Introduction
Hisense dropped a pricing bombshell on release day for its UR9 series—the first RGB LED TV of the year. The 65-inch model, originally announced at $3,500, now costs just $1,999. That’s a massive $1,500 reduction. The 75-inch dropped from over $4,500 to $2,999 ($1,500 off), and the 85-inch fell from around $5,999 to $3,999 ($2,000 off). The 100-inch model hasn’t seen a new price yet. If you were eyeing this TV but hesitated because of the high cost, this guide will walk you through exactly how to take advantage of this unprecedented deal. We’ll cover what you need, step-by-step actions, and pro tips to ensure you get the best value.
What You Need
- Access to the internet – to check current prices and availabilities.
- Budget awareness – know your spending limit (e.g., $2,000 max for a 65-inch).
- Retailer list – major electronics stores (Best Buy, Amazon, Hisense direct) where the UR9 is sold.
- Basic knowledge of TV specs – understand terms like RGB LED, OLED, peak brightness, and color volume.
- Comparison tools – a notepad or spreadsheet to compare prices and features.
- Review sources – professional reviews (like The Verge) to guide your decision.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Understand the Price Cut Details
First, confirm the new prices directly from Hisense or a trusted retailer. As of the price cut announcement, the UR9 lineup is now:
- 65-inch: $1,999 (originally $3,500)
- 75-inch: $2,999
- 85-inch: $3,999
- 100-inch: price not yet updated
These savings range from $1,500 to $2,000 per size. Write these numbers down. The discount is aggressive and likely time-limited, so act fast. Note that the 100-inch variant hasn’t been reduced—yet.
Step 2: Compare the UR9 Against Competitors
The original review at The Verge pointed out that at $3,500, the 65-inch UR9 was more expensive than flagship OLEDs like the LG G6 ($3,000 street price) and Samsung S95H ($3,200). Now at $1,999, the UR9 undercuts them by $1,000+. However, the reviewer noted that OLED still outperforms RGB LED in black levels and contrast. But for bright rooms and gaming, RGB LED offers higher peak brightness. List the pros and cons:
- UR9 advantages: cheaper than OLEDs at the new price, higher brightness, no burn-in risk.
- UR9 disadvantages: blacks are not as deep, viewing angles narrower, and color volume may be slightly lower.
If you prioritize absolute picture quality, OLED might still be better—but the price gap is now huge.
Step 3: Check Your Room and Usage
Consider where the TV will go. If you have a bright living room with lots of windows, the UR9’s high brightness will be beneficial. If you watch mostly in a dark home theater room, an OLED might deliver a more cinematic experience. Also consider gaming: RGB LED TVs often have lower input lag and support VRR, but confirm specs. Write down your primary use case: movies, sports, gaming, or mixed?
Step 4: Search for Additional Discounts or Bundles
Retailers often stack discounts. Look for:
- Credit card cashback offers (e.g., 5% back with Amazon Prime card).
- Open-box or refurbished units (can save another 10–20%).
- Bundle deals that include soundbars or wall mounts.
- Price-match guarantees from stores like Best Buy.
Use price trackers like CamelCamelCamel to see historical prices and set alerts.
Step 5: Make Your Purchase Decision
After comparing and checking deals, choose the size that fits your room and budget. The 65-inch at $1,999 is the sweet spot for most households. The 75-inch at $2,999 is great for a large living room, and the 85-inch is for dedicated media rooms. Place your order from a reputable seller with a good return policy (e.g., 30 days). If you’re still unsure, wait a day or two—but prices may rise once stock runs low.
Tips for Getting the Best Value
- Act fast: This price cut is a launch-day surprise; it may not last long. Monitor deal sites (Slickdeals, Reddit’s r/buildapcsales) for stock updates.
- Consider OLED alternatives: If the new UR9 price still feels high, look at last-year’s OLED models. They might drop further in sales.
- Check for delivery fees: Some retailers charge extra for large TVs. Factor that into the total cost.
- Read the full review: Head to The Verge for the complete review of the UR9 to see if its quirks (like local dimming blooming) bother you.
- Look for a warranty: Hisense offers a standard one-year warranty, but consider extended coverage from the retailer for peace of mind.
- Don’t forget installation: For an 85-inch, professional mounting may cost extra. Plan ahead.
By following these steps, you can confidently purchase the Hisense UR9 at its lowest price ever—and enjoy a top-tier RGB LED TV without breaking the bank.