Art TVs have become a popular trend for those who want their televisions to blend into their home decor. These innovative displays transform from regular TVs into digital art frames when not in use. They offer a unique solution to the common problem of a black screen dominating your living space.
Samsung’s The Frame is widely considered the best art TV on the market, combining quality display technology with impressive art mode features. While several manufacturers now offer similar concepts, The Frame pioneered this category and continues to lead with its matte display, customizable bezels, and extensive art library. Consumers looking for an aesthetically pleasing television experience should consider these art-focused options that serve dual purposes in the home.
1. Samsung The Frame 55-Inch QLED
The Samsung Frame 55-Inch QLED TV represents a unique blend of technology and aesthetics. This innovative television transforms into a piece of art when not in use, making it an ideal choice for design-conscious consumers.
The Frame features QLED 4K technology that delivers vibrant colors and exceptional picture quality. Its anti-reflection matte display reduces glare, allowing viewers to enjoy content in various lighting conditions.
When switched to Art Mode, the television displays artwork or personal photos, effectively disguising itself as a framed painting. The built-in motion sensor activates the display when someone enters the room, creating a seamless art viewing experience.
Samsung offers access to an Art Store where users can select from numerous artworks to display. Alternatively, owners can showcase their personal photo collections, adding a personalized touch to their living spaces.
The Frame comes with a slim-fit wall mount included, enabling flush installation against the wall for a true art gallery appearance. This wall mounting system contributes significantly to the authentic picture frame illusion.
User experiences with the 55-inch Frame have been predominantly positive. Many customers report that the aesthetic value it brings to their space outweighs any minor compromises in picture quality compared to other premium television models.
For those interested in enhancing their audio experience, Samsung offers a Music Frame bundle that pairs perfectly with the television. This addition provides improved sound quality while maintaining the artistic design concept.
The Frame’s customizable bezels allow owners to match their existing décor, further enhancing its versatility as both a television and decorative element.
2. LG G3 OLED 65-Inch
The LG G3 OLED stands out as a premium option for those seeking both exceptional picture quality and a sleek design. This 65-inch masterpiece delivers stunning visuals that transform any living space into a high-end home theater.
Unlike traditional TVs, the LG G3 features a wall-mount design that sits flush against the wall, creating a gallery-like appearance. This aesthetic approach makes it a direct competitor to Samsung’s The Frame series.
The G3 excels in picture quality with its OLED technology providing deep blacks and vibrant colors. Its fantastic picture quality is ideal for movies, TV shows, and gaming experiences.
For gamers, the television includes four HDMI 2.1 ports, cementing its position as one of the best gaming TVs available. These connections ensure compatibility with the latest gaming consoles and technologies.
While the G3 does offer an art mode similar to The Frame, it has limitations. Users cannot load their own photos in this mode, which may disappoint those looking to display personal artwork or family photographs.
LG prioritizes picture quality over some customization features. The South Korean manufacturer has invested significant resources into developing outstanding visual performance, making this TV a top choice for cinephiles.
For those seeking a design-focused television that doesn’t compromise on performance, the G3 delivers impressively. Its combination of aesthetic appeal and technical prowess makes it suitable for modern homes.
The slim profile and minimal bezels enhance its art-like appearance when mounted on a wall. Even when not in use, the LG G3 contributes positively to room aesthetics rather than becoming an eyesore.
LG’s webOS interface provides an intuitive user experience with easy access to streaming services and smart home controls. The system responds quickly to commands, creating a seamless viewing experience.
3. Samsung The Frame 65-Inch QLED
The Samsung Frame 65-Inch QLED TV represents an innovative blend of technology and aesthetics for the modern home. This television transforms into art when not in use, making it a standout option for design-conscious consumers.
When in Art Mode, the TV displays artwork or personal photos instead of a black screen. The Frame comes with a two-year subscription to Samsung’s Art Store, giving users access to a vast collection of artwork to showcase in their living spaces.
One of the most impressive features is the anti-reflection matte display. This technology significantly reduces glare, allowing viewers to see the screen clearly regardless of lighting conditions or room placement.
The picture quality doesn’t disappoint either. The Frame offers 4K QLED technology with 100% color volume, producing vibrant images with a billion shades of color for an immersive viewing experience.
Installation is streamlined with the included slim-fit wall mount. The TV hangs flush against the wall like a picture frame, enhancing its art-like appearance when not in active use.
The Frame features customizable bezels that can be changed to match different home décor styles. This adaptability allows the television to blend seamlessly into various interior design schemes.
A built-in motion sensor enhances the art experience by activating the display when someone enters the room and turning it off when no one is present. This feature helps conserve energy while maintaining the aesthetic appeal.
Customers have expressed satisfaction with the picture quality, anti-reflection capabilities, and seamless integration with home décor. The Frame successfully addresses the common complaint that televisions disrupt living room aesthetics.
For those seeking a television that doubles as a design element, the Samsung Frame QLED 4K TV provides a unique solution that doesn’t compromise on performance or visual appeal.
4. Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED
The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED serves as a cheaper alternative to Samsung’s The Frame for those seeking a TV that can display artwork. This model combines solid picture quality with smart features at a budget-friendly price point.
Picture quality on the Fire TV Omni QLED is quite good for its price range. It offers very good image reproduction and great gaming performance, making it versatile for different types of content.
The TV includes an ambient mode feature that allows it to display art when wall-mounted. This functionality mimics the art display capabilities that have made frame-style TVs popular.
When comparing it directly to Samsung’s The Frame, the Omni QLED lacks the matte finish and light sensor that help The Frame truly resemble framed artwork. These differences are important considerations for buyers focused on the art display aspect.
In direct comparisons with Samsung’s offering, the Omni QLED actually delivers somewhat better picture quality than The Frame. This gives it an edge for viewers who prioritize TV performance alongside the art display feature.
The Fire TV platform provides robust smart features with access to numerous streaming services. Amazon’s voice assistant integration works seamlessly with the TV’s functions.
For consumers seeking a frame-style TV on a budget, the Omni QLED represents a compelling option. It balances good picture quality, smart features, and ambient art display capabilities at a price point below premium competitors.
5. Hisense CanvasTV
The Hisense CanvasTV represents a compelling alternative in the art TV market, positioned as a direct competitor to Samsung’s The Frame. This model has gained attention for offering similar functionality at a significantly lower price point.
One of the standout features of the CanvasTV is its exceptional AI software integration. The television comes with a well-designed web interface that makes navigating through various functions straightforward and intuitive for users of all technical abilities.
The CanvasTV ships with a quality frame and pre-loaded artwork that transforms the TV into a convincing art piece when not in use. Unlike some competitors, Hisense includes these aesthetic elements without requiring additional purchases.
Many reviewers have highlighted the fantastic remote control, describing it as possibly the best among current television offerings. This attention to user experience extends throughout the product design.
When comparing display quality, the Hisense CanvasTV delivers solid performance, though some technical evaluations suggest that Samsung’s The Frame offers marginally better image quality. This difference may not be noticeable to casual viewers.
The art library available on the CanvasTV has been noted as an area for potential improvement. Some users have expressed that the selection could be expanded to offer more variety, though the existing collection is adequate for most purposes.
Performance specifications for the Hisense CanvasTV are impressive, with many features either matching or exceeding those of higher-priced alternatives. This makes it an especially attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on core functionality.
For those considering an art TV purchase but hesitant about premium pricing, the Hisense CanvasTV presents a balanced combination of affordability and quality. Its competitive feature set has established it as a serious contender in this specialized television category.
6. Sony Bravia X90K
The Sony Bravia X90K is a high-performance TV that offers excellent picture quality for those seeking a premium viewing experience. While not marketed as a frame TV like Samsung’s The Frame, it delivers superior performance in many areas that matter to discerning viewers.
This model features a Full Array LED that enhances scenes with more depth, contrast, and vivid colors. The high contrast ratio and wide color gamut make it particularly great for watching movies in dark rooms.
The X90K comes with Google TV built-in, allowing for hands-free control through Google Assistant. This smart functionality helps integrate the TV seamlessly into a modern smart home environment.
When compared to Samsung’s The Frame, the X90K prioritizes picture quality over aesthetic design elements. The Sony model excels in technical performance but doesn’t offer the same art display features when not in use.
In bright rooms, the X90K may not perform as well as some competitors. When compared to Samsung’s QN90B QLED, the Sony model doesn’t get as bright and has a less effective local dimming feature.
For those who use their TV primarily for watching movies and shows in controlled lighting conditions, the X90K offers exceptional value. Its picture processing capabilities create immersive viewing experiences with accurate colors.
Some customers have noted that the X90K delivers excellent performance even in non-ideal placement situations. According to Reddit discussions, some users have successfully mounted this TV above fireplaces with good results.
The X90K represents Sony’s commitment to picture quality over aesthetic design. For viewers who prioritize performance over the ability to display art when not in use, this model deserves serious consideration.
7. TCL Class 5-Series
The TCL 5-Series brings exceptional value to the frame TV market with its stylish design and impressive features. Unlike traditional TVs, this series is designed to blend seamlessly with home décor when not in active use.
TCL has expanded its offerings with the new NXTFRAME TV collection, which includes models similar to the 5-Series approach. These TVs feature an off-white bezel that complements most interior design styles.
What sets the TCL frame models apart is their versatility in appearance. Each unit comes with a light wood color magnetic frame that can be easily attached or changed to match different room aesthetics.
The 5-Series delivers solid picture quality with QLED technology, providing vibrant colors and good contrast. When in art mode, the screen displays various artistic pieces that transform the TV into a decorative element.
While picture quality doesn’t quite match premium models, the TCL 5-Series offers reasonable performance for its price point. The QLED panel ensures bright, colorful images that work well in most lighting conditions.
The TVs come with Google TV integration, providing access to numerous streaming services and smart home controls. This makes it both functional as entertainment and as a smart home hub.
TCL’s frame TVs also include a flush wall mount in the package, allowing for installation that truly resembles a picture frame hanging on the wall.
The matte screen finish reduces glare significantly, making artwork appear more natural and less like a digital display. This feature enhances the illusion of having actual art on the wall rather than a television.
Battery-powered remotes and cable management solutions help maintain the clean aesthetic these frame TVs aim to achieve. Every detail has been considered to minimize the appearance of technology in the living space.
8. Vizio OLED 55-Inch
The Vizio OLED 55-Inch represents a premium option in the frame TV market with impressive visual capabilities. This model features an innovative borderless design with a profile as thin as 4mm, making it an elegant addition to any living space.
Picture quality stands out as a major strength of this television. The OLED technology delivers perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio, creating stunning depth in images. The TV also includes HDR support for enhanced color and brightness precision.
Processing power comes from Vizio’s IQ Ultra processor, which handles 4K upscaling effectively. This ensures that even non-4K content looks sharp and detailed when displayed on the screen.
Connectivity options are comprehensive with HDMI 2.1 ports included. This future-proofs the television for next-generation gaming consoles and devices that will take advantage of higher bandwidth requirements.
For those concerned about picture accuracy, the default settings provide a solid starting point. Contrast settings at 50 deliver the most accurate black levels right out of the box.
Smart features include built-in Chromecast and access to popular streaming services. The interface is intuitive, though not as refined as some competitors in the premium TV segment.
When not in use, the Vizio OLED can display artwork, though this feature isn’t as developed as some dedicated frame TVs. Nevertheless, the borderless design helps it blend into decor when not actively showing content.
Reviews consistently rate this model as excellent for most uses, with particular praise for its performance in darkened rooms. The perfect black uniformity makes it ideal for movie nights and immersive viewing experiences.
Cable management has been thoughtfully designed, helping maintain the clean aesthetic that makes this TV appealing as a display piece when not in active use.
9. Sony A90J OLED
The Sony A90J OLED stands as a premium alternative for those seeking frame TV aesthetics with exceptional picture quality. Released as part of Sony’s Master Series, this television delivers an amazing overall performance with its OLED technology.
Unlike traditional frame TVs, the A90J wasn’t specifically designed as art-focused furniture, but it offers superior image quality that some buyers prioritize over décor. The television features fantastic image processing capabilities and impressive HDR peak brightness.
The build quality of the Sony A90J is outstanding, making it a durable investment for any living space. Its sleek design and thin profile allow it to blend relatively well with modern interiors, though not as seamlessly as dedicated frame models.
Many consumers consider the A90J when comparing it against options like the Samsung Frame TV. While Samsung’s Frame excels at mimicking artwork when not in use, the Sony delivers superior viewing experiences when powered on.
In dark room settings, the A90J particularly shines. OLED technology allows perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratios that LCD-based frame TVs cannot match. This creates a more immersive viewing experience for movies and TV shows.
Some customers have explored ways to mimic the frame TV aesthetic with the Sony A90J. While not offering dedicated art modes like Samsung’s Frame series, the television can display high-resolution artwork when not in active use.
For gaming enthusiasts, the A90J offers excellent features including HDMI 2.1 compatibility. When compared to high-end QLEDs, the response times and gaming performance remain competitive.
The primary drawback is pricing – the Sony A90J represents a significant investment compared to dedicated frame TVs. Buyers must determine whether superior picture quality outweighs the specialized art display features of purpose-built frame televisions.
10. Philips Ambilight OLED
The Philips Ambilight OLED TV stands out in the frame TV market with its unique lighting technology. Ambilight projects colored light from the back of the TV onto the surrounding wall, creating an immersive viewing experience that extends beyond the screen.
These TVs combine the superior picture quality of OLED technology with the innovative Ambilight system. OLED panels deliver perfect blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast, while Ambilight adds a new dimension to viewing.
The Philips OLED808 is particularly noteworthy, performing exceptionally well compared to competing models from other manufacturers. Its picture quality holds up against premium offerings from brands like Sony and LG.
For gaming enthusiasts, Philips Ambilight OLED TVs offer impressive features. The newest models support 4K at 144Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Dolby Vision gaming, making them excellent choices for console and PC gamers alike.
The design of these TVs is sleek and modern. Many models feature ultra-slim frames with aluminum-colored bezels and stands, allowing them to blend seamlessly into home decor when not in use.
Users consistently praise the Ambilight feature for enhancing their viewing experience. The system is particularly effective with content featuring bold colors, adding depth to games and creating a more cinematic atmosphere for movies.
Most Philips Ambilight OLED TVs run on Android TV, providing access to numerous streaming apps and smart features. This combination of cutting-edge display technology, innovative lighting, and robust smart features makes them compelling options for those seeking a premium frame TV experience.
The flagship model, the OLED+959, represents the pinnacle of Philips’ TV technology. It incorporates all the brand’s best features into one impressive package.
Understanding Frame TV Technology
Frame TVs represent a revolutionary approach to television design, blending traditional display technology with artistic elements. These innovative devices transform from standard televisions to digital art displays when not in use.
How Frame TVs Differ From Traditional TVs
Frame TVs are designed with aesthetics as a primary consideration, unlike conventional televisions that prioritize technical specifications alone. The most notable difference is their ability to display artwork when turned off, effectively disguising the TV as a framed picture on your wall.
These specialized TVs feature customizable bezels that resemble picture frames. The bezels can be swapped to match your home’s decor, allowing for seamless integration with interior design elements.
Frame TVs are typically mounted flush against the wall, eliminating gaps that would betray their true nature as televisions. Many models utilize a single, nearly invisible cable connection called “One Connect” that houses all inputs and outputs away from the TV itself.
Most Frame TVs incorporate anti-glare and matte display technology to mimic the appearance of actual artwork, avoiding the reflective sheen typical of standard television screens.
Features Enhancing Aesthetics and Design
Frame TVs come equipped with motion sensors that activate “Art Mode” when someone enters the room, displaying selected artwork or photos. This feature creates the illusion of a genuine art piece rather than a dormant screen.
The built-in art stores offer extensive collections of classic and contemporary artwork. Users can subscribe to curated galleries or upload personal photos to display. Many Frame TVs feature adjustable brightness sensors that adapt the display to ambient lighting conditions, making the art look realistic regardless of room illumination.
Customization options extend beyond just bezels:
- Brightness settings specifically designed for artwork display
- Color temperature adjustments to match room lighting
- Various matting options to enhance the gallery-like appearance
While Frame TVs serve as design elements, they still function as QLED HDR Smart TVs with full streaming capabilities and high-resolution picture quality for regular viewing.
Installation and Setup Considerations
Setting up your Samsung Frame TV properly involves careful planning for both wall mounting and effective cable management. These considerations not only affect the TV’s aesthetic appeal but also its functionality and longevity.
Wall Mounting Options
The Samsung Frame TV is designed to hang flush against the wall like an actual artwork. The TV comes with a dedicated wall mount bracket that allows for this close-to-wall installation. Before installation, users should locate wall studs for secure mounting.
For best results, measuring the intended placement area is crucial. The height should be at eye level when seated for optimal viewing comfort. Many users choose to mount their Frame TV in living rooms or bedrooms where ambient light can be controlled.
Alternative mounting options include specialized TV stands designed specifically for the Frame TV. These stands mimic gallery displays while providing the flexibility to move the TV if needed.
Installation guides recommend having two people assist with mounting to ensure safety and proper alignment. The Frame TV’s thin profile requires careful handling during installation to prevent damage.
Cable Management Solutions
The Frame TV’s aesthetic appeal relies heavily on proper cable management. Samsung’s One Connect Box is the primary solution, allowing users to connect all devices to a separate box rather than directly to the TV.
This box connects to the TV via a single thin cable that can be hidden within walls or concealed using cable covers. For in-wall installation, consider hiring a professional electrician to ensure safety and building code compliance.
Cord covers that match wall colors provide a simple solution without requiring construction work. These adhesive channels can be painted to blend seamlessly with the wall.
Cable management clips and fabric cord covers offer additional options for neatly routing cables. Many users place their One Connect Box in nearby cabinets or behind other furniture pieces to maintain the clean aesthetic.
Wireless connections should be prioritized where possible to minimize visible cables. The TV’s built-in Wi-Fi connects to streaming services, while Bluetooth can link to compatible audio devices.
Enhancing Viewing Experience
The Samsung Frame TV offers multiple ways to customize your viewing experience beyond its art display capabilities. Proper setup of both display and sound settings can dramatically transform how you enjoy content on this unique television.
Display Settings Optimization
The Frame TV comes with several picture modes designed for different viewing situations. For the best movie experience, users should select “Movie” or “Filmmaker Mode” which delivers more accurate colors. These modes disable motion smoothing that can make films look artificial.
Adjusting brightness based on room lighting is essential. The Frame’s built-in light sensor can automatically adjust brightness, but manual calibration often produces better results. For daytime viewing, increase brightness to around 45-50, while evening viewing typically works best at 30-35.
Color temperature settings should be set to “Warm” for the most natural-looking images. Many users report that reducing digital noise reduction improves picture clarity, especially for high-definition content.
For gaming, selecting “Game Mode” reduces input lag to less than 20ms, making it responsive enough for competitive play.
Sound System Integration
While the Frame TV’s built-in speakers are decent, they lack the depth needed for truly immersive audio. Most owners opt to enhance their sound experience through external audio solutions.
Samsung’s own Q-Series soundbars pair seamlessly with the Frame TV through the Q-Symphony feature, which lets the TV speakers work in harmony with the soundbar rather than being disabled.
Connection options include HDMI eARC, which supports high-quality audio formats like Dolby Atmos, and Bluetooth for wireless speakers. The HDMI eARC port transfers uncompressed audio to compatible receivers or soundbars.
For multi-room setups, the Frame integrates with Samsung’s SmartThings platform, allowing synchronized audio throughout the home. This creates a cohesive listening experience when moving between rooms during sports events or parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frame TVs have gained popularity for their sleek design and art display capabilities. Potential buyers often have specific concerns about performance, value, and practical considerations before making a purchase decision.
What are the typical limitations of a Frame TV?
Frame TVs like the Samsung models typically have some tradeoffs compared to premium TVs. The picture quality, while good, may not match specialized high-end TVs designed purely for optimal viewing.
These TVs are not functionally the best in terms of pure performance specifications. They tend to be more expensive than standard TVs with similar technical specifications.
Another limitation is the viewing angle. Some Frame TV models may show reduced picture quality when viewed from extreme angles.
How does the Samsung Frame TV compare to its predecessors in terms of value?
The newest Samsung Frame TVs offer significantly better value than their predecessors. They feature improved anti-glare technology that makes the art mode much more convincing.
Recent models include enhanced QLED technology for better color accuracy and brightness compared to earlier versions. The 55-inch and 65-inch Samsung Frame QLED models provide particularly good value considering their capabilities.
The matte display introduced in newer models creates a more realistic art appearance that earlier generations couldn’t match.
Are there alternative brands that offer a similar product to the Samsung Frame TV?
Yes, several manufacturers now offer frame-style TVs. The LG G3 OLED 65-inch provides excellent picture quality with a gallery design, though with a different approach to art display.
The Hisense CanvasTV offers a similar concept at generally lower price points. However, its art mode functionality and customization options may not be as refined.
Amazon’s Fire TV Omni QLED series has also entered this market with frame-like aesthetics and smart features at competitive prices.
What size Frame TV is most recommended for a typical living room?
For most standard living rooms, the 65-inch size provides an optimal viewing experience. This size balances screen real estate with proportional aesthetics when in art mode.
The 55-inch model works well in medium-sized living rooms or as a secondary TV in master bedrooms. Smaller living spaces might benefit from the 50-inch or 43-inch sizes.
Viewing distance should be a primary consideration—the recommended distance is approximately 1.5 times the diagonal screen size.
How do newer models of Frame TVs from 2024 onwards improve upon older models?
The 2024+ Frame TV models feature significantly improved anti-glare technology and more convincing matte displays. These enhancements make the art display look more like actual framed artwork.
Newer models also include better processing power, higher refresh rates, and improved smart home integration. Many recent versions support advanced gaming features like variable refresh rate and auto low-latency mode.
Power efficiency has also improved, addressing concerns about electricity usage when displaying art for extended periods.
What features should be considered when choosing the best Frame TV for home use?
Picture quality remains essential—look for QLED technology for better color reproduction. The Samsung Frame 55-inch and 65-inch QLED models excel in this regard.
Consider the customizable bezel options that allow the TV to match your interior design. Most Frame TVs offer interchangeable bezels in various colors and materials.
Art subscription services and built-in galleries should also factor into the decision. Some models offer more extensive art libraries or better free options than others.
Smart home compatibility is increasingly important. Check if the TV works with your existing ecosystem (Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, etc.).
