Peak brightness figures are now going over 3,000 nits on premium sets and refresh rates of 165–180Hz becoming standard on mid-to-high-end models. 

RGB Mini LED in particular is being commended for colour precision and brightness across multiple brands. 

If you decide to purchase a television right now, you shouldn’t limit your judgement to screen size or brand name. 

The evolution of display technology means buyers must weigh brightness, colour accuracy, gaming performance, smart features and long-term software support. In Nigeria, where value for money is paramount, this decision is super important.

Even before 2026, Samsung has mostly been seen as the benchmark for picture quality and reliability when it comes to TVs, and Hisense, historically a value-oriented brand, has closed the gap with its latest RGB Mini LED technology. 

This comparison looks at the latest 2026 TVs from Samsung and Hisense, and what you should prioritise before buying.

Latest 2026 TV Lineups, What’s New This Year

Samsung’s 2026 Lineup

This year, Samsung launched new Mini LED models (M70H, M80H) aimed at entry and mid-range buyers, alongside refreshed Neo QLED and OLED sets. 

The discontinuation of some older models like the QN90F shows something interesting, with Micro RGB technology emerging as a new premium option above traditional Neo QLED. 

Samsung’s OLEDs (such as the S95H and S99H) are reported to be up to 30–35% brighter than previous models, which directly improves HDR performance and overall picture quality. 

Features across the lineup include high refresh rates (up to 144Hz on some Mini LED models), AI-based picture and sound optimisation, and a strong smart platform with extended update support. 

Hisense’s 2026 Lineup

Hisense has doubled down on RGB Mini LED technology for 2026, especially in its premium UR9S and UR8S models. 

These sets come with peak brightness up to 4,000 nits, advanced Hi-View AI processors and high refresh rates (up to 180Hz), making them competitive with more expensive brands. 

Beyond that, Hisense has expanded its use of RGB Mini LED across larger screens and introduced family-friendly features such as the KiDoodle remote, which provides curated content access.

The range also includes solid mid-tier models like the U7S Pro and U7S, which provides strong performance for their price points. 

Technology Breakdown What is Most Important

Display Technology

Samsung’s premium models include Neo QLED and OLED technologies, with the former using Mini LED backlighting enhanced by quantum dots and the latter providing deep blacks and excellent contrast. 

The introduction of Micro RGB on flagship models points to even greater colour precision and brightness potential. 

Hisense’s focus on RGB Mini LED means each pixel’s backlight can produce richer, more accurate colours compared with traditional Mini LED sets. The use of additional primary colours (cyan or yellow sub-pixels in some models) further expands colour reproduction and visual depth. 

Brightness and Picture Quality

Brightness is a key metric for viewing in bright rooms, a common scenario in many Nigerian homes. Hisense’s flagship peak brightness figures of up to 4,000 nits are among the highest in the industry for LCD-based TVs. 

Samsung’s OLEDs are not far behind in performance, and the brand’s constant improvements in HDR handling and anti-reflection coatings help maintain clarity even in challenging lighting. 

Gaming Performance

In 2026, both Samsung and Hisense TVs now support high refresh rates and HDMI 2.1 features. Hisense models like the UR9S and UR8S push 180Hz, which can ensure smoother motion for fast-paced games. 

Samsung’s mid-range Mini LED models also offer 144Hz refresh and AMD FreeSync Premium, which improves responsiveness and reduces tearing during gameplay. 

Smart Features and Platform

Samsung’s Tizen platform is one of the most polished smart TV interfaces, with broad app support and long-term software updates. Hisense’s smart OS (often Google TV or Vidaa depending on region) is also strong, though update frequency can vary by model.

Feature and Performance Comparison

Price and Value: What We Should Expect

Globally, Samsung’s new Mini LED models start in the mid-range price bands, while flagship OLED and Micro RGB sets sit at the premium end. 

Hisense’s RGB Mini LED models are built to provide comparable performance at lower prices, making them attractive where budget is a deciding factor.

In Nigeria, where import duties and exchange rates significantly impact retail prices, this dynamic means Hisense gives more performance per naira, while Samsung maintains an edge in brand trust and resale value.

Use Cases

Gamers:
If you play fast-paced games or use your TV as a large monitor, the higher refresh rates on Hisense premium models are great. Samsung’s 144Hz models still perform well and provide a more polished interface.

Movie Lovers:
OLED models from Samsung provide deeper blacks and smoother gradation, which benefits cinematic content. Hisense’s RGB Mini LED shines in brightness and colour volume, which can make HDR scenes pop.

Everyday Viewing:
For general TV watching, news, sports, soaps, both brands provide excellent quality. Hisense may edge out on sheer brightness and motion clarity, while Samsung’s ecosystem and UI fluidity are harder to match.

Pros and Cons

Samsung
Pros: Trusted brand, strong software support, excellent picture quality.
Cons: Higher prices, some mid-range models drop key features.

Hisense
Pros: Outstanding brightness and colour tech, strong value.
Cons: Software updates can be inconsistent, build quality varies.

If budget is your top concern but you still want cutting-edge performance, Hisense’s 2026 RGB Mini LED lineup is a serious competitor. If you prioritise long-term support, ecosystem polish and proven quality, Samsung is the safer choice.

So…

Tell us your budget and what you watch most, sports, movies or games, and we’ll recommend the best specific models for your needs.

The first version will focus on Google’s Memories feature, offering curated photos and videos on the big screen. For six months, this feature will be exclusive to Samsung devices. Users will need to sign in with their Google accounts to sync their content.

“Google Photos is a home for people’s photos and videos, helping them organise and bring their memories to life. We’re excited to bring Google Photos to Samsung TVs — helping people enjoy their favourite photos on a larger screen and reconnect with their memories in new ways,” said Shimrit Ben-Yair, vice president, Google Photos and Google One.

Samsung plans to expand the integration over time. AI-powered tools such as Nano Banana templates, image generation and editing, and the Remix feature will allow users to reimagine existing photos in different styles. 

These features will integrate with Samsung’s Vision AI Companion, appearing in Daily+ and Daily Board, making the TV a go-to hub for everyday digital experiences.

This is part of Samsung’s goal to make its TVs go beyond entertainment devices. In turning them into family memory centres, the company is aiming to make the living room a shared space for digital content. 

This is the first native presence of Google Photos on TV, extending its ecosystem beyond phones and computers.

Samsung’s content-focused approach makes it different from competitors such as LG and Sony, which have primarily emphasised AI upscaling and smart home integration.

The agreement, which will enable Nokia to extend its influence within the multimedia technology industry, ensures Samsung will pay royalties to Nokia for the use of these patented technologies, though the specific terms of the deal remain confidential. 

This new arrangement operates independently of an existing 5G patent license agreement already in place between the two companies.

Arvin Patel, chief licensing officer for New Segments at Nokia, noted the importance of the deal. He noted that the agreement strengthens Nokia’s place in multimedia technologies and its focus on innovation through decades of research and development.

With nearly 5,000 multimedia-related inventions to its name, Nokia has spent over 25 years impacting the use of video and multimedia technologies. The company has invested heavily in research and development, channelling approximately €150 billion since 2000 into a range of advanced technologies, including video compression, content delivery, and content recommendation systems.

In 2023 alone, Nokia allocated over €4 billion to R&D, boosting its reputation as a global innovator. This focus on cutting-edge development has enabled the company to lead advancements in both multimedia and telecommunications, ensuring its intellectual property remains a valuable asset for technology partners worldwide.

Beyond its multimedia innovation, Nokia’s work spans mobile, fixed, and cloud networks, leveraging its renowned Nokia Bell Labs for long-term research. Its open and high-performance network architectures continue to attract partners globally, delivering sustainable and secure solutions for the digital age.

This agreement with Samsung will further enable Nokia to monetise its intellectual property portfolio while facilitating partnerships that bolster consumer electronics and digital services.