Samsung Frame TV Alternatives: Don’t Buy Before Reading

If you’re considering the Samsung Frame TV, you should also look at the Hisense CanvasTV and TCL NXTFRAME, which offer similar art-display features at a lower price. This article compares these alternatives to help you decide which one fits your needs and budget.

Why the Frame TV is Popular

The Samsung Frame TV is designed to look like a piece of art when not in use. It comes with a matte anti-glare screen, a slim bezel, and a separate One Connect box for inputs. The Art Mode displays curated artwork, and the frame can be customized with different bezel colors. It’s a lifestyle TV that prioritizes aesthetics, but the premium price tag makes many shoppers look for alternatives.

Key Alternatives: Hisense CanvasTV and TCL NXTFRAME

Two direct competitors have emerged: the Hisense CanvasTV and the TCL NXTFRAME. Both offer a similar art-display concept but with different trade-offs.

Hisense CanvasTV: Often priced lower than the Frame, it includes a matte display, a customizable bezel, and a separate media box. It supports popular streaming apps and has a built-in art store.
TCL NXTFRAME: Also features a matte screen and a slim profile. It uses a wireless connection for the display, which simplifies installation. It typically costs less than the Frame for comparable sizes.

Picture Quality and Sound Comparison

Picture quality varies among these models. The Samsung Frame uses QLED technology with good brightness and color, but it’s not the brand’s top-tier panel. The Hisense CanvasTV uses a ULED panel with quantum dots, offering similar performance. The TCL NXTFRAME uses QLED as well. In side-by-side tests, differences are subtle, but the Frame often has slightly better processing and upscaling. Sound is generally underwhelming on all three due to their slim designs; most users add a soundbar.

Art Mode and Features

All three TVs have an art mode that displays images when off. Samsung has the largest art store, with thousands of paid and free pieces. Hisense and TCL offer smaller collections but include some free options. The matte screens on all models reduce glare, but Samsung’s anti-reflection coating is slightly more effective. The Frame’s motion sensor turns on art mode when you enter the room; similar sensors are available on the alternatives.

Cost and Value

Price is where the alternatives shine. The Hisense CanvasTV and TCL NXTFRAME are typically 20-30% cheaper than the Samsung Frame for the same size. For example, a 55-inch Frame might cost $1,500, while the Hisense or TCL could be around $1,000. If the art display is your main use, the savings are significant. However, the Frame often comes with a more polished user interface and better smart features.

Common Problems and Considerations

Glare: Even with matte screens, direct light can cause reflections. Place the TV away from windows.
Bezel customization: Samsung offers interchangeable bezels, but they are pricey. Hisense and TCL have fewer options.
One Connect box: The Frame’s box is a separate unit that must be hidden. Hisense uses a similar box, while TCL’s wireless approach eliminates the cable.
Art store costs: Many artworks are paid; check the included free selection.

How to Choose the Right One

Consider your priorities:

If you want the best art display and don’t mind paying extra, choose the Samsung Frame.
If you want similar features for less money, pick the Hisense CanvasTV.
If you prefer a wireless connection and a minimalist setup, go with the TCL NXTFRAME.

Also consider the TV’s performance for regular viewing. If you watch sports or movies, check the refresh rate and HDR support. All three support 4K and HDR, but the Frame has a 120Hz panel on some models, which is better for gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Frame TV worth the extra cost?

If you value the art mode and the premium design, it can be. But the Hisense and TCL offer similar experiences for less, so the Frame’s higher price is not justified for everyone.

Can I use any art on these TVs?

Yes, you can upload your own images via a USB drive or smartphone app. The built-in art stores offer curated pieces, but you are not limited to them.

Do these TVs work with voice assistants?

Yes, all three support Alexa and Google Assistant for basic commands like changing channels or adjusting volume.

Which has better gaming performance?

If gaming matters, check the HDMI 2.1 ports and refresh rates. The Samsung Frame has models with 120Hz and VRR, which are better for gaming. Hisense and TCL may have 60Hz panels on lower-end models.

Are there any hidden costs?

Bezels for the Frame are sold separately. Art subscriptions are optional. The One Connect box on the Frame and Hisense may require professional installation if you want to hide the cables.

Do these TVs have burn-in issues?

No, they use LCD panels (QLED or ULED), which are not prone to burn-in like OLED. The art mode is safe to leave on for long periods.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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