Hisense has officially introduced the A7NQ QLED, enhancing its robust TV lineup for 2024. This series boasts advanced features and competitive pricing, appealing to a diverse array of consumer preferences. The A7NQ is positioned within the mid-budget category.
This classification is largely due to its 60 Hz refresh rate and the absence of local dimming, which limits its ability to enhance image contrast. The two-channel audio system offers 20 W of sound output, while the intelligent VIDAA platform provides a solid range of streaming applications.
Design
The Hisense 55A7NQ presents a more premium appearance than its actual price suggests. The lower edge features an elegant dark silver finish that has a subtle metallic luster. The three black bezels are impressively tidy and appear more refined than typical plastic. Additionally, the screen is seamlessly integrated with the bezel, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
The tabletop stand also gives off a metallic impression, despite being made of plastic, and its “open” design reduces the TV’s visual footprint in the room. The unit remains relatively lightweight, even with the stand attached; it’s important to note that not all shiny surfaces are metal. However, the plastic construction is not discernible from a standard viewing distance.
The 55A7NQ has a slightly thicker profile compared to many contemporary TVs, a characteristic stemming from Hisense’s commendable choice to implement direct LED backlighting. This design choice is commendable, although it may not be the best fit for wall mounting.
Most functions of the Hisense A7NQ TV are managed through the remote control, which features a traditional layout similar to the E7NQ, complete with digital buttons and shortcuts for streaming services. The VIDAA U button provides quick access to the home interface. Voice control is also an option, facilitated by a microphone button on the remote.
Image quality
One of the key advantages of the 55A7NQ is its incorporation of quantum dot technology, which enhances color accuracy and vibrancy significantly. This positions it as a QLED TV, a feature that is relatively rare in its price category. Additionally, this model employs Direct LED backlighting with global dimming, referred to by the manufacturer as Direct Full Array.
In contrast to edge-lit LED displays, this technology ensures even light distribution across the entire screen, resulting in deeper and more consistent blacks. The native contrast ratio of the VA panel used is around 4000:1, which is sufficient to maintain detail in darker scenes.
For comparison, the 55-inch Hisense A7GQ series utilizes an IPS panel with a notably lower contrast ratio than VA panels, which compromises the depth of black, even with adaptive contrast settings. However, a notable drawback of the A7NQ is its peak brightness, which reaches only 350 nits, aligning it with other budget models.
Colors appear true to life and natural, whether viewing nature documentaries or television series. The HDR effect becomes particularly pronounced during darker films. Furthermore, the adaptive brightness feature automatically modifies display settings according to the ambient light in your room, ensuring optimal picture quality at any time of day.
There is a wide variety of preset picture modes available. The HDR Day mode enhances picture quality in bright environments, although it can make colors appear somewhat overstated. Conversely, the HDR Night mode tends to dull the colors excessively. It is important to note that both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision formats are supported.
When it comes to upscaling low-resolution content, the Hisense A7NQ series performs rather rudimentarily. While it sharpens images and adds appealing definition to lines, edges, and textures, it struggles to differentiate between source noise and actual scene details. This often results in an emphasis on noise, which can lead to an exaggerated grain effect.
Regarding motion processing, the AI technology effectively optimizes fast-moving frames, ensuring smooth action on the screen. Activating the Clear Motion feature further reduces judder and minimizes blur during low frame rates. Although the TV lacks dedicated gaming features, it does include an ALLM mode and a Game Mode PLUS, which offers a game panel for adjusting gameplay settings.
Additionally, the A7NQ series incorporates an AI Sports Mode that optimizes both picture and sound quality for sports viewing. The TV automatically recognizes when a sports event is on and enhances the clarity of fast-moving objects and audio, providing a more engaging viewing experience.
Smart TV
The Vidaa U7.6 interface stands out as one of the most stable and responsive operating systems available. Developed by Hisense, it is particularly well-optimized for their televisions. While it may not offer an extensive array of additional features, its intuitive design ensures easy navigation. However, its application selection does not match that of Android.
Hisense is actively enhancing the platform, leading to a continually expanding list of applications. Users can enjoy access to major streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. The voice control feature transforms the Hisense A7NQ TV into a smart speaker, allowing users to receive answers to inquiries and integrate it with their smart home devices.
The VIDAA system operates seamlessly, powered by the MT9603 quad-core processor. It includes the Odin web browser and offers several appealing features, such as screen sharing, which enables users to mirror their smartphone screens on the TV. Additionally, the Content Sharing function allows for the selective transmission of desired content to the television.
Sound
The Hisense A7N TV features 20W speakers that deliver impressive volume levels, making it suitable for a variety of television programs. The clarity of dialogue is commendable; however, the sound lacks dynamic range, particularly in the bass department, which may not provide an optimal experience for blockbuster films.
For a more enhanced audio experience, consider using a soundbar such as the Hisense AX3100G. This audio system supports Dolby Atmos and the AC-4 codec, ensuring high-quality sound for 4K UHD content. Additionally, it is compatible with Dolby Audio, facilitating seamless playback from various streaming services.
Connections
The TV features three HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which supports eARC, all of which have a bandwidth capped at 18 Gbps. On the side panel, there are two USB 2.0 ports, antenna jacks, a headphone output, a CI slot, and an analog AV input (accessible via an adapter). The rear panel includes an RJ-45 Ethernet port and a digital optical audio output. For wireless connectivity, the TV is equipped with Wi-Fi (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2.
Conclusion
The Hisense A7NQ is a solid TV overall. It performs well in dimly lit environments due to its impressive contrast ratio and satisfactory black uniformity. However, its performance diminishes in well-lit rooms, as it has a relatively low peak brightness, making it less effective at managing reflections.
In terms of viewing experiences, it is suitable for watching sports or shows, but the picture quality declines when viewed from an angle, which may limit its appeal for larger groups. On the positive side, it offers decent gaming features, including low input lag, and includes useful functionalities such as ALLM.