A TV that looks like a work of art and performs like a technological marvel – at least on paper. But has Samsung managed to perfect both sides of the story this time?
Samsung series Samsung The Frame has redefined the way we think about TVs since its first launch in 2017. Instead of a black rectangular mass that screams “gadget!”, The Frame transforms into a breathtaking work of art when idle – from classic impressionists to modern digital artists. The idea was brilliant: why not let your TV play dual roles? But let’s be honest, The Frame was more of a visual marvel than a technological marvel. Now, Samsung promises to address the technical shortcomings of previous generations with The Frame Pro.
So what does the “pro” bring to this story?
Mini LED – revolution or edge-lit trick?
The first major change is the switch to Mini LED lighting. Samsung promises improved brightness, deeper blacks, and even more pronounced contrast. This sounds promising, as Mini LED technology allows for more precise lighting of individual parts of the screen, which contributes to a more vibrant image with clear shadows. But be careful: with The Frame Pro The mini LEDs are not placed directly behind the screen, but only on its bottom edge.
So if you were expecting local dimming on the level of high-end OLED or QLED TVs, the result may be less impressive than the marketing promises. Instead of a perfect display of the starry sky, you may still see bright spots around brighter pixels. This is still a better solution than in previous models, but it hasn't completely gotten rid of the classic "edge lighting".
Wireless elegance – goodbye cables!
Another key update is a completely wireless connection between the display and the external module Wireless One Connect BoxPrevious models The Frame they used a thin, almost invisible connecting wire between the TV and the base, where all the connections were. With The Frame Pro this wire is history.
Samsung claims that the wireless connection works up to 10 meters away, regardless of obstacles like walls or furniture. This way, you can easily hide the base somewhere out of sight, like in a closet or behind a bookshelf. All you'll have to hide is the display's power cord. And if it really works as smoothly as Samsung promises, it's a big plus for minimalist decor.
144 Hz refresh rate – a paradise for gamers
For video game fans, Samsung is bumping up the screen refresh rate to 144Hz. This means smoother motion and less tearing during fast-paced action scenes. PC gamers who use their TVs to play high-spec games will especially appreciate this upgrade. However, The Frame Pro It still doesn't support Dolby Vision, which remains a persistent shortcoming of Samsung devices, despite Dolby Vision being the standard for HDR on most streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+.
Smart content with artificial intelligence (AI)
Samsung has also equipped the TV with a bunch of smart features that are focused on the user experience:
- Click to Search: With the press of a button on your remote, you can check who the actors are in a scene, where the scene was filmed, or which fashion designer is behind their clothes.
- Samsung Food: It recognizes the dishes you see on the screen and offers you a recipe so you can try making something similar.
- Live Translate: With the help of artificial intelligence, you can translate subtitles in as many as seven languages in real time - great for anyone who likes to watch content from different countries.
How much is art worth?
The biggest question hanging over The Frame Pro, is the price. Samsung is not talking about it yet, but it is expected that it will Pro version is more expensive than the classic model. If the price is too high, it will be difficult to convince everyone who appreciates design but does not want to spend a fortune on a TV. However, if Samsung keeps the price difference reasonable, it may happen that The Frame Pro has become a dream TV for anyone who wants to combine aesthetics and performance.
Conclusion
The Frame Pro It remains true to its artistic origins, offering an even more refined look without unnecessary cables and better technical specifications. But the issue of Mini LED backlighting around the edge of the screen and the insistence on omitting Dolby Vision support suggest that it is still a compromise between technology and design.
If you are an art lover and minimalist living room look and you don't care about technical specifications at the level of professional cinema screens, it will The Frame Pro a great choice. However, if you're looking for a TV with the absolute best picture quality, you might want to look at a different model.
One thing is clear, though: Samsung remains the undisputed king of TVs that both adorn walls and play content. Now let's wait for the price to see how expensive the "perfect compromise" can be.
