Haier’s H65S90GUF television emerges as a surprisingly competent option in the competitive budget TV segment. Despite its accessible price point, this model delivers a robust viewing experience, marked by commendable picture quality, a rich array of smart functionalities powered by Fire TV, and notable features for gamers. While certain aspects like its audio output and peak HDR brightness might not rival premium counterparts, the H65S90GUF successfully carves a niche for itself, offering significant value and exceeding expectations for a product in its class.
Haier, a brand widely recognized for its home appliances, has boldly ventured into the television market, drawing parallels with the successful strategies of companies like Hisense and TCL. The S90 series represents their flagship offering, specifically targeting the budget-conscious consumer without sacrificing essential features. This particular model, the H65S90GUF, is a 65-inch variant, though it is also available in 55, 75, and 85-inch sizes. Its competitive pricing is complemented by an integrated Fire TV interface, providing a familiar and user-friendly smart TV experience. The television boasts a full suite of HDR support, including HDR10, HLG, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and their adaptive variants, which is a rare find at this price point. Furthermore, it incorporates AI-powered image enhancements, such as AI HDR Enhancer and AI Motion, to optimize visual fidelity across different content types. The audio system, co-developed with KEF, aims to deliver clear dialogue and rich bass, though its real-world performance is a critical aspect to evaluate.
From a design perspective, the 65-inch Haier S90 exhibits a commendable build quality that belies its affordable cost. The setup process is straightforward, with the pedestal stand providing stable support, though it extends somewhat from both the front and back, allowing ample space for a soundbar. A minor inconvenience noted is the lack of clear labeling for HDMI inputs, particularly for identifying the eARC port. Visually, the TV presents a sleek aesthetic. However, common to many affordable displays, it struggles with reflections in brightly lit environments, and viewing angles degrade noticeably when moving off-axis. Connectivity options are generous, featuring four HDMI 2.1 inputs, although two are limited to 4K/60Hz refresh rates. It also includes a headphone jack, USB port, Ethernet, optical digital output, and tuner inputs, alongside modern wireless capabilities such as Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
The user experience is largely driven by the embedded Fire TV platform. This version, distinct from Amazon’s newer “All-New Fire TV experience,” sidesteps some of the recent interface quirks. It includes the Ambient Experience, adding visual flair when the TV is idle. The remote control, equipped with Alexa voice command integration, offers responsive navigation, with Alexa proving quick to understand and act on queries. A dedicated Settings button on the remote is a welcome inclusion, often absent in other Fire TV models. The integration of Freely, providing access to UK catch-up and on-demand services, expands content options, though its responsiveness can sometimes be sluggish. Despite the extensive app support, a persistent issue with Fire TV is the sheer volume of content, organized into numerous rails, which can make personalized discovery feel less refined than anticipated.
The Haier S90’s gaming capabilities are a pleasant surprise, transforming it into a "sly gaming powerhouse." With an impressively low input lag of 13.2ms, it offers a highly responsive experience for general gaming. It supports Automatic Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), features not commonly found in budget-friendly televisions. PC gamers will appreciate the inclusion of AMD FreeSync Premium. Furthermore, the display supports refresh rates up to 144Hz, which can be boosted to 240Hz through Dual Gate processing, enhancing fluid motion for fast-paced games. Testing with titles like Street Fighter reveals a vibrant and snappy visual performance, reinforcing the TV's unexpected strength in the gaming arena.
While the H65S90GUF excels in many areas, its sound system, despite KEF’s involvement, is an area where it only achieves average performance. Although dialogue remains clear and the soundstage is expansive, avoiding the tinny quality often found in budget TVs, it noticeably lacks bass depth and overall excitement. Attempts to render deep low frequencies, such as those in a film like Dune, fall flat, indicating a lack of power in the .1 channel. Highs are sharp and clear, and the midrange is generally distinct, but the system doesn’t deliver the thrilling audio experience one might hope for. Therefore, for those seeking a more immersive sound, investing in an external soundbar would be a highly recommended upgrade.
The Haier S90 is a commendable offering that brings a competitive suite of features and solid performance to the affordable television market. It presents a strong alternative for consumers seeking good value without compromising on smart features or gaming capabilities. While some minor refinements in audio and HDR brightness could elevate its standing, the H65S90GUF successfully establishes Haier as a serious contender in the UK TV landscape.
