It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since we brought home our very first Samsung Frame TV. At the time, I was mostly intrigued by the idea of a television that could double as artwork—a clever way to keep our small living space from being dominated by a giant black rectangle. Fast forward to today, and we now own three of them: two in our Rhode Island home (living room and bedroom) and one in our Vermont house. Clearly, the Frame has become more than just a one-off experiment for us.
Because I’m often asked whether the Frame TV really lives up to the hype—or whether it’s just a pretty face—I thought it was time to share a full review, based on years of daily use. And with all sizes (43″ to 85″) currently on sale with savings up to $1,000, it feels like the perfect moment to dig in.
Why I Bought It in the First Place
Our Rhode Island home is cozy, and in a space that blends dining, living, and kitchen areas, I dreaded the idea of a clunky TV looming over everything. The Frame promised to solve that problem by blending in as “art” when not in use, and that was enough to make me hit “buy.”
When we later built a bedroom addition, I picked up a second Frame. To be honest, it was a slightly sleep-deprived impulse purchase during the newborn phase. We rarely watch TV in bed, but I don’t regret it. The piece looks polished, almost like a framed photograph on the wall, and it contributes to the calm, intentional feel of the room—even when it’s turned off.
Our third Frame lives in our Vermont house, where the living room design is all about blending cozy textures with functional pieces. A traditional TV would’ve disrupted that flow. The Frame, on the other hand, slides right in as part of the decor.
Design That Doesn’t Scream “TV”
The biggest selling point of the Frame is, of course, its design. Unlike standard TVs, it sits flush against the wall like a picture frame. You can customize the bezels (white, black, wood, and more) so that it blends seamlessly into your space. In our Rhode Island living room, the white frame against our light walls makes it almost invisible—until you turn it on.
Then there’s the Art Mode, which is what really makes this product stand out. Instead of a blank screen, you can display artwork or photography. Samsung has its own Art Store subscription, but you can also upload your own images, which is what we’ve done. Family photos, seasonal art, or even digital prints look surprisingly convincing. Guests almost always do a double take when they realize “the painting” on our wall is actually a television.
Picture and Performance
Now let’s talk about the part that really matters: picture quality. The Frame has improved over the years, and our newer models definitely show sharper detail and more vibrant color than the first one we bought. Watching movies or sports feels immersive, with crisp visuals that rival other premium TVs.
Is it the absolute best TV on the market in terms of performance? No. If you’re chasing ultra-high-end sound and cinema-quality visuals, you might look elsewhere. But for everyday streaming, movie nights, or background TV while cooking dinner, the Frame delivers more than enough. The fact that it looks like art when it’s off is the cherry on top.
Ease of Use
One detail I appreciate is the One Connect Box, which houses the TV’s ports and connections. Instead of a mess of wires dangling behind the screen, a single nearly-invisible cord runs from the TV to the box, which you can tuck away in a cabinet. For someone who values clean lines and uncluttered spaces, this is a game-changer.
The smart TV interface is also user-friendly. We stream from Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and all the usual suspects without issue. Occasionally, the menu can lag a bit, but nothing deal-breaking.
The Downsides
As much as I love our Frame TVs, they aren’t perfect.
- Price: Even on sale, the Frame costs more than a standard TV of similar size. You’re paying for design as much as function.
- Art Store Subscription: While the included art selection is fine, the really good pieces live behind a monthly subscription. We opted out and instead upload our own images.
- Brightness in Art Mode: In very bright rooms, the “artwork” can sometimes give away its screen-like qualities. At night or in softly lit spaces, though, it’s incredibly convincing.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
For us, the Samsung Frame has been absolutely worth it. It solves a problem I didn’t realize I cared about so much: keeping our home feeling intentional and uncluttered. Instead of a giant black void dominating our walls, we have what looks like framed art—and when we do want to watch TV, the quality is more than enough for our needs.
If you’re someone who values design, aesthetics, and multi-functionality, the Frame is a smart investment. If all you want is the best screen for the lowest price, there are plenty of other options out there.
But in a world where our homes are asked to be both beautiful and practical, I’d argue the Frame fits that balance better than almost anything else. And after four years and three TVs, I can confidently say it’s more than just hype.
