Samsung Neo QLED QN85C vs. Hisense U9H: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a premium television in 2025, the Samsung Neo QLED QN85C (2023 model, e.g., QN65QN85CAFXZA) and Hisense U9H (2022 model, e.g., 75U9H), both available in secondary or refurbished markets, offer compelling options in the high-end Mini-LED segment. The Samsung QN85C combines vibrant QLED visuals with a sleek design, while the Hisense U9H delivers exceptional brightness and contrast at a lower price point. This article compares their quality, costs, and target audience, with prices in Kenyan Shillings (KSh) tailored for the Kenyan market, using data from RTINGS.com, NewForTech.com, and Versus.com.

Overview of the TVs

Samsung Neo QLED QN85C

The Samsung QN85C (2023) is a 4K QLED TV with an IPS panel, Mini-LED backlighting, and full-array local dimming (~720 zones for 65-inch). Powered by the Neural Quantum Processor 4K and Tizen OS, it’s designed for versatile viewing, gaming, and smart home integration, available in 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes.

Hisense U9H

The Hisense U9H (2022) is a 4K QLED TV with a VA panel, Mini-LED backlighting, and full-array local dimming (~1,280 zones for 75-inch). Equipped with the Hi-View Engine and Google TV, it’s optimized for bright rooms, HDR content, and gaming, available primarily in a 75-inch size.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• Samsung Neo QLED QN85C (based on RTINGS.com, NewForTech.com):
• Panel Type: IPS LCD, QLED, Mini-LED, full-array local dimming (~720 zones).
• Brightness: ~1,039 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~971 cd/m² (SDR real scene), good for bright rooms.
• Contrast: ~87,391:1 with dimming, ~834:1 native, grayish blacks due to IPS, some blooming.
• Color Performance: ~90.56% DCI-P3, ~66.44% Rec.2020, vibrant colors.
• Viewing Angles: Wide (~65° color shift), ideal for group viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG (no Dolby Vision).
• Upscaling: Neural Quantum Processor 4K, good (~6.3/10), effective for low-quality content.
• Reflections: Moderate handling (~5.2% total reflections), semi-glossy finish.
• Hisense U9H (based on RTINGS.com, Sound & Vision, adjusted from U8H data):
• Panel Type: VA LCD, QLED, Mini-LED, full-array local dimming (~1,280 zones).
• Brightness: ~2,000 cd/m² (HDR 10% window, estimated), ~1,200 cd/m² (SDR, estimated), excellent for bright rooms.
• Contrast: ~200,000:1 with dimming, ~5,000:1 native, deep blacks with minimal blooming.
• Color Performance: ~98% DCI-P3, ~78% Rec.2020, highly vibrant colors.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~25°), suited for direct viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, broader streaming compatibility.
• Upscaling: Hi-View Engine, poor (~4.8/10), struggles with low-quality content.
• Reflections: Excellent handling (~2.0% total reflections, estimated), semi-glossy finish.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The Hisense U9H outperforms with significantly higher brightness (~2,000 cd/m² vs. ~1,039 cd/m²), better contrast (~200,000:1 vs. ~87,391:1), and a wider color gamut (~98% vs. ~90.56% DCI-P3), making it ideal for HDR movies and bright Kenyan living rooms. Its ~1,280 dimming zones minimize blooming, enhancing dark-room performance. The Samsung QN85C’s IPS panel offers wider viewing angles (~65° vs. ~25°), perfect for group viewing, and better upscaling (~6.3/10 vs. ~4.8/10) for low-quality Kenyan broadcasts. The Hisense’s Dolby Vision support adds streaming versatility, while the Samsung’s lack thereof is a drawback.

2. Gaming Performance

• Samsung Neo QLED QN85C:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, 4K/120Hz via four HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~10.6ms (4K@60Hz), ~6.5ms (4K@120Hz), highly responsive.
• Features: VRR, FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible, ALLM, Game Motion Plus.
• Game Mode: Fast response (~6.5ms 80% response time).
• Hisense U9H (based on U8H data, adjusted):
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, 4K/120Hz via two HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~15.6ms (4K@60Hz), ~7.5ms (4K@120Hz), less responsive.
• Features: VRR, FreeSync, ALLM, Game Bar.
• Game Mode: Good response (~4.0ms 80% response time).

Verdict on Gaming: The Samsung QN85C is superior for gaming with lower input lag (~10.6ms vs. ~15.6ms), four HDMI 2.1 ports (vs. two), and broader VRR support (G-SYNC included), making it ideal for PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC gaming. The Hisense U9H’s faster pixel response (~4.0ms vs. ~6.5ms) benefits fast-paced games, but its fewer HDMI ports and higher input lag limit versatility.

3. Sound Quality

• Samsung Neo QLED QN85C: 2.2.2-channel speakers, 60W output, Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Plus, good (~7.5/10 score).
• Hisense U9H: 2.1.2-channel speakers, 70W output, Dolby Atmos, very good (~8.0/10 score).

Verdict on Sound: The Hisense U9H offers slightly better audio with higher power (70W vs. 60W), delivering more immersive sound for movies. The Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound Plus enhances dialogue clarity, but both TVs benefit from a soundbar for larger Kenyan rooms.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• Samsung Neo QLED QN85C: Tizen OS, Bixby/Alexa/Google Assistant, four HDMI 2.1, two USB, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 5, AirPlay, SmartThings, Samsung Gaming Hub.
• Hisense U9H: Google TV, Google Assistant/Alexa, four HDMI (two 2.1), two USB, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5, Chromecast.

Verdict on Smart Features: The Samsung QN85C’s Tizen OS is intuitive with AirPlay and SmartThings for smart home integration, plus four HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming. The Hisense U9H’s Google TV offers broader app access (>5,000 apps) and Chromecast, but its VIDAA-like interface (similar to U8H) can be less responsive. Both support voice assistants, but Samsung’s Gaming Hub adds cloud gaming versatility.

5. Design and Build

• Samsung Neo QLED QN85C: Slim (~1.06 inches, 65-inch), 0.35-inch bezels, VESA 400×300, ~23.7 kg, moderate reflections (~5.2%).
• Hisense U9H: Thicker (~3.1 inches, 75-inch), 0.4-inch bezels, VESA 600×400, ~36.5 kg, excellent reflections (~2.0%).

Verdict on Design: The Samsung QN85C’s NeoSlim design is sleeker and lighter, ideal for wall-mounting in Kenyan homes. The Hisense U9H’s bulkier build is less elegant but offers superior reflection handling, better for bright rooms.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2023/2022 pricing, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 18, 2025, 7:47 PM EAT). Local pricing may vary due to import duties and availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

Samsung Neo QLED QN85C Prices (based on NewForTech.com, RTINGS.com)

• 55-inch: $1,100–$1,300 ≈ KSh 143,000–169,000
• 65-inch: $1,500–$1,700 ≈ KSh 195,000–221,000
• 75-inch: $2,000–$2,200 ≈ KSh 260,000–286,000

Hisense U9H Prices (based on RTINGS.com, adjusted from U8H data)

• 75-inch: $1,400–$1,600 ≈ KSh 182,000–208,000

Verdict on Cost: The Hisense U9H is more affordable (~KSh 182,000–208,000 vs. ~KSh 143,000–286,000), offering better value for its 75-inch size. The Samsung QN85C’s broader size range caters to varied preferences, but its higher cost reflects its brand premium and gaming features.

Target Audience

• Samsung Neo QLED QN85C:
• Ideal For: Families, gamers, and smart home users in moderately lit rooms. Its wide viewing angles and gaming features suit group viewing and gaming setups in Kenyan homes.
• Use Case: Best for sports, gaming, and low-quality content viewing.
• Budget: KSh 143,000–286,000, for buyers prioritizing versatility and brand reliability.
• Hisense U9H:
• Ideal For: Cinephiles and budget-conscious buyers in bright or dark rooms. Its high brightness and contrast suit HDR movies and solo viewing.
• Use Case: Ideal for movies, HDR content, and bright-room viewing.
• Budget: KSh 182,000–208,000, for value-driven buyers seeking premium performance.

Final Verdict

Winner: Hisense U9H

The Hisense U9H is the superior choice for its exceptional brightness (~2,000 cd/m² vs. ~1,039 cd/m²), higher contrast (~200,000:1 vs. ~87,391:1), and wider color gamut (~98% vs. ~90.56% DCI-P3), delivering vibrant HDR visuals ideal for bright Kenyan living rooms and cinematic viewing. Its ~1,280 dimming zones and Dolby Vision support enhance dark-room performance and streaming compatibility, while its lower cost (~KSh 182,000–208,000) offers outstanding value. However, its narrow viewing angles (~25°) and poor upscaling (~4.8/10) limit its suitability for group viewing and low-quality content.

The Samsung Neo QLED QN85C excels for group viewing with wide angles (~65°), better upscaling (~6.3/10), and superior gaming performance (lower input lag, four HDMI 2.1 ports), making it ideal for sports and gaming. Its sleeker design and Tizen OS appeal to premium buyers, but its higher cost (~KSh 143,000–286,000) and lack of Dolby Vision are drawbacks.

Recommendation: Choose the Hisense U9H for cinematic HDR movies and bright-room viewing on a budget of KSh 182,000–208,000. Opt for the Samsung Neo QLED QN85C for group viewing, gaming, and versatile performance with a budget of KSh 143,000–286,000. Verify pricing through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers as of August 18, 2025.

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