Haier Smart TV M1: A Solid 4K HDR Experience on a Budget

If you’re searching for an affordable 4K smart TV that doesn’t skimp on modern features, the Haier 55″ Smart TV M1 might just hit the sweet spot. Blending sleek aesthetics with practical performance, this mid-range model stands out for its usability, decent image quality, and Android TV integration — all while staying wallet-friendly.

Design & Build: Minimalism Done Right

The Haier 55 M1 sports a contemporary minimalist design that feels right at home in any modern interior. Its slim 8.2 cm profile and ultra-narrow bezels create an “infinity screen” look, drawing your eyes straight to the content. The matte black finish resists fingerprints and dust, making it as practical as it is stylish.

Haier Smart TV M1

Despite its large 55-inch display, the TV remains relatively lightweight and manageable. It’s supported by two robust metal feet, providing excellent stability on a stand. While the Direct LED backlight contributes to a slightly bulkier build, the M1 still looks best placed on a console rather than wall-mounted. (Note: VESA 400x300mm wall mount is supported but not included.)

One minor inconvenience — the remote (HTR-U32R WINK) doesn’t come with batteries in the box.

Smart Features: Android TV 11 Brings It All Together

The standout feature of the M1 is its Android TV 11 platform, offering access to a vast library of apps via the Google Play Store. From Netflix and YouTube to Spotify and Plex, the smart ecosystem is intuitive and user-friendly, even for those less tech-savvy.

Thanks to built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1, connecting wireless headphones, speakers, or controllers is a breeze. And if you prefer a wired setup, the Ethernet port ensures stable streaming even in high-traffic network environments.

Haier Smart TV M1

Picture Quality: Impressive for the Price

The Haier 55 M1 features a 4K UHD (3840×2160) VA panel with Direct LED backlighting. It delivers strong contrast, deep blacks, and vibrant colors — especially when viewed in darker rooms where VA panels truly shine.

While it supports HDR10 and HLG, the panel’s brightness maxes out around 300 nits, which limits its HDR impact. Don’t expect dramatic highlights or Dolby Vision-level performance here, but for standard SDR content, the viewing experience is more than satisfactory.

Upscaling tech helps improve lower-resolution content, and the 60Hz refresh rate paired with a 6.5ms response time ensures smooth playback in most scenarios. Fast-paced scenes like sports or action films look sharp with minimal ghosting. Just keep in mind: viewing angles aren’t great, and you’ll notice color shift when watching off-center.

Audio: Serviceable, But Consider a Soundbar

Audio is perhaps the M1’s most modest area. With a 2.0-channel system delivering 20W total output, the sound is clear but lacks punch and depth — especially when it comes to bass-heavy content or immersive cinematic audio.

It supports Dolby Digital decoding, and there’s a basic equalizer for tweaking settings, but for a better soundstage, pairing it with external speakers or a soundbar is highly recommended.

Haier Smart TV M1 Back panel and remote

Connectivity: Everything You Need

Despite being budget-friendly, the Haier 55 M1 doesn’t cut corners when it comes to ports:

• HDMI: 4 ports (1 with ARC)

• USB: 2 x USB 2.0

• AV input, optical audio output, and headphone jack

• Ethernet RJ-45 + Wi-Fi

• Bluetooth 5.1

• CI+ slot, RF & satellite antenna inputs

This wide range of options means you can easily connect game consoles, media players, sound systems, or even legacy AV devices.

Specs Snapshot

Pricing: Affordable Across Sizes

Haier offers the M1 series in a range of sizes, all priced competitively in the mid-range market. Below are the approximate U.S. dollar (USD) equivalents as of Summer 2025:

(Prices may vary by retailer and location.)

Final Verdict: Great Value with Balanced Features

The Haier 55″ Smart TV M1 is a well-rounded television that offers great performance for its price. While it doesn’t push the boundaries in terms of premium features or cutting-edge display tech, it delivers where it matters most: clear 4K visuals, decent smart TV functionality, and a clean design.

Ideal for:

• Budget-conscious buyers

• Casual viewers who want 4K streaming and Android TV

• Families setting up a secondary living room TV

Not ideal for:

• Users seeking cinematic audio out of the box

• Hardcore gamers wanting ultra-low latency or 120Hz panels

• Viewers who prioritize wide-angle visibility

If you’re in the market for a dependable and affordable 4K smart TV with essential features and stylish looks, the Haier 55 M1 deserves a spot on your shortlist.