Frame TV Review: Why We Own 3

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An honest, unbiased Samsung Frame TV Review and our thoughts after several years. I hesitated for years over buying the Samsung Frame TV. The Frame is much more expensive than other TVs, and it is all connected to an ugly black box I would need to hide. But show me another TV that is as beautiful! This is my honest, unbiased review!

Our Experience With The Samsung Frame TV

When I originally wrote this post, we only owned one Frame. Spoiler alert (you may have seen it on my Instagram) we hung a second Frame TV over our fireplace in our living room. This year in 2022, we redid both sides of our bedroom fireplaces and hung another Samsung Frame TV there. But it’s not all rainbows. My husband – who cares about tech more than just looks – has an opinion on the quality and the technology! In this post I discuss:
  • why the Frame TV is not the right choice for everyone’s needs
  • what makes it different from displaying art on a smart TV
  • why the Frame TV is able to charge such an exorbitant amount of money, and get it

Before The Frame:

driftway dresser from Serena and lily and a tv mounted above it

With our 55″ Frame TV:

a Samsung Frame tv above a dresser
black and white bedroom with the driftway wide dresser

Samsung Frame TV Review: What Is It?

The Samsung Frame TV is not your ordinary 4K TV. But what sets it apart from simply displaying a photo on a regular smart TV? Let’s explore the Frames’ features!

  • The Frame TV is famous for its unique ability to transform into art or photos when not in use!  It can be left in art mode without any risk of damaging the screen, thanks to its cutting-edge LED Quantum Dot technology! This is unlike regular  televisions, which suffer from “permanent screen burn-in” if a photo is left on the screen for too long, The Frame’s advanced technology eliminates this concern.
  • Additionally, The Frame offers a unique feature where it can remain “off” while still displaying art on the screen through its motion detector. When movement is detected in the room, the art seamlessly appears.
  • Frame TV owners have the option to purchase actual frames, called a bezel, designed specifically for the TV, making it resemble actual framed art. These frames enhance the illusion of traditional artwork.
  • In terms of connectivity, The Frame TV simplifies the setup process with a single Invisible Wire, a thin and transparent wire that connects to the One Connect Box. This innovative system reduces clutter and ensures a clean aesthetic. More on that below.
  • The no gap mount positions the TV flush agains the wall like artwork.

The No Gap Mount

What makes The Frame TV appear even more like art is the mount. The “no gap mount” design flushes the TV flat against the wall, resembling a carefully hung piece of artwork. Unlike most televisions that leave a noticeable gap (a few inches at least!), the Frame’s sleek and seamless installation adds a modern look, delighting home decor enthusiasts like myself! The no-gap wall mount is included with the TV! It is simple enough to mount without hiring professional assistance. And you still have the flexibility to tilt the TV or seamlessly align flush with the wall, providing the best viewing angle.
samsung frame tv review
The Frame TV mounted flush to the wall

What Is The Frame (Called a TV Bezel) All About?

The TV comes with a thin black frame, called a “bezel.” You can purchase colors of bezels (frames) separately. In 2023, there are currently  two styles and five colors of bezels: White, Black, Teak, Brown, or Brick Red. The frame is offered in a modern thin shape or a beveled shape. 
6 frame tv bezels lined up showing colors

Photo Source: Samsung Website

It is an inconvenience to purchase the TV bezels separately. One basic bezel should be  included with the purchase of the Frame TV, instead of a separate purchase, in my opinion! See the difference between the black (no frame) and the white below:
Samsung Frame tv review above a fireplace mantel in a living room
55" frame TV over fireplace in a living room
The bezel (frame) is actually metal and is magnetic. It snaps right onto the TV with 4 strips that click together in 30 seconds to form a frame! Sadly, the magnetic frame only fits onto the Frame TV, not other televisions. But, the versatility of the bezel allows you to switch to a different color when redecorating or refreshing a room. Home decor lovers will embrace the freedom to keep their TV in sync with their evolving style!  Additionally, other companies, such as Deco TV Frames and Frame My TV, specialize in providing custom frames for your Samsung Frame TV with more styles.

Samsung Frame TV Review: Can It Truly Pass for Art? Let’s Find Out. 

he million-dollar question in any Samsung Frame TV review: Can it truly deceive viewers into believing it’s art? Here’s my honest answer. While the Frame TV will not replace your art collection or fool everyone into thinking you own a Monet, the Frame TV can convincingly masquerade as art, particularly at first glance and in photographs.  It’s important to set realistic expectations: the true value lies in how this TV will elevate the aesthetic of your room! It’s not just a beautiful alternative to a standard black box on your wall; this undeniably modern TV will make your space look more high end. Just the bezel (or frame) around the TV is a game-changer! Once you conceal the black box (more details on how to achieve that below), you will have a stunning picture frame TV that sits flush on the wall and looks strikingly similar to framed art. The first bedroom Frame TV we purchased is the 55″ Samsung Frame TV:
Samsung Frame tv above the Serena and lily driftway dresser
close up of the bezel on the frame tv
Because the Frame TV is backlit, be aware artwork glows.You can adjust settings on the glow, brightness, and colors to fine tune a warmer/cooler ambience. Each new piece of art may need the settings tweaked, but it is worth it for the most natural appearance.

What about cheaper alternatives for a picture frame TV? Does displaying art on a regular smart television make it the same as a Samsung Frame TV?

You can “DIY” a picture frame TV by making a screen saver of art on your smart TV and display it for small amounts of time. However, the Frame TV has major advantages over this “hack”:
  • The Frame TV has an actual picture frame (bezel)
  • There is a mat option in several colors, making the art more realistic for some prints.
  • A no-gap mount is included, putting the TV directly onto the wall, resembling framed art. Several inches of space are behind regular mounted TVs, diminishing the look.
  • Other TVS don’t display art when they are off – but you can set The Frame TV to always display art while off, or use the motion sensor to activate art when you walk into the room.
  • On some TVs, leaving an image on the screen will burn into the television’s display. Samsung has LED Quantum Dot technology, which is fancy tech talk for “won’t burn the screen” and “a very realistic, sharp image.”
a shot of a frame TV in a bedroom over the driftway dresser

Dresser | Candle | White Chain | Plant Basket | Faux Fern | Rug

Want to see more of our bedroom? Peek over at this post, here.

Hiding The One Connect Box and The Invisible Wire

From an interior design perspective (after all, this is a home decor blog!), concealing the Invisible Wire and the One Connect Box is essential! The One Connect Box serves as a centralized hub where all your devices can be seamlessly connected, minimizing clutter and streamlining your setup.  Whether it’s cable boxes, Blu-Ray players, gaming consoles, Apple TV, Fire Sticks, and more, they can all find their connect here. Our 2021 Frame TV has a box measuring 12.9″ in width, 12″ in depth, and 1.7″ in height (the size varies with the model of your Frame TV). The One Connect Box operates on radio frequency, eliminating the need for direct line-of-sight with the remote control! This means you can conveniently place the box behind a cabinet or even in an adjacent room, as long as it remains within a reasonable range for signal reception. This allows for a clean and clutter-free visual aesthetic!
a Samsung Frame tv in a 55
sources: rug | coffee table | blue + white vase | blue lamps | blue pots For our living room Frame TV (above), we placed the One Connect Box in that cabinet to the left. We drilled a hole in the left cabinet and fished the Invisible Wire through the empty fireplace into the hole. Read more about mounting a Frame TV over the fireplace in this post.
a Samsung Frame tv in a bedroom
sources: blue dresser | rug | bench | drapes | lamp For our bedroom Frame TV (above), our laundry room cabinets are in another room directly behind the wall where our bedroom Frame TV is mounted. We put the One Connect Box inside the cabinet in our laundry room and drilled a small hole through the back of the cabinet, which leads right to the back of the TV in our bedroom.
a cabinet in a laundry room
We fished the Invisible Wire through the hole in the cabinet and wall to the Frame TV so it doesn’t show and put a plate over the holes to clean them up. The black box now sits inside that laundry cabinet, tucked away neatly. If your TV is simply over a media cabinet, I would advise hiding the One Connect Box inside. Cut a small hole in the back of the cabinet for the Invisible Wire, and drill a hole in the wall for the Invisible Wire to be fished through. If you must leave the wire hanging, hide it or use a paintable cord cover.

What Is the Quality of the Samsung Frame TV From a Technology Standpoint?

Let’s address the elephant in the room— the Samsung Frame TV comes with a substantial price tag. It is undeniably one of the pricier TVs available in the market.  With the amount of money invested, one could acquire a TV with superior technological capabilities, albeit lacking the beautiful design of the Frame! You pay a premium for its exceptional aesthetics. Nevertheless, we are satisfied with the overall quality of the Frame TV because it also is a crisp and clear TV The quality of the Frame TV:
  1. Images are crisp and sharp 
  2. The picture and display is great quality and lacks for nothing, boasting vivid details and vibrant colors. 
  3. Additionally, the sound quality is clear even at higher volume levels. 
  4. Users will appreciate the convenience of connecting the TV to our Alexa device, enabling voice activation and control. For those who don’t own an Alexa device, the voice activation feature is available for interaction. The kids use this feature more than we do!
  5. For the premium price tag, there are TVs with superior technological capabilities you can buy, just not as beautiful.
Samsung Frame TV delivers on its promise of impeccable visuals and seamlessly integrates into any decor scheme. While it is not a budget-friendly option, it is undeniably a worthy investment for those who prioritize both aesthetics and performance.

Who shouldn’t purchase the Frame TV?

If you are just after the best, most technologically advanced TV on the market, skip the Frame TV. Don’t pay a premium for aesthetics that don’t matter to you. It’s also not necessary to buy the Frame TV for rooms that are rarely visited. You’re essentially paying a premium for the Frame TV’s visual appeal in areas of your home that guests rarely visit and where your TV is not frequently seen! Below, in our new-to-us house, our 2021 65″ Frame TV we just recently purchased.
review of a Samsung frame tv in a bedroom
Samsung Frame white remote
The remote is cute, white, and thin and looks nice out on a table.
What is the biggest sign of satisfaction? The buyers of our previous home wrote both Frame TVs into the contract and negotiated for them. We agreed and bought 2 more Frame TVs. See our living room Samsung Frame TV here.

When Is The Best Time To Buy the Frame? Where Is The Best Deal On a Picture Frame TV? How Much Does It Cost?

Most people like to shop Amazon and that is where we bought our television, here. The best time to buy  the Frame TV is around Black Friday or Prime Day! For our last Frame TV we purchased, the 2021 65″ 4k Quantum HDR, we paid approximately $1,500. It was not on sale at the time. We bought our white frame (called the bezel) on Amazon, here, and paid $150.

The Frame on AmazonOn EBay | On Best Buy

How Do I Upload Art / Pictures Onto The Samsung Frame TV?

The most fun part, right??! Samsung offers a few free options (nothing special), an Art Store subscription (current cost is $5.99/month), or you can buy one piece of art for $24.99. I don’t recommend. In addition, you can upload your own image for free (and this includes photographs of your family!) right from your phone. Make sure to upload high quality photos so it’s not pixelated. Your best bet for art is Etsy – they sell art made for the Samsung Frame TV for just a few dollars! Search Etsy using the words frame tv art, and then filter (abstract, beach, etc.) Play around with cropping or the mat to get it sized just right. Below are some pieces I loved from Etsy:
Once you have your art on your phone, add the (free) Smart Things app to your phone and connect it to The Frame and upload your photo / art right to the TV. If you have trouble with sizing I would reach out to the Etsy shop owner.

3 Negative Aspects Worthy of A Mention in a Samsung Frame TV Review

1. As someone with so called “discerning taste” for art, I found the pre-loaded art options provided with the TV to be underwhelming. And paying a monthly fee after investing in such an expensive television is less than ideal. 2. The lighting in art mode is hit or miss, particularly when it comes to the desired color balance. Experiment with the settings and mat colors each time you select a new piece of art. In my experience, certain artworks simply look better than others. 3. Undeniably, the price tag associated with the Samsung Frame TV reflects the aesthetic it offers, surpassing competition. However, it is worth noting that the cost is on the high end of the spectrum. While the investment pays for the unmatched visual appeal, the expense isn’t for all budgets and at the very least, should have the bezel included!
frame-tv-review
Update: Read about What Size Frame TV Over Your Fireplace?

Quick FAQs

Does The Samsung Frame TV Come with a Bezel Frame? Yes, these televisions come with a sleek bezel frame that can help to complete your living room space’s decor. Companies like Deco TV Frames and Frame My TV, specialize in providing custom frames for your Samsung Frame TV so you can customize its look even further. Each of these companies provides quality frames to help make your viewing experience even more enjoyable. How Does The Samsung Frame TV Work? Televisions have advanced a great deal in recent years, and today’s smart TVs can do a lot more than just show broadcasted channels. Most TVs work like any other – they have a remote and need to turn it on for it to work. However, being a “smart TV” means you no longer need cable; instead, you can connect directly to your streaming services, like Netflix and Apple TV, through wifi. The picture quality is incredible considering the screen size; you could even say it rivals what’s available in living rooms now. Once turned on, the TV gives two options; either regular television mode or art mode. How Much Does the Frame TV Cost? The Frame TV by Samsung comes in seven different sizes ranging from 32” up to an impressive 85” screen! However, this kind of innovative technology doesn’t always come cheap. The cost for a 32-inch model starts at around $575 and climbs all the way up to over $4,000 for the largest sizes. Despite the hefty price tags, users praise these televisions for their beautiful design and advanced features, making watching television more enjoyable. This includes automatic brightness scanning and art mode transformation, allowing you to display your favorite pieces of artwork or photography on the screen when switched off. What is the Samsung Art Store? The Samsung Art Store is a digital marketplace where users can buy and download world-famous paintings and art pieces in 4K resolution. It has an impressive selection of over 1,500 pieces of art from some of the greatest masters all the way up to modern works. The subscription cost to access all this art is currently $4.99 a month. The subscription is an easy way to get high-quality digital replicas of incredible art pieces, but there are definitely other more affordable options out there! I don’t personally recommend subscribing if you have time to look for art pieces on Etsy.

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blue and white kitchenFAQ’s about Samsung Frame TV’s

The Samsung Frame TV is known for its beautiful design and the way it can fit into various décor aesthetics. One of the most frequently asked questions regarding this television is if it burns out. Fortunately, the Samsung Frame TV does not burn out, as it features advanced technology that helps conserve energy while still providing all the features you need, such as Ultra High Definition resolution. Does The Samsung Frame TV Come with a Bezel Frame? Yes, these televisions come with a sleek bezel frame that can help to complete your living room space’s decor. Additionally, other companies, such as Deco TV Frames and Frame My TV, specialize in providing custom frames for your Samsung Frame TV so you can customize its look even further. Each of these companies provides quality frames to help make your viewing experience even more enjoyable. How Does The Samsung Frame TV Work? Televisions have advanced a great deal in recent years, and today’s smart TVs can do a lot more than just show broadcasted channels. Most TVs work like any other – they have a remote and need to turn it on for it to work. However, being a “smart TV” means you no longer need cable; instead, you can connect directly to your streaming services, like Netflix and Apple TV, through wifi. The picture quality is incredible considering the screen size; you could even say it rivals what’s available in living rooms now. Once turned on, the TV gives two options; either regular television mode or art mode.  How Much Does the Frame TV Cost? The Frame TV by Samsung promises to bring your television viewing experience to the next level. With its unique design, this television looks like a framed work of art when not in use. It comes in seven different sizes ranging from 32” up to an impressive 85” screen! However, this kind of innovative technology doesn’t always come cheap. The cost for a 32-inch model starts at around $575 and climbs all the way up to over $4,000 for an 85-inch set. Despite the hefty price tags, users praise these televisions for their beautiful design and advanced features, making watching television more enjoyable. This includes automatic brightness scanning and art mode transformation, allowing you to display your favorite pieces of artwork or photography on the screen when switched off. If you’re looking for an exceptionally crafted and technologically advanced television with unique features, look no further than Samsung The Frame TV. What is the Samsung Art Store?  The Samsung Art Store is a digital marketplace where users can buy and download world-famous paintings and art pieces in 4K resolution. It has an impressive selection of over 1,500 pieces of art from some of the greatest masters all the way up to modern works. The subscription cost to access all this art is currently $4.99 a month, although there are no details on whether this covers the entire catalog or only limited selections.

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chrissy

Hi! I’m Chrissy, and I blog about making homes beautiful! We are renovating a full-of-potential house, while I share lifestyle content and thoughtful ways to beautify your home.

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4 Comments

  1. Emily says:

    Hi! Question: for the Frame TV in your bedroom, are you able to turn the artwork off at night while you sleep? Rather than having glowing backlit artwork… I saw another review that said it wasn’t possible to shut off the artwork but that seems so impractical for bedroom use, I kind of don’t believe it!

    1. chrissy says:

      Yes! You can shut it off manually with the remote (hit power twice) or you can do what we do- we have our art on a timer. When there is movement in the room, the art turns on. We have it set after 15 minutes of no movement for it to turn off.

  2. Nancy McClymont says:

    I really appreciate this detailed review. It is way out of my price range right now, thanks ‘Rona, but I agree that it seems to be worth it. I’m really curious about the possibility of DIYing customization to the supplied magnetic frame… Since it is magnetic I imagine gluing or adding clay to it is out. But it seems as though painting it is not out of the question. What do you think? Obviously THEY painted the other colors since it is all metal. I’m a but extra & really hate all of the colors offered. Doesn’t make one bit of sense to me to pay $200 to get another frame precisely like the one supplied apart from a quick paint job but I’m on the frugal side. Curious what you think.

    1. chrissy says:

      Hi Nancy! The bezel that is sold by Samsung won’t fit other TVs… it has little notches and indents specifically made for the frame so sadly (and probably purposely) it won’t fit onto other televisions… unless you meant you had a frame TV but don’t like the bezel? Yes, you could spray paint it easily. There are a lot of tutorials online actually about making your own frame for any television. And I came across this company that makes their own frames that are totally different than Samsung (I can’t speak to it from personal experience tho). https://framemytv.com DIY is always, always an option! I like when your mind is!