When it comes to choosing a budget-friendly TV, two brands often come to mind: Hisense and Toshiba. Both brands have been around for decades and have built a reputation for offering affordable TVs with impressive features. But which one is better? In this article, we’ll dive into the details of both brands to help you make an informed decision.
History and Reputation
Before we dive into the technical aspects of each brand, let’s take a look at their history and reputation.
Hisense, a Chinese company, was founded in 1969 and has since become one of the largest TV manufacturers in the world. While it may not be as well-known as other Chinese brands like Xiaomi or Huawei, Hisense has built a reputation for offering affordable TVs with impressive features. In recent years, Hisense has made a push to expand its global presence, partnering with major brands like Amazon and Google to offer smart TVs with advanced features.
Toshiba, on the other hand, is a Japanese company that was founded in 1875. While it’s not as old as some other Japanese brands like Sony or Panasonic, Toshiba has a long history of innovation, introducing the first color TV in 1964 and the first laptop computer in 1985. However, in recent years, Toshiba’s TV business has struggled, and the brand has faced stiff competition from other budget-friendly brands like Hisense.
Display Quality
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a TV is display quality. After all, what’s the point of a TV if the picture isn’t good?
Resolution
Both Hisense and Toshiba offer a range of resolutions, from HD (720p) to 4K (2160p). However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with impressive picture quality, Hisense may have the edge. The brand offers a range of 4K TVs with HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology, which provides a more immersive viewing experience with deeper colors and contrast. Toshiba also offers HDR, but it’s not as widespread across its range.
Panel Type
Both Hisense and Toshiba use LED/LCD panels, which are known for their energy efficiency and thin design. However, Hisense offers more options with advanced panel technologies like VA (Vertical Alignment) and IPS (In-Plane Switching). VA panels offer better contrast and deeper blacks, while IPS panels provide wider viewing angles and more accurate colors. Toshiba’s panels are more limited, with fewer options for advanced technologies.
Smart TV Features
In today’s connected world, smart TV features are more important than ever. Both Hisense and Toshiba offer smart TV platforms, but they differ in terms of features and usability.
Operating System
Hisense uses a range of operating systems, including Android TV, Vidaa, and HarmonyOS. Android TV is the most popular, offering access to a wide range of apps and services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. Toshiba, on the other hand, uses its own proprietary operating system, which is more limited in terms of app selection and features.
Voice Control
Both Hisense and Toshiba offer voice control capabilities, but Hisense has the edge here. The brand’s Android TV models are compatible with Google Assistant, allowing users to control their TV with voice commands. Toshiba’s voice control is more limited, with fewer compatible devices and services.
Gaming Performance
If you’re a gamer, you know how important it is to have a TV that can keep up with fast-paced action and quick reflexes.
Refresh Rate
Both Hisense and Toshiba offer TVs with high refresh rates, including 120Hz and 240Hz options. However, Hisense has more options with advanced features like motion interpolation, which helps to reduce blur and judder.
Input Lag
Input lag is a critical factor for gamers, as it determines how quickly the TV responds to controller input. Hisense TVs tend to have lower input lag, making them a better choice for fast-paced games like first-person shooters and fighting games.
Design and Build Quality
While design and build quality may not be as important as display quality or smart TV features, they’re still worth considering.
Design
Both Hisense and Toshiba offer TVs with sleek, modern designs that will look great in any living room. However, Hisense has more options with advanced features like slim bezels and curved screens.
Build Quality
In terms of build quality, Toshiba may have the edge. The brand’s TVs tend to be more solidly built, with fewer reports of defects and issues. However, Hisense has made significant improvements in recent years, and its TVs are now more durable and reliable than ever.
Price and Value
Finally, let’s talk about price and value. Both Hisense and Toshiba offer budget-friendly options, but which brand offers the best value?
Price
Toshiba is generally the more affordable option, with prices starting at around $300 for a 40-inch HD TV. Hisense TVs tend to be more expensive, with prices starting at around $400 for a 40-inch HD TV.
Value
However, when you consider the features and technology you get for your money, Hisense may offer better value. The brand’s TVs tend to have more advanced features like 4K resolution, HDR, and smart TV capabilities, making them a better choice for those who want a future-proof TV.
| Brand | Price (40-inch HD TV) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| $300 | HD resolution, LED/LCD panel, basic smart TV features | |
| Hisense | $400 | 4K resolution, HDR, Android TV, advanced smart TV features |
Conclusion
So, is Hisense TV better than Toshiba? The answer ultimately depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with basic features, Toshiba may be the better choice. However, if you’re willing to spend a little more for advanced features and better display quality, Hisense may be the way to go.
In terms of display quality, Hisense has the edge, with more options for advanced features like 4K resolution, HDR, and advanced panel technologies.
In terms of smart TV features, Hisense also has the edge, with more options for advanced features like voice control and a wider range of compatible apps and services.
In terms of gaming performance, Hisense has the edge, with more options for advanced features like high refresh rates and motion interpolation.
In terms of design and build quality, Toshiba may have the edge, with more solidly built TVs that are less prone to defects and issues.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with advanced features, Hisense may be the better choice. But if you’re looking for a basic TV with a lower price tag, Toshiba may be the way to go.
Is Hisense TV a good brand?
Hisense is a well-known brand in the TV industry, especially in the budget segment. While it may not be as popular as some of the top-tier brands like Samsung or LG, Hisense has been consistently producing high-quality TVs with impressive features at affordable prices. In recent years, Hisense has made significant improvements to its TVs, offering better picture quality, sleeker designs, and innovative features like laser TVs and OLED panels.
Hisense TVs are known for their excellent value for money, making them an attractive option for those on a budget. While they may not offer the same level of premium features as more expensive brands, Hisense TVs are reliable and provide a great viewing experience. Additionally, Hisense has been expanding its presence globally, making its TVs more accessible to a wider audience. Overall, Hisense is a good brand that offers a great balance of quality and affordability.
What is the main difference between Hisense and Toshiba TVs?
The main difference between Hisense and Toshiba TVs lies in their display panel technology. Hisense TVs, especially the higher-end models, often feature advanced panel technologies like OLED, laser, or quantum dot, which provide better contrast, color accuracy, and overall picture quality. Toshiba TVs, on the other hand, tend to use more traditional LED/LCD panels, which can result in a slightly lower picture quality.
That being said, Toshiba TVs have their own strengths, such as their Fire TV operating system, which provides seamless integration with Amazon’s ecosystem and offers a wide range of streaming apps. Toshiba TVs also tend to be more affordable than Hisense TVs, making them an attractive option for those on a very tight budget. Ultimately, the choice between Hisense and Toshiba TVs comes down to your specific needs and preferences.
Can I get 4K resolution on a budget Hisense TV?
Yes, you can get 4K resolution on a budget Hisense TV. In fact, most modern Hisense TVs, even the budget-friendly ones, offer 4K resolution as a standard feature. Hisense’s budget TVs may not have all the bells and whistles of the higher-end models, but they still provide a great viewing experience with crystal-clear 4K resolution.
It’s worth noting that Hisense’s budget TVs may not have the same level of HDR support or color accuracy as more expensive models, but 4K resolution is a standard feature across most of their range. If you’re looking for a budget TV with 4K resolution, Hisense is definitely a great option to consider.
Do Toshiba TVs have better sound quality than Hisense TVs?
Toshiba TVs are known for their decent sound quality, thanks to their partnership with Onkyo, a well-known audio brand. Toshiba TVs often feature Onkyo’s sound technology, which provides a more immersive audio experience. Hisense TVs, on the other hand, tend to focus more on their display technology, and their sound quality can be a bit lacking.
That being said, Hisense has been working to improve the sound quality of their TVs, especially in their higher-end models. Some Hisense TVs feature advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, which provide a more cinematic audio experience. However, if sound quality is your top priority, Toshiba TVs might be a better option.
Are Hisense TVs compatible with HDMI 2.1?
Hisense TVs, especially the higher-end models, are compatible with HDMI 2.1, which provides faster bandwidth and support for advanced features like 4K at 120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). This means that Hisense TVs can take full advantage of the latest gaming consoles and PC graphics cards.
However, it’s worth noting that not all Hisense TVs support HDMI 2.1, so it’s essential to check the specific model’s specifications before making a purchase. If you’re planning to use your TV for gaming or high-end PC applications, look for a Hisense TV with HDMI 2.1 support.
Can I get a Hisense TV with a built-in streaming platform?
Yes, many Hisense TVs come with a built-in streaming platform, such as Android TV, Vidaa, or Roku TV, which provide access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Hisense’s Vidaa platform is particularly notable, as it offers a user-friendly interface, voice control, and a wide range of streaming apps.
Some Hisense TVs also feature Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa integration, which allows you to control your TV and access various smart home devices using voice commands. If you’re looking for a TV with a built-in streaming platform, Hisense has plenty of options to choose from.
Which brand offers better customer support?
Both Hisense and Toshiba offer decent customer support, but Hisense is generally considered to have a more extensive support network. Hisense has a larger global presence, which means you can find authorized service centers and customer support teams in more countries.
Hisense also provides a more comprehensive warranty program, with longer warranty periods and more extensive coverage. Additionally, Hisense’s customer support team is often praised for its responsiveness and helpfulness. While Toshiba’s customer support is still decent, Hisense might have a slight edge in this regard.