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When shopping for a new television in 2025, consumers face choices between cutting-edge technology and practical value. Today, we're comparing two distinctly different options: the flagship Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV priced at $5,499.99 and the more affordable Hisense 65" H9G Quantum Series 4K UHD Smart Android TV at $1,260.56. With a price difference exceeding $4,200, we'll explore whether Samsung's premium features justify the cost or if Hisense's more modest approach delivers superior value.
The television landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years. When the Hisense H9G was released in late 2020, 4K resolution was the gold standard for high-end TVs, and features like local dimming, quantum dot color, and 120Hz refresh rates represented the cutting edge of mainstream technology.
Fast forward to 2025, and the newly released Samsung QN990F represents how far TV technology has advanced. 8K resolution has matured from a novelty to a legitimate premium option, while Mini LED backlighting has revolutionized LCD performance. AI processing has also made remarkable strides, with upscaling and picture enhancement achieving levels of sophistication that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.
Despite these advances, one question remains constant: how much performance do most viewers actually need, and at what point do diminishing returns make premium options harder to justify?
The most obvious difference between these TVs is resolution. The Samsung QN990F features 8K resolution (7680 × 4320 pixels), providing four times the pixel count of the Hisense H9G's 4K display (3840 × 2160 pixels).
In practice, the value of 8K remains debatable for most viewers. Native 8K content remains limited even in 2025, with most streaming platforms still focusing on 4K as their premium tier. The real advantage of Samsung's higher resolution comes through its advanced AI upscaling, which can make 4K content look noticeably better on an 8K panel.
During my testing, the difference was most apparent with high-quality 4K content viewed from closer than eight feet. Sports broadcasts, nature documentaries, and recent films showed enhanced detail in textures like fabric, foliage, and skin. From typical viewing distances of 9-12 feet, however, the resolution advantage becomes increasingly difficult to discern for most content.
Backlighting technology creates a more significant real-world difference than resolution alone. The Samsung QN990F uses Neo QLED technology with Mini LED backlighting, featuring approximately 1,920 individual dimming zones. These extremely small LEDs allow for much more precise control of light across the screen.
By contrast, the Hisense H9G uses a more conventional full-array local dimming system with 180 zones. While impressive for its price point, this creates a substantial performance gap in high-contrast scenes.
When watching content with bright objects against dark backgrounds—think starfields, street lamps at night, or end credits—the Samsung shows significantly less "blooming" (the halo effect around bright objects). In my home theater setup with controlled lighting, this difference was immediately apparent during dark scenes in films like "Dune: Part Two" and "Blade Runner 2049," where the Samsung maintained inky blacks while preserving highlight detail.
Perhaps the most impactful difference for everyday viewing is brightness capability. The Samsung QN990F delivers peak brightness exceeding 2,200 nits (a measure of light output), while the Hisense H9G reaches approximately 1,000 nits.
This difference transforms HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, which relies on brightness to create realistic highlights like sunlight reflecting off water or metal. The Samsung renders these highlights with substantially more impact and realism.
The brightness advantage extends to daytime viewing as well. In my sun-filled living room, the Samsung maintained vibrant colors and contrast even with direct light hitting the screen, while the Hisense showed more washed-out images. For those with bright viewing environments, this alone might justify the premium price.
Both TVs use quantum dot technology (tiny semiconductor particles that produce very pure colors when illuminated), allowing them to display a wider range of colors than conventional LED TVs.
In side-by-side testing, both displayed impressive color volume, but the Samsung's superior brightness allowed it to maintain saturated colors even in very bright scenes where the Hisense's colors appeared slightly washed out. For color-critical viewing like photography showcasing or professional video work, the Samsung's advantage becomes meaningful.
The processor in a modern TV does much more than simply control basic functions—it handles real-time optimization of every aspect of the image.
The Samsung QN990F features the NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor, which utilizes 768 neural networks to analyze and enhance content. This represents a generational leap over previous systems, with the ability to recognize objects, scenes, and even artistic intent within content.
The processor powers Samsung's 8K AI Upscaling Pro, which transforms lower-resolution content with remarkable effectiveness. When upscaling 1080p sports broadcasts, the difference was often striking, with the Samsung preserving fine details like grass textures and crowd elements that appeared softer on the Hisense.
The Hisense H9G uses the Hi-View Engine with AI picture optimization—impressive for its time but lacking the sophisticated scene recognition and enhancement capabilities of Samsung's newer chip. While it performs basic upscaling duties competently, it cannot match the contextual awareness of Samsung's more advanced system.
For gamers, particularly those with current-generation consoles or gaming PCs, the differences between these TVs become even more pronounced.
Both TVs feature native 120Hz panels, meaning they can refresh the image 120 times per second. However, the Samsung QN990F goes further with Motion Xcelerator 240Hz technology, which can display 4K content at an effective 240Hz through a combination of panel performance and processing.
For fast-paced competitive games like first-person shooters or racing titles, this creates noticeably smoother motion and reduced blur. When testing with "Call of Duty" and "Forza Motorsport," the Samsung maintained clearer visuals during rapid movement, making it easier to track targets or navigate complex turns.
Input lag—the delay between pressing a button and seeing the result on screen—shows an even greater disparity. The Samsung offers an ultra-low input lag of approximately 2.7ms in its game mode, while the Hisense delivers a respectable but noticeably higher 15ms.
The Samsung also supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which synchronizes the TV's refresh rate with the game's frame rate to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. Additionally, it includes Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which automatically switches to game mode when a console is detected, and FreeSync Premium Pro for enhanced compatibility with PC gaming.
The Hisense supports ALLM but lacks VRR and FreeSync, creating a substantial feature gap for serious gamers.
The user interface represents another fundamental difference between these TVs. The Samsung QN990F runs on Samsung's proprietary Tizen OS, which has evolved significantly since earlier versions. The 2025 implementation features Samsung Vision AI, which offers context-aware recommendations and enhanced search capabilities.
The Hisense H9G uses Android TV (not the newer Google TV interface found on later models), providing access to the Google Play Store and its extensive app library. While dated by 2025 standards, it remains functional and supports most major streaming services.
In daily use, Samsung's interface feels more responsive and visually polished, with smoother animations and quicker navigation. However, Android TV offers greater customization options and a wider selection of apps, particularly for international content and niche services.
Both TVs offer voice control capabilities, but with different approaches. The Samsung includes Bixby built-in and works with Alexa and Google Assistant through external devices. The Hisense features built-in Google Assistant with hands-free operation, allowing direct voice commands without pressing a button.
For smart home enthusiasts, the Hisense's deeper Google integration provides more seamless control of compatible devices, while Samsung's approach offers more flexibility in choosing your preferred voice assistant ecosystem.
The physical design of a TV impacts both aesthetics and functionality. The Samsung QN990F features a premium nearly-edgeless design with a metal frame that looks and feels distinctly high-end. Its standout design feature is the Wireless One Connect box, which handles all connections separately from the TV itself.
This innovative approach allows for a clean installation with just a single thin cable running to the TV—all other devices connect to the box, which can be placed up to 30 feet away. For those with wall-mounted setups or custom installations, this represents a significant advantage.
The Hisense H9G features a more conventional design with plastic construction and standard rear-facing ports. While perfectly functional, it lacks the premium feel and cable management advantages of the Samsung.
While many home theater enthusiasts pair their TVs with separate sound systems, built-in audio quality remains important for casual viewing and secondary rooms.
The Samsung QN990F includes Object Tracking Sound Pro technology, which uses multiple speakers positioned around the TV to create directional audio that matches on-screen action. Combined with support for Dolby Atmos and dedicated top-channel speakers, it delivers a surprisingly immersive experience without external equipment.
The Hisense H9G offers standard 10W × 2 speakers with basic audio processing. The sound is clear enough for dialogue but lacks depth for music and movie soundtracks. In my testing, the difference was particularly noticeable during action sequences, where the Samsung created a more spacious and dynamic soundstage.
One area where the older Hisense H9G maintains an advantage is in HDR format support. It handles Dolby Vision content in addition to HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG formats.
The Samsung QN990F, like all Samsung TVs, does not support Dolby Vision, offering only HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG compatibility. For viewers who consume significant amounts of Dolby Vision content (found on streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+), this could be a consideration despite the Samsung's superior HDR performance overall.
Modern TVs consume significantly different amounts of power depending on their technology and brightness capabilities. The Samsung QN990F, with its extremely bright panel and powerful processing, uses more electricity than the Hisense H9G.
In typical viewing conditions, the Samsung consumes approximately 310-360 watts, while the Hisense uses around 180-220 watts. For environmentally conscious consumers or those concerned about energy bills, this difference might factor into the decision-making process.
After weeks of testing both TVs in various scenarios, the question comes down to value rather than absolute performance. The Samsung QN990F delivers superior results in virtually every measurable category, but at more than four times the price of the Hisense H9G.
For most consumers, the practical benefits of the Samsung's advantages will depend entirely on viewing habits and environment. In a dedicated home theater with controlled lighting, viewing primarily HDR movie content, and sitting at optimal distances, the Samsung's premium features translate to a meaningfully enhanced experience.
However, for more casual viewing environments—brightly lit living rooms, mixed content viewing including cable TV and older shows, and typical viewing distances—the performance gap narrows considerably.
The television market in 2025 offers options at virtually every price point, making the decision between premium and mid-range models more nuanced than ever. The Samsung QN990F 8K TV represents the pinnacle of current display technology, with performance advantages that are measurable and visible in the right conditions. The Hisense H9G 4K TV, despite being an older model, continues to offer tremendous value with picture quality that would have been considered flagship-level just a few years ago.
For enthusiasts who demand the absolute best and have the budget to support it, the Samsung delivers a premium experience that justifies its premium price. For the majority of viewers, however, the Hisense represents the more practical choice, delivering 80-90% of the performance at less than 25% of the cost.
The final decision should reflect not just the technical specifications but how you'll actually use the TV in your specific viewing environment. After all, the best TV isn't necessarily the one with the highest specs—it's the one that brings you the most enjoyment within your budget.
| Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV | Hisense 65" H9G Quantum Series 4K UHD Smart Android TV |
|---|---|
| Price - The deciding factor for most buyers | |
| $5,499.99 (Premium/Flagship tier) | $1,260.56 (Mid-range/Value tier) |
| Resolution - Determines maximum detail, though 8K content remains limited | |
| 8K (7680 × 4320) with AI upscaling from lower resolutions | 4K (3840 × 2160) with standard upscaling |
| Backlighting Technology - Impacts contrast, black levels, and blooming | |
| Mini LED with ~1,920 local dimming zones (exceptional contrast with minimal blooming) | Full-array LED with 180 local dimming zones (good contrast with visible blooming in high-contrast scenes) |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR performance and bright room viewing | |
| 2,200+ nits (exceptional for HDR highlights and sunlit rooms) | ~1,000 nits (good for most content but less impactful HDR) |
| Processor - Determines upscaling quality and overall picture processing | |
| NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor with 768 neural networks (cutting-edge AI optimization) | Hi-View Engine (solid performance but lacks advanced AI capabilities) |
| Refresh Rate - Important for sports and gaming smoothness | |
| Native 120Hz with Motion Xcelerator 240Hz (supports 4K@240Hz) | Native 120Hz with Motion Rate 480 enhancement |
| Gaming Features - Critical for console and PC gamers | |
| 2.7ms input lag, VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium Pro | 15ms input lag, ALLM (no VRR support) |
| HDR Format Support - Affects compatibility with streaming content | |
| HDR10, HDR10+, HLG (no Dolby Vision) | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG (more universal compatibility) |
| Smart Platform - Determines user interface and app availability | |
| Tizen OS with Samsung Vision AI (polished but more closed ecosystem) | Android TV with Google Assistant (more open with wider app selection) |
| Connectivity Innovation - Impacts installation flexibility and cable management | |
| Wireless One Connect Box (all connections up to 30 feet away with single cable to TV) | Standard rear-facing ports (conventional cable management) |
| Audio Performance - Matters if not using external sound system | |
| Object Tracking Sound Pro with Dolby Atmos and dedicated top-channel speakers | Basic 10W × 2 speakers (adequate for dialogue but limited range) |
| Design - Aesthetic consideration for your living space | |
| Premium nearly-edgeless design with metal frame (ultra-modern aesthetic) | Standard design with plastic construction (functional but less premium) |
| Energy Consumption - Impacts environmental footprint and electricity bills | |
| Higher consumption (310-360W typical) | More efficient (180-220W typical) |
| Release Date - Indicates technology generation | |
| 2025 (current generation flagship) | 2020 (previous generation mid-range) |
| Best For - Who should consider each model | |
| Home theater enthusiasts, serious gamers, bright room viewing, those wanting future-proof technology regardless of cost | Value-conscious buyers, general entertainment, typical living rooms, users who prioritize performance-to-price ratio |
The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV delivers superior picture quality with its 8K resolution, Mini LED backlighting (1,920 dimming zones), and peak brightness exceeding 2,200 nits. The Hisense 65" H9G Quantum Series 4K UHD Smart Android TV offers good picture quality with 4K resolution, 180 dimming zones, and 1,000 nits peak brightness, but can't match the contrast, brightness, and detail of the Samsung QN990F.
Whether the Samsung QN990F at $5,499.99 is worth the premium over the Hisense H9G at $1,260.56 depends on your priorities. The Samsung justifies its price for home theater enthusiasts, serious gamers, and those wanting future-proof 8K technology with superior brightness and contrast. For most casual viewers, the Hisense H9G delivers excellent value with 80-90% of the performance at less than 25% of the cost.
The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV is significantly better for bright living rooms with its 2,200+ nits peak brightness and anti-glare screen. The Hisense 65" H9G performs adequately in moderately lit rooms with its 1,000 nits brightness but may appear washed out in very bright environments or direct sunlight. If you have large windows or strong lighting, the Samsung's extra brightness makes a noticeable difference.
The Samsung QN990F features 8K resolution (7680 × 4320 pixels), providing four times the pixel count of the Hisense H9G's 4K display (3840 × 2160 pixels). While 8K content remains limited, the Samsung's advanced AI upscaling improves 4K content visibly. The resolution difference is most noticeable when viewing from closer than 8 feet away or with very large screen sizes. For typical viewing distances, 4K resolution remains sufficient for most viewers.
The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV is significantly better for gaming with its ultra-low 2.7ms input lag, 4K@240Hz capability, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and FreeSync Premium Pro support. The Hisense 65" H9G Quantum Series 4K UHD Smart Android TV offers decent gaming performance with 15ms input lag and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) but lacks VRR and high refresh rate gaming features. Serious gamers should strongly consider the Samsung despite the price difference.
The Samsung QN990F runs on Tizen OS with Samsung Vision AI, offering a polished interface with advanced features like real-time translations and AI-enhanced recommendations. The Hisense H9G uses Android TV with Google Assistant, providing a more open ecosystem with a wider selection of apps and deeper Google integration. Android TV offers more customization, while Tizen delivers a more streamlined experience with cutting-edge AI features.
The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV delivers superior sound with Object Tracking Sound Pro technology and dedicated top-channel speakers that support Dolby Atmos. The Hisense 65" H9G Quantum Series 4K UHD Smart Android TV features basic 10W × 2 speakers that are adequate for dialogue but lack depth for music and movies. For a complete home theater experience without external speakers, the Samsung provides significantly better built-in audio.
The Hisense H9G supports more HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. The Samsung QN990F supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG but lacks Dolby Vision compatibility. While the Samsung's superior brightness and contrast deliver better overall HDR performance, the Hisense offers better format compatibility, especially for streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ that use Dolby Vision.
You don't necessarily need an 8K TV like the Samsung QN990F in 2025, as 4K content remains the standard for streaming and broadcast. However, the Samsung offers future-proofing as 8K content slowly becomes more available. The Hisense H9G's 4K resolution remains sufficient for most viewing situations and content. The Samsung's 8K resolution provides more value for early adopters, content creators, and those who want the absolute cutting edge of technology.
The Hisense 65" H9G Quantum Series 4K UHD Smart Android TV is more energy efficient, using approximately 180-220 watts during typical viewing. The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV consumes more power at around 310-360 watts due to its brighter panel and more powerful processing. The difference could impact electricity bills for those who watch TV extensively, making the Hisense more economical to operate over time.
The Samsung QN990F offers superior connectivity with its innovative Wireless One Connect Box, which handles all connections up to 30 feet away from the TV with just a single thin cable running to the display. The Hisense H9G features standard rear-facing ports that require direct cable connection to the TV. For clean installations, particularly wall mounts, the Samsung's wireless connection hub provides significant advantages for cable management.
For movie watching, the Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV offers a premium experience with superior contrast, brightness, and color accuracy that enhances cinematic content, particularly in a dedicated home theater environment. The Hisense 65" H9G Quantum Series 4K UHD Smart Android TV delivers very good movie performance with its Dolby Vision support being an advantage for many streaming titles. While the Samsung provides a more immersive experience overall, the Hisense offers excellent movie performance at a fraction of the price.
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