A New Contender in the Art TV Market
In the world of ‘TVs that look like art’, one name has long dominated the market. However, with the introduction of the Canvas TV, Hisense is emerging as a strong challenger that’s gaining momentum. This review explores the features and performance of the Canvas TV, comparing it to its competitors and evaluating whether it’s a worthwhile investment.
Price and Value for Money
One of the standout features of the Canvas TV is its price point. While not a budget option, it sits on the more affordable end of the spectrum for designer-style TVs. For instance, the Canvas 2025 model is available at Currys for approximately £300 less than Samsung’s The Frame in 55-inch sizes. The price difference becomes even more significant when considering current deals, such as the ongoing sale on QVC.
This review isn’t solely focused on a Hisense vs Samsung comparison, but given that both brands have products in this niche, it serves as a useful benchmark for quality. For clarity, the comparison here is between the 2025 Canvas and the 2024 The Frame, as these are the models I currently use at home.
Current Sales and Deals
As we approach Amazon Prime Day, there are several competitive deals available for the Canvas TV. Here are some of the current offers:
- Hisense Canvas 55-inch QLED 4K Ultra: Originally priced at £1,119, now available for £849 at QVC UK.
- Hisense Canvas 55-inch QLED 4K Ultra: Previously £1,299, now reduced to £1,099 at Very.
These deals make the Canvas TV an attractive option for those looking for a stylish television without breaking the bank.
Design and Aesthetic Appeal
The Canvas TV boasts a sleek, ultra-thin design that closely resembles a picture frame. Its minimalist wall mounting ensures it doesn’t protrude more than a few millimeters from the wall. The matte display reduces glare and reflections, making it ideal for the art display mode.
Compared to Samsung’s The Frame, which requires separate magnetic frames (Bezels), the Canvas comes with StyleFrames included in the box. While the current selection is limited to a teak-effect finish, it is arguably the best option available. The Canvas also includes feet for freestanding use, something that The Frame only offers through a separate purchase.
Art Display and Customization
The Canvas TV offers a collection of artwork that, while not as extensive as Samsung’s Art Store, is free to access with a sign-up to the VIDAA art collection. Users can also add their own pictures via USB, and services like Etsy offer packages for custom artwork.
However, the Canvas does lack the ‘invisible’ cable connection found in The Frame, meaning a thick black cable will be visible if the TV is mounted on the wall.
Picture and Sound Quality
The Canvas TV is a 4K QLED with Quantum Dot Colour technology, delivering bright, colorful, and high-definition visuals. While some reviews have noted issues with screen brightness, I found it to be adequate, often adjusting the brightness to enhance the art display.
The TV supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and for gamers, it offers a 144Hz refresh rate instead of 120Hz. According to our TV expert Alan Martin, this is a theoretical improvement that may not be noticeable unless connected to a PC, as most consoles don’t support 120Hz experiences.
The ultra-matte screen is ideal for art mode but also enhances viewing in sunny conditions. The RGB light sensor adapts the screen to the room’s lighting, ensuring optimal visibility throughout the day.
In terms of audio, the Canvas offers 2.0.2 surround sound, which is loud and clear. While not the most immersive, it holds its own against competitors.
Ease of Use and Setup
Setting up the Canvas TV was straightforward, taking under five minutes using a QR code and the VIDAA app. The app allows users to link streaming platforms, eliminating the need to input emails and passwords manually. It also enables music playback and photo/video sharing from a phone’s camera roll.
The remote control is easy to use, responsive, and features a solar-powered design with rechargeable capabilities. While I didn’t test the wall mounting system during my evaluation, the overall user experience was smooth.
Conclusion: Is the Canvas Worth It?
Whether purchased at full price or through a deal like the current QVC offer, the Canvas TV provides excellent value compared to its competitors. While it may not match The Frame in every aspect, it excels in certain areas, offering a beautiful design and good performance at a more affordable price.
For those prioritizing value for money and aesthetics, the Canvas TV is a compelling choice. As our TV expert Luke Edwards notes, Hisense is currently offering great value, undercutting competitors like Samsung and Sony to establish itself in the market. In short, you’re getting a beautiful TV that may well be worth more than what you paid for it.
