Loading... Alternatives to Samsung’s The Frame TV Have Finally Arrived

Alternatives to Samsung’s The Frame TV Have Finally Arrived

Samsung revolutionized the TV market in 2017 with The Frame TV, pioneering the picture-frame TV category and enhancing it in 2022 with a matte finish that reduces reflections, enabling the TV to blend seamlessly into any décor. Now, new competitors from Hisense and TCL are challenging Samsung's dominance with their own interpretations of this lifestyle product. Both Hisense’s CanvasTV and TCL’s NXTFrame TV are positioned to compete directly with The Frame, offering similar aesthetics and functionalities. All three brands — Samsung, Hisense, and TCL — offer TVs with photo-frame-like bezels and matte screen finishes designed to eliminate reflections. This design choice allows them to function as art displays when not being used for television viewing. Each model is also notably thin, with The Frame measuring 1.0 inches deep, the NXTFrame at 1.1 inches, and the CanvasTV at 1.4 inches. While Samsung currently offers more bezel color options and third-party customization, Hisense and TCL include frames with their TVs at launch, with Hisense already planning additional bezel choices, suggesting this will not be a long-term differentiator. A significant functional difference lies in connectivity. The Frame utilizes an external One Connect Box for video gear connections, reducing cable clutter at the TV itself, which is advantageous for wall-mounted setups with multiple devices. In contrast, the CanvasTV and NXTFrame integrate all components directly into the TV unit. For users who primarily stream content, the integrated design of Hisense and TCL models might be simpler, while those with numerous external components might prefer Samsung's separate box. Regarding operating systems, CanvasTV and NXTFrame run on Google TV, which is praised for its user-friendliness, recommendation algorithms, and Google Assistant integration. Samsung’s The Frame, however, uses its proprietary Tizen platform, which some users find less intuitive than Google TV. All three TVs are 4K UHD edge-lit QLED displays, positioning them in the low-to-mid tier for picture quality within their respective brands, below Mini-LED and full-array backlit options. Despite their premium pricing due to design, none of these models offer the advanced backlighting technologies found in similarly priced standard TVs, such as TCL's 65-inch QM8-Series Mini-LED TV which costs the same as its NXTFrame counterpart. While a direct side-by-side comparison of picture quality was not conducted, their regular TV counterparts suggest a generally satisfactory performance without being exceptional. The Hisense CanvasTV distinguishes itself with a higher refresh rate of 144Hz, making it more suitable for gaming, compared to 120Hz for The Frame and NXTFrame. The TCL NXTFrame is the only model with HDR Ultra certification, implying superior HDR content display. Audio capabilities vary, with NXTFrame and The Frame offering better support for multi-channel sound systems, including various Dolby and DTS formats. For built-in TV speakers, CanvasTV (36W with DTS Virtual X) and The Frame (40W with Dolby Digital+) outperform the NXTFrame (20W). All three include voice remotes and smart assistants: Google Assistant for NXTFrame and CanvasTV, and Amazon Alexa for The Frame. For Apple HomeKit users, NXTFrame and CanvasTV are compatible, unlike The Frame. Additionally, the CanvasTV remote features a backlight. All three picture-frame TVs function as digital art displays, allowing users to showcase personal photos or select art from their respective art stores. CanvasTV and The Frame also incorporate occupancy sensors to conserve energy by displaying art only when someone is present in the room. In terms of pricing for 65-inch models, Samsung and TCL are both $1,999, while Hisense offers a more competitive price at $1,299, making it the best value on price alone. Each TV includes a wall mount, and Hisense and TCL include their respective wood frames. Samsung offers a choice of up to four frame colors at purchase. The choice among these picture-frame TVs depends on specific priorities. For multi-channel audio enthusiasts, NXTFrame or The Frame are preferable. For those averse to cable management, The Frame's One Connect Box is a significant advantage, though streaming-only users might find NXTFrame or CanvasTV simpler. Smart home ecosystem integration is another factor: NXTFrame and CanvasTV align with Apple HomeKit and Google/Nest products, while The Frame integrates with SmartThings. Screen size options also vary across brands, with Samsung offering the widest range up to 85 inches, followed by TCL, and Hisense providing 55 and 65-inch options. Ultimately, the best choice balances individual needs, existing smart home devices, and budget.

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