TCL C855 vs Hisense U8N: Who Comes Out On Top?
Naila Syifa
Updated February 2025
TCL and Hisense are top names in the budget TV market, offering impressive features at affordable prices. The TCL C855 and Hisense U8N are some of their latest models that combine Quantum Dot technology with mini-LED, rivaling the more premium TVs in the market. In this article, we'll compare the two across a few key aspects to find out who comes out on top.
Key Takeaways
The TCL C855 edges out the Hisense U8N with higher peak brightness (3500 vs 3000 nits) and more local dimming zones. It also offers superior audio in larger models with 2.2.2-channel speakers compared to the Hisense U8N's 2.1.2-channel setup. However, both TVs generally match in smart features and gaming capabilities with Google TV and HDMI 2.1 support.
TCL C855
Premium QD-Mini LED TV
✓ AiPQ Pro Processor
✓ 3500 nits Peak Brightness
✓ 2.2.2 Channel Speaker
✓ FreeSync Premium Pro
Hisense U8N
The MVP of Mini-LED ULED TV
✓ Hi-View Engine Pro
✓ 3000 nits Peak Brightness
✓ 2.1.2 Channel Speaker
✓ 144Hz Game Mode Pro
Display
TCL C855
Both TVs use Quantum Dot color technology to achieve a wide color gamut, along with mini-LED backlighting that results in more precise local dimming than traditional LED backlighting.
Local dimming helps improve contrast by independently adjusting the brightness of different areas on the screen. More dimming zones allow for better control, reducing blooming and enhancing dark scene details.
To see which TV has better local dimming, we can compare the number of dimming zones. Take a look at the comparison table below.
| Screen Size | TCL C855 | Hisense U8N |
|---|---|---|
| 55” | - | 672 zones |
| 65” | 1344 zones | 1600 zones |
| 75” | 2160 zones | 2000 zones |
| 85” | 2304 zones | 1296 zones |
| 98” | 2160 zones | - |
Except for the 65-inch variant, the TCL C855 has more dimming zones than the Hisense U8N overall, giving it better contrast and more precise light control.
TCL C855 also boasts a higher peak brightness of 3300 nits for the 65-inch and 75-inch models and 3500 nits for the 85-inch and 98-inch models. Meanwhile, the Hisense U8N has a maximum peak brightness of 3000 nits.
One common aspect is the various HDR formats both TVs support, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG. They also equally support Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive, which can adjust the HDR experience based on ambient lighting conditions.
Audio
Hisense U8N
Both supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS, the TCL C855 and Hisense U8N can deliver an immersive audio experience, but there's a slight difference in terms of speaker configuration.
The Hisense U8N has a 2.1.2-channel speaker with a built-in subwoofer, which is decent for a room-filling, cinematic sound. The TCL C855 has a similar 2.1.2-channel speaker configuration too, but only for its 65-inch and 75-inch models.
As for the larger 85-inch and 98-inch, you'll get an enhanced 2.2.2-channel speaker with two subwoofers instead of one. The result is deeper, more evenly distributed bass that enhances the overall audio experience, especially in larger rooms.
Other Features
TCL C855
TCL C855 and Hisense U8N use Google TV as their smart TV platform, providing access to a wide range of streaming apps and services. With a built-in Google Assistant and hands-free voice control, you can easily search for content, control smart home devices, and more.
Both TVs are also well-equipped in terms of gaming features, including Game Bar, VRR, ALLM, and even FreeSync Premium Pro. They also equally offer two HDMI 2.1 ports, which support high-frame-rate gaming at 4K@144Hz resolution.
TCL C855 vs Hisense U8N
Final Thoughts
Hisense U8N
While both TVs offer impressive performance with their Quantum Dot displays and mini-LED backlighting, the TCL C855 has a slight edge in terms of local dimming zones and peak brightness, potentially providing better contrast and overall image quality.
The TCL C855 also stands out with a 2.2.2-channel speaker on its larger screen sizes, while the Hisense U8N has a 2.1.2-channel speaker configuration across all models.
In terms of overall smart TV and gaming features, both TVs are comparable.
If you’d like to read more about Smart TV, check out our other relevant guides here:
TCL C655 vs C755
TCL C755 vs C855
TCL C845 vs C855
Author
Naila Syifa
Naila has spent over 1,800 hours researching, exploring, and writing about the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
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