Hey everyone! Today, we’re diving deep into the Samsung The Frame 85-inch TV. You know, the one that doubles as a piece of art? We're going to break down everything you need to know to decide if this stunning display is the right fit for your home. Is it just a pretty face, or does it pack a punch in terms of performance? Let's find out!

Unboxing and Design: A Gallery on Your Wall

First impressions matter, and Samsung The Frame 85-inch doesn't disappoint. From the moment you start unboxing it, you realize this isn't your typical TV. The design is incredibly sleek and modern, aimed at blending seamlessly into your living space. The slim bezel and clean lines give it a minimalist aesthetic that works well with almost any décor. Seriously, guys, it looks more like a framed piece of art than a TV when it's turned off!

The whole idea behind The Frame is that it should enhance your interior design, not detract from it. The 85-inch model makes a bold statement, commanding attention without being overbearing. You can customize the frame itself with different color options (sold separately, of course!) to perfectly match your style. Whether you prefer a modern white, a classic black, or a rustic wood finish, there’s a frame to suit your taste.

Setting it up is relatively straightforward, but given the size, you might want to enlist a friend to help you lift and mount it. Once it’s up, the magic begins. The Art Mode is where The Frame really shines. Instead of a black screen when the TV is off, you can display a curated selection of artwork, personal photos, or even purchase pieces from Samsung’s Art Store. It truly transforms your living room into a personal gallery.

The included Slim Fit Wall-Mount is a nice touch, allowing the TV to sit flush against the wall, further enhancing the art-like appearance. If you prefer to place it on a stand, the included feet are sturdy and discreet. Overall, the design is meticulously thought out, with every detail contributing to the illusion of a framed piece of art. For design-conscious consumers, this is a major selling point.

Picture Quality: A Visual Feast

Okay, let's talk about what really matters – the picture quality. The Samsung The Frame 85-inch boasts a stunning 4K QLED display, which means you're in for a treat. QLED technology uses quantum dots to enhance color and brightness, resulting in vibrant, lifelike images. Colors pop with incredible accuracy, and the contrast is impressive, thanks to Samsung's advanced picture processing.

The 85-inch screen size provides an immersive viewing experience. Whether you’re watching movies, sports, or playing video games, the sheer scale of the display draws you in. Details are crisp and clear, and the upscaling capabilities do a great job of making lower-resolution content look better than ever. The Frame also supports HDR10+, which enhances the dynamic range, making bright scenes brighter and dark scenes darker.

One thing to note is that while The Frame delivers excellent picture quality, it's not quite on par with Samsung's flagship QLED models like the QN90A or QN95A. Those TVs offer Mini LED backlighting and more advanced processing, resulting in even better contrast and black levels. However, The Frame still holds its own and provides a fantastic viewing experience for most users.

In terms of viewing angles, The Frame performs admirably. Colors and contrast remain consistent even when viewing from off-center positions. This is great for larger rooms where viewers may be spread out. The anti-reflective coating also does a solid job of minimizing glare, making it suitable for rooms with lots of natural light. Overall, the picture quality is top-notch, delivering vibrant colors, sharp details, and excellent contrast.

Sound Quality: Decent, But Not Exceptional

Now, let’s talk about the sound. The Samsung The Frame 85-inch comes with a built-in 40W speaker system, which is decent for everyday viewing. The sound is clear and balanced, and it gets loud enough to fill a medium-sized room. However, if you’re a serious audiophile, you’ll probably want to invest in a dedicated sound system.

The bass response is adequate, but it lacks the punch and depth you’d get from a subwoofer. Highs are crisp and clear, but the overall soundstage feels a bit narrow. For casual viewing, the built-in speakers are perfectly acceptable, but for a truly immersive experience, a soundbar or surround sound system is highly recommended.

The Frame does support Dolby Digital Plus, which can enhance the audio quality when streaming content from compatible sources. It also has Samsung's Q-Symphony feature, which allows you to sync the TV's speakers with a compatible Samsung soundbar for a more immersive sound experience. While the built-in speakers are functional, they’re not the standout feature of this TV. If you’re looking for exceptional audio performance, you’ll definitely want to consider external options.

Smart Features: Tizen at Its Best

Samsung's Tizen operating system powers the smart features of The Frame, and it’s one of the best in the business. The interface is clean, intuitive, and responsive. Navigating through menus and apps is a breeze, and the built-in voice assistant (Bixby) allows you to control the TV with your voice.

You have access to all the popular streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more. The app selection is vast, and you can easily download new apps from the Samsung app store. The Frame also supports Apple AirPlay 2, which allows you to stream content from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

One of the standout features is the Multi View mode, which allows you to watch two different sources simultaneously. For example, you can watch a sports game while browsing the web or following social media. The Tizen OS is also very customizable, allowing you to personalize the home screen and organize your favorite apps.

The Frame also has a built-in Ambient Mode, which allows the TV to blend into its surroundings when it’s not in use. You can display artwork, photos, or even information like the weather and news. The smart features are well-integrated and add a lot of value to the overall experience. Whether you’re a casual streamer or a power user, you’ll find plenty to love about Samsung's Tizen OS.

Art Mode and Art Store: More Than Just a TV

The real differentiator for The Frame is its Art Mode. When the TV is turned off, it transforms into a digital canvas, displaying artwork or photos. Samsung offers a wide selection of artwork through its Art Store, which includes pieces from renowned artists and galleries around the world. You can subscribe to the Art Store for a monthly fee or purchase individual pieces.

The selection is diverse, ranging from classic paintings to contemporary photography. You can also upload your own photos to display, making it a truly personalized experience. The Frame has a built-in brightness sensor that automatically adjusts the screen’s brightness to match the ambient light in the room, ensuring that the artwork always looks its best. It's really impressive how much it resembles real art.

The Art Mode is not just a gimmick; it’s a genuinely useful feature that enhances the aesthetics of your living space. It’s a conversation starter and a unique way to showcase your personal style. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply want a TV that looks good when it’s not in use, The Frame’s Art Mode is a major selling point. It’s what sets it apart from other TVs on the market.

Connectivity: All the Ports You Need

In terms of connectivity, the Samsung The Frame 85-inch has you covered. It features four HDMI ports, all of which support HDMI 2.1 for 4K/120Hz gaming. There are also three USB ports for connecting external devices, as well as an Ethernet port for wired internet connectivity. The Frame also supports Wi-Fi 6 for fast and reliable wireless connections.

The One Connect Box is a clever solution for managing cables. It’s a separate box that connects to the TV via a single cable, allowing you to keep all your other devices (like game consoles, Blu-ray players, and cable boxes) neatly organized and out of sight. The One Connect Box also includes the power input, so you only need to run one cable to the TV.

The Frame supports eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows you to pass high-quality audio from the TV to a soundbar or AV receiver via HDMI. This is great for those who want to take advantage of Dolby Atmos or DTS:X surround sound. Overall, the connectivity options are comprehensive and well-thought-out, making it easy to connect all your devices and enjoy your favorite content.

Gaming Performance: A Solid Choice for Gamers

For gamers, the Samsung The Frame 85-inch is a solid choice. With HDMI 2.1 support, it can handle 4K/120Hz gaming with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). This means you’ll enjoy smooth, responsive gameplay with minimal input lag.

The Frame has a dedicated Game Mode that optimizes the picture settings for gaming, reducing input lag and improving motion clarity. The large screen size provides an immersive gaming experience, and the vibrant colors and sharp details make games look stunning. Whether you’re playing fast-paced action games or immersive RPGs, The Frame delivers a great gaming experience.

While it may not have all the bells and whistles of Samsung's flagship gaming TVs, like the Neo QLED models, The Frame is still a capable gaming display. The input lag is low enough for competitive gaming, and the picture quality is excellent. If you’re a casual or serious gamer, you’ll be happy with the gaming performance of The Frame.

Is the Samsung The Frame 85-Inch Worth It?

So, the big question: Is the Samsung The Frame 85-inch worth the hype? The answer, as always, depends on your priorities. If you value design and aesthetics above all else, then The Frame is definitely worth considering. It’s a unique TV that doubles as a piece of art, blending seamlessly into your living space.

The picture quality is excellent, the smart features are comprehensive, and the gaming performance is solid. However, it’s not the best-performing TV in its price range. If you’re looking for the absolute best picture quality, you might want to consider Samsung's flagship QLED models or OLED TVs from other manufacturers.

Ultimately, The Frame is a lifestyle TV. It’s designed for those who want a TV that looks good even when it’s turned off. If you appreciate the artful design and are willing to pay a premium for it, then you’ll be very happy with The Frame. But if you’re primarily concerned with picture quality and don’t care as much about aesthetics, there may be better options available.

In conclusion, the Samsung The Frame 85-inch is a beautiful and versatile TV that offers a unique blend of style and performance. It’s not perfect, but it’s a great choice for design-conscious consumers who want a TV that enhances their living space.