Let’s be honest: marriage is all about compromise. But the battle over the living room TV? That is a war.
My husband wants a screen the size of a billboard to watch football. I want a curated, peaceful living room that doesn’t revolve around a giant, ugly “black void” hanging on the wall. For years, this was a stalemate.
Enter Samsung’s “The Frame” (2024 LS03D Model). It claims to be the peace treaty we’ve been waiting for—a TV that disguises itself as high-end art when you aren’t binge-watching Netflix.
My Testing Profile:
- Duration: Tested for 3 weeks in a sun-drenched living room.
- Context: Used for Saturday morning cartoons, evening movies, and hosting dinner parties (Art Mode only).
- The Vibe: Trying to make a piece of tech look like a piece of decor.
Is it actually a good TV, or just a pretty face? Here is my honest take on the internet’s most aesthetic screen. 🔗 Check Price (Amazon)
AT A GLANCE: THE 2024 SPECS
- The Star Feature: QLED Technology with Matte Display (Anti-Reflection).
- The Hardware: Includes “One Connect Box” and Slim Fit Wall Mount (No Gap).
- The Cost: ~$1,499 (55-inch) to ~$1,999 (65-inch) MSRP.
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz on models 55″ and up (Great for smooth motion).
My Testing Methodology & Experience
I didn’t just mount this on the wall and walk away. I wanted to see if it could handle the “Real Life” stress test. I installed the 55-inch model in our formal sitting room—a room notorious for glare because it faces two large windows.
I also opted for the Teak Bezel (magnetic frame), which you have to buy separately. Note: The TV comes with a basic black rim, but to get the full effect, you really need to buy a wood-tone bezel.
Performance in Real-Life Scenarios
Most tech reviews talk about “nits” and “contrast ratios.” I’m going to talk about how this actually looks when you have friends over or when the sun is beaming directly onto the screen.
Key Observations:
- The “Matte Display” is Spooky Realistic.
This is the #1 selling point for a reason. When Art Mode is on, the screen has zero glare. It diffuses light so effectively that it genuinely looks like canvas or paper. I had a guest stand three feet away and ask where I bought the “print.”
- Picture Quality is “Good Enough” (But not Perfect).
For Bluey, The Bachelor, and casual streaming, the QLED picture is crisp and vibrant. However, because of the matte finish, blacks can look a bit “grey” in a dark room compared to an OLED TV. If you are a hardcore cinephile, you might notice the difference. For the rest of us? It looks great.
- The Sound Needs Help.
Because the TV is incredibly thin (to sit flush against the wall), there is no room for big speakers. The audio is thin and lacks bass. I highly recommend pairing this with a slim soundbar.
Maintenance & Daily Living
Here is what it’s like to actually live with this TV daily, beyond just the pretty pictures.
- The “One Connect Box” Situation:
The TV connects to a large external box via a single clear cable. This box houses all the HDMI ports and power.
- The Headache: You have to hide this box. If you are wall mounting, you either need a media cabinet below to shove it in, or you need to install a recessed box in the wall behind the TV.
- The “Art Store” Hack:
Samsung wants you to pay ~$5.99/mo for their art subscription. Don’t do it.
- Nancy’s Tip: I bought a “Vintage Art Bundle” on Etsy for $3. I downloaded the files to my phone and uploaded them to the TV via the SmartThings app. It was free (after the Etsy purchase) and looks just as good.
- Cleaning:
The matte screen doesn’t show fingerprints as badly as a glossy glass screen, which is a huge win for moms with toddlers.
WHAT OTHER USERS (AND MOMS) ARE SAYING
Don’t just take my word for it. Here is what real buyers are saying about The Frame:
THE COMPETITION: PRICE VS. VALUE BREAKDOWN
If you love the idea of The Frame but hesitate at the price tag, here is how it stacks up against the new budget rival and the premium upgrade.
| Product Name | Approx Price (55″) | Rating | Key Difference | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung The Frame (LS03D) | ~$1,499 | 4.5/5 | The Original. Best overall balance of art realism and software. | 🔗 Check Price (Link-2) |
| Hisense CanvasTV (S7) | ~$999 | 4.2/5 | The Budget Killer. Saves you ~$500. Looks similar, slightly cheaper build. | 🔗 Check Price (Link-3) |
| LG OLED G4 (Gallery) | ~$2,300+ | 4.8/5 | The Quality King. Better picture (OLED), but glossier screen (more glare). | 🔗 Check Price (Link-2) |
If your primary goal is interior design, this is hands down the best TV on the market. The matte display is revolutionary for bright rooms, and it completely solves the “ugly black rectangle” problem. However, if you are a tech-spec purist who watches movies in the dark, you’re paying a premium for aesthetics over raw performance.
Buying Strategy: Never pay full price. Wait for Black Friday or big sales where the 55″ drops to ~$999 or includes a free bezel.
Who Should Get This?
- The Aesthetic Mom: You care more about how the room looks than having the “blackest blacks” on screen.
- Bright Room Owners: You have windows opposite the TV and hate glare.
- Gallery Wall Lovers: You want the TV to blend into a collage of frames.
Who Should Skip?
- Home Theater Buffs: If you want cinema-quality contrast, get an OLED instead.
- Budget Shoppers: The Hisense CanvasTV offers 90% of the look for much less money.
The Pros ✅
- ✅ Matte Display: Incredible anti-glare.
- ✅ Flush Mount: Sits totally flat on the wall.
- ✅ Custom Bezels: Matches any decor.
The Cons ❌
- ❌ Sound Quality: Thin; requires a soundbar.
- ❌ One Connect Box: Difficult to hide.
- ❌ Price: Expensive without a sale.
