An honest, unbiased Samsung Frame TV Review and our thoughts after several years.
Our Experience With The Samsung Frame TV
I hesitated for years before buying the Samsung Frame TV. It costs more than many other TVs, and it requires an external One Connect Box that you’ll want to tuck away. Still, few televisions are as beautiful on the wall. This is my honest, long-term review after living with several Frame TVs.
When I first wrote about the Frame we owned one. Since then we added a second Frame above our living room fireplace and later installed another over the bedroom fireplace. My husband, who follows tech more closely than I do, and I share both design and performance impressions below.
- why the Frame TV may not suit every buyer
- how it differs from simply displaying art on a normal smart TV
- what justifies the premium price and where it falls short
Before The Frame:
With our 55″ Frame TV:
Samsung Frame TV Review: What Is It?
The Samsung Frame TV is more than a standard 4K set. What separates it from simply showing a photo on a smart TV is a combination of hardware and thoughtful design. Let’s look at its key features:
- The Frame can transform into art or photos when not in use. Its QLED (Quantum Dot) panel is designed to be used constantly in Art Mode without the typical burn-in risk associated with some display types.
- A built-in motion detector can turn the display off and on for art automatically, so the artwork can appear when someone enters the room.
- Removable magnetic bezels (sold in different styles and colors) snap onto the TV and make it look like framed artwork.
- Connectivity is simplified with a single thin cable—the Invisible Wire—which links the TV to the One Connect Box. That keeps cabling out of sight.
- The included no-gap mount allows the TV to sit flush to the wall, enhancing the hanging-art appearance.
The No Gap Mount
The no-gap mount is one of the Frame’s best design features. It sets the TV flat against the wall so it reads like a piece of art rather than a hulking black box. The mount is included and is straightforward to install for anyone comfortable with a DIY TV mount. It also allows small tilts or adjustments to achieve the best viewing angle.
What Is The Frame (Called a TV Bezel) All About?
The TV ships with a thin bezel, and additional bezels in multiple colors and styles can be purchased separately. In recent years Samsung offered two bezel styles and several color options such as White, Black, Teak, Brown, and Brick Red. Bezels snap on magnetically in seconds and are metal, which makes them feel like a real picture frame. Swapping bezels is an easy way to update the look when you redecorate.
It would be nicer if Samsung included at least one alternative bezel in the box, but the magnetic, swappable design is still a major design win. There are also third-party frame makers who provide different styles and finishes for the Frame TV.
Samsung Frame TV Review: Can It Truly Pass for Art?
The big question: does the Frame fool visitors into thinking it’s a real framed artwork? The honest answer is that it won’t replace original fine art or fool everyone up close, but from a normal viewing distance and in photos it can convincingly read as framed art. Its value is primarily aesthetic—this TV elevates the style of a room in a way conventional TVs rarely do.
The bezel and the flush mount are what make the biggest difference. With the One Connect Box hidden, the Frame looks strikingly similar to framed artwork. The display is backlit, so art has a gentle glow; you can adjust brightness, color tone, and matte settings to make images appear more natural. Each artwork may need a bit of tweaking to find the best settings.
Because it’s backlit, expect a subtle luminosity to images. Tuning brightness and color temperature will improve realism for many prints.
Cheaper Alternatives: Is DIY Art Mode on a Regular TV the Same?
You can DIY a picture-frame look by using a smart TV’s screensaver or a slideshow, but the Frame has clear advantages:
- Real magnetic bezels designed to mimic frames.
- An optional mat feature that adds realism for many prints.
- No-gap mounting included so the TV sits flush to the wall.
- Art Mode works while “off” and the motion sensor can trigger artwork—features most TVs don’t provide.
- QLED technology reduces burn-in risk and delivers a sharper, more realistic image than many displays for prolonged static images.
Want to see more of our bedroom setups? Check related posts on our site for installation photos and styling ideas.
Hiding The One Connect Box and The Invisible Wire
From a design perspective, hiding the One Connect Box and the Invisible Wire is critical. The One Connect Box centralizes all your source devices—cable boxes, game consoles, streaming devices, Blu-ray players—so only one thin cable runs to the TV. The box is relatively compact (dimensions vary by model) and works over RF, so it doesn’t need line-of-sight to your remote. That means you can hide it in a cabinet or a nearby room while retaining remote control functionality.
For our living room setup we placed the One Connect Box inside a cabinet and routed the Invisible Wire through a hole behind the fireplace. In the bedroom we hid the box inside a laundry-room cabinet directly behind the TV wall and fished the wire through small drilled holes. If your TV sits over a media cabinet, hide the connect box inside the cabinet and run the Invisible Wire through a tidy hole or use a paintable cord cover if needed.
What Is the Quality of the Samsung Frame TV From a Technology Standpoint?
The Frame commands a premium price, and for that amount you can buy televisions that focus more on raw picture performance. The Frame, however, strikes a balance between strong image quality and distinctive design. Our overall take:
- Images are crisp and sharp; colors are vivid.
- Picture quality is excellent for everyday viewing and art display.
- Sound is clear for most casual listening, though audiophiles may want a separate sound system.
- Smart features and voice assistants (Alexa, Bixby) work well and add convenience.
- If your primary goal is pure display technology, other TVs may deliver more value per dollar—but they won’t look the same on your wall.
In short, the Frame is a high-quality television that delivers the added benefit of art-first design. If aesthetics matter, it is a worthy purchase even though it is not the cheapest technical option.
Who shouldn’t purchase the Frame TV?
If you want the absolute best picture technology for movie or gaming performance regardless of appearance, skip the Frame and buy a performance-focused display. Also, avoid the Frame if you plan to install it in a rarely used room—you’ll pay a premium mainly for looks. The Frame’s value is highest where people spend time and guests will notice it.
One practical sign of how much we like them: when we sold our previous home, the buyers requested the Frame TVs in the purchase agreement. We agreed and then bought two more for our new home.
When Is The Best Time To Buy? How Much Does It Cost?
The best deals typically appear around major sale events such as Black Friday or Prime Day. Pricing varies by year and screen size. For reference, a 2021 65″ Frame was around $1,500 when purchased without a sale, and bezels often retail separately (we paid around $150 for a white bezel). Smaller models start lower, and the largest sizes can exceed several thousand dollars.
How Do I Upload Art / Pictures Onto The Samsung Frame TV?
You can upload your own photos for free using Samsung’s SmartThings app or purchase pieces through the Samsung Art Store (subscription or per-piece options). The Art Store subscription is a convenient source of curated images, but many users prefer buying or downloading high-resolution art from affordable sources such as Etsy, which offers many Frame-ready images. Upload high-quality files to avoid pixelation and use the Frame’s mat and tone controls to refine the look.
3 Negative Aspects Worthy of Mention
- Included art selections are limited; the Art Store subscription feels like an extra cost after buying an expensive TV.
- Art Mode lighting and color balance sometimes require tweaking by piece; not every image looks equally natural without adjustments.
- The price is high relative to the technical value alone. You pay a premium for the design and integrated art features; bezels should ideally be included.
Quick FAQs
Does The Samsung Frame TV Come with a Bezel Frame?
Yes—most models include a basic bezel. Additional bezel styles and colors can be purchased separately, and several third-party companies offer custom frames.
How Does The Samsung Frame TV Work?
It is a smart TV that functions like other streaming-capable sets but adds Art Mode. You can switch between TV mode and Art Mode, connect streaming services via Wi‑Fi, and control many features with voice assistants.
How Much Does the Frame TV Cost?
Models range from smaller 32″ sets to 85″ versions. Prices vary widely by size and sales; smaller models can start in the lower hundreds, while the largest models exceed several thousand dollars. Sales events often offer the best discounts.
What is the Samsung Art Store?
The Samsung Art Store is a marketplace of curated, high-resolution artwork you can display on the Frame. It offers both subscription and individual purchase options, although many users source art from alternatives like Etsy to save money.
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The Samsung Frame TV is a distinctive product that blends a capable television with an art-first design. If you value how a TV looks on the wall as much as how it plays, it’s one of the best options available. If you prioritize top-tier display performance for the money, consider a performance-focused TV instead.