The Samsung Frame TV is built to work as both a television and a display for artwork when you are not watching. Its slim profile and customizable Art Mode can help it fit into a room more naturally than a conventional black screen. However, the price, installation requirements and screen-like appearance of displayed art are important factors to weigh before buying. This guide covers the main strengths and limitations, model differences and practical setup advice.
What to know about the Samsung Frame TV
The Frame’s main distinction is Art Mode, which lets you show pictures or artwork instead of leaving a dark screen visible. You can select images of your own or browse paid content in the Samsung Art Store, which requires a subscription for its subscription-based selections. Public-domain artwork is another option if you want to build a collection yourself.
This feature can be especially appealing when the television is in a prominent location, such as above a fireplace or on a living-room feature wall. Before choosing a model, consider how often you will use Art Mode and whether its design benefits justify paying more than you would for a standard TV.
Samsung Frame TV pros
Customizable artwork and frame choices
Displayed images can be changed to suit your room or the season. A decorative wood bezel, sold separately, can give the TV a more traditional framed-picture appearance. One example in the review was priced at about $150, but prices and availability can vary.
Practical tip: Confirm that a bezel fits your exact TV size and model before ordering. Compatibility and available styles may differ between versions.
A slim design made for wall mounting
The slim-fit wall mount is designed to position the screen close to the wall. The 55-inch model discussed also included a thin, clear cable that may be less conspicuous against a wall. The One Connect Box can be placed away from the television, helping keep connected-device cables out of sight.
A cord cover can help tidy a cable route that runs a long way or passes around obstacles. Plan where the power connection, connected devices and One Connect Box will go before mounting the screen, and make sure the box remains accessible.
Bright QLED picture
The Frame uses a QLED panel designed to deliver vivid color and a bright picture. In the comparison described, it produced a stronger image than a four-year-old LG 4K television. Results can differ according to the model, picture settings and room lighting, so compare the specific TV you are considering in similar conditions when possible.
Samsung Frame TV drawbacks
Wall installation requires preparation
Achieving a close-to-the-wall finish can take more planning than setting up a conventional TV. In one installation, a brick chimney behind the wall made it difficult to route the cable inside. A longer cable run may require a cord cover, while the wall mount itself needs careful positioning for a neat result.
If drilling or routing cables is not practical, use the included height-adjustable stand or consider a separate easel-style stand. Professional installation is another possibility. Check the wall structure and plan how cables will be accessed before buying a mount or starting work.
Art Mode may still look like a display
Art Mode can soften the look of an unused television, but the image may not appear exactly like a physical painting. In a dim room, a light-colored picture can make the screen’s glow more noticeable. The effect depends on the displayed image, surrounding light and TV model.
The Frame Pro LS03HW is described as an upgrade to the Frame LS03HE, with a brighter Neo QLED display, improved contrast and picture quality, and a Wireless One Connect Box intended to reduce visible cables. Both models include a matte, glare-resistant screen and Art Mode. Check the specifications for the exact model and region, as features can vary.
The design features may not suit every budget
The Frame’s design is easiest to appreciate when the TV is a focal point. In a secondary room where the artwork display will rarely be seen, a less expensive television may be a more suitable choice. The historical estimate for 2022 models was about $1,000 to $2,000 for 55- to 65-inch TVs and about $3,000 for an 85-inch model. These figures are not current price guarantees.
Prices vary by size, model year and seller. Compare current listings and account for the cost of any separately sold bezel or installation before deciding whether the design is worth the extra expense.
Streaming can be affected by Wi-Fi coverage
A weak or inconsistent Wi-Fi connection may interrupt streaming, particularly in homes where thick walls limit coverage. Start by checking for software updates and restarting the TV. If the signal remains weak, a Wi-Fi extender or mesh router may help. An external streaming device such as a Fire TV Stick, or a connected PlayStation console, can also provide another way to access streaming services.
2021 vs. 2022 Samsung Frame TV differences
The review found several design and display changes between the 2021 and 2022 versions. The 2021 model has a semi-gloss screen, while the 2022 model uses a matte, anti-glare finish. The matte surface can make artwork appear more convincing and reduce reflections while watching, although lighting and viewing position still matter.
The 2022 version is also slightly thinner, so it can sit closer to the wall. A gallery wall around the TV and a separately purchased Gatsby gold bezel were used to make the display feel more integrated with the room. These details relate to the models discussed; check the specifications of newer versions rather than assuming every feature is unchanged.
Matte finish and reflections
The anti-glare coating can be helpful in a room with windows or overhead lights, but it will not eliminate every reflection in all conditions. If possible, compare the display in the room lighting where you expect to use it.
Wall clearance
The slightly slimmer 2022 design sits flatter against the wall than the 2021 version. The final appearance also depends on the wall surface, mount, cable path and quality of installation.
How difficult is Samsung Frame TV installation?
For the framed-art look, the wall mount must be attached to the wall, which involves drilling. The installation described was manageable with the instructions, but more challenging than expected. If you are uncertain about wall anchors, wiring or what is behind the wall, ask a qualified installer to assess the setup.
The height-adjustable stand or a separate easel-style TV stand offers an alternative to flush wall mounting. These options may be useful in a rental home or any room where drilling is unsuitable. Before choosing, check that the stand supports your TV’s size and weight.
How to add artwork to a Samsung Frame TV
You can browse the Samsung Art Store or transfer images from a compatible phone using the SmartThings app. The wording and location of controls can change with app and TV software updates. Use images that you own or have permission to display.
- Save the artwork images to your phone’s photo library.
- Open the SmartThings app and select your TV.
- Choose Art Mode.
- Select Add Your Photos, or the similar option shown in your app.
- Choose the images to upload and select the option to save them to The Frame.
- Open the slideshow settings to view your uploaded pictures.
- Set how long each image should appear and confirm your choice.
- Use the plus option in the gallery to add more images later.
- Press the Art Mode button on the remote to return to the artwork display.
You can usually choose whether to show an image with a mat. Try both options with your chosen artwork, since the best fit depends on the image and the room. Still-life works by Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin and Paul Cézanne were reformatted for a TV screen in the original article; similar public-domain pieces can be a starting point for a personal collection.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Samsung Frame TV suffer from burn-in?
The Frame uses a QLED display rather than an OLED panel. QLED screens are not generally associated with the same permanent pixel burn-in concerns as OLED displays. For everyday use, follow the care guidance and settings provided for your model.
Does the Samsung Frame TV come with a bezel?
A decorative bezel is sold separately. Styles, availability and compatibility depend on the TV’s model and size, so check those details before buying one.
Is a picture-frame TV worth the cost?
It may be a good fit if the TV is in a visible spot and you value displaying artwork when it is not in use. If those design features are not important to you, compare the price with standard TVs that meet your picture-quality needs.
How long can artwork stay on the screen?
Art Mode can show images when the TV is not being used for regular viewing. Ambient-light and motion sensors may affect when the display turns on or off, and related settings may be adjustable. You can also choose a black screen or turn the TV off when you do not want artwork displayed.
What is the main disadvantage of the Samsung Frame TV?
Displayed artwork can still look like an image on a screen, especially in a dim room or when the picture is light. The additional cost and the planning involved in wall installation are other considerations.
Final verdict: Is the Samsung Frame TV right for you?
The Samsung Frame TV pairs a bright QLED picture with a design intended to blend into a room when Art Mode is active. Its main advantages are customizable artwork, a slim wall profile and options for reducing visible cables. The trade-offs include price, installation planning and the possibility that Art Mode will still look like a screen in certain lighting. It is most appealing when the TV is a prominent feature and you expect to use the artwork display regularly.
