For years, Samsung's The Frame TV has stood alone as the premier choice for consumers seeking to blend technology with home decor, transforming a blank screen into a digital art canvas. That monopoly is about to be challenged. At the upcoming CES 2026 in January, LG Electronics is set to unveil its most direct competitor yet: the LG Gallery TV. This dedicated art-focused display marks LG's full-fledged entry into the lifestyle television market, promising a blend of premium display technology, customizable design, and generative AI tools to create a compelling alternative.
LG's Strategic Entry into the Art TV Arena
LG's announcement of the Gallery TV represents a significant strategic shift. While the company has previously offered TVs with "Gallery Design" aesthetics, this new product is a purpose-built canvas TV designed from the ground up to rival Samsung's flagship. The move signals LG's recognition of a growing market segment that values aesthetics and ambiance as much as pure picture performance. By launching at CES 2026, one of the world's largest tech showcases, LG ensures its challenger will debut on a global stage, directly confronting Samsung's long-held dominance and signaling the start of a new, more competitive phase for "art TVs."
Technical Specifications: MiniLED Over OLED
In a notable departure from its flagship OLED technology, LG has opted for a 4K MiniLED panel for the Gallery TV. This decision is driven by the specific demands of an art display. MiniLED technology, with its dense array of tiny LEDs, can achieve exceptionally high brightness levels and precise local dimming for deep blacks and high contrast. These characteristics are crucial for accurately rendering the dynamic range and vivid colors of digital artwork in typical, well-lit living room environments. The initial models will be available in 55-inch and 65-inch sizes, catering to the most popular dimensions for this product category.
LG Gallery TV Key Specifications (Announced):
- Display Technology: 4K MiniLED
- Initial Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch
- Screen Finish: Matte, anti-glare
- Design: Flush wall-mount, magnetic interchangeable frames
- Processor: α7 AI Processor
- Audio: Integrated AI Sound Pro (simulated 9.1.2 channel)
- Content Service: Gallery+ subscription (4,500+ artworks)
- Key Feature: Generative AI art creation tools
Design and Customization for a Seamless Look
Mimicking the successful formula of its rival, the LG Gallery TV features a flush-mount design intended to sit nearly flat against the wall, resembling a framed picture rather than a television. A key design element is the use of magnetic, interchangeable bezels. This allows owners to swap out frames to match different decor styles or artworks, offering a level of personalization that goes beyond the digital display. A major point of comparison will be cable management. Samsung's solution is the One Connect Box, which uses a single, thin cable. LG has not confirmed if its wireless "Zero Connect" technology will be featured, but the TV is designed as a self-contained unit with integrated AI Sound Pro audio to avoid the clutter of external speakers.
The Art Ecosystem: Gallery+ and Generative AI
A lifestyle TV is ultimately defined by its content. To compete with Samsung's established Art Store, LG is launching Gallery+, a subscription service that will offer access to a curated library of over 4,500 artworks. LG has partnered with institutions like London's National Gallery to include classic pieces. However, LG is attempting to differentiate itself by leaning into artificial intelligence. Powered by the onboard α7 AI processor, the Gallery TV will include tools for owners to generate unique, custom artwork. This feature adds a novel layer of personalization, allowing users to create AI-generated pieces that may not be available in any standard digital library.
Competitive Landscape for Art/Canvas TVs:
- Samsung: The Frame (QLED), The Frame Pro
- TCL: NXTVision, NXTVision Pro
- Hisense: Canvas TV (75", 85"), S5 DécoTV (32")
- LG: Gallery TV (New for CES 2026)
A Crowded Market and the Consumer Benefit
LG is not the first to follow Samsung; it is joining an increasingly crowded field. Brands like TCL, with its NXTVision series, and Hisense, with its Canvas TV and smaller DécoTV models, have already entered the market, often at more aggressive price points. This proliferation is ultimately beneficial for consumers. Increased competition drives innovation in display quality, design, software features, and content libraries. It also puts downward pressure on prices, making the concept of an art TV accessible to a broader audience. The battle at CES 2026 between LG and Samsung is just the latest chapter in a trend that gives buyers more choice than ever before.