Hisense knows the formula when it comes to producing price-conscious smart TVs. The next-generation Hisense U8K Mini LED TV looks to maintain the company's reputation for TVs that rival its high-end competitors. [The 2023 U8K improves on last year's Hisense U8H Mini LED TV by introducing twice as many local dimming zones, a native 144Hz refresh rate, and a new 85-inch screen option. Overall, Hisense's flagship set features specs that were previously only available on premium-class TVs.

That said, we won't know how the Hisense U8K Mini LED TV stacks up to the best TVs of the year until we try it out. Here we give you our first impressions and the timing of its release.

While Hisense has not announced specific pricing and availability information for the U8K, we can make some guesses.

The Hisense U8K is expected to hit store shelves in early summer, June or July, along with the rest of Hisense's 2023 TV lineup. As for pricing, it would be a surprise if Hisense deviates too far from the $999 price tag for the U8H's 65-inch configuration.

The U8K will be available in an 85-inch configuration for the first time and will probably cost around $2000 to $2500.

The Hisense U8K Mini LED TV comes in four sizes: 55", 65", 75", and 85". The design language and most of the specs are the same for all models, with the only notable difference being the increased total number of local dimming zones per configuration.

Two legs support the set high enough to place a thin soundbar underneath, which is nice, but not much else stands out in the TV's simple appearance; not that the U8K looks cheap, but Hisense TVs typically prioritize function over form.

On the back of the TV is a port array with four HDMI 2.1 ports. Compared to this year's premium mini LED TVs, the U8K's price is very high. Additionally, the U8K includes an ATSC 3.0 tuner for next-generation TVs, something even the LG C3 OLED TVs lack.

According to Hisense, the U8K has 1008 local dimming zones at 65 inches (up from 528 on the previous generation U8H), which should help with blooming while promising the same impressive brightness capabilities as last year's model.

The U8H struggled in some areas with color banding and upscaling. Improvements in these areas would increase the overall performance score of this TV.

In terms of specs, the U8K supports Imax Enhanced, HDR10+, and even has Filmmaker Mode. It also supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Similarly, the TV's native 144Hz panel positions the U8K as a gaming TV. It features Automatic Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.

For general content, the U8K's Google TV platform should have enough smart features and streaming apps. The included TV remote has a number of dedicated launchers for popular apps, as well as voice control via Google Assistant.

Hisense's U8K Mini LED TV is the company's flagship model, offering a Mini LED experience at a much lower price than Samsung or Sony. From what we can see, more budget-conscious customers may be able to take advantage of the top-notch specs.

Of course, a review of the Hisense U8K Mini LED needs to be done before any final conclusions can be drawn. Stay tuned for updates on pricing and release date as information becomes available. For now, if you're looking to upgrade your entertainment setup, see our favorite inexpensive TV deals.