Over the past few years, Samsung’s The Frame TV has emerged as one of the most talked-about home entertainment innovations. With its seamless blend of art and technology, it aims to appeal not just to tech lovers, but also to homeowners looking for aesthetic upgrades. Is it all just clever marketing, or is The Frame TV truly worth the price tag?
TL;DR (Too long, didn’t read)
The Frame TV is a stylish fusion of high-end television and customizable art display. It performs well as a QLED 4K TV with vibrant colors and smart features. Its standout feature is Art Mode, which allows users to display artwork when the TV is off, making it double as home décor. It’s a great choice for design-conscious buyers, though not a must-have for pure performance enthusiasts.
Design and Aesthetic Appeal
One of the most prominent features of The Frame TV is its sleek and modern design. Built to mount flush against the wall just like a picture frame, it comes with customizable bezels so users can change the look to match their interior decor. The TV was born out of a desire to make technology less intrusive in the home, and Samsung got that part exactly right.
Unlike traditional televisions that become large black voids when turned off, The Frame transforms into a piece of artwork or a photo display. Thanks to its Art Mode, users can subscribe to Samsung’s Art Store or upload personal photos to be shown when the TV is idle.
Display Quality and Performance
Beneath its artistic guise, The Frame is a powerful television packed with impressive technical features. Samsung equipped it with its QLED technology which brings the display to life using Quantum Dots for enhanced brightness, color accuracy, and contrast ratios. The Frame supports 4K Ultra HD resolution, HDR10+, and adapts to ambient lighting via its built-in sensors.
- QLED Technology – Rich colors and deep blacks
- Motion Rate 120 – Great for sports and action scenes
- Anti-Reflection Matte Display – Helps reduce glare from windows and lighting
It may not match up entirely with Samsung’s premium Neo QLED range in terms of brightness peak or local dimming precision, but it holds its own exceptionally well for everyday viewing and most entertainment scenarios.
Smart TV Features
As a smart TV, The Frame excels with Samsung’s Tizen OS, delivering smooth navigation and voice control via Bixby, Alexa, or Google Assistant integration. The interface is intuitive, and there’s support for all major streaming platforms including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, and more.
Additional features include:
- Multi-View: Watch content from two sources side-by-side
- Tap View: Instantly mirror your phone’s screen with a simple tap
- SmartThings: Control compatible smart home devices directly from the TV
Art Mode: The Star Feature
Art Mode is the main reason many people gravitate towards The Frame. When the TV is off, it becomes a digital picture frame that can display art or photographs. It has a built-in motion sensor that detects when someone is nearby to activate the display and turns off when the room is empty to save energy.
Samsung’s Art Store subscription gives users access to over 1,400 works of art from museums around the world. Alternatively, people can upload their own high-resolution images via the SmartThings app or USB.
The 2022 and 2023 models introduced a matte finish that improves the screen texture, closely mimicking actual canvas and reducing the typical glare that plagues glossy TVs.
Installation and Connectivity
Installation of The Frame is intentionally straightforward. The TV mounts flush against the wall thanks to the included Slim Fit Wall Mount. It also uses a single transparent cable called the One Invisible Connection to handle power and data, which then connects to a hidden box known as the One Connect Box. This allows all ports and wiring to be managed from a centralized hub, keeping the area clean and clutter-free.
Connectivity options in the One Connect Box include:
- 4 x HDMI ports (including eARC)
- 2 x USB ports
- Ethernet port
- Optical audio out
Sizes and Pricing
Samsung offers The Frame in various sizes ranging from 32” to 85”, allowing flexibility for everything from bedrooms to large living spaces. Prices vary significantly based on size and year of the model, with newer models commanding a premium, especially those with the latest matte display.
As of writing, average prices are:
- 32” – around $599
- 43” – around $999
- 55” – around $1,499
- 65” – around $1,999
- 75” and up – $2,999+
In addition to the cost of the TV, buyers should also account for extras such as customized bezels and the optional Art Store subscription.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stylish design that blends into home decor
- Excellent Art Mode with matte screen to reduce glare
- Good 4K QLED performance
- Invisible cable and external One Connect box for easy cable management
Cons
- More expensive than traditional TVs with similar specs
- Subscription is required for full access to the Art Store
- Performance not quite on par with Samsung’s top-tier Neo QLEDs
Who Is The Frame TV Really For?
The Frame TV is perfect for individuals who value aesthetics and interior design just as much as TV performance. It brings a unique lifestyle element to technology, turning an average television into something you can be proud to display. If you’re someone who wants a TV that serves as both functional tech and a visual complement to your living space, this TV delivers in spades.
However, for viewers who are primarily after peak display performance—like gamers or cinephiles—the value may not stack up compared to OLEDs or high-end QLEDs in the same price range.
Final Verdict
The Frame TV lives up to its promise of redefining what a television can be. It may not be the best-performing 4K television in terms of pure specs, but it makes up for that with style, flexibility, and owners’ pride. So, is it worth it? If blending design with functionality is important to you, then yes—it most definitely is.
FAQs
- Can I use The Frame TV without the Art Store subscription?
- Yes, you can upload your own photos or artwork for free via the SmartThings app or USB.
- Does The Frame work as well in bright rooms?
- Yes, thanks to its anti-reflection matte display and ambient brightness sensors, it performs well even in well-lit environments.
- Can I game on The Frame TV?
- Absolutely. It supports low latency gaming features, but if you’re looking for competitive-tier gaming performance, you might want to consider TVs with a 120Hz native refresh rate and variable refresh rates (VRR).
- Are the customizable bezels included?
- No, the bezels are sold separately and come in various styles and colors to match your decor.
- Is The Frame wall-mount only, or can it be placed on furniture?
- It comes with both the Slim Fit Wall Mount and alternate stand legs, offering flexibility in placement.
