The Frame TV has transformed an unsightly object on the wall into art! As of this writing, January 2025, there are two main manufacturers in the art TV world: Samsung and Sony. The biggest difference is how they set against the wall. Samsung’s Frame often installs closer to the wall and looks thinner. So we highly recommend you see both styles in our Grand Haven or Grand Rapids showroom before you make your selection.
Here are nine thoughts to keep in mind while considering a Frame TV for your home.
1. The TV itself
- Samsung The Frame
- 32-85 inch diagonal viewing area
- 1.1 inches deep
- Sony Studio Frame
- 55-85 inch diagonal viewing area
- 3.2 inches deep
If you are wondering, what size TV to go with, we often go by this rule:
Take a measurement from the TV to the back of the seating furniture, couch, chair, etc to get a distance measurement. Now, divide that distance measurement in inches by two. That is the largest we would recommend for the space. Take that same distance measurement and divide by three. That is the smallest we would recommend for that space.
2. Video Quality
- Samsung Frame TV
- 4K Ultra High Definition Video
- Sony Studio Frame
- 4K Ultra High Definition Video
- Sony is known for providing the best processing power which improves video quality.
- Sony also draws expertise from every step of the process through Sony Pictures Entertainment.
3. Mounting the TV
- Samsung The Frame TV
- TV extends less away from the wall.
- No gap is nearly impossible to obtain if you want the Frame TV mounted on a stacked stone fireplace.
- Sony Studio Frame TV
- Purchase the frame and mount separately.
- TV is pulled away from the wall a few inches.
- Gap is beneficial if you need to reset the TV or add a device via HDMI cable.
4. Power Supply and HDMI Connections
- Samsung The Frame TV
- One Connect Box
- It’s the biggest reason the Samsung Frame TV is so thin.
- The power, HDMI, and audio connections are in the One Connect Box and not the TV itself.
- The box itself varies in size depending on the size of the TV
- One Connect cable is five meters long and discreet, so the One Connect Box must be within fifteen feet of the TV.
- Where do you put this box?
- Purchase a separate in-wall box to conceal it, but if you need to service the One Connect box it requires taking the TV off the wall.
- Install the One Connect box in a cabinet under the TV. While it’s a discreet cord, you will still have a cord hanging from the TV.
- Purchase a recessed in-wall back box with an articulating mounting bracket. This option provides the best of both worlds: no furniture is needed nearby for the One Connect box while providing the option to pull the TV away from the wall if you ever need to service it. This in-wall box with an articulating mount needs to be purchased separately and will cost more than a typical mount.
- Sony Studio Frame
- Acts more like a normal mounted TV.
- All you need is the right mount and a power outlet to connect the TV to the wall.
5. Customizable Frames
- Samsung The Frame TV
- Samsung’s website provides many options, or you can purchase a higher-quality option from Deco TV Frames.
- Sony Studio Frame
- Currently has four frames available: Grain White, Matte Black, Oak, and Walnut.
All the frames are easy to install anytime.
6. Art Subscription
- Samsung Frame TV
- Comes with about a dozen pre-loaded pieces of art.
- Separately purchase a subscription to the Samsung Art Store for a consistently updated vast library of classic paintings, art and photography. Even upload your own photo to display.
- Sony Studio Frame
- Comes pre-loaded with about 150 pieces of art for free.
- The Sony Art Frame Gallery App offers built-in motion and light sensors to activate Art Mode when the room is empty and power-saving standby while vacant.
7. Smart Home Control
- Samsung Frame TV
- SmartThings app controls the TV’s settings, artwork selection, and even other smart devices in your home.
- Separately purchase a subscription to the Samsung Art Store for a consistently updated vast library of classic paintings, art, and photography. Even upload your own photo to display.
- Sony Studio Frame
- Connects to Google Assistant so you can say “Hey Google” to ask for things such as sporting events, weather, and showtimes on Google Assistants or Alexa-supported smart speakers.
8. Sound System
- Samsung Frame TV
- Built-in speakers on the edges mean the audio does not reach you directly, and the framed bezels cover the speakers. So, you will want to enhance your audio experience with an additional sound system.
- In the Bekins Smart Home, we installed in-ceiling speakers with a white grill cover that integrates into the ceiling. The speakers funnel the sound at an angle to ensure the audio reaches you in your seat. You get better-quality sound without interfering with the home’s décor.
- Sony Studio Frame
- Sound seemingly comes straight from the screen itself. Sony has Acoustic Multi-Audio technology, so what you see and what you hear are perfectly matched.
- We always recommend a sound system for your room, but you get more direct sound from the Sony Studio Frame than the Samsung Frame TV.
9. Remote Control
- Samsung Frame TV
- Smaller with fewer buttons.
- Does not have batteries and charges with the rays of the Sun. So, if your remote is dead, simply place it on your windowsill and wait for the charge.
- Sony Studio Frame
- Bigger with more buttons.
- Buttons are backlit for easier use in darker settings.
Which TV is right for you? Samsung Frame TV or Studio Frame
Both TVs are great with each having its own pros and cons. What matters most to you?
Luckily, we have them on display in our Grand Rapids and Grand Haven showrooms. Plus, the most certified team in the state can help you select the correct product for your lifestyle.