All the pros and cons of the Samsung Frame TV, how to add your own art, and free downloadable still life art formatted for display on a TV.
It’s been over a month since we installed our Samsung Frame TV, and after living with it for a while we have a clearer sense of what works and what doesn’t.
Update: It’s now been nearly three years, and we still love this TV — though there are a few drawbacks to be aware of.
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Why the Frame TV Hype?
The Frame is designed to look like a piece of art on your wall instead of a traditional black-screen television. Its Art Mode turns the screen into a framed print, and that aesthetic appeal is the primary reason many people choose it.
That said, when we were considering a purchase we worried about display quality and realism. After using it, here’s what we discovered.
The Pros of the Samsung Frame TV
1. Gorgeous Design
Endless Art Display Choices
You can upload your own images to display or use Samsung’s Art Store via subscription. We opted to upload public-domain art and custom images for flexibility — and we reformatted several classic still-life prints to fit the TV.
Frame Color and Style Options
The Frame supports removable bezels in different finishes (sold separately), including wood and metal styles. Adding a coordinated bezel helps the TV blend into a room the way a picture frame does.
2. Low Profile
Slim Fit Mount
The slim-body design and tight wall mount allow the TV to sit nearly flush against the wall, mimicking a framed artwork rather than a protruding device. Our model is the 55″.
Easy to Hide Cord
A discreet, thin cord and cable management system make it easier to conceal wiring for a clean installation.
Concealable One Connect Box
The One Connect Box can be stored out of sight and houses other HDMI sources, avoiding a mess of cables at the wall plate.
3. Excellent Picture Quality
- The Frame uses a QLED panel that produces bright, vivid colors. Even compared with our older 4K TV, the Frame’s panel is noticeably vibrant and sharp in both TV and Art modes.
The Cons of the Samsung Frame TV
1. Installation
Tricky to Mount
Wall-mounting can be challenging depending on your wall construction. We mounted ours above a fireplace with a brick chimney behind, so we couldn’t run cables inside the wall and had to use a cord cover. The no-gap mount design that keeps the TV flush also requires careful alignment during installation.
Simpler Mount Alternative
If wall mounting isn’t ideal, you can use a freestanding easel-style stand to achieve an art-styled look without drilling into the wall.
2. Not Quite Real Canvas
Even with Art Mode, the screen still emits a small amount of ambient light. In low-light conditions or when displaying lighter images, you can tell it’s a screen rather than a real painted surface. The 2022 Frame model addressed this with a matte, anti-glare finish that makes art look more convincing.
3. Price
The Frame is a premium product and commands a price premium. It makes the most sense in rooms where the TV will be a focal point and where the art-display feature delivers real value.
How much does the Frame TV cost?
Typical prices for recent Frame models range roughly from $1,000 to $2,000 for 55″–65″ sizes. Larger sizes such as 85″ can reach around $3,000. Watch for seasonal sales and holiday promotions for the best deals.
Difference Between Samsung Frame TV 2021 and 2022
The 2022 Frame model introduced several notable improvements. It adds a matte, anti-reflective screen that reduces glare and reflections, improving the art-like appearance. The newer model is also slightly thinner, enhancing the low-profile, wall-mounted look.
These updates make art display more convincing and improve viewability from a wider range of angles.
How easy is it to install a Samsung Frame TV?
Installation involves drilling into the wall for the no-gap mount if you want the framed-on-the-wall look. Many owners can install it themselves, but professional mounting services are available if you prefer. Alternatively, use the included stand or an easel-style display to avoid wall work.
Once mounted, the TV’s settings are user-friendly and it’s simple to upload or manage artwork.
Free Art TV Downloads
One great perk is using your own high-resolution images. We reformatted eight classic still-life prints by artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, and Paul Cézanne to fit the TV aspect ratio and color profile. These files work well for Art Mode on a Frame TV and also look beautiful printed and framed.
Access to our printable art images is provided to mailing-list subscribers; if you’re subscribed, check your inbox for download instructions.
How to add art to the Samsung Frame TV
- Download your chosen TV-formatted images to your smartphone’s camera roll.
- Open the SmartThings app on your phone and select your Frame TV.
- Enter Art Mode and tap “Add Your Photos.”
- Select the images you want to upload and save them to The Frame’s library.
- Choose slideshow settings and timing, then set the display to use those images.
- On the TV remote, press the Art Mode button to switch between TV and Art Mode.
Personally, I prefer the “no mat” setting, but a digital mat option is available if you want that framed look.
Which piece of art is your favorite? I love changing the display whenever I’m in the mood for a different vibe — it’s one of the most fun features of owning a Frame.
Do you own a Frame TV? Share your experience and tips — together we can make this a helpful resource for anyone considering one.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Frame is built to display artwork and photos for long periods without a significant risk of burn-in when used as intended.
No. Bezels are typically sold separately, and third-party companies offer a variety of finishes and styles to customize the look.
If design and how your living space looks are priorities, the Frame can be worth it. It combines high-quality TV performance with a decorative function that redefines the TV’s role in a room.
Artwork can display as long as the TV is in Art Mode. Motion and ambient light sensors help manage when art appears, and you can adjust those settings or set the display to turn off at night.
The primary drawback is that even in Art Mode the display still emits some light, so it won’t exactly replicate the depth and texture of a physical painting. That said, newer models have improved matte screens that greatly enhance realism.
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