Why the Samsung Frame TV Might Not Be Worth It

What is the Samsung Frame TV?

The Samsung Frame TV is more than just a television; it’s a sophisticated QLED HDR Smart TV with 4K resolution, providing access to all your favorite streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and more. For ultimate convenience, it also integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for effortless voice control over your entertainment.

However, what truly distinguishes the Samsung Frame TV from a conventional television lies in its design and unique functionalities. Firstly, it boasts an incredibly slim profile, mounting almost perfectly flush against the wall, mimicking the appearance of a framed art piece. Its standout feature, though, is its ability to transform into a high-quality display for artwork and photos when you’re not actively watching TV – hence, its moniker as a “picture frame TV.”

This intelligent display utilizes a sophisticated brightness sensor that continuously monitors ambient lighting conditions. As external light changes throughout the day, the TV automatically adjusts its screen brightness, ensuring that your displayed artwork maintains consistent color and realism. Furthermore, a motion sensor intelligently activates or deactivates the art display based on human presence, conserving energy and enhancing the art-like illusion. (We’ll delve deeper into the motion sensor’s nuances later in this review.)

When in “Art Mode,” the Samsung Frame TV can almost be mistaken for an authentic piece of art hanging on your wall. I use the word “almost” because, as a backlit digital display, it will never perfectly replicate the texture and depth of an original canvas or a traditional print. However, its stunning resolution and adjustable white balance and tone settings allow you to fine-tune the image to appear as realistic and natural as possible within your room’s specific lighting. Without a doubt, it offers a far more aesthetically pleasing alternative to a large, prominent black box dominating your wall.

What I Love About Our Frame TVs

The Samsung Frame TV boasts several unique features that truly set it apart, many of which I only fully appreciated after installation. Foremost among these is the ingenious no-gap wall mount included with the TV. Unlike typical TV mounts that leave a gap of several inches behind the screen, this innovative mount positions the Frame TV virtually flush against the wall, creating the authentic appearance of a framed artwork rather than a technological device. This seamless integration significantly enhances the aesthetic appeal of any room.

My absolute favorite feature, however, is its ability to seamlessly transition into an art display when the TV is “off.” As mentioned, the Frame TV incorporates a motion sensor. This means that when we leave the room or go to bed, the screen eventually turns off entirely. But as soon as motion is detected, the chosen artwork instantly reappears on the screen. This functionality is not only convenient but also incredibly visually appealing, ensuring that our living space always feels curated and inviting.

A common concern with displaying static images on screens for extended periods is “screen burn-in.” Samsung addresses this with its advanced LED Quantum Dot technology. This cutting-edge technology prevents images from being permanently burned into the display, providing peace of mind and ensuring the longevity of your television. Moreover, Quantum Dot technology contributes to incredibly realistic and sharp images, whether you’re watching movies or showcasing digital art.

The capability to effortlessly display a vast array of digital art is undoubtedly the most cherished feature for me, and it’s what ultimately justified the investment for our family room. I genuinely adore how simple and enjoyable it is to refresh the digital art display, a task I undertake quite frequently. It’s particularly delightful to switch out the art for different holidays and seasons, instantly transforming the room’s ambiance. For instance, this past Christmas, I added this vibrant digital Christmas art to our Frame TV, much to our family’s delight.

How Much Does the Frame TV Cost?

The Frame TV is available in a versatile range of seven different sizes, designed to fit various spaces and preferences. However, it’s essential to note that this premium technology comes with a significant price tag. Prices typically start around $575 for the smallest 32-inch model and can ascend to over $4,000 for the expansive 85-inch version. This makes it a considerable investment compared to standard smart TVs, reflecting its unique design and art display capabilities.

What’s the Best Price for the Frame TV, and Where Can You Buy It?

When we embarked on our fireplace makeover, we knew a Frame TV was a must-have, prompting us to actively seek out the best possible deal. Our persistence paid off: we secured the 2021 55″ Frame TV model for $1,197 during Prime Day in 2021, which was the most competitive price we could find at the time. Similarly, for our latest model, we found an exceptional deal on Amazon in November 2023, purchasing it for just $1,044. These experiences suggest that major sales events and online retailers like Amazon are excellent places to watch for discounts. However, it’s always worth checking other retailers for potential coupons or promotional codes that could further reduce the cost.

It’s also important to remember that the 2021 models are generally more affordable than the newest iterations, primarily because they lack the highly sought-after anti-glare feature. If budget is a primary concern and glare isn’t a major issue in your viewing environment, an older model could offer significant savings.

Does the Frame TV Actually Look Like a Picture Frame Hanging on the Wall?

As I touched upon earlier in this review, our 2021 Frame TV, when in Art Mode, can indeed almost be mistaken for an original piece of artwork. However, it’s crucial to manage expectations: because it’s a backlit digital screen, it will never perfectly replicate the nuanced depth and texture of a true canvas or a traditional art print. The inherent backlighting, combined with some screen glare – much like what you’d see on a piece of glass over framed art – creates a distinct visual effect. This combination of backlighting and potential glare results in a different aesthetic compared to other art pieces displayed in your home. Consequently, there will always be a discernible difference between the Frame TV’s art display and actual framed art, though it undeniably elevates the appearance far beyond a standard black TV screen.

Does the Latest Model of the Frame TV Look More Like Realistic Art Than the 2021 Model?

One of the most significant advancements in the latest Samsung Frame TV model is its revolutionary matte, anti-glare display. This innovative screen technology was developed by Samsung’s shift from a semi-gloss screen coating to a completely matte finish, designed specifically to enhance the illusion of artwork hanging on your wall and dramatically reduce reflections.

As previously mentioned, the Frame TV in our family room is the 2021 model (QN55LS03AAFXZA). When we purchased our second Samsung Frame TV in November 2023, we specifically chose the latest model (QN55LS03BAFXZA) precisely for this new anti-glare feature. Having both models in our home provides us with a unique opportunity to directly compare and assess the impact of the matte display.

I’m delighted to report that the anti-glare, matte display is a truly excellent feature and a substantial upgrade. Our new TV is situated adjacent to a large window that floods the room with natural light, a setting where glare would typically be a significant issue. However, I am thrilled to confirm that there is absolutely no distracting glare when we’re watching content on it. This alone is a game-changer for viewing experience in brightly lit rooms.

Furthermore, I do believe the anti-glare feature makes the displayed art appear moderately more realistic compared to our 2021 model. It reduces the “digital screen” effect. That said, it’s important to remember that the latest model is still a backlit display, meaning digital art, while improved, will still have a different visual quality than “real art” hung on your walls. Therefore, if glare is not a concern in your intended placement, I wouldn’t recommend upgrading solely for the moderate improvement in art realism. However, if your TV will be positioned near a window or in a room with abundant natural light, you will absolutely not regret investing in the model with the anti-glare display; it significantly enhances both TV viewing and art mode experiences.

What Can You Do with the Frame TV?

As I’ve already highlighted, the primary allure for most buyers is the Frame TV’s ability to display artwork through its ingenious “Art Mode.” This feature allows the TV to seamlessly integrate into your home decor, transforming from a black screen into a vibrant piece of art. You can even enhance the realism of your high-resolution artwork by choosing to display it with a digital mat, further mimicking the appearance of a framed print.

Beyond curated art, the Frame TV offers incredible versatility. You can also opt to showcase your cherished family photos or any other images you desire, turning your TV into a personalized digital photo album. Whether you prefer a single, striking piece of art to dominate the screen or a dynamic slideshow cycling through a collection of photos and artworks, the Frame TV provides extensive customization options to suit your personal style and mood.

What Do You Get for Your Money?

When you purchase a Samsung Frame TV, you’re investing in more than just a television; you’re acquiring a high-quality smart TV that seamlessly blends into your living space. It’s a fully functional 4K QLED TV, offering access to all your favorite streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and many others, delivering an excellent viewing experience. But the true bonus is the integrated “art mode” which provides access to a world of beautiful artwork that can be changed with the simple press of a button, transforming your TV into a dynamic art display.

Specifically, inside the box, you will find the 4K QLED television unit itself, along with the specialized no-gap wall mount necessary for its flush installation. Crucially, you’ll also receive an accessory known as the “One Connect Box.”

The One Connect Box is essentially the brain of the Frame TV, serving as a centralized hub for all your cables and connections. This innovative solution allows you to connect all your external devices—such as cable boxes, streaming devices (like Apple TV or Fire Sticks), gaming consoles, and more—to a single external box, rather than directly to the TV itself. The One Connect Box is equipped with a comprehensive range of ports, including:

• (4) HDMI inputs
• (1) Optical Digital Audio Out
• (1) Cat 5 Ethernet Port
• (1) Coax Input
• (3) USB Inputs
• (1) Ex-Link Port

The magic happens with the “invisible connection”—a single, tiny, fiber-optic cord that links the One Connect Box to the Frame TV. This single cable is all that’s required to power the television and transmit all data from your connected devices, making for an incredibly clean and minimalist installation. It’s truly a testament to thoughtful design.

What Extras Do You Have to Buy for Your Frame TV?

It’s important to understand that what you *don’t* receive for the initial purchase price is a custom frame for your TV. Out of the box, the Samsung Frame TV features a plain black plastic frame, which, while sleek, doesn’t immediately evoke the look of a traditional picture frame. This was a detail I hadn’t fully grasped when we first began researching, so I feel it’s crucial to highlight. While some retailers offer TV bundles that include a decorative bezel, you are still paying for this accessory in addition to the base price of the television.

For the Frame TV in our family room, we opted for a Samsung Frame TV Bezel. This bezel wasn’t inexpensive—we paid around $150 at the time, though newer models seem to hover closer to $250. While it served its purpose, I often wished it felt a bit more substantial. We initially planned to purchase another one for our new TV, but discovered that the specific size and style we wanted were sold out, with no estimated restock date.

Many people highly recommend Deco TV Frames, so I did explore their offerings. However, their aesthetic didn’t quite align with our personal style, and more significantly, they are *exceptionally expensive*. A 55″ frame from Deco TV Frames can cost approximately $600, which felt prohibitive for our budget.

Given these factors, we decided to embrace a DIY approach and make a custom TV frame for our new television. This project ultimately cost us around $80, and I am absolutely thrilled with the result—it surpasses the quality and aesthetic of any off-the-shelf frames we considered. The DIY frame feels far more substantial and perfectly captures the style we envisioned for our space.

Regardless of your choice, it’s crucial to factor in the additional cost of a decorative frame (whether purchased or custom-made) if you truly want your Frame TV to achieve the authentic look of a picture frame with art. This extra expense must be considered as part of the overall investment, which is already substantial.

Where Do You Put the One Connect Box?

The placement of the One Connect Box for our newest Frame TV was straightforward; it conveniently rests beneath the piece of furniture directly below where the TV is mounted. However, this was a more complex consideration when we initially acquired our first Frame TV several years ago, requiring some creative problem-solving.

It’s important to note that the One Connect Box is not particularly small, measuring approximately 13.7″ wide x 2.6″ high x 5.4″ deep. If your TV is situated above an entertainment center or a console table, concealing the box is usually a non-issue; it can simply be placed within the furniture. But for setups like ours, where the Frame TV hangs above a fireplace, the idea of a large, black box being visible isnft ideal for maintaining a clean aesthetic.

Fortunately, our fireplace already had an electrical outlet installed above it. To discreetly house our One Connect Box and other components, we opted to cut a strategic hole in the drywall behind our TV and install a recessed media box. While this solution means we need to remove the TV from its bracket if we ever need to access or reset the box, the TV is designed for relatively easy removal, so this minor inconvenience is acceptable to us. You can see photographs of the drywall cutout and the installed recessed box below, illustrating our solution for a tidy, integrated look.

What’s the Deal with the Samsung Art Store?

The Samsung Art Store is a dedicated digital marketplace designed to provide users with a vast collection of high-resolution artwork for their Frame TVs. This curated store features a diverse array of famous paintings and art pieces, all optimized in stunning 4K resolution. With over 1,500 pieces of art available, it offers a broad selection to enhance any interior. A subscription to the Art Store typically costs $4.99 per month, granting unlimited access to its extensive library.

Personally, I have chosen not to subscribe to the Samsung Art Store. Instead, I prefer to source my high-definition digital art from platforms like Etsy, where individual pieces usually range from $2.50 to $5.00 each. I find that Etsy offers an even wider selection of art, making it easier to discover unique pieces that perfectly align with my specific aesthetic and current home decor. This approach provides greater flexibility and often proves more cost-effective for my needs.

Click on any image below for full product details.

You can explore links to some of my top picks for seasonal and holiday digital art by clicking on the images provided below.

Pros and Cons of the Samsung Frame TV

To summarize the detailed information presented, here’s a concise overview of the advantages and disadvantages of owning a Samsung Frame TV:

Pros

• Achieves a truly flush, no-gap mounting against the wall, seamlessly integrating into decor.
• Features a unique “Art Mode” that displays artwork when the TV is off, without the risk of screen burn-in.
• Delivers excellent picture quality for movies and television shows, typical of high-end smart TVs.
• Available in a wide array of sizes to suit various room dimensions and viewing preferences (32-inch, 43-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch).
• The latest models feature an advanced anti-glare, matte display that significantly enhances the realism of art mode and drastically reduces screen reflections, especially in bright environments.

Cons

• It represents a premium investment, with a significantly higher price point than conventional smart TVs.
• A custom decorative frame or bezel must be purchased separately to achieve the true “picture frame” aesthetic, adding to the overall cost.
• The external “One Connect Box” requires thoughtful placement and concealment to maintain a clean, wire-free look.

Bottom Line… Is the Samsung Frame TV Worth It?

This brings us to the most frequently asked question: Is the Samsung Frame TV truly worth the investment? My answer is a resounding YES, but with an important caveat. It is absolutely worth it if you intend to place it in a highly visible living space—such as a living room or family room—where you spend a significant amount of time and where the TV will be both on and off. In such environments, the “Art Mode” display feature truly shines, adding immense value by transforming a mundane black screen into a dynamic, beautiful piece of art. The ability to avoid staring at a large, inert black box is incredibly impactful for daily living.

Conversely, if you need a TV primarily for viewing when it’s actively on, or for a private space where you spend very limited time looking at it when it’s off (like our primary bedroom TV), I would strongly recommend saving your money. For these situations, simply utilize the method to display art on a basic smart TV! We’ve successfully implemented this cost-effective solution in both our bedroom and our bonus room (as shown below), and it works perfectly for their intended uses.

I sincerely hope this comprehensive review has been helpful in your decision-making process. I wish a resource like this had been available when we were contemplating spending over $1,000 on a television, which felt like a significant leap at the time. However, because both of our Samsung Frame TVs are situated in highly visible, frequently used living areas in our home, we have absolutely no regrets about either purchase. That said, for the more private rooms in our home, we will continue to opt for less expensive TVs, as they perfectly suit our needs and budget in those spaces.

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