Assessed Three Leading Mini-LED TV Models: My Preferred Pick for Personal Investment
Updated Review: The Best Mini-LED TVs of 2025, Uncensored and Unfiltered
The year is just halfway through, and I've already had the opportunity to test three new flagship mini-LED TVs for 2025. These babies are shining bright, even surpassing last year's models in terms of brightness, and they're all gunning for a spot on our list of the top TVs.
I've had a go with the Hisense U8QG, Samsung QN90F, and TCL QM8K, each boasting a 65-inch screen. The Hisense and Samsung have been reviewed already, while my take on the TCL won't drop until later.
Want to know more about these bad boys? Let's break it down.
Prices of the TV Beasts
- Hisense U8QG: $2,199 / £2,199 / AU$2,999
- Samsung QN90F: $2,499 / £2,499 / AU$3,499
- TCL QM8K (US-only model): $2,499
But prices aren't set in stone - some TVs are already taking discounts. The 65-inch Hisense U8QG, for instance, is now selling for around $1,499, and the TCL QM8K for $2,199. The Samsung QN90F hasn't seen a price drop yet, but we expect it and other models to get a serious price cut during the forthcoming Amazon Prime Day deals from July 8 through July 11.
But why wait? You might be curious to know which one's the perfect fit for you. Let's dive into the pros and cons of each TV.
Hisense U8QG
This TV is one serious light show - boasting the highest peak and fullscreen brightness among the three. The picture is jaw-droppingly bright! It also delivers the highest HDR color gamut coverage, with 97.8% for UHDA-P3 and 82.8% for BT.2020 - both stellar results for a mini-LED TV.
I gave this bad boy props in my review for its refined local dimming, which guarantees pictures with impressive contrast and detailed shadows. Colors also looked rich, but they did better with some pro-level adjustments to its default Filmmaker Mode.
Sports fans will feel right at home with the U8QG, especially since my time reviewing coincided with the NBA playoffs in the US. For daytime sports watching, this is a major plus due to its anti-reflective screen, which does a terrific job of minimizing screen glare from windows, lamps, and overhead lighting.
There were a few areas where the U8QG's picture didn't quite shine. Off-axis uniformity took a hit when the TV was viewed from a far-off center seat, and its built-in Google TV smart platform had frustrating quirks when attempting to browse broadcast TV channels pulled in by its ATSC 3.0 tuner (a problem that only surfaces in the US).
But don't let that deter you, gamers - this TV's got plenty to offer. It features three HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 165Hz, FreeSync Premium Pro, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ gaming support (though it could use an extra HDMI port for some added convenience). All in all, the Hisense U8QG is a fantastic TV and an excellent value for its current price.
Samsung QN90F
This TV isn't as bright as the Hisense and TCL powerhouses, but it's still bright enough to stand out for daytime viewing, and its Wide Viewing Angle feature and outstanding motion handling make it an ideal TV for sports.
The Samsung QN90F also has a superb way of handling bright room lighting conditions, thanks to its Glare-Free screen, a feature found in other flagship Samsung TVs. The only catch is that to enjoy this in bright conditions, you'll need to switch from Filmmaker Mode to the TV's Movie mode.
Aside from the near-flawless picture, the QN90F boasts a clear, powerful sound from its 4.2.2-channel built-in speaker array. Its stylish design is almost impossibly slim for a mini-LED TV.
Samsung's improved Tizen Smart TV platform is onboard, and the latest version incorporates the Samsung Art Store, a subscription service that lets you "stream" artworks from museums around the world to display on the TV's matte screen.
When it comes to gaming, this TV takes the lead, leaping ahead of the competition with four HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 165Hz, FreeSync Premium Pro, and HDR10+ gaming support. It also boasts Samsung's Gaming Hub for cloud-based gaming. We measured input lag in Game mode at a mere 9.5ms - one of the lowest rates you can find on TVs.
TCL QM8K
I haven't released my full review for this one yet, but I've given it a good once-over. Based on my initial impressions, the news is good. Peak and fullscreen brightness are similar to the Hisense U8QG, as is its HDR color gamut coverage.
Colors on the QM8K look rich yet accurate, and the TV's bright image and anti-reflective screen make it an excellent choice for daytime sports viewing. It delivers a uniform picture over a wider viewing angle than the Hisense U8QG, almost matching the Samsung QN90F.
The movies I've watched on the QM8K so far have impressed me, thanks to its local dimming prowess that's a match for its TCL QM851G predecessor. Motion handling is average, the same result achieved by the QM851G.
The QM8K has a strong built-in Dolby Atmos/DTS:X speaker system, tuned by Bang & Olufsen, and it supports Dolby Atmos Flexconnect, which lets the TV transmit sound directly to wireless speakers instead of relying on a soundbar.
Gaming-wise, the QM8K offers appealing features, including 4K 144Hz and FreeSync Premium Pro support. But with just two HDMI 2.1 ports, the TV lags behind its competitors in that regard.
Decision Time
All these TVs have stellar performance and top-notch features. Given the current pricing, I would pick the Samsung QN90F due to its outstanding all-around performance, impressive design, superior sound and smart TV features, and top-notch gaming features and performance.
That doesn't mean I wouldn't be happy with any of these TVs - the Samsung simply offers a bit more, even if it might be slightly pricier in the end.
Bonus Recommendations
- Samsung's next-gen RGB TV tech is beginning production
- Five new Apple TV 4K features to watch out for in tvOS 26
- Three new 4K Blu-rays to add to your collection in 2025
- Enhance your home entertainment system with the latest technology by pairing your new mini-LED TV, like the Samsung QN90F, with wireless speakers that support Dolby Atmos Flexconnect, ensuring an immersive sound experience for your movies and games.
- If you're a tech enthusiast who's already invested in a smart-home setup, consider a compatible gaming device to elevate your gaming experience. Look for devices that interface seamlessly with your smart-home-devices, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, to control your games hands-free with voice commands.
- In the pursuit of the perfect setup, don't overlook the importance of a high-quality camera to live stream your home games or capture memorable moments with friends and family. Invest in a versatile camera that offers 1080p or 4K resolution, automatic focus, and wide-angle lens capabilities to provide stunning visuals for all your gaming and streaming needs.
