If you're looking for a new Samsung TV and don't want to settle for a regular LED screen, Samsung's The Frame TV can be an interesting package.
There are plenty of TVs out there, but sometimes you want something to really stand out from the competition. Samsung's Frame TV is one of those TVs. With an aesthetic design and form factor that's different from the rest of the Samsung TV lineup, you can be sure you're getting something different, and with a The QLED panel refresh is also a far cry from its initial 2017 iteration.
2021 also saw quite a significant overhaul of The Frame's design, with a much slimmer shape, better bezel customization options, a tripod TV mount, and even the ability to hang it in portrait (at least for the 43-inch size. ).
But What exactly does The Frame TV do differently? And while it looks good Are there any drawbacks that might not be apparent at first glance? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Samsung's The Frame TV, from price and size to the type of panel technology that powers its screen.
The best Samsung The Frame TV deals of the day
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What is Samsung The Frame TV?
The Frame TV is one of Samsung's many designer TVs, with the Samsung Serif focused on style and the rotating Samsung Sero TV (yes, you read that right).
The Frame TV design is based on that of a photo frame. This means that everything takes place in a thick metal casing, unlike the frameless appearance of the Samsung Q950TS 8K QLED, which gives the screen a firm outline and is sure to make an impact in your living room.
There are also several different color options for the frame around the shade: white, black, brown, beige, burgundy red, and clay beige.
You will also be able to use Samsung's Artistic Modeg, a setting for the TV that displays artwork, photos, or paintings instead of keeping the screen black when not in use, like a boosted smart display. Of course, uses a small amount of power compared to properly turning off the TV, but that means your new TV purchase can be calibrated to better match your decor.
Art Mode can also take advantage of hundreds of works of art from world-famous collections such as the V&A Museum, the Tate Gallery, and the Van Gogh Museum.
The Frame TV can be placed on a counter, but you will probably feel more comfortable with its No Gap wall mount, which will keep the screen flush with the wall and help it blend in better with its surroundings.
(Image credit: LaComparacion)
Samsung the Frame TV: what sizes are available?
How much does the Samsung Frame TV cost? It depends, as always, on the size of the television you choose.
While the 2018 model only had three sizes, 43-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch, it has since expanded to a 49-inch size, as well as massive 75-inch and small 32-inch sizes for 2020. (Not yet. We've heard for sure about the sizes of the 2021 models, but we hope they match the sizes we've seen in 2020.)
This results in a great variety, which means that The Frame TV is a television that can be adapted to your specific living situation. Do you want a giant screen to put the fear of God in your children? Or a small cutsey display that can fit on a shelf or be easily stored? Frame TV can do it all.
The small size is unusual for such a high-end TV, as we generally expect second-rate parts for these small TVs. You get a drop in video resolution, from 4K UHD to just Full HD (1080p), though you wouldn't notice it on such a compact screen either.
We spoke to James Parker, Head of TV Product Management at Samsung Electronics UK, who told us that “24% of people replace their televisions for interior reasons, and therefore The 32-inch Frame is filling the gap in the market for a television that can fit in any space, regardless of its size.
Parker added that the smaller size was specially designed to "blend in perfectly with the bedroom décor" compared to the other larger versions in the set. The 32-inch model comes with a Mini One Connect Box to store your (relatively smaller) cables, as well as a “tilted flexible stand so the frame can be viewed vertically or horizontally,” just like the Samsung Sero TV.
(Image credit: Samsung)
Samsung The Frame TV prices and deals
The 2020 model is now available in the US, UK and Australia, at least for most sizes. (We will update this section when we have pricing for the 2021 model.)
The smallest size (32 inches) retails for $599 / €549 / AU$899. If you go higher than that, you'll pay €999 / $1199 / AU$1559 for the 43-inch, €1299 for the 50-inch, €1499 / $1599 / AU$2295 for the 55-inch, €1999 / 2199 $2,695 AU$ for the 65-inch and $2,999 / €2,499 / AU$3,995 for the 75-inch.
In the US, you can opt for a monthly rate, spread over three years (36 months) through Samsung Financing, rather than a one-time payment, while those in Australia can also spread the cost over 50 months. You also won't end up paying more overall, which makes this a smart way to finance your new The Frame TV.
If you are looking for something cheaper, you also have the option of buying the 2019 model, which starts at $999 / €799 / AU$1,499 for the 43-inch size, goes up to $1,199 / €999 for the 49-inch (no AU model) or $1,399 / €999 / AU$2,499 for the 55-inch, and tops out at $1,799 / €1,499 / AU$3,499 for the 65-inch.
For UK buyers, Samsung will also throw in two free lenses with any purchase of a 2019 The Frame TV., which is usually worth €229, for the rest of 2020, which means you can change the bezel whenever you want to redecorate it. American shoppers, on the other hand, can get 50% off a single customizable eyeglass when they make a purchase.
But it is a television after all, so, What do we think of its image quality?
Samsung The Frame TV review: not a complete picture
Samsung Designer TVs like the Frame are often not available for a traditional review, since Samsung sees them as lifestyle purchases (not technology) and tries to avoid comparing these devices in the market based on individual specifications.
We were able to review the Samsung The Frame TV 2018 model, praising its "gorgeous brushed metal frame" and its aesthetic successes, although the average image quality and poor scaling prevented us from praising it more.
Samsung The Frame TV 2018 (Image credit: TechRadar)
We found that “we had minor but consistent issues with artifacts and crashing when scaling, especially from SDR, but not at the expense of a generally capable image. The end of the spectrum, however, often causes problems: The Killing Eve's cyan and pink title screen could cause disconcerting flashes and blocking around the letters."
We also said that "The painting is better with darker scenes and darker palettes, more in keeping with the pensive gallery atmosphere of looking at the paintings in the TV art store."
This is clearly an issue that Samsung was aware of, with 2019 and 2020 versions of The Frame TV featuring a QLED panel instead of the 2018 model's backlit LCD screen.
QLED panel for 2019/2020 models is absolutely an upgrade, with higher brightness and improved contrast, thanks to a metal quantum dot filter unique to QLED arrays, compared to LCD screens.
The main issues should have been addressed, then, and if you're buying Samsung's The Frame TV, it's probably for its pictures and artwork, rather than necessarily getting the best TV picture out there.
The best Samsung The Frame TV deals of the day
