The Hisense CanvasTV QLED 2024 is a mid-range 4K television that stands out in Hisense’s lineup with its unique design and functionality. Designed to double as an art piece when wall-mounted, it features a wood-like aluminum frame and includes a selection of landscapes and paintings. Taken as a whole, it looks like a real canvas, especially from across the room.
Available in 55 and 65 inches, the CanvasTV combines aesthetic appeal with a range of features aimed at enhancing both viewing and gaming experiences. How does it fare as a smart TV? Read on to learn what I think of the experience after a few weeks.
Design
The CanvasTV boasts an elegant wood-like aluminum frame that gives it the appearance of a framed artwork. This design is complemented by a matte-finish screen coating, which significantly reduces reflections, making it suitable for well-lit rooms.
The TV can be positioned on a tabletop using the included feet, which lift it approximately three inches from the surface, allowing most soundbars to fit below the screen. Alternatively, it comes with Hisense’s UltraSlim Wall Mount for those who prefer a flush-mounted setup. And really, this is the reason you’re considering it, right?
The build quality is robust, with the plastic back and aluminum frame providing a sturdy structure. The frame slightly obstructs the first row of pixels, but this is generally unnoticeable from a normal viewing distance. While the stand exhibits minor wobble when pushed front to back, it does not impact overall stability.
When you purchase your CanvasTV you’ll get a particular color for the frame; there are three options to choose from including White, Black, and Teak. The model sent to me for review was Teak, and I think it looks really striking and realistic as a frame.
Features
Equipped with four HDMI ports, two of which support HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, the CanvasTV is well-prepared for high-performance gaming and future-proof connectivity. These ports allow for 4K resolution at 144Hz and 1080p at 240Hz, catering to both gaming enthusiasts and standard users. The TV supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, enhancing the viewing experience with vibrant and lifelike colors.
Advanced audio formats from Dolby and DTS can be passed through the eARC port, ensuring high-quality sound when connected to compatible receivers or soundbars. The CanvasTV operates on the Google TV operating system (v12), offering a smooth and user-friendly interface with access to a wide range of apps. After years of checking out various smart TV platforms, I keep coming back to Google TV as the preferred experience.
The included remote is backlit, features dedicated buttons for popular streaming services, and supports voice commands via a built-in microphone.
Setup
Setting up the CanvasTV is straightforward, particularly for those opting for the tabletop configuration. Wall-mounting requires more effort due to the absence of a hanging template, and the instructions provided can be somewhat confusing.
Ensuring proper cable management is essential, as the rear ports are side-facing and become less accessible once the TV is mounted flush against the wall. Planning connections prior to mounting can mitigate potential hassles. Similarly, if you plan to plug in a game console or two, you’ll want to figure out the logistics of where they’ll sit, and how.
It takes two people to hang the TV on a wall; the included mount are easy to install and sturdy but the aforementioned instructions could be just a touch clearer.
General Performance
Picture Quality
The CanvasTV utilizes a KSF phosphor coating to deliver a wide color gamut, resulting in vibrant and lifelike colors. The matte screen further enhances visibility in bright environments by reducing glare. However, the absence of local dimming impacts the contrast ratio, making dark scenes appear washed out and less impactful. While the TV performs well with SDR content, HDR content lacks the brightness and contrast necessary for a fully immersive experience.
Color accuracy out of the box is subpar, with a tendency towards a cooler temperature and noticeable color mapping issues. Post-calibration, the picture quality improves significantly, achieving closer to the desired color temperature and better gamma settings. Despite these improvements, some color inconsistencies remain, particularly in very bright or dark scenes. I may continue to tinker with settings but I’m much happier with where it is now than what it had on the first day.
Don’t get me wrong; this is a generally great TV but much of the reason I like it is because of its artwork/canvas design. I like the matte finish, especially in my dining room, because it reduces and nearly eliminates any glare that a more traditional set might produce.
Gaming
For gamers, the CanvasTV offers a compelling package with its low input lag and support for variable refresh rates (VRR). The TV’s ability to handle 4K at 144Hz and 1080p at 240Hz makes it suitable for high-refresh-rate gaming. However, enabling VRR at 1080p @ 240Hz can result in frame skipping and desaturated colors, limiting performance unless VRR is disabled.
The CanvasTV is fully compatible with gaming consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, supporting resolutions up to 4K @ 144Hz and features such as Auto Low Latency Mode. The inclusion of AMD FreeSync Premium ensures smooth, lag-free gameplay, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Audio
The built-in speakers of the CanvasTV can reach high volumes but tend to produce a harsh sound, especially at louder settings. The lack of Dolby Atmos support further limits the audio experience, making the addition of a soundbar a worthwhile consideration for those seeking balanced and immersive sound quality.
I have another Hisense TV in my home that produces a more robust and evenly distributed sound. Understanding that the physical design doesn’t allow for the same components, I was a bit surprised how things sound on the lower end. More specifically, how it lacks a definite punch.
Value
Priced at $1,298 for the 65-inch model, the CanvasTV offers significant value compared to competitors like Samsung’s The Frame. The Frame, available in a broader range of sizes, starts at a higher price point and requires the purchase of an additional frame. In contrast, the CanvasTV includes an attractive magnetic frame in teak as standard, making it a more affordable option for those seeking a TV that also serves as a piece of art.
Overall Experience
Reviewing televisions isn’t the norm for our outlet, which typically focuses on smartphones, personal gadgets, wearables, etc. However, the Hisense CanvasTV QLED 2024 warranted an in-depth review due to its distinctive approach to blending technology with home decor. Having used more than a few televisions over the years, I can appreciate new tech and features. I won’t necessarily run benchmark tests or dive deep into specs, but I don’t do that with phones, either.
Personally, owning the CanvasTV has been a unique experience; it’s the first TV I’ve ever owned that has naturally sparked multiple inquiries from friends and family without any prompting. Its unique design and functionality set it apart from other televisions, transforming the traditional TV setup into something that resembles a work of art. I like leaving the Art Mode on and having it cycle through various preset pieces as well as images I’ve uploaded.
The CanvasTV changes the way a TV is presented in the home, akin to having pieces of art adorning your walls. This dual functionality opens the door to placing the TV in new and exciting locations around the home where a conventional TV might not fit aesthetically. Whether it’s in a living room, bedroom, or even a hallway, the CanvasTV integrates seamlessly, enhancing the room’s decor rather than dominating it.
Moreover, when I share the price point with others, there’s little hesitation or surprise, which says something about its competitive pricing. Unlike more expensive art TVs like Samsung’s The Frame, the CanvasTV offers a stylish and functional option without breaking the bank. This balance of design and affordability makes it an appealing choice for those looking to elevate their home entertainment setup without compromising on aesthetics or budget.
Navigating the complexities of TV technology—from color accuracy and HDR performance to gaming capabilities—was a refreshing departure from our usual coverage. The Hisense CanvasTV stands out not just for its design but also for its competitive feature set, making it a noteworthy contender in the mid-range 4K TV market. This review aims to provide our readers with a comprehensive understanding of how the CanvasTV performs both as a television and as an art display, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with TV specifications can appreciate its offerings.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- More affordable than competing art TVs
- Magnetic wood-like frame included
- Matte-finish screen reduces reflections
- No subscription required for included art
- Backlit remote with dedicated streaming buttons
- High refresh rate suitable for gaming
Cons
- Wall-mount instructions are unclear and lack a hanging template
- Rear ports are difficult to access once mounted
- Pre-calibration color accuracy is poor
- Built-in speakers produce harsh sound
- No access to an art store for additional images
- Limited size options (55″ and 65″) might turn some away
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Products with this distinction deserve to be on your short list of purchase candidates.
Conclusion
The Hisense CanvasTV QLED 2024 presents a compelling option for those looking to blend their television with home decor. Its competitive pricing, combined with a stylish design and robust feature set, makes it an attractive alternative to more expensive models like Samsung’s The Frame.
While there are areas for improvement, particularly in color accuracy and audio quality, the CanvasTV offers a balanced performance that caters to both entertainment and aesthetic needs. For users prioritizing design and value, the CanvasTV is a strong contender in the mid-range 4K TV market.
You can get more bang for your buck on another model from Hisense or other manufacturers, but standard wall-mounted TVs just don’t look the same. I have a feeling that this canvas style might be the wave of the future in my household, especially as they improve with each generation.
