Hisense’s introduction of an 85-inch CanvasTV significantly challenges Samsung’s Frame TV market leadership. Evaluating the 65-inch model in a sunroom for several months, watching it adeptly handle direct sunrise through expansive glass, reveals why this larger format offers more than a mere size increase. This new scale changes the value equation for large art displays in homes.
Priced at $2,499, the 85-inch Hisense CanvasTV creates a $1,800 price differential against Samsung’s $4,299 85-inch Frame TV. This cost disparity moves art display technology from a luxury niche into the realm of practical home upgrades for a wider audience.
Price Point Advantage:
- Hisense 85-inch CanvasTV: $2,499 (List Price: $3,999 38% off)
- Samsung 85-inch Frame TV: $4,299
- Hisense provides comparable art display features at a considerably lower price.
Matte Display Technology: Overcoming Glare
Real-World Test Insight: A sunroom with a full glass wall, where morning sun creates difficult viewing conditions, served as the testing ground. The 65-inch CanvasTV’s matte screen effectively absorbs shadows and reflections. This capability makes digital artwork look authentic, not like an electronic screen. Such performance becomes crucial at the 85-inch size, where glare problems could otherwise intensify across the larger surface.
Traditional glossy displays reflect ambient light, diminishing artwork quality in daylight. Hisense’s Hi-Matte technology reportedly reduces reflections substantially compared to standard LED screens. Its quantum dot layer preserves color accuracy, while the matte finish helps eliminate the mirror effect that often plagues many electronic displays.
Displaying Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” on the 65-inch model showcases this technology’s strength. An ambient light sensor adjusts brightness and color temperature throughout the day, maintaining a natural look regardless of lighting shifts. At 85 inches, such artwork commands wall space akin to museum pieces, creating an immersive visual.
Core Specifications:
- Display: 85-inch QLED with Hi-Matte surface; 4K resolution (3840 x 2160); 144Hz refresh rate; Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support.
- Art Functionality: Over 120 preloaded artworks; motion detection for power saving; ambient light sensor; magnetic frame system.
- Gaming Features: 13ms input lag (Game Mode); Variable Refresh Rate (VRR); Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM); AMD FreeSync Premium.
- Smart Platform: Google TV operating system; voice control; smart home hub features; access to over 800 free live channels.
Art Mode: Integrating Function into Daily Life
Art Mode proves its worth through consistent use, not just initial appeal. A motion detector cuts power use to a scant 0.5W in standby, activating the screen upon detecting movement. This feature offers annual energy savings while preserving the illusion of framed art.
The TV includes 120 diverse art pieces (landscapes, still life, modern works) without requiring subscriptions. Google TV integration also provides access to collections from museum partners like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre. This model contrasts with Samsung’s Art Store, which charges a reported $5.99 monthly subscription for its full collection.
A magnetic frame system allows tool-free customization. The standard teak finish suits most decors, and alternative frames can meet specific design needs. For an 85-inch display, frame choice becomes an architectural consideration, not a minor accessory.
Large-Scale Gaming Performance
A 144Hz refresh rate and 13ms input lag meet PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X demands. VRR support prevents screen tearing with variable frame rate content. Note, however, that the matte finish might temper HDR gaming impact compared to glossy screens, especially in dark gaming environments where high contrast is vital.
The 85-inch size alters gaming dynamics. Racing and flight simulators gain from the expanded view. Competitive gaming, however, might be hampered by the increased head movement needed to scan the screen. The display excels primarily in content viewing and art display, more so than in dedicated, high-stakes gaming.
Competitive Comparison:
- Hisense 85-inch CanvasTV ($2,499):
- Includes magnetic frame.
- Offers 120+ free artworks.
- Features 144Hz refresh rate.
- Uses Google TV platform.
- Has motion detection.
- Requires no art subscription fees for included art.
- Samsung 85-inch Frame TV ($4,299):
- Frame is often a separate purchase.
- Full art access typically needs Art Store subscription.
- Commonly has a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Uses Tizen platform.
- Includes motion detection.
- May involve ongoing art access costs.
Installation and Space Considerations
An 85-inch screen suggests a viewing distance of at least 10-12 feet for comfortable viewing. This scale suits larger living rooms, family rooms, or dedicated media areas where the display acts as an architectural feature.
The ultra-slim wall mount allows the screen to sit about 1.1 inches from the wall. Professional installation is wise due to the screen’s weight and the need for precise mounting. A wall structure assessment ensures secure attachment.
Cable management typically uses a single, slim cable to reduce clutter. Mounting hardware is usually included, though professional installation might add $200-$300 to the cost, varying by wall type and routing needs.
Overall Cost Evaluation
Samsung’s Frame TV may incur costs beyond its $4,299 base. Custom frames can add $200-$400. Art Store subscriptions average $5.99 monthly. Professional calibration for optimal art display might add another $300-$500.
Hisense includes a magnetic frame, 120 artworks, and calibrated art settings in its $2,499 price. The total cost difference can reach $2,500-$3,000 when comparing fully equipped setups. This gap makes large art displays more attainable for consumers previously deterred by price.
The 85-inch CanvasTV delivers practical luxury. It provides the visual impact needed for large rooms while retaining the art functionality that justifies its place in living areas where standard televisions can seem obtrusive.
Long-Term Value Perspective: Months with the 65-inch model reshaped expectations for integrating televisions into living spaces. It serves as a room centerpiece displaying art, an entertainment hub, and a conversation piece. The 85-inch version should magnify these advantages while maintaining the core features that make the smaller model compelling.
Hisense’s 85-inch CanvasTV succeeds by addressing practical user needs, not by just offering technological novelty. Its matte display counters glare. The bundled art removes immediate subscription pressures. The magnetic frame system eases customization. The substantial cost savings over its main competitor broaden its appeal beyond early adopters to mainstream consumers.
