Unboxing & Setup Gallery

Once setup, we were ready to test the TV and depending on where you setup the TV, there can be glare which we did experience in the living room due to window placement but not in my study. Given that, most TV’s will experience glare and the viewing angle of the A7G is 170 degrees which is standard.

Hisense UHD 4K TV Series A7G Colours

Colours on the Hisense UHD 4K Series A7G TV are super rich and vibrant courtesy of its wide colour gamut palette that really makes images and video pop. If this was your go-to TV, you would be happy with the overall image quality. I also like how this TV from Hisense boasts a feature that reduces potentially harmful blue light which can cause age-related Macular degeneration and suppresses the production of melatonin. This feature on the A7G is certified by TÜV Rheinland that hopefully minimises eye fatigue and will be a feature taken up by other TV manufacturers.

Movies & Gaming

Movie lovers (and gamers) will be pleased to know that the A7G boasts Dolby Atmos and Vision that adds to the HDR (High-Dynamic Range) of the unit to increase colours and depth plus improved audio to help create a sense of surround sound. There is a game mode available that adds Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Automatic low-latency mode (ALLM) that technically reduces lag and tearing. However it should be noted that all HDMI ports on the A7G only support HDMI 2.0 which is 4K@60Hz opposed to HDMI 2.1 that boasts 4K@120Hz which in turn gives gamers access to 120 frames per second.

Through our PlayStation 5, 4K videos looked amazing and films such as Avengers Endgame or Blade Runner 2049 were super sharp with a considerably amount of depth to them. Streaming services such as Netflix and Stan with their 4K content again boasted super clear images with vibrant colours. The new Indiana Jones Collection from Paramount which is a remastered collection had Indiana Jones looking like these films were almost made today opposed to 1981 when Raiders of the Lost was first released. YouTube 4K and 8K videos were also a treat to watch, particularly those nature videos.

Although the Hisense UHD 4K TV Series A7G doesn’t support HDMI 2.1 that offer 120 frames per second, this TV as mentioned does support a game mode that offers an automatic low-latency mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) which minimizes input lag, screen jitter and tearing. Compared to other HDMI 2.0 TV’s, games such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Outriders did appear to run smoother, particularly compared with my old 2107 Hisense unit. Of course, a TV that does support HDMI 2.1 (4K@120Hz) and with VRR is quite noticeable smoother, however the price is double or even triple! Thanks to the Xbox Series X now supporting Dolby Vision, including the A7G, this feature on the console again improved picture quality on this TV by making colours more vivid and the graphics sharper that as a result, made your gaming more immersive due to its added depth.

TV speakers are generally that, just TV speakers. While the A7G had clear sound (more so with Dolby Atmos), it is limited by its 2 channel 10 watt speakers that was slightly hollow. However games and movies did sound better, particularly those explosions in Call or Duty or listening to that classic Indiana Jones theme. As the TV supports HDMI eARC (enhanced audio return channels), this increases the bandwidth for audio and I tested this feature on the new Sonos Beam (Gen 2) which sounded amazing on the Hisense A7G.

Final Thoughts?

Undeniable, the Hisense UHD 4K TV Series A7G is an affordable TV with impressive visual quality. If you like watching 4K Blu-rays, popular streaming services such as Netflix, Stan, the result is sharp video with vibrant colours courtesy of HDR. Owners of the XBox One, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch will also be pleased with the overall video quality, including the inclusion of a game mode to help reduce tearing. Additionally next-game (PS5, XSX) gamers on a budget will see their virtual worlds come to life, however if you’re looking for faster gaming, you will need to investigate a TV that supports HDMI 2.1 in order to deliver a frame rate of 120 frames per second. Overall, it is a well-designed TV, however it is disadvantaged (slightly) by its operating system (which is fast) and lack of mainstream streaming apps such as Apple TV, Disney+ and Paramount+.

Nonetheless, a well-priced TV.

#: UPDATE – There was a new firmware (V0000.00R.L0408 – Latest version L0408_to_0730) update for the TV that was installed on 30-Sep-2021 and this also included an update for the remote control. Previously before the update, I had issues with the TV losing the HDMI connection to my Xbox Series X which was using HDMI and also Sonos Beam (Gen 2) that was on the eARC HDMI port. While the update did not fix this issue, resetting the TV to the Factory Default did (4 October 2021) so it may have been a combination.

Highlights

• Pure colours with stunning gradients
  Wide Colour Gamut
  See more colours, and images with amazing realism. Wide Colour Gamut creates more than a billion shades and gradients, so you can watch TV that expresses the broad spectrum of nature. From impactful colours to impressively natural skins tones, you can experience a rich, broad palette, with intense saturation and vibrancy.
• 4K Upscaling. Powered by Artificial Intelligence
  4K AI Upscaler
  See what you’ve been missing on the crisp, clear picture that’s 4x the resolution of Full HD. Using advanced deep learning algorithms, the 4K AI Upscaler can intelligently analyse the image frame by frame and adjust pixels accurately, with optimized shadows and highlights, to produce the most exquisite 4K image possible.
• Win any game without delay
  Game Mode (VRR + ALLM)
  Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) + Automatic low-latency mode (ALLM) turns on Game Mode when a gaming device is connected. Boost your chances of scoring legendary wins by significantly reducing input lag when on Game Mode*. Shorter delay between input and reactions to on-screen developments is particularly important for fast-paced, competitive games. It will give you the chance to perform a well-timed move when gaming hard.**
  *Does not feature HDMI 2.1 input and 4K@120Hz through HDMI. All HDMI inputs are 4K@60Hz.
  **Not available for 85A7G.
• Cinema-like sound and vision
  Dolby Atmos + Dolby Vision
  Enjoy an authentic movie experience with cinema’s leading technologies. Dolby Vision HDR dynamically optimises colour, contrast and brightness, so you can watch each scene as the creator intended. And with the sensation of sound moving all around and above you, Dolby Atmos can help you feel like you’re right inside the action.
• Smart made simple
  VIDAA Smart TV
  Find great entertainment fast. The intuitive VIDAA U5 interface makes it easy to search thousands of shows across Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Kayo, Foxtel, Stan iView and Freeview Plus.^ Switch quickly between apps and connected devices, receive recommendations, and with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant built-in*, enjoy convenient voice-powered search and control without the need for extra devices.
  ^Freeview Plus is a television service delivered via both aerial and an internet connection.
  *Google Assistant™ and Amazon Alexa™ functionality require an internet connection as well as a Google or Amazon Account (as applicable). Controlling devices and features may require compatible smart devices. Subscriptions may be required to access certain content. Some features and services may be changed without notice. Depending on language, voice clarity and available content or source material, voice commands may not always deliver or respond to the requested command. Google is a trademark of Google LLC. Amazon, Alexa and all related logos and motions are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
• Transform your TV into art
  VIDAA Art
  Transform your living room into a gallery, with original artworks on your TV. VIDAA Art lets you access more than 370 million pieces of art from DeviantArt for free, and showcase them on your screen. Choose from different categories, save favourite images to your TV and change the view whenever you like. Enjoy a world of free art, in beautiful 4K clarity.*
  * Not all art is available in 4K
• Freeview Plus – never miss a thing!
  Search and discover your favourite shows with a 7-day guide and seamless access to catch-up TV from the Australian free-to-air networks. While watching TV you’ll briefly see a prompt at the top left of your Hisense TV – just press the ‘Green’ button on your remote to launch Freeview Plus. We love it!
• Safer Viewing
  TÜV Rheinland Certified Low Blue Light
  Certified by TÜV Rheinland. This Hisense TV has been proven to effectively minimize the strain on your eyes by reducing the blue light ratio to less than 20%, protecting your eyes and reducing eye fatigue in pro-longed viewing.

About the Author

Andrew Bistak When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.

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