Shoppers across the UK are rushing to secure a major discount on a high-end smart television that offers a compelling alternative to paid satellite services. The retailer QVC has positioned itself as the place to buy, offering a significant price cut on a recently launched model.
A Substantial Price Drop on Premium Tech
The deal centres on the 55-inch Hisense U7Q PRO Mini LED 4K Smart AI TV, a 2025 model that normally retails for £999. QVC has now reduced that price by a substantial £360, bringing the cost down to just £639. This represents a saving of 36% and makes it cheaper than offers from competitors like Currys, where the same TV is currently listed at £699.
The television itself is packed with features designed for a high-quality home cinema experience. It utilises Mini LED and Quantum Dot technology, which the manufacturer says can display over one billion colours for vibrant, true-to-life images. This is enhanced by AI processing that analyses content in real-time to optimise the picture. For sound, a built-in subwoofer and Dolby Atmos support aim to create immersive, cinema-style audio.
The Freely Advantage: Live TV Without the Dish
One of the most talked-about features of this particular Hisense model is its integration with Freely. This built-in service is a joint venture from the UK's major terrestrial broadcasters: the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5. It allows viewers to watch live and on-demand TV directly over their home Wi-Fi connection, eliminating the need for a traditional aerial or satellite dish.
This positions the Hisense U7Q PRO as a direct rival to subscription services from companies like Sky. For comparison, Sky's entry-level Essential TV package with around 100 channels and Netflix starts at £15 per month. Bundling a similar service with a Sky Glass TV pushes the monthly cost to at least £21. The Freely service on the Hisense provides a free, streamlined way to access core UK channels, though paid streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video still require their own subscriptions.
Gamer-Friendly Features and Early Verdicts
Beyond entertainment, the TV caters to gamers with a dedicated Game Mode Ultra that boasts a 165Hz refresh rate, promising smooth, lag-free gameplay. It also includes an anti-reflection screen and a wide viewing angle for shared watching.
While QVC customers are yet to leave reviews, those who purchased the TV directly from Hisense have given it a strong 4.5-star average rating. One five-star reviewer called it "a phenomenal piece of kit," praising the "breathtaking" picture quality and impressive sound that rivals a separate soundbar. Another highlighted how the inclusion of Freely makes watching TV "quick and easy," especially for less tech-savvy users.
Some minor criticisms were noted, including that Hisense's own VIDAA operating system is seen as less feature-rich than the popular Android TV platform used by some rivals. However, the overwhelming feedback points to a premium viewing experience at a mid-range price point, especially with the current £360 discount from QVC making it a standout deal in the pre-Christmas retail period.
