Hisense S5 QLED Deco 32S5QF 31.5"

The Hisense S5 wows with its design, earning a 96th percentile social proof score that puts it among the most loved TVs in our database. It's a 32-inch 1080p QLED with Fire TV that looks like a sculpture, sounds surprisingly good, and is a breeze to set up. Just know that gaming scores a dismal 17th percentile and picture quality is only average at best, so this is strictly a lifestyle pick, not a performance one.

The Hisense S5 QLED Deco sits in the 96th percentile for social proof, which tells you everything about who this TV is for. Owners rave about it, not because it's a picture quality monster, but because it looks like a piece of art and just works. The Morandi white finish and sculpted central stand are genuinely different from the black rectangles most of us have, and that design-first approach pays off in small spaces where a TV might otherwise feel like an eyesore. Setup takes minutes, Fire TV with Alexa is snappy, and the 16W speakers with DTS Virtual:X deliver sound that's better than you'd expect at this size.

Now, the numbers get real. Picture quality lands in the 36th percentile, HDR support is middle-of-the-pack at 47th, and the display overall is in the 19th percentile. That's because this is a 1080p panel in a world where 4K is standard, and the Direct LED backlight doesn't have the dimming zones to compete with pricier sets. But here's the thing: at 32 inches, 1080p still looks sharp enough for a bedroom or kitchen, and the QLED layer gives colors a nice pop. If you're after the best image quality, look elsewhere, but if you want a TV that disappears into your decor, this one nails it.

Let's talk specs. The 31.5" panel is FHD with a Direct LED backlight and Hi-QLED color, which Hisense markets as vibrant and true to life. In our testing database, picture quality scores in the 36th percentile, so it's definitely on the weaker side compared to most TVs. Blacks aren't as deep as you'd get from full-array local dimming, and peak brightness isn't anything to write home about. HDR10 and HLG are supported, but at 47th percentile for HDR performance, it's more checkbox than game-changer. For casual streaming, the picture is fine. Colors look pleasant out of the box, and the anti-glare coating helps, though some users note reflections in bright rooms.

Gaming is where this TV falls flat. The 60Hz panel paired with HDMI 1.4 means no VRR, no ALLM, and no 120Hz support. Our gaming score came in at 17th percentile, which is rough. Input lag isn't officially listed, but you can feel the delay. This is not the TV for a PS5 or Xbox Series X, not even as a secondary screen. The smart platform, though, runs smoothly. Fire TV is responsive, with built-in Alexa and Apple AirPlay, and the Wi-Fi 5 connectivity is adequate. Audio deserves a mention: the 2.0 channel 16W setup with DTS Virtual:X actually sounds decent. It's not room-filling, but dialogue is clear, and the surround virtualization is better than expected for a TV this slim.

We couldn't pin down a firm MSRP at review time, but across vendors, we've seen this TV listed anywhere from $195 to an eye-watering $86,121. That top number is clearly a placeholder error, so ignore it. At the real-world price of around $200, the S5 offers solid value for a design-centric smart TV. You're paying primarily for the looks and the seamless Fire TV experience, not raw display performance. If you can find it on sale at Amazon or Best Buy for under $200, it's a fair deal for a small secondary TV that doubles as decor. Just don't expect it to punch above its weight in picture quality.

The S5's competition is a bit of a mismatch. Samsung QN85D, LG QNED 86QNED82AUA, TCL QM7K, and Sony BRAVIA 2 II are all larger, higher-resolution TVs aimed at living room setups. Next to those, the Hisense looks like a toy in terms of specs. The TCL QM7K, for example, will obliterate it in brightness, contrast, and HDR impact. But here's the kicker: those TVs are 55 inches and up, and they don't have the same aesthetic charm. The S5 is for someone who wants a TV in a bedroom, kitchen, or dorm that doesn't scream "TV." The Roku Plus Series 55R6C7 is a closer price competitor, but again, size and design differ. If your priority is screen performance per dollar, get something else. If you want a 32-inch screen that looks like art, the S5 stands alone.

If you're a gamer, this TV will frustrate you. With a gaming score of 17th percentile and only HDMI 1.4, it's not built for consoles or high refresh rates. Picture quality enthusiasts should also pass: 36th percentile means most other TVs outperform it, and the HDR experience is underwhelming. Anyone needing a big screen for a living room will find the 32-inch size too small, and the 1080p resolution limiting. This is a specialty TV for design lovers, not a daily driver for media consumption.

The Hisense S5 QLED Deco is a breath of fresh air in a sea of boring black TVs. It's not going to win any awards for picture quality, and it's practically useless for gaming, but that's not the point. Owners absolutely adore this thing because it disappears into a room, sets up in minutes, and sounds better than it has any right to. If you need a small TV for a space where design matters, this is an easy recommendation. Hardcore cinephiles and gamers, keep walking.