The Hisense CanvasTV Turned My Apartment into a Movie Theater *and* Art Gallery

Of course, the major draw here is the frame—and it’s the icing on the cake of this TV’s design. While I opted for a natural oakwood frame, which gives my room a warm, sophisticated vibe, you can easily swap it with a minimalist white frame or a rich walnut. Changing them is simple—no tools, no fuss—just snap the frame off and pop the new one on. 

To that end, installing a wall-mounted TV can be a pain, but Hisense made the process refreshingly simple. Unlike its competitor, the Samsung Frame TV—which requires an external One Connect Box for cable management—this CanvasTV has an integrated design that eliminates the need for extra boxes and cables. Everything you need is inside the TV itself, so you don’t have to worry about bulky hardware cluttering up your space. The UltraSlim wall mount also comes included, and once installed, the TV sits flush against the wall—making it look like an actual framed piece of art. (Bonus: It has a slim white cable on the side that’s easy to conceal behind, say, a stack of ad hoc fiction novels.)

Starting with the obvious: This TV makes you feel like you’re sitting front row at AMC. The Quantum Dot Color technology and Dolby Vision HDR deliver vibrant colors and deep contrast that make every visual pop. The colors are so lively, in fact, that scenes feel like they’re unfolding in real life—I’ve had to literally cover my eyes from gore while binging The Boys. And while the 4K resolution brings out every intricate detail, the DTS Virtual sound system is no slouch either—it fills the room with immersive, theater-quality sound that practically vibrates through the walls. (I have my roommate’s complaints to back that one.) The resolution, combined with the sound, is nothing short of a movie lover’s dream; it’s like being transported to the theater, minus the overpriced popcorn.

And then, of course, there’s Art Mode—hands down, my favorite feature. When the TV is off, it transforms into a curated digital art display that could rival a gallery in Chelsea. Think: a serene Monet that captures the natural light of your living room or a vibrant Kandinsky that injects a burst of energy into your bedroom. Again, as someone with a background in design, I love how effortlessly this feature elevates my room. What’s more, I appreciate the eco-friendly, anti-glare screen: It has motion sensors that detect when you’re in the room—and bring the art to life when you're nearby—and turns the screen off to save energy when you leave. Not only does this make the TV functional, but it also adds a bespoke, almost museum-like quality to everyday viewing.

In terms of functionality, this thing is a powerhouse. It’s equipped with Google TV, giving me access to more than 700,000 movies and shows across platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock—you name it. Everything’s available through its streamlined interface, which makes finding what I want to watch easy and intuitive. (Plus, it recommends new content based on my viewing habits, which I love—cuts down on the endless scrolling.)

I’ve also become surprisingly reliant on the Google Assistant feature. Whether I want to turn up the volume or dim my smart lights for the perfect ambiance, I can simply say, “Hey Google,” and it’s done. Better yet, the Chromecast function is another win—you can cast anything from your phone/tablet straight to the TV in seconds, whether it’s a photo slideshow, a work presentation or a YouTube video. It’s seamless and user-friendly, even if you’re not the most tech-savvy person.

Plus, starting at $1,000 for a 55-inch, the Hisense CanvasTV is more affordable than its biggest competitor, the Samsung Frame. While both offer Art Mode and motion sensors, the Hisense stands out with its integrated design—everything is built directly into the TV, so there’s no need for an external One Connect Box like Samsung’s. Plus, both TVs feature frames that snap on easily without tools, but considering the CanvasTV’s lower price point and similar features, it’s a clear winner for anyone who wants to spare their wallet.

Honestly, this TV has been a game-changer. It’s not just about the incredible 4K resolution and immersive sound (which, by the way, makes every movie feel like a cinematic event). What sets it apart is how it transforms into a stunning piece of art when you’re not using it. It’s perfect if, like me, you want your living room to look curated—even when the TV is off. Plus, the smart functionality makes it easy to access those aforementioned 700,000+ shows and movies. Installation was a breeze, and the customizable frame made it easy to blend into my decor. If you’re looking for a TV that nails both design and tech, this one’s a no-brainer.