Hisense UR9 RGB MiniLED Delivers High-Quality Picture for $2,000

RGB MiniLED televisions have finally made their debut in the market. Leading the charge is Hisense’s “UR9,” which, at a price point of $2,000 for the 65-inch model, delivers picture quality competitive with high-end models from Samsung and LG. Scoring an impressive 8/10 in WIRED’s review, the UR9 has been praised for its balance of picture quality and affordability.

The Technical Superiority of RGB MiniLED

Traditional LED and QLED TVs achieve bright and vivid images by using white or blue LEDs to illuminate an LCD panel. In contrast, RGB MiniLED employs a direct emission method using the three primary colors—red, green, and blue. This approach enhances color accuracy and allows for more precise control of contrast and brightness.

While LG and Samsung use a more advanced “micro RGB” technology that incorporates smaller LEDs for even finer control, WIRED’s review notes that the practical difference in image quality between the two is minimal. Questions remain about whether micro RGB’s advantages justify its higher price.

High Refresh Rate for Gaming

One standout feature of the UR9 is its remarkably high refresh rate. With a standard 180Hz and support for a variable refresh rate (VRR) of up to 330Hz when connected via DisplayPort, it offers smooth and responsive visuals, particularly for high-end PC gaming setups.

WIRED’s reviewers have dubbed the UR9 a “gaming monster,” noting that few competing models in the same price range offer such high refresh rates.

Setup and Usability

The UR9’s slim design, measuring just 1.8 inches (approximately 4.6 cm) thick, makes it sleek and easy to assemble. According to WIRED, it is easier to set up than Sony’s Bravia 7 Mark II. The TV runs on the Google TV operating system and supports Wi-Fi 6E, enabling faster wireless communication than traditional Wi-Fi 6.

However, a known bug in the Google Home app’s QR code setup may require users to manually enter their Google account information. Additionally, the remote control’s design was criticized for being “unnecessarily complex,” with the mute button placed far from the volume controls and an abundance of shortcut buttons.

Price and Competitive Landscape

As Hisense’s flagship model, the UR9 is competitively priced at $2,000 for the 65-inch version. At this price, it holds its own against similarly positioned models from Samsung and LG. However, when compared with LG’s micro RGB models, it lacks the fine-tuning capabilities for image quality.

Historically, Hisense has focused on budget-friendly models priced around $800, competing with brands like Samsung, Sony, and LG. WIRED’s reviewers have tested many of Hisense’s entry-level models in the past, often finding them to be bargain options. The UR9, however, marks a departure from this trend, aiming to establish a strong presence in the high-end market with the introduction of RGB MiniLED technology.

Comparison with Rival Models

Following the launch of the UR9, Sony’s Bravia 7 Mark II and TCL’s RM9L are also entering the RGB MiniLED market. TCL’s 85-inch RGB MiniLED model has been reviewed on this site as offering high picture quality but at a premium price. The Hisense UR9, at $2,000 for a 65-inch model, is more affordable while still delivering the advantages of RGB MiniLED technology.

While Samsung and LG’s micro RGB models dominate in terms of price and advanced features, the UR9 stands out for its cost-performance ratio. WIRED’s reviewers concluded, “The UR9 may not fully match the latest micro RGB models from Samsung and LG, but it offers excellent picture quality for its price range.”

Editorial Opinion

The arrival of RGB MiniLED technology represents a new phase in the competitive television market. Previously divided between traditional LED and OLED technologies, the market now has an additional option. Over the next three to six months, as competing models from Sony and TCL are widely released, price competition in the RGB MiniLED segment is expected to intensify. Hisense, as an early entrant, is likely to leverage its low-price strategy to gain market share. However, if LG and Samsung’s micro RGB technology continues to offer superior picture control, Hisense will need to find ways to differentiate itself technologically.

Looking ahead one to three years, RGB MiniLED could become a significant challenger to low-cost OLED models. While OLED still holds an edge in picture quality, its higher price and burn-in risks remain drawbacks. RGB MiniLED addresses these issues while approaching OLED-level image quality. The overall television market is likely to witness a growing polarization between MiniLED and OLED technologies. From an editorial perspective, the UR9’s high refresh rate raises questions about its benefits outside of gaming applications.

References

• WIRED: Hisense UR9 RGB MiniLED: An Affordable TV in Its Class — Published on July 7, 2026
• TCL’s 85-inch RGB-Mini LED: Between High Quality and High Price — Published on June 19, 2026