LG A2 vs Hisense U8H: In-Depth Comparison to Help You Decide

The LG A2 OLED and Hisense U8H LCD TVs are two highly rated 4K smart TVs in the mid-range price tier. Both models offer strong overall performance but have some key differences that may make one a better fit depending on your needs and setup. This extensive feature-by-feature comparison covers all the details to consider.

Overview of Specs

First, let‘s overview the basic specifications of the LG A2 and Hisense U8H side-by-side:

Now let‘s dive deeper into how these core specs and additional features compare between the two TVs.

Picture Quality

One of the biggest differences – and a major consideration when choosing a TV – is display technology and resulting picture performance.

The LG A2 uses OLED (organic light emitting diode) display panels. This technology offers exceptional picture quality with near-perfect black levels, infinite contrast ratio, and very wide viewing angles. Individual OLED pixels can turn off completely, allowing for much more precise local dimming.

By comparison, the Hisense U8H is an LCD (liquid crystal display) TV that uses Mini-LED backlighting technology paired with a VA (vertical alignment) LCD panel. While LCD TVs have typically struggled with weaker contrast and black levels compared to OLED, display quality has improved significantly with enhancements like Mini-LED backlights with precision local dimming zones and Quantum dot color enhancement. However, LCD panels still have slight issues with viewing angles and blacks appearing more grayish in a dark viewing environment.

In terms of peak brightness performance, the Hisense U8H achieves significantly higher levels – up to 1500 nits according to reviews. This helps HDR content really shine and gives this LCD TV an advantage in very bright viewing environments. By contrast, the LG A2 maxes out at around 790 nits brightness – quite good for an OLED but less impactful for HDR content compared to the searing brightness of the U8H.

Overall, while the Hisense U8H truly impresses for an LCD, OLED still reigns supreme for pure picture quality and performance in dim/dark home theater spaces where their perfect blacks and crisp contrast stand out. For extremely bright rooms, the U8H‘s higher peak brightness gives it an advantage.

Gaming Performance

Gamers will also want to weigh the gaming-specific features that determine how smooth and responsive gameplay will feel. Here again we see some tradeoffs between these two TVs.

The key gaming specs compared:

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The Hisense U8H‘s 120Hz native panel enables 4K gaming at up to 120fps for super smooth performance that takes better advantage of the latest consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. VRR support almost eliminates screen tearing and stuttering for a buttery smooth experience. The U8H also has an extremely fast sub-10ms input lag rating when gaming in the optimal settings.

While the LG A2 has the superb contrast and pixel response times we expect from OLED panels, its 60Hz refresh rate limits PS5/Xbox Series X gaming to 60fps 4K. For many, this is still an excellent experience, but 120fps gaming remains out of reach. Input lag is also very fast if using the dedicated game optimizer mode.

Considering their gaming credentials, the Hisense U8H does come out on top, especially for hardcore gamers who demand higher frame rates. But casual gamers are still well served by the LG A2‘s sharp response times and low input lag for 60fps gaming. Those without the latest-gen consoles don‘t necessarily benefit from going with the 120Hz panel anyway.

Sound Quality

Sound capabilities are often overlooked when researching TVs, but they significantly impact the viewing experience for movies, games, and TV. Here‘s how audio support shakes out between the LG A2 and Hisense U8H:

The LG A2 is outfitted with a perfectly competent 2.0 channel speaker system rated for 20W total audio output. It supports premium Dolby Atmos 3D positional audio processing as well as standard Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus surround sound. Volume is decent but bass lacks punch on built-in sound alone.

As for inputs/outputs, it has an optical audio port, HDMI ARC to send sound to a compatible soundbar or A/V receiver, plus eARC (enhanced audio return channel) to handle lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks to upgraded audio gear. Bluetooth streaming from mobile devices is also supported.

By comparison, the Hisense U8H includes a slightly more robust 2.1 channel system with side-firing 15W speakers plus a dedicated wireless subwoofer for deeper bass and 40 watts combined output. The Android TV platform supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound, though notably lacks basic Dolby Digital/DTS decoding which may cause compatibility issues depending on your external audio setup.

The only audio input is HDMI ARC/eARC plus Bluetooth, so no optical output option like the LG A2. But the U8H uniquely supports WiSA wireless speaker standard connections for low latency streaming to external speakers.

While the Hisense U8H audio has a slight edge for impact and clarity, both of these TVs will benefit greatly from adding a dedicated soundbar or surround sound system. For everyday TV audio, they both provide a better experience than the tiny speakers you‘ll find on budget models.

Smart TV & Apps

LG webOS and Android TV are two of the most robust and intuitive smart TV platforms available. Both allow easy access to all of the most popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max and more. Key features and apps available include:

LG A2 webOS:

• Simple tab-based interface
• Customizable home screen
• Built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
• Supports Apple AirPlay/HomeKit
• Personalized recommendations
• Easy Bluetooth device pairing
• Major apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, YouTube
• Hundreds of additional apps

Hisense U8H Android TV:

• Intuitive rows-based interface
• Chromecast built-in for easy casting
• Built-in Google Assistant
• Alexa support via app
• Simple WiFi connectivity and Bluetooth
• All core streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, SlingTV, Disney+
• Over 5,000 Android apps like HBO Max

Both smart platforms are capable and cover the essentials most viewers need. LG webOS excels in ease of use, personalization features, and integration with Apple‘s ecosystem. Android TV offers greater flexibility for downloaded apps and games. But you can achieve similar functionality either way.

Connectivity

Connectivity essentials like WiFi, Bluetooth, and HDMI inputs are well matched between both the LG A2 and Hisense U8G. Key details here:

The LG A2 incorporates WiFi 5 connectivity with decent range to eliminate buffering, plus Bluetooth 5.0 for streaming audio from mobile devices and wearables.

Physical connections consist of 3 HDMI 2.0b inputs supporting HDCP 2.3 copy protection, 1 USB 2.0 port, a digital optical audio output, ethernet port, cable/antenna input, and RS-232 serial port.

As for the Hisense U8H, it includes the latest WiFi 6 for higher bandwidth plus Bluetooth 5.0.

4 HDMI inputs are provided, now up to the HDMI 2.1 standard to allow 4K/120fps gaming from newer consoles. HDCP 2.3 and ALLM copy protection are also supported. USB ports are upgraded to high-speed USB 3.0.

Both TVs provide well-rounded connectivity that covers everything needed for home theater setups and gaming. The Hisense U8H gains an extra HDMI port and WiFi 6. But WiFi 5 is still plenty fast for streaming.

Ease of Use

From setup to day-to-day operation, these TVs aim to provide a seamless user experience.

LG‘s webOS platform is renowned as one of the most intuitive smart TV systems. The quick-launch menu provides rapid access to inputs, settings, and installed apps. Intuitive tabbed menus make adjusting picture modes, audio settings, and more a breeze.

Android TV has gone through refinements over the years to become easier to navigate, with customizable rows for apps. The Hisense U8H also uses the latest Google TV interface reskin that helps surface more relevant content. Setting adjustments are straightforward as well thanks to picture presets and audio modes to switch on the fly.

Both manufacturers provide extensive settings flexibility for those who wish to fine tune to their exact liking. But out-of-box presets deliver excellent results for casual users too.

Build quality between the two is difficult to compare without hands-on testing. But LG and Hisense products both provide respectable construction that meets their pricing tiers. The LG A2 appears a bit more premium thanks to thinner bezels and a elegant Gallery stand option. But costlier materials like metal accents have been reserved for the higher-end LG models.

Sizes & Pricing

As outlined further above, the LG A2 OLED TV is sold in 48, 55, 65, and 77-inch variants to suit small rooms up to expansive living spaces.

Hisense‘s U8H has a 55, 65, and 75-inch models that hits a nice range for most.

In terms of MSRP value, here is a price comparison:

However, retail prices fluctuate frequently. The 55-inch and 65-inch models see particularly deep discounts. Overall value depends on size, viewing priorities, and deal hunting at major retailers.

Verdict: Which is the Better TV Overall?

The LG A2 OLED and Hisense U8H LCD TVs both present compelling cases in the mid-range television market. They land at similar price points while offering strong performance and extensive features.

For reference picture quality and deep contrast in dark/dim viewing environments, the LG A2 OLED reigns supreme. Perfect black levels, precision local dimming, stunning colors, and wide viewing angles outclass even premium LCD televisions.

Casual gamers are also extremely well served by LG A2 with its rapid response time and low input lag. While limited to 60Hz, modern titles still look and run fantastically.

For brightly-lit rooms and gaming in 120fps, the Hisense U8H provides distinct advantages. Its higher 1500+ nit peak brightness aids visibility. The 120Hz panel enables ultra smooth 120fps from latest-gen consoles. Mini-LED backlight technology helps black levels that outperform older LCD generations.

Both TVs provide more than adequate smart platforms. But LG‘s webOS takes the crown for easiest setup and most polished experience. Connectivity and ports selections are quite comparable as well.

For buyers seeking the best display and gaming technology under $2,000, neither choice leads across the board. You‘ll have to weigh personal preferences for each model‘s strengths against room lighting, viewing habits, and console usage. Value hunters can grab either brand for bargain prices when discounted.

Hopefully breaking down their most important metrics in detail aids your decision between these two impressive 4K TVs. Let me know if you have any other questions!