I have been looking to buy a new TV for a week now. I recently moved to a new neighborhood and I want a TV which matches the new space.
The market for TVs is, however, quite huge! There are multiple brands like Samsung, Onn, Vizio, and Hisense to choose from. TVs come in a wide array of features and price points.
This can make buying TVs quite confusing but I narrowed my criteria down to three: affordability, picture quality, and modern smart TV features.
I browsed multiple different brands to zero in on two affordable TV makers to finally choose from Hisense and Vizio. Now all that’s left to do is to compare their TV models to find the TV which meets all my needs.
When comparing Hisense vs Vizio, Vizio TVs win because of their superior sound and pictures and are better suited for gamers.
Picture Quality
When purchasing a TV, its picture quality is of utmost importance. This one feature can be make-or-break in your decision-making.
When comparing Hisense and Vizio, each has its pros and cons. Hisense TVs are available in QLED displays, while Vizio does not. However, Vizio’s Quantum Dot TVs work on a similar technology to QLED and can offer a comparable display.
Hisense TVs perform well in bright rooms. Their average peak brightness of 1000 nits is well above the industry standard of 400-500 nits. Moreover, they have superior anti-glare screens when compared to Vizio TVs. Vizio TVs lose out in bright rooms due to their slightly lower peak brightness of around 8000 nights.
When it comes to dark rooms, however, Vizio TVs win out. They produce deeper blacks in their display, meaning they have a higher contrast ratio. This helps their images stand out better in a darker setting.
Vizio TVs also have a wider viewing angle when compared to Hisense TVs. This means, for people viewing the TV from the side instead of the center, the Vizio TV will provide a better viewing experience.
Another area which helps the Vizio TV stand out is the refresh rate. Refresh rate is the number of images a TV shows in one second. Most Hisense TVs offer a 60 Hz refresh rate, while Vizio TVs offer a range from 60 to 240 Hz refresh rates.
Higher refresh rates can prove especially useful while gaming. It helps smooth out the images and prevents any flickering while watching. For a gamer, the Vizio TV might be a better investment.
Sound Quality
While many TVs have built-in speakers, they are often not sufficient for a cinematic experience. Hisense and Vizio both offer TVs with built-in soundbars or support for external sound systems.
Hisense’s H9G and H8G series have built-in soundbars that provide good sound quality for a TV. However, Hisense’s lower-end TVs may not have the same level of sound quality, and you may need to invest in external speakers or a soundbar to get better audio.
Vizio, on the other hand, has a strong reputation for its sound quality. Vizio’s OLED and P-Series Quantum X TVs have support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which are both immersive surround sound technologies. Vizio also offers soundbars and subwoofers that can be paired with its TVs for an even better audio experience.
Operating Systems
The operating system for a smart TV can significantly impact its user experience. From the range of apps to casting options, they all depend on the operating system your smart TV uses.
Hisense will provide you with a more familiar experience when it comes to its user interface. Hisense TVs come equipped with Android, Roku and VIDAA operating systems. Most of its TVs use Android TV which comes with the Google Play Store and a wide array of apps to choose from. This provides familiarity and range which makes Hisense quite favorable.
Vizio TVs, on the other hand, use the SmartCast TV. SmartCast unfortunately does not come with a play store. Casting is also limited to Chromecast and Airplay with Vizio TVs. The limited app selection and casting options can count against the Vizio TVs. However, Vizio has significantly improved the SmartCast experience in recent times, and they continue to work on it.
Design
Smart TVs are known for their modern and sleek designs which can be a unique selling point. Both Hisense and Vizio TVs perform well in this regard.
Hisense TVs have that signature narrow and modern look. When compared to Vizio TVs, they have narrower bezels and weigh less. Hisense’s higher-end models also have a stand that doubles as a soundbar, which can be a space-saving feature.
Vizio TVs are bulkier in comparison. Their higher weight and thicker bezels can affect the sleek design. However, the loss of design points is made up in durability points. Moreover, Vizio TVs have a stand which is adjustable in height, letting you place your TV on whichever surface you want to.
Connectivity
The ability to connect to other devices like headphones or streaming sticks is an important feature for any smart TV. In this regard, Hisense TVs appear to perform slightly better.
Hisense TVs usually come with two USB ports, while Vizio TVs usually have one. Moreover, Vizio TVs have limited Bluetooth connectivity. Only Bluetooth LE devices can be paired with Vizio TVs. In comparison, all types of Bluetooth devices can be paired with Hisense TVs.
Price
The biggest factor for me while purchasing a smart TV is the price. I want to buy a TV which has the latest features but at the same time doesn’t break the bank.
Vizio and Hisense TVs are quite affordable in that sense. While they have all the latest features, when compared to more premium brands like Samsung, they are quite easy on the pocket.
When comparing prices, Hisense comes out ahead due to its more affordable pricing.
The Superior TV
Buying a smart TV can be a time-consuming and expensive process. Plus with the saturation in the market, coming to a decision can be quite confusing. What the final decision boils down to then, is the particular requirements you have for your TV.
Looking at Hisense and Vizio, they are both great options for the price range they are available in. The superior TV for you will be the TV which caters to your needs.
If you want a budget-friendly TV with a wide app selection and an easy-to-use interface, then Hisense TVs are the one for you. If you are, however, looking for superior picture and sound quality, then Vizio TVs are the investment for you.
For me, Vizio was the clear winner. The picture and sound quality it afforded me at its price range was unmatched. I loved the color palette that Vizio TVs come with and how smooth their motion technology was.
I ended up buying a Vizio TV in the end. For my particular needs and space, I bought the 55-inch Vizio 4K OLED TV, which gave me great OLED picture quality at an affordable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Hisense TVs?
Hisense is a Chinese company headquartered in Qingdao. It was started in 1969 and is among the leading electronics manufacturers in China.
Is Vizio a leading brand?
According to multiple tech articles and reviews, Vizio consistently ranks in the Top 10 TV brands. Other leading brands include Samsung, Sony, LG, Hisense, HCL
