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Haier moves from fridges to flatscreens with debut three-tier 4K smart TV range

Haier K85 65-inch TV at an angle

Home appliance giant Haier has unveiled its first range of 4K TVs.  Known for dominance in washing machines and refrigeration, the Chinese Corp is now turning its attention to your living room wall.

Having spent years building a smart home ecosystem, anchored by appliances that hum rather than entertain, the introduction is something of a surprise – but the brand says it views your TV as just another component in its connected home ecosystem.

The debut range comprises three models: the flagship S90, the mid-tier S80 and the more accessible K85. All ship with Amazon’s Fire TV smart platform and Freely, the aerial-free alternative to Freeview, built in.  Here’s how they compare…

The brand sees your flatscreen as just another component in its connected home ecosystem…

Connected screen line-up

At the top of the new Haier TV line, the S90 Series uses a QLED panel with AI-driven picture optimisation, said to deliver up to 93 per cent coverage of the DCI-P3 colour space. In practice, that should translate to rich hues and convincing contrast, particularly with HDR programme material. 

Niceties include Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ and HLG support, with Dolby Atmos available for audio duties, while gamers are catered for with a 144Hz variable refresh rate. Screen sizes run from 55- up to a wall-filling 85-inches, all framed in a slim metal chassis. As far as spec goes, this isn’t too shabby.

The S80 Series occupies the middle ground. It’s another QLED panel bearer, but pares back some of the higher-end gaming credentials. Motion is handled via MEMC processing, designed to keep fast-moving sports and action sequences looking clean. HDR support includes HDR10 and HLG. Screen sizes range from a compact 43- up to 75-inches.  

Rounding out the range, the K85 Series focuses on accessibility. This is a straightforward 4K LED proposition with HDR support and smooth motion processing. Available from 43- to 65 inches, it keeps the design slim and contemporary, with flexible stand options to suit different room layouts. It may not boast a flagship specification, but it covers the essentials.

Across all three, Haier is leaning on AIPQ processing to dynamically adjust colour, contrast and clarity in real time. Interestingly, sound has been tuned in collaboration with audio specialist KEF. 

It’s an interesting debut. Whether consumers are ready to buy their television from the same brand as their fridge is another question, but it’s one Haier now seems keen to ask.

Expect Haier TVs to land in the UK later this year, prices are TBA. Explore the Haier connected home range here.

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About Steve May

Creator of Home Cinema Choice magazine, and Editor of The Luxe Review, Steve muses and reviews for Trusted Reviews, T3, Home Cinema Choice, Games Radar, Good Housekeeping, Louder Sounds, StereoNet and Boat International. He’s also the editor of professional home cinema website Inside CI. He's on Twitter/X, Tiktok and Instagram as @SteveMay_UK