By the tech experts at Joybuy
Familiar with that ever-present black rectangle in the middle of your living room? For many, a switched-off television is a real eyesore that ruins an otherwise carefully curated decor. Fortunately, there's a solution: the picture frame TV. This ingenious concept turns a visual drawback into a centrepiece for your interior.
A pioneer in its category, the Samsung The Frame 55-inch TV has become the benchmark. In this guide, we'll scrutinise its strengths and present the best alternatives to help you find the model that will perfectly suit your living room and your budget.
For a TV to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, screen size isn't everything. Here are the key criteria to look out for.
A stylish TV is great. But without a forest of dangling cables, it's even better. The secret? Ingenious solutions like Samsung's One Connect Box. It offloads all the ports (HDMI, power, USB, etc.) to an external box, which connects to the TV via a single, thin, nearly invisible cable. The result: an impeccably clean The Frame TV wall installation, where the screen sits flush against the wall, just like a real painting.
For the illusion to be perfect, the screen's quality in standby is crucial. An anti-glare matte display isn't an option—it's a necessity. It absorbs distracting reflections from windows or lights, giving the displayed artwork a texture and appearance very close to that of a canvas or a fine art photo. This is what gives Art Mode its stunning realism.
Customisation is the finishing touch for a successful integration. Being able to change the TV's bezel to match your furniture or wall colour is a key advantage. With a customisable The Frame bezel, it only takes a few seconds to switch from a wood finish to a white or metal one, creating perfect harmony with your decor.
Design, performance, budget... there's a solution for every priority. Here is our selection of models that stand out from the crowd.
Why It Stands Out
The Samsung The Frame is the benchmark for TVs that blend into the background. Its concept is built on dual functionality: an excellent 4K QLED TV when you're watching a movie, and a customisable work of art when it's in standby. Its anti-glare matte display is incredibly effective at showing pieces from the Art Store or your personal photos without the usual reflections. The One Connect Box and the included slim-fit wall mount ensure a flawless wall integration.
Key Strengths
Who Is It For?
For design and decor enthusiasts who want to get rid of the black screen in their living room. It's the ideal choice for those who value the aesthetics of their home as much as the technology within it.
Why It Stands Out
For those who prioritise top-tier picture quality without sacrificing design, the Samsung 55QN80F is an excellent alternative. It leverages Neo QLED technology with its Mini LEDs for highly precise brightness control and stunning contrast. While it doesn't feature Art Mode, its ultra-slim design (25 mm thick) and nearly non-existent bezels allow it to integrate elegantly on a wall or stand.
Key Strengths
Who Is It For?
For cinephiles and gamers who demand flawless picture quality, while also wanting a TV with a slim, modern design that will remain unobtrusive in their living room.
Why It Stands Out
The TCL 55V6C offers excellent value for money. It features a 4K Ultra HD panel compatible with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, ensuring a picture rich in colour and detail. Its main advantage is the integration of Google TV, a smart and smooth interface that provides access to a vast catalogue of apps and allows for easy voice control via Google Assistant.
Key Strengths
Who Is It For?
For users looking for a smart, full-featured, and user-friendly 4K TV. It's the smart choice for those who prioritise a rich app ecosystem and ease of use above all else.
Did none of these models catch your eye? Explore our complete selection to find the perfect TV, whatever technology or screen size you're looking for.
? Discover all our 4K HDR TVs and find the perfect model for your living room.
The price of the 55-inch The Frame TV varies depending on promotions and the time of year. It has distinctly premium positioning, justified by its unique concept and dual function. It's best to check the product page directly for real-time pricing.
Art Mode is designed to be very energy-efficient. The TV includes a motion sensor that turns off the screen when the room is empty, as well as a brightness sensor that adapts the picture's intensity to the ambient light. These two features help keep power consumption in check.
The wall installation for The Frame TV is made much easier by the Slim Fit Wall Mount included in the box. It's specifically designed to get the TV flush against the wall, enhancing the illusion of a real picture frame. While the process isn't overly complicated, it does require some precision: it's best to have two people and to follow the instructions carefully.