Hisense 43A6G 43-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart TV review with Dolby Vision

Description

Unboxing the Hisense 43A6G: A Compact 4K Experience

I have to admit, I was intrigued by the Hisense 43A6G 43-Inch 4K Ultra HD Android Smart TV the moment I got my hands on it. The sleek black design is understated yet modern, blending seamlessly into any living room setup without screaming for attention. At just 15 pounds, the TV is lightweight enough to set up solo, saving me from having to awkwardly call a friend for help. The 43-inch screen size strikes a great balance for those who want a compact 4K experience without taking up an entire wall.

The two-tone finish adds a subtle premium touch, while the bezels are thin enough to give that immersive edge-to-edge look. It’s not the slimmest TV I’ve seen, but at 2.9 inches in depth, it doesn’t feel bulky, especially if you plan to wall-mount it using the VESA 200×300 compatibility. For those who prefer placing it on a stand, the setup is straightforward, and the included stand feels sturdy enough to keep the TV stable.

Picture Quality That Impresses (Mostly)

The 4K Ultra HD resolution is, unsurprisingly, the star of the show here. With 8.3 million pixels and a full-array LED backlight, the picture is sharp and vibrant. Watching nature documentaries felt like peeking out of a window into the wild; every blade of grass and drop of water looked crisp. What really stood out was the Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10 support. Shadows were more detailed, highlights were brighter, and colors popped in a way that reminded me of sitting in a movie theater.

However, I did notice that the brightness levels weren’t as high as some pricier models, especially in well-lit rooms. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re someone who watches TV during the day with sunlight flooding the room, it might not give you the punch you’re looking for. Dark scenes in movies, however, came through with impressive clarity thanks to the HDR support.

Gaming on the Hisense 43A6G: A Smooth Ride

One of the key benefits of this TV is the Auto Low Latency Game Mode, and as someone who loves gaming, this was a feature I couldn’t wait to test. I’m happy to report that it delivers. The TV automatically switches to game mode when a console is connected, ensuring minimal input lag. This made playing games like “Call of Duty” and “Fortnite” feel seamless, with no noticeable delay between my controller inputs and the on-screen action.

While the gaming experience was generally smooth, the 60Hz refresh rate might leave competitive gamers wanting more. For casual gamers or those who don’t need ultra-high refresh rates, it’s perfectly fine, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re expecting buttery-smooth 120Hz performance.

Voice Controls and Smart Features

The integration with Google Assistant is one of the TV’s standout features. Pressing the dedicated button on the remote allows you to control the TV with your voice, whether it’s searching for a movie, opening an app, or even dimming smart lights in the room. I asked it to play “Stranger Things,” and within seconds, it was streaming on Netflix without me having to press a single button. It’s also compatible with Alexa, for those who prefer Amazon’s ecosystem.

I can’t stress enough how much I appreciated the Android TV interface. It’s clean, customizable, and packed with options. With access to over 700,000+ movies and shows, I never ran out of things to watch. The built-in Chromecast was a handy touch for casting videos from my phone, especially when showing off vacation photos to friends and family.

Audio Performance: Could Be Better

The TV comes with DTS Virtual: X, which promises a soundbar-like experience. While the audio was clear and dialogue came through without any distortion, it lacked the depth and bass I was hoping for. Watching action-packed movies or concerts felt a bit underwhelming without that punchy low-end sound. If you’re an audiophile or someone who prioritizes good audio, pairing this TV with an external soundbar or speakers is highly recommended.

Good Points

• Exceptional Picture Quality: The 4K resolution combined with Dolby Vision HDR provides sharp and vibrant visuals.
• Gaming-Friendly Features: Auto Low Latency Game Mode ensures smooth and responsive gameplay.
• Smart Capabilities: Android TV offers a user-friendly interface with access to hundreds of thousands of movies and shows.
• Voice Control Convenience: Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility make navigation effortless.
• Lightweight and Compact: Easy to set up and perfect for smaller spaces.

Areas for Improvement

• Audio Performance: The built-in speakers lack depth and bass, making external audio solutions necessary for a richer experience.
• Brightness Levels: Could struggle in brightly lit rooms, especially during daytime viewing.
• Refresh Rate: The 60Hz refresh rate might not satisfy competitive gamers looking for smoother visuals.

Competing Products

When comparing the Hisense 43A6G to similar models from Samsung or LG, a few things stand out. Samsung’s TU7000 series offers slightly better brightness levels and a more intuitive remote, but it lacks the seamless integration with Google Assistant. On the other hand, LG’s 43UP8000 boasts better audio performance out of the box but comes at a higher price point.

Where the Hisense shines is in its value proposition. You’re getting Dolby Vision HDR, gaming-friendly features, and a clean Android TV interface at a fraction of the cost of comparable models. While competitors may edge it out in specific areas like brightness or sound, the Hisense 43A6G holds its ground by delivering a solid 4K experience at an affordable price.

Smart Spending

If you’re someone who loves a good deal, this TV feels like a smart spending choice. It doesn’t try to be the absolute best in every category, but it offers enough features and performance to justify its price. The inclusion of premium features like Dolby Vision HDR and Google Assistant at this price point is impressive. For budget-conscious buyers who want a versatile TV that excels in picture quality and smart capabilities, the Hisense 43A6G is a compelling option.

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