Haier S9QT QLED Google TV review (55S9QT): Ticks the right boxes

Design, display quality, audio quality, and intelligent features are some of the boxes you need to check before buying a TV today. Haier has thrown its hat in the ring with the Haier QLED Google TV lineup that aims to deliver a QLED display, 30-watt speakers, Google TV intelligent features, and some more aces up its sleeve.

But does that make it a good purchase? This review will help you understand this TV’s features and limitations, so keep reading to know the whole story. Let’s start with a quick spec-sheet run first.

Haier QLED Google TV specifications

Haier QLED Google TV design

Haier may not have spent much time deciding on a fancy name for this range, but they did put effort into the design. It has a clean, premium finish with slim bezels. The edges are matte-metallic, and the front-firing speakers have a synthetic fabric finish.

The premium metal stand in the box is also fairly simple to assemble. The back panel is also well put together, but the premium finish is missing. It is a normal black plastic back that does the job. You get all the necessary ports but they are divided into two parts. Two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack are accessible from the left side, while the rest of the ports are at the bottom, where you get a cable organizer space to keep them in check.

However, Haier doesn’t offer a removable DC cable, so you’ll have to deal with a dangling wire when assembling or moving this TV. There’s no mention of a wall mount, either. But as a whole, this is a premium design with all the necessary connectivity options.

Haier QLED Google TV display and speakers

There’s no point in buying a TV if it has all the features but not a good screen. I’m happy to report that the Haier QLED Google TV is an exemplary screen for the money. The colors, contrast, and viewing angles are spot-on at this price and size. You get natural blacks and bright colors.

I watched films like Avatar 2, Moana, and even the new Netflix One Piece production; the details were outstanding. But some things like the ambient light sensors and automatic Dolby Vision switching act finicky at times. For instance, it kept going suddenly bright and dim when watching Moana, and that was probably because of the light changes in the film itself. Overall, I’d give this display a solid 8 out of 10 for its versatility.

Whoever thought about putting 30-watt front-firing speakers on this TV did great. Most people won’t use more than 50% of the peak volume. In my usage, 16 to 30% volume was sufficient for most of the content. Audio detail is retained at over 70% volume, and you’ll hear a loss in detail at only 85% volume or above. Rounding up, the speakers, sound isolation, and detail are some of the strongest parts of this TV.

Haier QLED Google TV remote

I first thought this was a regular smart TV remote, but it was a pleasant surprise. This Bluetooth remote has Google Assistant voice controls, some quick action buttons, and launch buttons for popular streaming apps. There are no programmable buttons, but you have all the necessary controls.

Coming to the surprise, this remote has the volume and mute buttons on the side, just like a smartphone. These feel intuitive and make more room for other controls on the remote while keeping it compact.

On the downside, the build and overall finish could’ve been better, and the buttons act up at times. I’ve had the volume buttons get stuck more than once, which can sometimes cause trouble. It is a well-designed remote for a TV at this price but misses out on a premium feel.

Haier QLED Google TV’s innovative features

This is a Google TV, which is packed with a ton of features. You get the picture and sound controls, multi-channel control, and an intuitive interface. You’ll need to add a Google account to it, but that also means you can use your phone as a remote.

It also gets Chromecast, which lets you cast your phone screen onto the TV with just a few clicks. Pairing accessories are also accessible, and Haier has included smart home settings so you can also control Haier smart ACs and fridges from the TV interface.

Haier QLED Google TV review: Verdict

The Haier QLED Google TV S9QT is priced at over 1 lakh rupees. It is competing with options from Samsung, Sony, and LG. Despite stiff competition, the Haier TV manages to hold its own. It has a good display, great speakers, and a premium design.

Also, if you’re using Haier products like an intelligent AC or refrigerator, you can use the TV to control them, which is an excellent addition. That said, the remote quality could’ve been better, but you can use your phone as a remote or control it entirely with your voice. So, the Haier QLED Google TV is a solid option.