Hisense 55" Class QD7 Series Mini-LED vs Roku Smart TV – 24-Inch Select

Design and build quality

The physical design of a television often dictates where it can be placed within a home. The Hisense 55" Class QD7 Series is built around a large 55-inch screen, making it suitable for living rooms or dedicated media spaces where viewing distance allows for immersion. In contrast, the Roku Smart TV 24-Inch Select is designed with a compact 24-inch form factor. This smaller footprint allows it to fit easily into kitchens, bedrooms, or dorm rooms where space is at a premium. Both units serve different physical roles based on their dimensions.

Display Technology and Picture Quality

Picture quality is the primary differentiator between these two models. The Hisense unit utilizes Mini-LED technology with Full Array Local Dimming. This setup uses lots of tiny LEDs to create pinpoints of light, which helps in creating deeper shadows and brighter highlights while virtually eliminating halos. It also features QLED Color made up of quantum dots to display over a billion shades of color. The Roku Select Series does not specify Mini-LED or Quantum Dot technology in its provided features, indicating a standard LED architecture typical for entry-level displays.

Smart Platform and Interface

Both televisions offer smart capabilities but utilize different operating systems. The Hisense model runs on Fire TV, which puts favorite apps front and center on one main home screen for quick access to shows and movies. The Roku Select Series uses the Roku interface, described as intuitive for exploring popular apps. Roku notes that their interface makes finding favorites as easy as it is fun, with apps that launch in a snap due to fast Wi-Fi integration.

Voice Control and Connectivity

Voice control options vary significantly between the two devices. The Hisense Fire TV model supports Alexa, allowing users to press and ask to find, launch, and control content, as well as check sports scores or set timers. The Roku Select Series offers broader compatibility, supporting easy voice control with Roku Voice, Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. This gives the Roku model an advantage for users invested in ecosystems outside of Amazon.

Entertainment Options and Apps

Access to content is central to the smart TV experience. The Hisense Fire TV interface focuses on streaming apps and content discovery through its main home screen. The Roku platform emphasizes a wide range of entertainment options, including free movies, shows, and live TV. Roku specifically highlights access to 500+ TV channels with live in-season shows, hit movies, weather, local news, and award-winning Roku Originals at no additional cost.

Size and Room Fit

Choosing between these models often comes down to the intended room. The 55-inch Hisense is designed to be a primary television, offering a cinematic experience with its larger surface area. The 24-inch Roku is marketed as a perfect fit for any smart home environment where a smaller screen is preferable. Its compact size ensures it does not overwhelm smaller spaces while still providing smart functionality and streaming capabilities.

Price and Value

Price is a major factor in this comparison. The Hisense 55" Class QD7 Series is priced at $329.99, reflecting its larger size and advanced Mini-LED panel technology. The Roku Smart TV 24-Inch Select is priced at $99.99, positioning it as a budget-friendly option. While the Hisense offers more advanced specifications, the Roku provides a ton of entertainment at the best price for users seeking an affordable secondary screen.

Which one should you buy?

Your choice depends on your specific needs for picture quality versus budget. If you want a main television with high brightness, contrast, and color accuracy, the Hisense 55" Class QD7 Series is the better choice due to its Mini-LED and QLED features. If you need an inexpensive TV for a smaller room with a simple interface and broad voice assistant support, the Roku Smart TV 24-Inch Select offers significant value at a lower cost.