Best Samsung Frame TV Alternatives in 2024: Hisense CanvasTV and TCL NXTFrame TV
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So you’re looking for a TV that looks like a painting and have heard of (or even already own) a Samsung Frame TV but are wondering if there are better alternatives? After years of dominating the art TV space since releasing the first Frame TV in 2017, Samsung now has some real competitors: the Hisense CanvasTV and the TCL NXTFrame TV.
In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about these new TVs and how they compare to the reigning champion in terms of price, features and performance.
Hisense CanvasTV
Released in July 2024, the Hisense CanvasTV positions itself as a stylish, more affordable alternative to the Samsung Frame, focusing on value and modern features.
Models and sizes available
- 55-inch and 65-inch models
Pros vs Samsung Frame TV
- More affordable: The 65-inch CanvasTV is priced around $1299 USD while the same size Samsung Frame is around $1999 USD.
- Higher refresh rate: The Hisense model has a 144Hz refresh rate compared to the Frame’s 120Hz, making it better for gaming and fast-paced content.
- No external box required: Unlike the Samsung Frame's One Connect Box, everything is built into the Hisense CanvasTV, reducing cable clutter.
- Free art collection: Hisense comes with an extensive, pre-loaded art library and doesn’t require a subscription, unlike Samsung’s Art Store, which costs $5.99/month.
Cons vs Samsung Frame TV
- Limited size options: The CanvasTV only comes in two sizes (55" and 65"), compared with a bigger range of sizes available with Samsung (43" to 85").
- Fewer frame options: The Hisense CanvasTV currently comes with teak-coloured bezel with no other frame options available (though there are plans to release others). Samsung offers a wider range of frames which can enhance the ‘real painting’ look, though these are sold separately. There are also 3rd party frames which are popular for enhancing the vintage appearance of artwork, though these are usually more expensive.
Picture quality
Both the Samsung Frame and Hisense CanvasTV feature 4K QLED displays with an anti-glare matte finish. However, Hisense’s 144Hz refresh rate offers a smoother picture for fast-moving scenes, making it ideal for sports or gaming.
Operating system (OS)
Hisense CanvasTV runs on Google TV, providing access to a vast range of apps and features, similar to Samsung's Tizen OS.
Reviews
Early reviews have praised the Hisense CanvasTV for its value, especially when considering its combination of price and performance. It’s especially appreciated for its picture quality and minimalist design.
TCL NXTFrame TV
TCL is another brand stepping up to the plate with its NXTFrame TV, which was released in August 2024. This TV has larger size options and advanced features that might appeal to tech enthusiasts looking for something different.
Models and sizes available
- 55", 65", 75", and 85" (with larger sizes arriving in September 2024).
Pros vs Samsung Frame TV
- Supports Dolby Vision: Unlike Samsung, which supports HDR10+, TCL’s NXTFrame has Dolby Vision, a more advanced form of HDR for enhanced picture quality.
- Direct-lit LED backlight: This offers better uniformity compared to the Frame's edge-lit LED.
- Gaming-friendly features: With 144Hz VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), it’s better suited for gaming than the Samsung Frame TV.
Cons vs Samsung Frame TV
- Smaller art market presence: Samsung has a head start in the art TV niche, while TCL is still establishing itself.
- Fewer frame options: The Hisense CanvasTV comes with an off-white bezel and a light wood-coloured bezel, with no other options currently available. Samsung and 3rd parties have many more frame options.
- Price: The 55-inch TCL NXTFrame starts at around $1499 USD making it more expensive than the Hisense CanvasTV but still competitive with the Samsung Frame.
Picture quality
The TCL NXTFrame also features a 4K QLED display, but with direct-lit LED backlight, making it superior in terms of screen uniformity compared to Samsung’s edge-lit Frame TV. It also has Dolby Vision support, offering better brightness and contrast in supported content.
Operating system (OS)
Like the Hisense CanvasTV, TCL’s NXTFrame uses Google TV, making it feature-rich and highly customizable.
Reviews
Early reviews have been positive, especially praising its art display features and AI art generation, which creates unique artwork based on user preferences. Its gaming features also receive high marks from gamers and tech reviewers.
Does LG have an art TV?
While LG doesn't currently have a direct competitor to the Samsung Frame TV, they do have some products that come close:
- LG OLED evo G3 Gallery Edition: A high-end OLED designed for wall-mounting, this TV provides an artistic display but lacks the Frame’s dedicated art mode.
- LG OLED Pose: A lifestyle TV with an easel-like design, though not specifically an art TV.
At the time of writing there are no confirmed reports that LG or other major manufacturers plan to release dedicated art TVs. However, with the recent TVs from Hisense and TCL, it’s possible we’ll see more competition in this space in the coming years which could really help to drive innovation and lower prices.
Comparing the artwork display features
The primary selling point of Samsung's Frame TV is its art display mode, where users can choose from over 2,500 artworks through its Art Store subscription. Both Hisense CanvasTV and TCL NXTFrame TV have taken steps to match this feature, each with its own twist:
- Samsung Frame TV: Users pay $5.99/month for full access to the Art Store, though they can display 20 free pieces per month.
- Hisense CanvasTV: Comes with a free preloaded art collection, with no subscription fee. It has fewer customisation options but provides a simple, no-cost approach to art display.
- TCL NXTFrame TV: Similar to Hisense, it offers an entirely free curated art library. Additionally, it has a standout feature, AI art generation, which creates unique pieces based on user preferences. Users can also choose from various mat textures and display animated artwork.
You’ll be happy to know that all of these TVs allow you to upload your own artwork and photos, so you can also go shopping for Frame TV art on Etsy or here on SmallLilyStudio.com to pick out something special!
Comparison table: Samsung Frame TV vs Hisense CanvasTV vs TCL NXTFrame TV
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the three leading art TVs:
| Feature | Samsung Frame TV | Hisense CanvasTV | TCL NXTFrame TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size range | 43" – 85" | 55" – 65" | 55" – 85" |
| Display type | QLED (Matte) | QLED (Matte) | QLED (Matte) |
| Resolution | 4K ✓ | 4K ✓ | 4K ✓ |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | 144Hz |
| Operating system (OS) | Tizen | Google TV | Google TV |
| HDR support | HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ |
| One Connect Box | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Motion detection | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Customisable frames / bezels | ✓ Many options | ✗ Currently only teak | ✗ Currently only off-white and light wood |
| Paid art store | ✓ Subscription | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free art | ✓ 20 pieces/month* | ✓ 120+ pieces | ✓ Unspecified number |
| AI art generation | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Add your own art | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Approx price for 55" (USD) | $1300 | $999 | $1499 |
* This might not be as straightforward as it seems, according to reports from users. I’ll elaborate below before we get into our conclusion.
Samsung Frame TV’s free art
One of the Samsung Frame TV’s selling points is the 20 free art pieces offered to owners each month. In theory, this provides users with a way to enjoy a rotating selection of artwork without having to pay for the $5.99/month Art Store subscription. However, while Samsung advertises this feature, some people have reported issues with accessing or maintaining their free art collection:
- Availability of free art: Samsung provides a curated selection of 20 art pieces each month as part of the “Samsung Collection”. However, people have noted that this collection changes periodically, and some art pieces may disappear or expire without warning, causing frustration.
- Model restrictions: It seems that newer models (2022 and later) offer a more robust selection of free art under the “Complimentary” section, but older models may have a more limited set of options.
- Technical glitches: Some of these issues may be due to technical glitches or software updates that change the availability of art content. Some users have had to rely on workarounds or resets.
While 20 free art pieces per month is an enticing offer, it’s important to note that the experience has not been seamless for all users. For those who don’t want to pay for the Art Store subscription, the Hisense CanvasTV and TCL NXTFrame TV might offer a simpler, more straightforward experience with no subscription fees and a consistent library of artwork.
Conclusion: Which art TV is right for you?
Choosing between the Samsung Frame TV, Hisense CanvasTV, and TCL NXTFrame TV comes down to your priorities. If you’re seeking a large library of art and don't mind paying for it, Samsung is still the leader. For budget-conscious buyers, Hisense CanvasTV offers excellent value, while TCL NXTFrame TV might appeal to those looking for more advanced features like AI-generated art and Dolby Vision support.
Each of these TVs can beautifully integrate into your home décor, making the decision largely dependent on your specific needs, whether that’s price, gaming performance or the art viewing experience.
