Expert review of the Samsung The Frame 2021

This isn't the first time we are reviewing a new The Frame model. This is way I see right away that this model is thinner than the models before. A good first impression. The TVs are already unpacked and on display, so I can't see how it was packaged and what was in the box. I can say it does contain the Slim Fit Wall Mount, an Invisible Cable, the One Connect Box, the Solar One Remote, a power cable, stands, and a manual.

It always looks nice, a The Frame TV on the wall. Also in de demo room at Samsung. The design was already special because the TV looks like a frame, but Samsung took an extra good look at the thickness. The 2020 model was 4.58cm thick, but the new The Frame is only 2.49cm thick. That's a big difference and it makes the TV even more stylish. Not much else has changed and you can still order a frame in a different color so it can fit your interior better.

By now, it's known that The Frame can also function as a painting or picture frame. I still want to highlight the Art Mode. If I put the TV into this mode, I can choose an artwork to show from the Samsung Art Store. I can also choose my own photo, which I can put on the TV via the SmartThings app. With an Art Store subscription, you'll get access to more art than the standard available artworks. The sensor which measures the ambient light is a nice property too. The TV can use it to change its colors and brightness, so the artworks look very realistic.

Also this year, the Samsung The Frame has an QLED screen with 4K resolution. The Frame also has a color gamut of 1 billion colors and it supports HDR. I can clearly see that when I watch the 4K HDR demo videos. The colors are indeed very bright and vibrant. You can see many details and differences in the same color tones blend well. The Frame doesn't show the best of the deepest black. Due to the edge backlight, there's a sort of haze over the black, which sometimes makes it look dark gray. In terms of image quality, The Frame is great, but not the best in it's price range.

I also stood diagonally across The Frame, to see if the screen is visible from every angle. I was quite happy with the result. The colors don't fade, and the image stays quite sharp. From an angle, our photographer can still take a good photo of the colors on the screen. I do see some reflections from time to time, but that might be due to the bright spotlights in the showroom. I doubt this is still a problem at home, with dim lighting.

The sound of the TV is fine, but not enough if you want to enjoy the deep bass of music or a movie. Choose a soundbar or home cinema set. The processor of The Frame can adjust the image to what you're watching or listening thanks to artificial intelligence. The TV can switch to a different sound mode for music and for a talk show, for example. That's useful and it makes it easier to understand what people say.

This year, the Solar One Remote is included by default with The Frame. This remote has a solar cell and runs completely on solar energy. It simply charges during daytime. Now you don't have to buy batteries in plastic, so that's a nice touch. The solar cell is on the bottom, so Samsung hasn't adjusted the design and user-friendliness of the One Remote much. The previous version was white, this one is black. The One Remote is easy to operate, it listens to voice commands, and it has a hotkey for Art Mode.

The smart platform of The Frame is Tizen, which you can also find on all other Samsung TVs. This is where you have access to the internet, games, and streaming services like Netflix and Videoland. I can easily open the menu by pressing the Home button on the One Remote. The apps are visible as a row of tiles at the bottom of the screen. I can easily browse through it, and quickly reach my favorite apps or the settings. It's also easy to stream from to The Frame from your Android or Apple phone or tablet.