TCL’s NXTVISION Art TV aims to blend art display with smart TV features, targeting those who want their screen to double as a digital canvas. The idea is interesting and the tech is smart, but I wondered if it could really compete with Samsung’s The Frame, which is already popular. We took a closer look to find out.
Design and Setup: Simple but Not Without Hiccups
The NXTVISION Art TV comes with a matte display that reduces glare, making it well-suited for showing artwork without the annoying reflections you get on glossy screens. The colour accuracy is impressive, which is a key feature if you want your TV to double as an art display rather than just a streaming box.
Setting up the TV is straightforward thanks to Google TV integration. Syncing with an iPhone via the Google Home app was quick, and it saved all my Netflix login details automatically, so I could jump straight into streaming without any fuss. That's a real time-saver, especially for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
But the remote control was a mixed bag. Initially, it had issues pairing and handling voice commands, which got sorted only after a full reset of the TV and the remote — not ideal when you just want to get going.
Also, the volume and mute buttons are tucked on the side of the remote, which makes them tricky to find if you’re not familiar with the layout. It’s a small annoyance but one that adds up over time.
Another gripe comes with the HDMI ports. The TV has four of them on the back, but the ports point upwards, making them hard to see and access, especially in a dark room. Two of these ports support a 144Hz refresh rate for gaming in 4K, and one allows up to 240Hz at 1080p for PC connections. Gamers will appreciate the smooth motion and quick response. However, the location and design of the ports mean plugging in cables can be fiddly. Samsung’s The Frame Pro, by contrast, uses a breakout box that reduces cable clutter and makes connections easier to manage.
Artwork Display: Decent but Limited Selection
What really stands out is how the TV shows artwork with a matte finish and bright colors, making it feel more like a real gallery. The TV comes pre-loaded with 350 pieces of art, covering a few categories you can scroll through.
That’s a far cry from Samsung’s The Frame Pro, which boasts a library of 5,000 artworks, including well-known masterpieces by artists like Andrew Wyeth.
One downside is the lack of search functionality. You can only scroll through categories to find artwork, which can be tedious if you’re looking for something specific. The user interface doesn’t make browsing an easy or enjoyable experience, especially when compared to other art TVs that let you filter by artist, style, or period.
TCL also offers an AI art generator where you can type in keywords to make your own scenes. I tried generating an ocean scene, and it looked pretty good — comparable to what Samsung and Hisense offer. The AI can create around 100,000 different combinations, so you’re not stuck with the built-in gallery if you want something a bit more personal. I left the ocean scene running on the screen for a whole week, and it held up well as a calming backdrop.
Performance and Features: Good Enough for Most
For regular TV and streaming, the NXTVISION delivers what you’d expect for the price. The 4K panel delivers sharp images with decent contrast, though it’s not in the same league as more expensive OLEDs or QLEDs. The matte screen helps in bright rooms, but colours can look a bit muted compared to glossier alternatives.
The TV runs Google TV, which means you get access to apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube out of the box. This interface is familiar and user-friendly, making it easy to switch between streaming and art modes. TCL’s inclusion of HDMI ports that support high refresh rates is a plus for gamers, offering smooth visuals at 4K 144Hz or 1080p 240Hz. Not all art TVs have this, so it’s a bonus if you want both gaming and art.
Sound quality was passable but not exceptional. The TV’s built-in speakers handle everyday viewing fine, but if you’re after a richer audio experience, connecting to an external soundbar or receiver is recommended. The eARC support on HDMI 1 makes it straightforward to connect to better audio gear.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
TCL’s NXTVISION Art TV is clearly aimed at buyers who want a dual-purpose screen: a TV that can also showcase art. But the limited art library and clunky navigation hold it back from seriously challenging Samsung’s The Frame Pro, which offers a bigger selection and a more polished art experience. Samsung’s breakout box also helps keep cables tidy and connections accessible, which TCL’s design doesn’t quite match.
But the gaming-friendly features, like the 144Hz 4K HDMI ports, make it more versatile. It’s not just an art display; it’s a capable smart TV for watching shows and playing games. The AI art generation is a nice bonus and offers a way to customise your screen beyond the pre-loaded images.
Still, small issues like tricky HDMI ports, remote quirks, and limited art browsing make the experience less smooth. It’s a TV that’s fine for what it is, but you might want to look elsewhere if you want a premium art display with all the bells and whistles.
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TCL’s NXTVISION Art TV delivers a solid mix of smart TV features, gaming support, and art display in one package. But its limited art library and some design choices mean it struggles to match the polish and versatility of rivals like Samsung’s The Frame Pro. If you want a decent art TV without spending too much, it’s worth checking out. — but don’t expect it to blow you away.
This article was created with AI assistance.
