The Hisense PL1 caused great astonishment after our first tests, as it scored with a contrast that was previously unattainable for Hisense and even beat significantly more expensive models from Hisense and other manufacturers. But the euphoria did not end there, as the Hisense PL1 also impressed with its lavish features and excellent price-performance ratio. The laser TV was so well received that Hisense has remained true to the design and technical decisions of the time with the new Hisense PL2.

Now to the crucial question: Can the Hisense PL2 build on the success of the PL1? What does it offer for the extra cost, and is it even worth buying the Hisense PL2 instead of the PL1? After all, there is a clearly noticeable price difference between the models. We will look into this question in today's article and can say in advance: Hisense delivers an absolute highlight with the PL2!

Hisense PL2 and PL1

It is difficult to tell from the pictures which model is which, as both are almost identical in design. The Hisense PL2 only has slightly modified dimensions, which were mainly necessary due to the new optics. The exact dimensions and other technical details can be found in the table below.

Features	Hisense PL1	Hisense PL2	Advantages
DMP chip + Resolution	0.47” | 3840x2160 (4K XPR)	0.47” | 3840x2160 (4K XPR)
Platform	MT9900	MT9618	Improved system performance
Brightness	2.100 ANSI lumens	2700 ANSI lumens	Higher brightness – clearly visible
Image size	80 - 120 inches	80 - 150 inches	The Hisense PL2 offers a larger image while keeping the distance to the screen smaller.
HDR playback	HDR10 | HDR10+ | HLG | Dolby Vision	HDR10 | HDR10+ | HLG | Dolby Vision	Thanks to new signal processing, the Hisense PL2 can handle these formats better.
4K AI Upcaler & Pro AI Computing	No	Ja	The 4K AI Upscaler takes low-resolution content to a new level and provides finer detailed images. Comprehensive optimizations improve picture quality through the most advanced algorithms, ranging from color temperature and dynamic contrast, color space and primary white brightness ratios to color adjustments and gamma curve. This combination of sophisticated processing and excellent laser light source enables the Hisense PL to achieve a significant increase in picture quality, which is extreme compared to the previous model.
color space	3% DCI-P85	3% DCI-P85	The color space coverage has remained the same. Only ALPD 4.0 and RGB Laser TV models such as the Hisense PX3 achieve higher values.
Contrast Native	3000:1	3000:1	The Hisense PL2 has a slightly higher contrast of almost 3200:1
laser unit	Single Color Laser	Single Color Laser	Both models offer a single color laser. The Hisense PL2 with its new lens a
projection ratio	0.25	0.22	Closer to the wall and requiring less space. With only 35 centimeters between the laser console and the screen, the PL2 produces an impressive 120-inch image.
Operating system	LIFE U6	LIFE U7.6	Newer and more up-to-date operating system. Operation is faster and more seamless, and more apps are available.
TV Tuner	DVB-S/S2, DVB-T/T2 & DVB-C + Common Interface	No	The Hisense PL1 does not need an additional receiver to receive TV programs. The Hisense PL2 no longer has an integrated TV tuner.
Voice control	Amazon Alexa, VIDAA Voice & Google Assistant	Amazon Alexa, VIDAA Voice & Google Assistant
Connections	2 x HDMI 2.1 (1 x eARC), 1x HDMI 2.0, 2 x USB-A, LAN, WLAN, S/PDIF, 3,5mm jack	2 x HDMI 2.1 (1 x eARC), 1x HDMI 2.0, 2 x USB-A, LAN, WLAN, S/PDIF, 3,5mm jack
Operation Volume	29dB(A) – Eco | 32dB(A) – Max	29dB(A) – Eco | 32dB(A) – Max
Refresh Rate	4K @ 60Hz	4K@60Hz, 2K@240Hz, 2K@120Hz	Ideal for gaming
Sound system	No Name	No Name
Interimage calculation | Game Mode | Filmmaker fashion	Yes | Yes | Yes	Yes | Yes | Yes
Dimensions (WxDxH)	520 x 324 x 160 mm	531x335x120mm
Price (RRP)	2222, - €	2499, - €

Hisense has integrated a completely redesigned optical unit into the PL2, which enables an impressive 30% increase in brightness and also allows the TV to be positioned even closer to the screen. While the PL1 did not quite meet expectations, particularly in terms of brightness and sharpness, Hisense has now completely eliminated these weaknesses. The PL2's image is not only significantly sharper, especially at the edges, but the new optical unit also allows the laser TV to be positioned even more flexibly in relation to the screen. Whereas the previous model was limited to a maximum image size of 120 inches and already reached its sharpness limits in some areas, the PL2 delivers a consistently sharp and high-quality image even with an image size of up to 150 inches.

This aspect alone is of crucial importance and would justify the price difference between the predecessor and the successor model. After all, image sharpness, brightness and the corresponding contrast are essential factors for the most impressive visual experience possible. But Hisense goes even further: The company has not only fundamentally revised the signal processing, but also relies on a significantly faster processor and the latest version of the in-house operating system VIDAA U7.6, which is supported by artificial intelligence.

The new signal processing of the Hisense PL2 is a real highlight. While the PL1 already impressed with high-quality inter-frame calculation and image processing, the PL2, together with its bigger brother, the PX3, sets completely new standards in this category.

Advantages of the Hisense 4K AI Upscaler

• Improving image quality: By increasing the resolution of older or lower quality content, the upscaler provides a sharper, clearer image that improves the viewer experience.
• Revitalization of old classics: Many older films and series are only available in lower resolution. The Hisense 4K AI Upscaler breathes new life into this content by increasing the image quality without losing the authenticity of the original.
• Unified viewing experience: Regardless of the original quality of the content, the upscaler ensures that everything viewed on the Hisense PL2 reaches the highest possible quality. This means less switching between different quality levels when changing channels or streaming services.

Combining the increased brightness with the completely new signal processing chain creates an impressive picture experience that the older Hisense PL1 can never match. Every single detail of a scene appears sharper, brighter, more detailed and more precise on the Hisense PL2. The image transitions are smooth and clean, and control via VIDAA U7.6 is fast and reliable. These improvements take the visual experience to a whole new level. A crucial factor for the playback of Dolby Vision and HDR10 is brightness. Thanks to the significant increase in brightness and in combination with the optimized signal processing, the Hisense PL2 offers a significantly improved viewing experience, both with dynamic and static metadata. Compared to the Hisense PL1, which showed weaknesses in this area, the PL2 sets new standards and delivers impressive picture quality.

In summary, Hisense has made significant improvements in almost all areas compared to its predecessor with the new PL2 model and offers far more than just a small update, as is often the case with TV models. The extra cost for the current model is therefore particularly worthwhile for anyone who wants to get the best out of their picture. With the new Hisense PL2 and its bigger brother, the Hisense PX3, the company is setting the bar much higher in terms of picture quality and establishing new standards in this category.