By now, it’s no surprise that a TV doesn’t just have to be a TV anymore. I’m not talking about those to-good-to-be-true TikToks touting how easy it is to DIY a TV frame yourself. I’m not crafty. I don’t trust those, and I never will.
I’m talking about the TV that inspired all those crafty click-craving content creators — The Frame TV by Samsung.
More folks have a version of The Samsung Frame TV than ever before, thanks to continuous improvement and, of course, that global pandemic that caused people to both watch a lot of TV and upgrade their homes.
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What is the Samsung Frame TV?
Launched in 2017 at the global electronics trade show CES, Samsung announced via its website in 2021 that it sold one million units of The Frame, making it Samsung’s first single-year million-seller in its Lifestyle TV lineup.
Total sales since The Frame’s 2017 launch exceeded two million units by the end of the same year, driven by heavy demand in North America and Europe. This means that 2021 resulted in half of the global sales of The Frame since its debut.
What makes The Frame so unique is that it’s designed to seamlessly blend into your living space while doubling as a stunning artwork when you’re not binge-watching your favorite shows. Available in sizes ranging from 32 inches to 85 inches, The Frame features a QLED display, a matte finish that reduces glare, and customizable bezels. It’s more than just a screen; it’s a statement piece.
Recently, I reviewed Sumsung’s 65-inch 2024 edition of The Frame to see how it stood up as I get my wallet ready for Black Friday and the gift-giving season.
Is it worth the money? Does it live up to the hype? Did I actually get the Louvre-ing room update I always wanted?
Keep reading to find out — The result may surprise you.
Samsung 65″ Class The Frame QLED 4K LS03D
The Samsung 65-inch Frame QLED TV is a stunning blend of art and entertainment, designed to double as a customizable art display when not in use. With QLED 4K technology, it delivers vivid picture quality and lifelike colors, perfect for streaming or gaming. Its sleek, frame-like design and easy wall-mounting make it a stylish addition to any space, seamlessly combining form and function.
My Review
First Impressions
Unboxing the Samsung Frame TV felt like uncrating a piece of art rather than setting up new tech. It arrived in a box that seemed much bigger than it needed to be due to the extra security of the packaging, and the crafty nature of the box was nice.
Once I popped off the secure plastic straps, I was able to pull the majority of the cardboard box off, as opposed to slicing and grabbing the TV out from the top, which allowed me not to stress out about pinching the screen while pulling it out.
The slim profile, matte display, and the option to add customizable frames make it a videophile interior design cinephile’s dream. I am not a cinephile or an interior designer, but I, too, am thrilled by all of the above and very excited to plug and play some art.
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Installation and Setup
If you’re like me and dread complicated setups, breathe easy. The Frame comes with a proprietary slim-fit wall mount that makes it hug the wall like a real picture frame. The One Connect Box is both a blessing and a bit of a curse.
On the one hand, it houses all the HDMI ports (four HDMI 2.1 ports, one with eARC) and power connections, giving the TV on the wall a clean, cable-free look.
On the other hand, finding a discreet spot for this large, rather unsightly cable box-looking element was a bit tricky and was not really advertised as part of the overall aesthetic package.
Art Mode
Let’s talk about Art Mode — the key feature that sets The Frame TV apart.
When not in use, the Frame displays artworks or photos of your own, turning your TV into a gallery wall. The matte QLED display does an excellent job mimicking the texture of real canvas, reducing glare, and minimizing reflections.
I was skeptical at first, but recent guests were genuinely impressed by the difference between TV mode and Art mode. The ambient light sensor adjusts the screen’s brightness to match the room, enhancing the illusion. Just remember, access to Samsung’s extensive art library requires a monthly subscription, and additional frames beyond the default black included in the base unit price cost extra.
If you are looking for additional art options, I have found tons of great, original art options from sellers on Etsy.
Picture Quality
When it comes to actual TV watching, The Frame holds its own but doesn’t redefine the game.
The 4K UHD resolution combined with Quantum Dot technology delivers vibrant colors and sharp details. Watching programs designed to wow (think a digitally remastered “Star Wars” or über-vivid 4K cinematography of “Planet Earth”) felt immersive, with rich greens and deep blues.
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However, the brightness peaks at around 400 to 500 nits, which is decent but limits the HDR performance. “Nit” comes from the Latin word nitere, which means “to shine,” and it is what is used to measure how bright a TV is. So, the higher the nit value, the brighter the screen.
The anti-glare screen works wonders in well-lit rooms, but in darker settings, the blacks aren’t as deep as they would be with an OLED TV. If you’re that aforementioned cinephile seeking the ultimate HDR experience, you might find trading the high tech for the high style is not worth it.
Smart Features
Powered by Samsung Tizen OS 2024, the smart interface is intuitive and snappy. All major streaming services are readily available, and switching between them is seamless. Voice control options are plentiful — you can choose between Alexa, Google Assistant, or Samsung’s own Bixby.
I will be honest — I have yet to set up and use the Alexa feature, as that is the smart system in my home, but I barely use it for anything beyond asking about the weather as it is. Once I try that out, I will update this article with my thoughts.
For those in the Samsung ecosystem (I’m talking to you Bixby fans), the built-in SmartThings hub is a nifty addition. It allows you to control your smart home devices directly from the TV. However, the SmartThings app is required to use some features, such as the Art Store.
Gaming Performance
For the gamers out there, the Frame is surprisingly capable. With a native 120Hz refresh rate and low input lag (~10ms in Game Mode), it’s smooth sailing for most games. It supports FreeSync Premium for variable refresh rates, minimizing screen tearing. The Game Bar 3.0 feature lets you monitor FPS and adjust settings on the fly — a handy tool for any gaming enthusiast.
Sound Quality
The built-in 40W speakers are serviceable for everyday viewing. They offer clear dialogue and decent volume, but if you’re after that cinematic experience, you’ll want to invest in a soundbar, Features like Q-Symphony (which syncs the TV speakers with a compatible Samsung soundbar) and Adaptive Sound+ try to enhance the audio but can only do so much with the limited hardware.
If you’re in the market for a soundbar, check out our best soundbar buying guide for expert recommendations.
If you really want to be bold, the latest edition to the Samsung surround sound experience is the Samsung The Music Frame. You can read more about how that works with and without The Frame here.
Comparing to Competitors
Having tested the new TCL NXTFRAME and the Hisense S7 CanvasTV, I can say that the Samsung Frame stands out in terms of design and build quality.
The TCL offers a brighter screen for both TV and art mode and includes a light wood frame and table stand, all at a lower price point. The design considers that not all framed TVs were meant to hang on the wall, with its neat and clean back panel covering and movable floor stand. TCL has a lesser-known reputation among consumers, so asking for a considerable increase from comparable styles in its offering that are not frame-style TVs may be off-putting to brand loyalists.
The Hisense is the most budget-friendly and includes a substantial remote and a familiar Google TV interface. This is the second Hisense I have owned and used that has a slight delay in the response, which can be very frustrating if it is something you are not accustomed to. However, the Hisense also comes with a teak wood-style frame, and of all the frame pieces, this one felt the most quality.
However, neither competitor matches Samsung’s premium feel or its extensive Art Mode features. If brand reputation and recognition plus build quality are important to you, The Frame justifies its higher price tag.
The Final Verdict
Is It Worth It?
If you’re someone who values aesthetics as much as functionality, the 2024 Samsung Frame TV is 100% a worthwhile investment. It’s perfect for bright rooms and serves as a fantastic conversation piece.
However, if top-tier picture quality and HDR performance are your primary concerns, there are better options available for the same price, arguably also from Samsung.
For me, The Frame strikes the right balance between form and function. It’s not just a TV; it’s a lifestyle upgrade.
I want the streamlined look and appeal of art mode, and the video quality is still exceptional. As a consumer who likes to watch my trashy TV just as much as I like to watch my HD movies, this is the exact TV I want.
How I Tested
I spent two weeks living with the Samsung Frame TV in my home, putting it through its paces with streaming, gaming, and, of course, admiring art. I compared it side-by-side with the TCL NXTFRAME and Hisense S7 CanvasTV to gauge its performance and features against similar frame TV models.
Testing criteria included:
- Installation and Setup: Initial configuration and user-friendliness
- Picture Quality: Evaluated using 4K HDR content, standard-definition broadcasts, and streaming services
- Art Mode Functionality: Variety of available artworks, realism of display, and customization options
- Smart Features: Responsiveness of the OS, app availability, and voice assistant performance
- Sound Quality: Clarity, volume, and any noticeable distortion at high levels
- Gaming Performance: Tested using Nintendo Switch, assessing input lag and motion handling
FAQs
What are the disadvantages of the Frame TV?
- Pricey Accessories: Additional frames and stands cost extra
- Average HDR Performance: Limited peak brightness affects HDR impact
- One Connect Box: While it helps with cable management, finding a place to hide it can be challenging
Is there a new Frame TV for 2024?
Yes, the model reviewed here is the 2024 version
Can I leave my Samsung Frame TV on all the time?
You can, especially in Art Mode, which is designed for low power consumption. However, for energy savings and screen longevity, it’s advisable to use the motion sensor settings to turn off the display when no one is around.
What is equivalent to the Samsung Frame TV?
Competitors include the TCL A300W NXTFRAME and Hisense S7 CanvasTV. While they offer similar art display features at lower prices, they may lack some of the premium aspects of the Samsung Frame.
How to mount the Samsung Frame TV?
The TV comes with a slim-fit wall mount. For best results, follow the included instructions or consider professional installation. Given the large investment, I recommend the latter.
How to upload photos to the Samsung Frame TV from your phone?
Use the SmartThings app to sync your photos directly to the TV. Simply select the Art Mode option and follow the prompts to add your images.
How to clean the Samsung Frame TV screen?
Gently wipe the screen with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid using chemicals or sprays directly on the screen. Be careful, as the screen can scratch.
How to restart apps on the Samsung Frame TV?
Navigate to the app in question, press and hold the select button, and choose “Reinstall” or “Restart” from the options.
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