The Samsung 85-Inch Class The Frame QLED TV, in essence, is a truly unique proposition that blends cutting-edge display technology with an innovative design philosophy to seamlessly integrate into your living space as a piece of art when not in use. It’s not just a television.

It’s a statement piece designed to elevate your home aesthetics while still delivering a vibrant QLED picture.

This TV offers a high-resolution 4K experience, leveraging Samsung’s Quantum Dot technology for exceptional color volume and brightness, making it a compelling choice for those who value both performance and sophisticated design.

The key differentiator, however, lies in its “Art Mode,” which transforms the blank screen into a digital canvas, displaying an extensive collection of artwork and personal photos with impressive realism, thanks to its matte display that minimizes reflections.

While its focus on design might suggest a compromise on traditional TV performance, the 85-inch model holds its own, offering strong contrast, decent black levels for a QLED, and smart features that make it a robust entertainment hub.

For anyone seeking a TV that disappears into their decor, yet delivers a premium viewing experience, The Frame is a strong contender, albeit with a premium price tag to match its dual functionality.

Here’s a comparison of top products that enhance or complement a premium home entertainment setup:

Samsung 85-Inch Class The Frame QLED TV QN85LS03AAFXZA

Hp Victus 15 Review
- Key Features: Art Mode with digital art collection, customizable bezels, Quantum Dot technology, 4K UHD resolution, Matte Display, Slim Fit Wall-Mount included.
- Average Price: ~$4,299 – $4,499
- Pros: Exceptional aesthetic integration, stunning Art Mode, vibrant QLED picture, good for bright rooms due to matte screen, impressive smart features.
- Cons: Premium price, picture quality not as strong as dedicated OLEDs for dark room viewing, no native 120Hz at 4K in all modes, reflections still present in certain extreme lighting.
Sonos Arc Soundbar
- Key Features: Dolby Atmos 3D sound, Trueplay tuning, voice control Google Assistant/Alexa, multi-room audio, seamless integration with Sonos ecosystem.
- Average Price: ~$899
- Pros: Immersive sound with strong bass for a soundbar, excellent voice clarity, elegant design, easy setup, expands easily with other Sonos speakers.
- Cons: Expensive, requires eARC for full Dolby Atmos, no DTS:X support, some users might find it too wide for smaller TV stands.
Apple TV 4K 2022
- Key Features: A15 Bionic chip, 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and HDR10+, Apple Arcade, HomeKit hub capabilities, Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad.
- Average Price: ~$129 – $149
- Pros: Blazing fast performance, seamless Apple ecosystem integration, excellent user interface, great for gaming, robust smart home control.
- Cons: Premium price compared to other streaming devices, limited app customization, remote lacks a dedicated mute button.
Logitech Harmony Elite Universal Remote Control
- Key Features: Controls up to 15 devices, touchscreen interface, hub for IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi device control, activity-based control, compatible with smart home devices.
- Average Price: ~$249 – $299
- Pros: Simplifies complex home theater setups, intuitive touchscreen, reliable control, good smart home integration, customizable activities.
- Cons: High price, initial setup can be time-consuming, requires charging, app can be clunky for some users.
Sanus Advanced Tilt TV Wall Mount
- Key Features: Tool-free tilt, wide range of VESA patterns, open wall plate design for cable management, strong steel construction, easy installation.
- Average Price: ~$120 – $180
- Pros: Secure and stable mounting, simple tilting for optimal viewing angles, good cable access, robust build quality, relatively easy to install.
- Cons: Not a full-motion mount, can be bulky behind slim TVs, requires precise positioning during installation for optimal results.
Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K Projector
- Key Features: 4K UHD resolution, 2400 ISO Lumens, Laser Phosphor light source, Android TV 10.0, autofocus & keystone correction, built-in speakers.
- Average Price: ~$1,999 – $2,199
- Pros: Stunningly bright and sharp 4K image, excellent color reproduction, smart features with Android TV, portable, long lamp life.
- Cons: Expensive, internal speakers are decent but not a replacement for a sound system, can be noisy, requires a large projection surface.
Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box
- Key Features: Syncs Philips Hue lights with on-screen content, 4 HDMI inputs, 4K/60Hz HDR10+ passthrough, app control.
- Average Price: ~$229
- Pros: Creates an immersive ambient lighting experience, easy to set up with existing Hue system, enhances movie/gaming sessions, reliable performance.
- Cons: Requires Philips Hue Bridge and compatible lights, no HDMI 2.1 support limiting 4K/120Hz passthrough, can be an expensive add-on.

The Samsung 85-Inch Class The Frame QLED TV redefines what a television can be in the modern home, moving beyond a mere entertainment device to become an integral part of interior design. Its core innovation lies in the Art Mode, which allows the TV to seamlessly blend into your living space by displaying a curated collection of world-class art or your personal photos when it’s not being used as a television. This concept is revolutionary, addressing the common aesthetic challenge of a large, black rectangle dominating a room.

Table of Contents

The Philosophy Behind The Frame: Art Meets Technology

Samsung’s vision for The Frame was to create a device that enhances the home environment, rather than detracts from it.

Traditional TVs, when off, are often seen as an eyesore. The Frame tackles this directly. It’s not just about showing pictures.

It’s about making the TV itself a part of your decor. Idx Privacy Review

This philosophical shift means you’re investing in both a display and a piece of interactive art.

Bridging the Gap: The Frame successfully bridges the gap between technology and aesthetics. It appeals to a demographic that values design and sophisticated living spaces.
Beyond the Screen: The customizable bezels, which can be easily swapped out to match your room’s decor available in various colors and finishes like Modern Teak, Beveled White, and Brick Red, further emphasize its role as a decorative object. This level of personalization is something no other mainstream TV offers.
Strategic Placement: Unlike other TVs that might dictate furniture arrangement, The Frame encourages integration. Its “Slim Fit Wall-Mount” allows it to sit almost flush against the wall, mimicking a real picture frame.

Display Technology: QLED Performance in an Artistic Package

At its heart, the 85-inch The Frame is powered by Samsung’s QLED technology.

This means it utilizes Quantum Dots to produce a wider spectrum of colors and higher brightness levels compared to traditional LED TVs.

While it’s designed for art, it doesn’t skimp on picture quality for your movies, shows, and games.

Understanding QLED in The Frame

QLED, or Quantum Dot LED, screens enhance picture quality by using tiny semiconductor nanocrystals quantum dots to produce purer, more saturated colors.

When light from the TV’s LED backlight passes through these quantum dots, they emit specific colors, resulting in a significantly improved color volume and brightness.

Color Volume: One of the most significant benefits of QLED in The Frame is its ability to express 100% color volume. This means colors remain vibrant and true-to-life even at peak brightness levels, crucial for displaying artwork accurately.
Brightness: QLED TVs are generally very bright, which is a huge advantage for The Frame. Since it’s often placed in well-lit living spaces, the high brightness helps combat ambient light and maintain picture clarity. For instance, the 85-inch model can achieve peak brightness levels that make HDR content pop and ensure artwork looks vivid even in a sunlit room.
4K UHD Resolution: The 85-inch model boasts 4K Ultra High Definition UHD resolution, which is 3840 x 2160 pixels. This means you get incredibly sharp and detailed images, whether you’re watching a blockbuster movie or admiring a masterpiece from the Art Store. The sheer size of the 85-inch screen truly benefits from this high resolution, ensuring pixel density remains strong even up close.

The Matte Display: A Game Changer for Art Mode

Perhaps the most significant technological leap in recent iterations of The Frame, especially relevant for the 85-inch model, is the introduction of the Matte Display. This feature fundamentally changes how the TV behaves in bright environments, particularly when displaying art.

How the Matte Display Works

Traditional glossy TV screens are notorious for reflections, acting like a mirror in a well-lit room.

This is particularly problematic for a TV intended to display art, as reflections can completely ruin the illusion of a painting or photograph.

Samsung’s Matte Display applies a textured, anti-glare film over the screen. Fujifilm X T30 Ii Review

Reflection Reduction: This surface scatters incoming light rather than reflecting it directly back to the viewer. The result is a dramatic reduction in glare and reflections, making the screen look more like a canvas or a framed photograph. This is especially noticeable with windows or bright lights opposite the TV. For example, a study from RTINGS.com often highlights that The Frame’s matte screen drastically outperforms glossy alternatives in reducing direct glare.
Enhanced Art Mode Immersion: When displaying art, the matte finish gives the images a more natural, paper-like texture. This significantly enhances the realism of Art Mode, making it genuinely difficult to distinguish between the TV and a physical artwork from a distance. The illusion is incredibly convincing, particularly in ambient lighting.
Daytime Viewing: For general TV watching during the day, the matte screen also provides a more comfortable viewing experience by mitigating eye strain caused by reflections. While some argue it slightly reduces perceived contrast or vibrancy compared to a glossy screen in a pitch-black room, the trade-off for daytime viewing and Art Mode is overwhelmingly positive.

Art Mode and the Samsung Art Store: Curated Beauty

The heart of The Frame’s unique appeal is its Art Mode. This feature transforms your television into a gallery, displaying an ever-growing collection of artwork and photography. The 85-inch screen offers an expansive canvas for these digital masterpieces.

Exploring Art Mode and the Art Store

When you switch The Frame off, it doesn’t just go black. Instead, it transitions into Art Mode.

The TV uses motion and light sensors to detect your presence and ambient light conditions.

If no one is around, it can automatically turn off to save energy.

When someone enters the room, it can turn on to display art.

The light sensor adjusts the screen’s brightness and color tone to match the room’s lighting, ensuring the art looks natural, as if it were a real painting.

Vast Collection: The Samsung Art Store is a subscription service offering access to over 2,500 pieces of art from world-renowned museums, galleries, and photographers. This includes masterpieces from the Louvre, the Met, the Prado, and more. A monthly subscription typically costs around $4.99, or you can purchase individual pieces.
Personal Photos: Beyond the curated collection, you can upload your own photos via the SmartThings app or a USB drive. The Frame offers various matte layouts and filters to make your personal photos look like professional art prints. This personalization feature is a huge draw for families or individuals who want to display cherished memories in a sophisticated way.

Smart Features and Connectivity: More Than Just a Pretty Face

The Samsung 85-inch Class The Frame QLED TV is a fully-fledged smart TV, powered by Samsung’s Tizen operating system.

This means it comes packed with all the connectivity and smart features you’d expect from a high-end television, making it a central hub for your digital life.

Tizen OS and Connectivity

Samsung’s Tizen OS is known for its intuitive interface, speed, and comprehensive app support.

It provides access to all major streaming services Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, etc. and integrates seamlessly with other Samsung devices and SmartThings enabled smart home products. Samsung 55 Inch Class The Frame Qled Tv Review

App Ecosystem: The app store is robust, offering a wide array of entertainment, news, fitness, and lifestyle applications. The experience is generally fluid and responsive, with quick app launches and smooth navigation.
Voice Assistants: Built-in voice assistants like Bixby, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant allow for hands-free control of the TV, smart home devices, and content search. You can ask it to “Play on Netflix” or “What’s the weather like?” and it will respond directly.
One Connect Box: A key differentiator for The Frame is the external One Connect Box. This separate box houses all the TV’s ports HDMI, USB, Ethernet, etc. and connects to the TV with a single, thin, nearly invisible cable the “One Invisible Connection”. This design choice is critical for The Frame’s aesthetic appeal, as it eliminates cable clutter from the TV itself, allowing it to sit flush against the wall like a picture frame. The 85-inch model benefits immensely from this, keeping installations clean and tidy. The One Connect Box also includes four HDMI 2.0 ports with HDMI 2.1 support for specific features like ALLM, two USB ports, and an optical digital audio output.
Wireless Connectivity: Standard Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.2 are included, enabling wireless screen mirroring from smartphones AirPlay 2, Smart View, connecting Bluetooth headphones, and integrating with other wireless peripherals.

Audio Quality and Expansion Options

While The Frame prioritizes visual aesthetics, the 85-inch model provides decent built-in audio.

However, for a truly immersive home theater experience, external audio solutions are often recommended, particularly given the TV’s premium positioning.

Sound Performance and Enhancements

The 85-inch The Frame typically features a 40W 2.0.2-channel speaker system though exact specifications can vary slightly by model year. It includes Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound Lite OTS Lite technology, which attempts to create a more dynamic sound experience by making sound appear to emanate from the specific location of the action on screen.

Adaptive Sound: Samsung’s Adaptive Sound technology analyzes the audio content and the room’s acoustics to optimize the sound profile in real-time, enhancing dialogue clarity and overall audio balance.
Q-Symphony: One of Samsung’s standout audio features is Q-Symphony. When paired with compatible Samsung Q-Series soundbars, Q-Symphony allows the TV’s internal speakers to work in conjunction with the soundbar, rather than being disabled. This creates a larger, more enveloping soundstage. For an 85-inch TV, this feature can significantly elevate the audio experience without requiring a full surround sound system.
External Audio: For serious movie buffs or audiophiles, connecting a dedicated soundbar like the Sonos Arc Soundbar or a full home theater receiver and speaker system via the HDMI eARC port is highly recommended. The larger screen size of the 85-inch model truly benefits from robust, cinematic audio.

Installation and Integration: Designed for Seamless Living

The Samsung 85-inch Class The Frame QLED TV is engineered for a seamless integration into your home environment, with specific design choices aimed at mimicking a piece of art rather than a traditional television.

The installation process is streamlined to support this aesthetic.

Mounting and Cable Management

The Frame comes with a Slim Fit Wall-Mount included in the box. This specialized mount is designed to minimize the gap between the TV and the wall, making it sit almost flush, much like a framed picture. This is a crucial element of its “art” identity.

Flush Mount: Achieving this flush look is simpler than with many other large TVs. The design accounts for the One Connect Box, routing all cables through a single, thin, transparent fiber-optic cable that connects to the TV. This “One Invisible Connection” cable carries both power and all data, eliminating the need for multiple cables running to the back of the TV. This is a must for clean installations.
One Connect Box Placement: The One Connect Box itself can be discreetly tucked away in a cabinet or entertainment unit, further enhancing the minimalist aesthetic. This allows for easy access to ports without needing to reach behind the TV.
Customizable Bezels: As mentioned, the ability to snap on different colored and textured bezels sold separately allows for further personalization. This makes the TV feel less like an electronic device and more like a custom piece of furniture or art.
Professional Installation: While the included mount and One Connect Box simplify DIY installation for many, due to the 85-inch size, professional installation might be preferred for safety and optimal positioning, ensuring the TV is perfectly level and flush.

Conclusion: Is the 85-Inch Frame Right for You?

The Samsung 85-Inch Class The Frame QLED TV is a premium product with a distinct purpose: to blend high-quality display technology with unparalleled aesthetic integration.

It excels in delivering a vibrant 4K QLED picture, enhanced by a groundbreaking matte display that virtually eliminates reflections, making it perfect for bright rooms and its signature Art Mode.

If your priority is a television that disappears into your decor when not in use, truly functioning as a piece of art, and you appreciate innovative design alongside strong picture quality, then the 85-inch Frame is an outstanding choice.

Its customizable bezels, slim-fit wall mount, and the ingenious One Connect Box all contribute to a remarkably clean and sophisticated installation. Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen2 As6702T Review

However, it’s important to set expectations.

While its QLED panel offers excellent color and brightness, especially compared to many standard LED TVs, it won’t deliver the same inky blacks and infinite contrast levels that an OLED TV can achieve in a perfectly dark room.

You are paying a premium for the design and Art Mode functionality.

If pure, unadulterated cinematic black levels in a dedicated home theater are your sole priority, other high-end QLED or OLED models might offer a more traditional performance-to-price ratio.

Ultimately, the 85-inch Frame is for the discerning buyer who sees their television as part of their home’s overall design narrative.

It’s an investment in both entertainment and aesthetics, offering a unique solution to the age-old problem of the black screen.

For many, the ability to transform their TV into a dynamic art display is a compelling value proposition that justifies its cost, making it a compelling centerpiece for any modern living space.

FAQs

Q1: What is the main unique selling point of the Samsung 85-Inch Class The Frame QLED TV?

The main unique selling point is its Art Mode and design-centric approach, allowing the TV to display artwork or personal photos when not in use, making it blend seamlessly into home decor rather than standing out as a black rectangle.

Q2: Does the 85-inch Frame TV come with the Slim Fit Wall-Mount?

Yes, the Samsung 85-Inch Class The Frame QLED TV typically includes the Slim Fit Wall-Mount in the box, designed to allow the TV to sit almost flush against the wall.

Q3: What is the “One Invisible Connection” cable?

The “One Invisible Connection” cable is a single, thin, nearly transparent fiber-optic cable that connects the TV to the external One Connect Box, carrying both power and all data, thus eliminating cable clutter at the back of the TV itself. Nothing Phone 1 Review

Q4: Is the Art Store subscription free?

No, the Samsung Art Store is a subscription service that offers access to a vast collection of artwork.

While a limited number of art pieces might be included, full access typically requires a monthly or annual subscription fee.

Q5: Can I upload my own photos to display on The Frame TV?

Yes, you can upload your own photos via the SmartThings app or a USB drive to display them on The Frame TV in Art Mode, with options for various matte layouts and filters.

Q6: How does the Matte Display on The Frame TV improve the viewing experience?

The Matte Display significantly reduces glare and reflections from ambient light, making the screen look more like a canvas or a framed photograph, especially enhancing the realism of Art Mode and improving daytime viewing comfort.

Q7: What kind of picture quality does The Frame TV offer?

The Frame TV uses QLED Quantum Dot LED technology, offering vibrant 4K UHD resolution, 100% color volume, and high brightness levels, which are excellent for general viewing and displaying artwork accurately.

Q8: Does the 85-inch Frame TV support 120Hz refresh rates for gaming?

While The Frame typically includes HDMI 2.1 features like Auto Low Latency Mode ALLM, native 4K 120Hz support might be limited or require specific settings on older models.

Newer models are more likely to support 4K@120Hz via HDMI 2.1. Always check the specific model year’s specifications.

Q9: What is the One Connect Box used for?

The One Connect Box houses all the TV’s input/output ports HDMI, USB, Ethernet, etc., allowing for a clean installation with a single cable running to the TV and easy access to connections without reaching behind the TV.

Q10: Can I customize the bezels of The Frame TV?

Yes, The Frame TV features customizable bezels that can be easily swapped out to match your room’s decor.

These bezels are sold separately and come in various colors and finishes. Anker Soundcore Motion Boom Plus Review

Q11: Does The Frame TV have built-in voice assistants?

Yes, The Frame TV typically has built-in voice assistants such as Samsung Bixby, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant for hands-free control.

Q12: How does Art Mode save energy?

Art Mode uses motion and light sensors to detect presence and ambient light.

If no one is in the room for a set period, the TV can automatically turn off to save energy, and it adjusts brightness based on room lighting.

Q13: Is the 85-inch Frame TV good for dark room viewing?

While it offers strong contrast and decent black levels for a QLED, it won’t achieve the same inky blacks and infinite contrast as an OLED TV in a perfectly dark room due to its backlit nature. It excels in bright environments.

Q14: What audio features does The Frame TV include?

The Frame TV typically includes built-in speakers with Object Tracking Sound Lite OTS Lite and Adaptive Sound.

It also supports Q-Symphony for enhanced sound when paired with compatible Samsung soundbars.

Q15: Can I connect a soundbar to The Frame TV?

Yes, you can connect a soundbar, often via the HDMI eARC port, for enhanced audio.

Pairing with a Samsung Q-Series soundbar can utilize the Q-Symphony feature.

Q16: Is The Frame TV a good choice for gamers?

For casual gamers, The Frame TV offers a good experience with 4K resolution and low input lag with ALLM. For serious competitive gamers, while it supports some HDMI 2.1 features, dedicated gaming TVs might offer a more robust set of gaming-specific features like higher native refresh rates across all ports.

Q17: What operating system does The Frame TV use?

The Samsung 85-Inch Class The Frame QLED TV runs on Samsung’s Tizen smart TV operating system, known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive app support. Canon Imageclass Mf452Dw Review

Q18: Can The Frame TV be mounted on a regular VESA wall mount?

While it comes with its own Slim Fit Wall-Mount, The Frame TV does have VESA mounting points, so it can theoretically be mounted on other VESA-compatible mounts, but this might compromise the flush-to-wall aesthetic.

Q19: What is the average power consumption of the 85-inch Frame TV?

Power consumption varies based on content and settings.

While active, an 85-inch QLED TV can consume anywhere from 150-350 watts, but it is energy-efficient in Art Mode, especially with its motion/light sensors.

Exact figures would be on the product’s energy guide label.

Q20: Are the customizable bezels easy to install?

Yes, the customizable bezels are designed for easy installation.

They typically snap onto the TV’s frame magnetically, allowing users to change them in minutes without tools.

Q21: Does The Frame TV support HDR content?

Yes, The Frame TV supports various High Dynamic Range HDR formats, including HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, providing enhanced contrast and a wider range of colors in compatible content.

Q22: What are the primary differences between The Frame and other Samsung QLED TVs?

The primary difference is The Frame’s design philosophy and Art Mode functionality.

While it uses QLED technology like other Samsung QLEDs, its focus is on aesthetic integration, with features like the matte display, customizable bezels, and One Connect Box geared towards its art-centric purpose.

Q23: How realistic does the art look on The Frame TV?

The art looks very realistic, especially with the Matte Display which reduces reflections and gives a canvas-like appearance. Jlab Jbuds Air Pro Review

The TV’s light sensor also adjusts brightness and color tone to match ambient lighting, enhancing the illusion.

Q24: Can I control The Frame TV with my smartphone?

Yes, you can control The Frame TV using the Samsung SmartThings app on your smartphone, which allows for navigation, content selection, and managing Art Mode settings.

Q25: Does The Frame TV come with a remote control?

Yes, The Frame TV typically comes with a sleek, minimalist remote control, often with voice control capabilities.

Q26: Is The Frame TV suitable for a very bright room?

Yes, The Frame TV, particularly with its Matte Display and high QLED brightness, is exceptionally well-suited for bright rooms as it effectively minimizes glare and maintains picture clarity.

Q27: Does the 85-inch Frame TV support Apple AirPlay 2?

Yes, most recent Samsung Smart TVs, including The Frame, support Apple AirPlay 2, allowing you to stream content directly from your Apple devices.

Q28: How many HDMI ports does the One Connect Box typically have?

The One Connect Box for the 85-inch Frame TV typically features four HDMI ports, along with other connections like USB and Ethernet.

Q29: What is the lifespan of The Frame TV’s QLED panel?

QLED panels, being LED-based, have a very long lifespan, typically rated for 60,000 to 100,000 hours of use, far exceeding the average usage of a consumer television. This means many years of reliable performance.

Q30: Can I display my own photos as a slideshow on The Frame TV?

Yes, you can create custom slideshows or playlists of your personal photos and set the duration for each image, allowing for a dynamic display of your memories.

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