Full Breakdown
Hisense Slashes Prices on UR9 RGB Mini-LED TVs Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
5/5/2026, 12:35:22 AM
Aggressive Price Cuts and New Pricing
Hisense announced a steep reduction for its flagship UR9 RGB Mini-LED series. The 65-inch model now lists at $1,999 (some outlets report $2,000), the 75-inch at $2,999 (or $3,000), and the 85-inch at $3,999 (or $4,000). The 100-inch version, originally $9,000, is advertised with a $3,000 discount, bringing it to $6,000. Discounts range from $1,500 to $3,000, representing roughly a 30-45 % price drop compared with the launch prices announced earlier in the year.
Technology and Competitive Landscape
The UR9 is Hisense’s first RGB Mini-LED TV, employing roughly 35,000 individual red, green and blue LEDs. Chromagic display technology replaces a single white backlight with discrete RGB LEDs, which the company says yields “sharper and more realistic” color. An AI-driven Hi-View AI Engine RGB balances brightness and hue across the screen, while TÜV Rheinland certification confirms up to 50 % reduction in harmful blue light. Pantone validation, Dolby Vision 2 Max (expected via OTA update in June), Dolby Atmos sound, and a game-boost mode with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro round out the feature set. Competitors include Samsung’s R95H RGB LED TV (priced $300 lower after its own recent cut) and TCL’s RM9L/QM8L Mini-LED lines, which start at $6,000 for an 85-inch panel—significantly above the UR9’s current price.
Key Players and Partnerships
Hisense leads the promotion as the official TV sponsor of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The marketing campaign “Out Host with Hisense” features actor-athlete Terry Crews as the “Ultimate Host.” Samsung and TCL appear as direct rivals in the high-end Mini-LED segment. Google supplies the TV’s operating system, and the devices are sold primarily through Best Buy.
Market Impact and Consumer Appeal
A Hisense-commissioned survey found that 60 % of American adults prefer watching major sporting events at home, while 56 % host gatherings at least monthly and 85 % view the TV as the focal point of those events. The price reductions position the UR9 as a cost-effective option for consumers planning World Cup watch parties, potentially expanding Hisense’s market share in the premium TV tier.
Official Statements & Responses
Hisense emphasized that the UR9 “brings some of the company’s most powerful performance using an AI processor to visually balance scenes for optimal lighting and color.” The company also highlighted its pioneering role, noting that “as the first to market with RGB MiniLED technology, Hisense continues to pioneer innovative display solutions that set new industry standards.” Both statements were issued in product-launch press releases and promotional materials.
Criticism & Opposition
Industry reviewers have pointed out that OLED panels, such as LG’s G6 and Samsung’s S95H, remain cheaper at comparable sizes and still outperform RGB Mini-LEDs in contrast and black-level performance. One reviewer described the original UR9 price of $3,500 for a 65-inch model as “the biggest barrier to adoption,” suggesting the recent cuts may be a reaction to Samsung’s pricing move rather than a purely consumer-driven decision.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on exact pricing: The Verge lists the 65-inch UR9 at $1,999, while 9to5Google reports $2,000. The 75-inch price appears as $2,999 (The Verge) versus $3,000 (9to5Google). Discount amounts also vary, with USA Today citing $1,500 off the 65-inch model and $3,000 off the 100-inch model, whereas Gizmodo mentions “up to $3,000 off” without specifying size. No independent third-party price verification is provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ - scroll for more content Hisense says the UR9 TVs bring some of the company’s most powerful performance using an AI processor to visually balance scenes for optimal lighting and color.” — Hisense
- “Rather than filtering from a single white source of light, it builds from individual red, green and blue lights to produce color that’s sharper and more realistic.” — CNN
- “The TV earned TÜV Rheinland certification for eye comfort, reducing harmful blue light by up to 50% without compromising color accuracy.” — CNN
- “- As the first to market with RGB MiniLED technology, Hisense continues to pioneer innovative display solutions that set new industry standards.” — USA Today
- “The UR9 is Hisense's most advanced TV to date, available at Best Buy in four sizes from 65 to 100 inches.” — USA Today
- “As mentioned, the 65-inch model starts at $2,000, with the 75-inch coming in at $3,000 and the 85-inch priced at $4,000.” — 9to5Google
What’s Next
Hisense plans to roll out a Dolby Vision 2 Max firmware update in June, ahead of the World Cup kickoff on June 11, 2026. Additional price adjustments may follow as competitors release new models. Reviewers anticipate a full performance evaluation after extended testing, which could influence consumer perception during the tournament’s peak viewing weeks.
