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When it comes to TVs, I’ll admit, I’m not one to chase the highest resolution or the latest sound system. What I care about most is how a TV fits into my home decor, which is why I own one Frame TV and just purchased another for our family room addition.
For me, the single determining factor was simple: I don’t want an ugly black box on my wall.
What makes the Frame TV unique is its ability to display art, with customizable frames that truly make it look like a piece of artwork hanging in your living space. And, I have to say, that’s what won me over.
It blends seamlessly into my decor, transforming what would be a big eyesore into something I actually love looking at. The artwork mode is genuinely a game-changer for anyone who prioritizes aesthetics.
Art Mode and Motion Sensor: The Heart of the Appeal
The ability to display art in ‘Art Mode’ is what truly sets the Frame TV apart from others. With its motion sensor, the art displays only when someone’s in the room, so it’s never draining energy needlessly.
This feature is what sold me on the Frame TV, and it’s what makes it worth the price for spaces like living rooms, where the TV tends to be off much of the time.
There’s nothing better than walking into the room and seeing a piece of art you love instead of a blank black screen.
What About the Art Subscription?
The Frame TV’s big selling point is its ability to display art, and Samsung offers an art subscription service through their Art Store. For $4.99 a month, you can access a collection of over 1,500 pieces of digital art to display on your TV.
While that may sound appealing, I have to be honest—I don’t like any of the free options, and even the paid ones didn’t fit my style.
Instead, I’ve found a better (and cheaper) alternative. I purchase high-resolution digital art from Etsy, where prices range between $3 and $10. It’s incredibly easy to download the artwork to my phone and then set it on the TV. This way, I can find pieces that truly reflect my style and update them as often as I like without being locked into a subscription.
Plus, Etsy offers a much wider variety of styles, so you’re more likely to find something that fits your aesthetic perfectly.
The Matte Effect: A Game-Changer?
While my first Frame TV from 2021 still impresses, the newer model I just bought in 2024 (though this feature was introduced in 2023) has a matte, anti-glare finish. This small but noticeable upgrade makes the artwork look more realistic, especially in rooms with plenty of natural light.
For anyone whose TV is placed near a window, this feature is a significant improvement—it almost eliminates the glare you’d normally get from a backlit screen.
But What About Picture and Sound Quality?
Now, if you’re after the best picture or sound quality, the Frame TV might not be your best option. Don’t get me wrong—the picture quality is good, and the sound is fine, but if you’re looking for the best TV experience, there are other models out there with better specs for less money.
Another downside is that as the Frame TV has become more popular, the price has also gone up. For the same cost, you could get a TV with better picture and sound quality. But for me, the ability to have art on display is still worth it.
Jenna’s tip
The Frame TV will most likely go on sale during Black Friday and Cyber Monday at a significantly reduced price. If you’re planning on getting one, that’s the best time to snag a deal!
Mounting and the One Connect Box
One feature of the Frame TV is the included no-gap wall mount, which makes the TV sit flush against the wall like a real piece of art. But there’s one detail you’ll need to plan for—the One Connect Box. This box is essential for connecting all your devices to the TV. It’s a thin, clear wire that runs from the TV to the one connect box. BUT, it can be tricky to hide, especially if your TV is mounted in an open area.
In both of our living rooms, we’re lucky to have built-ins, which allowed us to snake the cable behind the wall and place the One Connect Box inside the cabinet. This solution keeps everything out of sight and maintains the sleek, minimalist look I’m after.
If you don’t have that option, a basket or decorative storage box could work to conceal it while still keeping it accessible. It’s definitely something to consider when planning where to install your Frame TV.
Customization Comes at a Price
It’s also worth mentioning that the beautiful frames you often see on Instagram aren’t included with the TV. Out of the box, the frame is a basic black plastic, and if you really want it to blend into your decor, you’ll need to purchase a custom magnetic frame separately, or as part of a bundle.
These bezels aren’t cheap—they can cost between $150 and $250, and sometimes they’re even sold out in popular styles, but they are what truly changes the physical look of the it from a TV to a framed piece of art.
With the TV itself starting at $575 for the smallest size (32 inch), adding a custom frame that costs between $150 and $250 can quickly make this a more expensive purchase than you might expect.
Final Verdict: Is the Frame TV Worth It?
So, is the Samsung Frame TV worth it? For me, yes—because I value the design and the ability to display art more than anything else.
If your TV will be a focal point in a space where you spend a lot of time, the Frame TV is absolutely worth considering for its aesthetic appeal.
But if you’re looking for something purely for watching shows, you can find cheaper alternatives with better specs. I will NOT be buying one for my kids’ basement playroom or for any other room in the house where a regular ol’ TV will work just fine.
It all depends on what matters most in your space.