Launched in 2017, Samsung’s The Frame TV has gained significant popularity for its distinctive feature of transforming into a piece of art when not in use for viewing entertainment. But until the Hisense CanvasTV TV came along, Samsung’s The Frame TV didn’t face any serious competition. The Hisense CanvasTV changes all that by being a much more affordable alternative to Samsung’s offering, and it also happens to one-up Samsung when it comes to a very important design element.
Which begs the question, why would anyone want to buy a Samsung Frame TV over the Hisense CanvasTV in 2024? Well, you shouldn’t, especially not at its current discounted price. The 65-inch Hisense CanvasTV is currently on sale at Amazon for just $999, while Samsung’s The FrameTV costs $600 more.
But now that we’ve mentioned its significant price difference, let’s move onto what makes the Hisense CanvasTV so great and versatile. This sleek QLED display masterfully bridges the gap between technology and home décor, offering a compelling alternative to traditional televisions.
Design and Display
The CanvasTV’s standout feature is its hi-matte display, which effectively minimizes glare and creates an authentic art-like appearance. The screen delivers vibrant colors and sharp details thanks to its QLED panel with Dolby Vision support. Whether it comes to watching Netflix or just displaying artwork, all its visuals are simply stunning on the Hisense CanvasTV. Not to mention that its matte display is a refreshing change of pace from the traditional glossy screens we’re using to seeing on most TVs.
Unlike most typical TVs, the CanvasTV can be mounted practically flush to the your wall, akin to an old school art frame. This is similar to what Samsung’s offering can do. However, one significant advantage over Hisense’s CanvasTV is the absence of a separate One Connect box. Where Samsung requires you to hide an additional piece of equipment and manage extra cables, the CanvasTV integrates all its components directly into its slim profile. This cleaner installation approach means less clutter and simpler cable management – a crucial consideration for those seeking a minimalist aesthetic.
That said, we do have a gripe about the CanvasTV’s design – while the included frame adds a decorative touch, its plastic construction feels less premium than real wood would – however, this is a minor compromise at this price point.
Smart Features and Performance
Running on Google TV, the Hisense CanvasTV comes equipped with an impressive array of smart features. The 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support make it even an excellent choice for gamers.
Hisense did not skip out on the TV’s features and compatibility with most popular ecosystems. The TV seamlessly integrates with both Google Home and Alexa ecosystems, while AirPlay support ensures Apple users aren’t left out.
Art Mode
Unlike its competitor, the CanvasTV comes pre-loaded with 120 artworks at no additional subscription cost. The matte finish truly shines here, creating a convincing canvas-like appearance that transforms your living space. The built-in RGB light sensor automatically adjusts brightness and color temperature based on ambient lighting.
Audio Performance
The multi-channel surround sound system delivers surprisingly full and clear sound on the CanvasTV. While not revolutionary, it’s more than adequate for most viewing scenarios.
Installation Considerations
The TV comes with an UltraSlim wall mount included, and professional installation is recommended for optimal results. At 55″ and 65″ options, proper mounting is crucial for both safety and achieving the intended aesthetic effect.
We opted to hire a professional to install the TV on our wall, and we didn’t regret it. So you’ll want to keep in mind that you’ll need to budget somewhere between $150 to $250 to have the TV professionally mounted. We used TaskRabbit to find a professional to do the work, and he was able to get the job done in under 90 minutes.
Value Proposition
Despite being more affordable than similar art-focused TVs, the CanvasTV still represents a significant investment, especially when you consider the installation costs. However, its combination of strong picture quality, gaming features, and aesthetic design makes it a compelling option for those looking to blend technology with home décor.
Unlike Samsung’s Frame TV, which requires additional purchases for customizable bezels and an art store subscription, the CanvasTV includes a magnetically attached teak frame and 120 pre-loaded artworks at no extra cost. This all-inclusive approach further enhances its value proposition, making it an even more attractive alternative for budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on style.
Room for Improvement
While Google TV works well, having a Roku option on the Hisense CanvasTV would provide welcome flexibility for users who prefer its more straightforward interface. Also, the plastic frame, while functional, could benefit from premium material options in future iterations.
Market Competition
The CanvasTV’s arrival marks a significant shift in the art TV landscape, challenging Samsung’s near-monopoly with a product that delivers comparable features at a substantially lower price point. While Samsung’s Frame TV has set the standard for art-displaying televisions, its premium pricing has kept it out of reach for many consumers. Hisense’s entry with the CanvasTV creates healthy competition that benefits consumers looking for more affordable options in this specialized category. That said, the competition in this space is heating up – for instance, TCL now offers a NXTFRAME series which is competitively priced with the CanvasTV.
Bottom line
Ultimately, the Hisense CanvasTV successfully delivers on its promise of being both a capable television and an attractive piece of home décor, making it a strong contender in the growing art TV market, and its value proposition can’t be beat – at least for now.