For years, we’ve lived with a compromise. In one corner, the living room TV: big, beautiful, perfect for movie night, but sluggish and blurry when it came to fast-paced gaming. In the other, the dedicated gaming monitor: lightning-fast, responsive, but too small to truly immerse you in a cinematic world. The dream has always been to merge the two—to find a single screen that delivers breathtaking 4K HDR visuals for the latest blockbuster and the blistering-fast, tear-free refresh rates needed for competitive online gaming. The problem is, historically, achieving this meant venturing into the eye-watering price territory of flagship OLEDs. This left a huge gap in the market for enthusiasts who demanded next-gen performance without the four-figure price tag. It’s a frustration we’ve felt personally, trying to justify a purchase that always felt like settling on one front or the other.
What to Consider Before Buying a High-Refresh-Rate Gaming TV
A TV is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for modern home entertainment. In today’s world, it’s the central hub for streaming services, movie marathons, and, most importantly for many, high-fidelity console and PC gaming. A great gaming TV solves the problem of input lag, screen tearing, and motion blur that plagues standard televisions, providing a smooth, responsive experience that can give you a competitive edge and make virtual worlds feel more real. The main benefits are unparalleled immersion, visual clarity in fast-moving scenes, and the convenience of having one elite display for all your entertainment needs, from a quiet evening with a 4K film to an intense online tournament.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who owns a modern gaming console like a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, or a powerful gaming PC, and wants to unlock its full potential on a large screen. They value features like 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rates, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). This TV is for the enthusiast who wants premium features without the premium cost. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who primarily watch broadcast television or use older streaming devices that can’t take advantage of the advanced specs. If you’re a casual viewer or have a very small room, a less expensive, smaller 60Hz model might be a more practical choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A 65-inch screen is substantial. Before you even think about adding it to your basket, measure your available space. You’ll need a media unit that is wide and sturdy enough to support it, or sufficient wall space if you plan to mount it. Also, consider the viewing distance; for a 65-inch 4K TV, the optimal distance is typically around 4 to 6.5 feet to get the most immersive experience without seeing individual pixels.
- Capacity/Performance: This is where gaming TVs shine. Look for a native refresh rate of at least 120Hz (the Hisense 65E7KQTUK PRO 144Hz QLED Gaming TV goes even further to 144Hz) for ultra-smooth motion. Key technologies to demand are VRR (like AMD FreeSync) to prevent screen tearing and ALLM to automatically switch the TV to its fastest mode when a game is detected. Comprehensive HDR support, including Dolby Vision, ensures you’re getting the best possible picture with enhanced contrast and colour.
- Connectivity & Ports: For next-gen gaming, HDMI 2.1 ports are non-negotiable. This is the standard required to transmit a 4K signal at 120Hz or 144Hz from your console or PC. Ensure the TV has at least two HDMI 2.1 ports to accommodate multiple devices, like a console and a soundbar that supports eARC, which is also a feature of HDMI 2.1.
- Smart OS & Usability: The TV’s operating system dictates your daily interaction with it. Systems like Hisense’s VIDAA, Google TV, or Roku all offer different user experiences. Consider how fast the interface is, whether it has all the essential streaming apps you use (Netflix, Disney+, etc.), and how easy it is to navigate and adjust settings. A clunky, slow OS can sour the experience with an otherwise excellent TV.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Hisense 65E7KQTUK PRO 144Hz QLED Gaming TV stands out in several areas, particularly in its blend of high-end gaming performance and picture technology at a competitive price point. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Hisense 65E7KQTUK PRO 144Hz QLED Gaming TV is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
Unboxing and First Impressions: A Sleek Contender Enters the Ring
The arrival of the Hisense 65E7KQTUK PRO 144Hz QLED Gaming TV was met with a good deal of anticipation in our testing space. Our experience mirrored that of many users who noted the secure and robust packaging; the TV was well-protected by polystyrene inserts, ensuring it arrived in perfect condition. Once out of the box, the first thing we noticed was its surprisingly manageable weight for a 65-inch panel, making the setup process less of a two-person struggle than we expected. One user mentioned it was “easily mounted on the wall,” and we can certainly see why.
Aesthetically, the TV looks more premium than its price suggests. The bezels are pleasingly thin, drawing your eye directly to the screen itself. It features a central stand design, which is often more practical than the wide-set feet found on many modern TVs as it allows it to sit on smaller media units. Assembly was straightforward, and the initial software setup was a breeze. We took a cue from user feedback and used the VIDAA app on a smartphone, which genuinely simplified the process of connecting to Wi-Fi and signing into streaming accounts. It’s a small touch, but one that makes a great first impression. Powering it on for the first time, we were immediately greeted by the vibrant, punchy colours characteristic of a QLED panel.
Key Benefits
- Blistering 144Hz refresh rate with VRR and Freesync for elite gaming
- Vibrant and bright Quantum Dot Colour technology
- Surprisingly powerful and clear built-in sound system
- Excellent value, packing premium features at a mid-range price
Drawbacks
- Some user reports of software freezes requiring a power cycle
- Occasional reports of panel quality control issues
A Deep Dive into the Hisense 65E7KQTUK PRO’s Performance
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a TV, you have to live with it—to push it with demanding games, marvel at cinematic 4K content, and navigate its interface daily. We spent weeks doing just that with the Hisense 65E7KQTUK PRO 144Hz QLED Gaming TV, and it’s clear that this is more than just a budget TV with a high number on the box. It’s a thoughtfully engineered piece of equipment that punches well above its weight, especially in the areas that matter most to gamers and cinephiles.
Gaming Supremacy: 144Hz, VRR, and HDMI 2.1 in Action
This is where the “PRO” in the name earns its keep. We hooked up both an Xbox Series X and a PlayStation 5 to test its gaming credentials, and the results were nothing short of spectacular for a TV in this class. The inclusion of two HDMI 2.1 ports is the gateway, allowing for a full 4K signal at 120Hz from the consoles. The TV immediately detected the consoles and automatically switched to Game Mode PRO, enabling ALLM and VRR. The difference is night and day compared to a standard 60Hz TV. In fast-paced shooters like Call of Duty, the 120fps mode felt incredibly fluid and responsive. Aiming was snappier, and tracking fast-moving targets was significantly easier due to the enhanced motion clarity.
This experience was echoed by one user who exclaimed that their “Xbox Series X has never looked sharper, smoother or deeper.” We couldn’t agree more. The AMD Freesync Premium technology worked flawlessly, completely eliminating the distracting screen tearing that can occur when the game’s frame rate doesn’t perfectly match the TV’s refresh rate. Driving through the vibrant landscapes of Mexico in Forza Horizon 5 was a buttery-smooth, tear-free joy. While a couple of hardcore PC gamers noted a marginal increase in input lag compared to a dedicated high-end gaming monitor, for 99% of players, especially on console, the response time is excellent. The Hisense 65E7KQTUK PRO 144Hz QLED Gaming TV delivers a truly next-gen gaming experience that, until recently, was reserved for much more expensive displays.
A Cinematic Feast: Quantum Dot Colour and Dolby Vision IQ
While its gaming prowess is the headline feature, the Hisense 65E7KQTUK PRO 144Hz QLED Gaming TV is no slouch when it comes to movie night. The foundation of its impressive picture is the Quantum Dot Colour technology. This allows the panel to reproduce over a billion shades of colour, resulting in an image that is incredibly vibrant and lifelike. As one user aptly put it, straight out of the box, “the images on the screen were bursting with vivid colours!” We found this to be true, although, like another user, we felt the colours were a little oversaturated by default in some picture modes. Thankfully, the settings menu is comprehensive, and a few minor tweaks brought the picture to a beautifully balanced and accurate state.
The real star of the show for cinematic content is Dolby Vision IQ. Unlike standard Dolby Vision, the ‘IQ’ version uses a light sensor built into the TV to dynamically adjust the HDR picture based on the ambient light in your room. This means that in a bright, sunlit room, the TV boosts brightness and adjusts the picture so dark details aren’t lost, while in a dark room, it tones things down to preserve the director’s intent and prevent highlights from being overly bright. Watching Dolby Vision-enabled content on Netflix and Disney+ was a treat. The contrast was excellent, with what one user described as “crisp whites and black blacks.” While it doesn’t achieve the perfect, inky blacks of an OLED, its performance is exceptional for a QLED TV in this price bracket, delivering a rich, dynamic, and immersive viewing experience.
Sound That Defies Expectations: More Than Just TV Speakers
Honestly, we usually dismiss built-in TV speakers as a temporary solution until a proper soundbar can be installed. The Hisense 65E7KQTUK PRO 144Hz QLED Gaming TV completely changed our expectations. We were genuinely taken aback by the quality of the onboard audio. It produces a sound that is full, clear, and has a surprising amount of bass weight. Many users shared this sentiment, with one reviewer, a former Sony Bravia owner, calling the built-in speaker “awesome” and another stating it “does not require a soundbar.”
The TV supports Dolby Atmos, and while you won’t get true overhead effects from two speakers, the processing creates a wide and immersive soundstage that easily fills a medium-sized room. Dialogue is crisp and easy to understand, even in action-heavy scenes. For those who like to tinker, Hisense includes a full graphic equalizer in the sound settings, allowing you to tune the audio to your precise liking. It’s an impressive package, but it’s not without a minor flaw noted by one user. At very high volumes (past 14-15), some vibration could be heard from the back panel of the TV when used with its stand. As the user speculated, wall-mounting the TV would likely press the panel firmly against the bracket and eliminate this issue entirely. For most listening levels, however, the audio is a standout feature that adds immense value.
The VIDAA U7 Experience: Fast, Simple, but Focused
A smart TV is only as smart as its operating system, and Hisense’s VIDAA U7 is a pleasure to use. In a world of increasingly cluttered and ad-filled interfaces, VIDAA feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s clean, fast, and responsive. Boot-up times are quick, and navigating between apps and inputs is snappy with no noticeable lag. All the essential UK streaming apps are present and accounted for: Freeview Play, Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and many more are available right out of the box.
The setup process, as mentioned, is greatly simplified by the companion smartphone app, which saves you the tedious task of typing in passwords with a remote control. The remote itself is well-designed and includes quick-access buttons for the most popular services. We found the home screen to be logically laid out, presenting content recommendations without being overwhelming. While it may not have the sheer volume of niche apps found on the Google TV or Roku platforms, it covers all the major bases with an interface that prioritizes speed and simplicity, which we believe many users will appreciate.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment towards the Hisense 65E7KQTUK PRO 144Hz QLED Gaming TV is overwhelmingly positive, especially concerning its core value proposition. Many users describe it as “phenomenal value,” praising its combination of high-end gaming features and excellent picture quality for a price that significantly undercuts the big-name brands. One happy customer noted it was the “best decision” after replacing an older Sony TV, highlighting the massive improvement in picture and the perfect fit of the 65-inch screen. The sound quality is a recurring point of praise, with several reviewers pleasantly surprised that they could forgo a separate soundbar.
However, the experience isn’t universally perfect. It’s important to acknowledge reports from a minority of users who have encountered quality control or software issues. A few have experienced the TV freezing intermittently, requiring a full power cycle (unplugging and plugging it back in) to resolve. More concerning, though seemingly rare, are reports of panel defects like vertical lines or “bubbles” appearing after a short period of use. While these appear to be isolated incidents and are covered by warranty, they represent a potential risk that buyers should be aware of.
How Does the Hisense 65E7KQTUK PRO Compare to the Competition?
No product exists in a vacuum. While the Hisense 65E7KQTUK PRO 144Hz QLED Gaming TV is a formidable contender, the market is filled with compelling alternatives that might be a better fit depending on your specific needs and priorities.
1. TCL 75P7K-UK 75″ QLED 4K Google TV 2025 New Model
The TCL 75P7K-UK presents a compelling alternative for those who believe bigger is better. Its most obvious advantage is the massive 75-inch screen, which offers an even more immersive cinematic experience. It also runs on the Google TV platform, which some users may prefer for its deep integration with Google Assistant and its vast library of apps. While it boasts a “120Hz Game Accelerator,” it’s important to note this might be achieved through processing rather than a native 144Hz panel like the Hisense. This TCL is an excellent choice for movie lovers and those embedded in the Google ecosystem who want the largest screen possible for their budget.
2. Hisense 58A6KTUK 58 Inch Smart TV
If your budget is tighter and high-refresh-rate gaming isn’t your top priority, this alternative from Hisense itself is worth considering. The 58A6KTUK is a more standard 4K smart TV. It forgoes the Quantum Dot panel and the 144Hz gaming features of its “PRO” sibling in favour of a more accessible price point. It still offers Dolby Vision for good HDR performance and the same VIDAA smart OS. This TV is the ideal choice for someone looking for a solid, reliable 4K TV for general streaming and movie watching who doesn’t own a next-gen console or a high-end gaming PC.
3. CHiQ U43QM9K 43 inch 4K QLED Roku TV
For those with smaller spaces like a bedroom, office, or garden mancave, the CHiQ U43QM9K is an intriguing option. Despite its compact 43-inch size, it still packs a QLED panel for vibrant colours and supports HDR10. Its key differentiator is the Roku TV operating system, which is beloved for its incredibly simple interface and extensive “Channel” store. While it includes HDMI 2.1, its gaming performance won’t match the Hisense PRO’s high refresh rate. This is the perfect TV for someone who prioritizes the user-friendly Roku experience in a smaller form factor.
Final Verdict: Is the Hisense 65E7KQTUK PRO 144Hz QLED Gaming TV the Right Choice for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the Hisense 65E7KQTUK PRO 144Hz QLED Gaming TV is an absolute triumph of value and performance. It successfully bridges the gap between a cinematic family TV and a high-performance gaming display without demanding a flagship price. For next-gen console owners, its feature set—a true 144Hz panel, full HDMI 2.1 support with VRR, and stunning QLED colours—is simply unmatched at this price point. Add to that a surprisingly punchy and clear built-in sound system, and you have a package that is incredibly difficult to beat.
While we acknowledge the isolated user reports of software glitches and panel issues as a potential concern, the vast majority of feedback, combined with our own fantastic experience, points to this being a reliable and impressive television. If you are a gamer looking to unlock the full power of your PS5 or Xbox Series X on a big, beautiful screen, this is, without a doubt, one of the smartest purchases you can make today.
If you’ve decided the Hisense 65E7KQTUK PRO 144Hz QLED Gaming TV is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.