Samsung makes some incredible televisions, and their Frame and Neo QLED models are no exception. These are two of Samsung’s most popular and highest-end models.
They each have a range of features that can’t be found on any other television set. While each is pretty expensive, they’re the perfect choice for those who want the absolute best picture quality. However, the two TVs cater to completely different audiences.
The Frame is designed to be used as an actual art piece, whereas the Neo QLED offers the absolute best picture quality. While they’re both great choices, it can be hard to figure out which one is best for you. Don’t worry; we will explain the best uses for each TV and who can benefit from them.
Please note: As of July 19, 2023, the SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class Neo QLED QN9DA Series – 4K UHD Quantum HDR 32x Smart TV with Alexa Built-in (QN65QN9DAAFXZA, 2021 Model) is out of stock on Amazon. Check back for availability.
Samsung Frame vs Neo QLED: Side-by-Side Comparison
| The Frame | Neo QLED | |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting Technology | QLED | QLED |
| Resolution | 4K | 4K, 8K |
| Removable Bezel | Yes | No |
| Separate Input Box | Yes | No |
| Smart Functions | Yes | Yes |
Samsung Frame vs Neo QLED: What’s the Difference?
The Frame and the Neo QLED share a lot of similarities. They’re both made by Samsung and come with a 4K resolution option. Similarly, both models use a form of QLED technology, but one is better as a statement piece while the other delivers Samsung’s best picture. Whether you plan on using your TV for gaming or just watching a show, either one will be more than sufficient.
The Frame
Picture a piece of art hanging on the wall that, with the press of a button, instantly goes from a beautiful drawing to a football game or even a movie. That is what Samsung’s The Frame can do. You may be thinking that any TV could do the same thing, but it takes a very precise display to pull off this convincing act.
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The frame is so impressive that it even produces a realistic matting around the image. The TV is designed to keep this image around the clock until you’re ready to watch something else.
While it does come with a stand, The Frame is best put on the wall like a piece of art. But this is far more than just a canvas. It includes all of the Samsung smart features that you’ve come to expect from a modern TV.
The display functions just as any other TV would, with four HDMI inputs, three USB inputs, and, of course, a coaxial connection for your cable. The TV is a QLED with a resolution of 3,840 X 2,160. It also uses Samsung’s Quantum Processor and has HDR 10+. The Frame is available in a number of different sizes and models, depending on your needs and budget.
The Price of Art
What sets The Frame apart from any other TV is that it is designed to display art in a way that looks natural. You need to understand that while it looks fantastic, there are some downsides to this TV.
In addition to the relatively high price of the TV itself, you also need to pay for an art package. You may be shocked to learn that after spending thousands of dollars on a TV, the art isn’t included.
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Once you get the TV, you can either choose to subscribe to the Samsung Art Store or purchase individual pieces from it. A monthly subscription is about $7, but there is a discount for an annual membership.
One of the other nice features of The Frame is that the TV’s actual bezel is replaceable. This is a great feature if you want the TV to blend in with your room better. However, these extra bezels can get pricey.
Neo QLED
Now, let’s take a look at the Neo QLED TVs by Samsung. This is an interesting new lineup from Samsung that literally stands for “New QLED.” While you may be a little bit confused about QLED technology, we’ll get to that in a little while. But, in short, Neo QLED is a greatly improved version of the QLED technology used in other TVs.
- 4K UHD contrast through Mini LEDs and Quantum Matrix Technology
- Neo Quantum Processor 4K transforms all of your content to 4K
- 120Hz refresh rate with Motion Xcelerator Turbo+
- Anti-glare screen
- Follow the onscreen action with Object Tracking Sound+
The lights that illuminate the panel are much smaller, which allows for much better contrast in the colors that you see. Samsung offers several different models of their Neo QLED technology in varying sizes. Most of the Neo QLED TVs that Samsung offers come in 4K for a resolution of 3,840 X 2,160.
However, Samsung’s QLED TVs also come in an 8K version. But these are extremely expensive, especially considering that very little content is available in 8K.
Nonetheless, the Neo QLED TV is unique to Samsung, so you won’t be able to find one from another manufacturer. It also has Samsung’s proprietary smart technology and a Neo Quantum 4K processor.
QLED Technology Explained
QLED TVs, better known as quantum dot technology, use small LEDs positioned behind an LCD panel to lighten an image. The way most TVs work is by displaying an image on an LCD panel and then using a fluorescent panel or an LED array to brighten the image. Without the added light, you would not be able to see the image on the screen properly.
- DETAILS IN THE DARK: See brilliantly intense, 4K UHD contrast delivered by Mini LEDs and Quantum Matrix Technology
- 4K UPSCALING: No matter what you watch, Neo Quantum Processor 4K transforms it to 4K through machine-based, AI-based deep learning
- RICH COLOR AND CONTRAST: Kick up the picture on your Smart TV with the vivid color and exceptional detail of Quantum HDR 24X
- SMOOTH MOTION: Action movies, sports and games look fluid up to 4K at 120Hz with Motion Xcelerator Turbo-Plus
- SOUND YOU CAN FOLLOW: Object Tracking Sound gives you realistic 3D audio that moves with the action on screen
Older flat-screen TVs were commonly called LCDs, which is a little confusing, but they used a fluorescent backlight compared to the new TVs that use LED arrays. Not only are the newer TVs more efficient, but they produce a much better picture because they can control precisely where and how much light is shown on the screen.
As the viewer, you will notice that blacks on a QLED TV are actually dark and are no longer illuminated. Another TV type that you’ve probably heard of is OLED, which is an entirely different technology that uses super bright LEDs in the panel, so a backlight is not needed. But a Neo QLED gets the best of both worlds by using smaller LEDs than a standard LED TV and still lighting an LCD panel.
Samsung Frame vs Neo QLED: 5 Must-Know Facts
- The Frame has a removable bezel that you can swap out.
- Neo QLED gets the benefits of OLED but without the burn-in risk.
- You have to pay a monthly subscription or purchase art individually for The Frame.
- Samsung is the only company with Neo QLED TVs, but other companies use similar technology.
- The Neo QLED TVs come in both 4K and 8K, while The Frame is only available in 4K.
Samsung Frame vs Neo QLED: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?
Choosing between Samsung’s The Frame and their Neo QLED can be a little daunting, but the choice between the two comes down to how you plan to use it. The Frame is simply a statement piece and a beautiful TV to hang on the wall. But if you don’t want to pay for the artwork or a subscription, then it likely won’t be the TV for you.
The Neo QLED has a jaw-dropping picture; however, upgrading to the 8K model comes at a jaw-dropping price. The technology inside of the Neo QLED by Samsung is very similar to that used in The Frame, but you will get much more detailed colors and steeper contrast. If possible, it is best to see these TVs side-by-side to compare and decide which one you prefer.
Most people will find that the Neo QLED has a better picture quality, and that is backed up by the independent TV review site RTINGS. However, people who choose The Frame usually have a reason for wanting it, and a Neo QLED certainly will not replace that desire. Overall, we’d pick the Neo QLED, unless you plan to use it in a room where you really don’t want to see the TV.
Samsung Frame and Neo QLED Technology Updates
The variety of options when it comes to purchasing a new television only continues to grow as technology advances. Depending on what you plan to use your smart TV for, there’s an option for you on the market.
As of 2023, the Samsung Frame continues to add new and exciting art that users can display to make their televisions blend seamlessly with any gallery wall in their homes. In addition to adding new sizes, new magnetic frames are available to completely change the look and aesthetic of your Samsung Frame.
In August 2023, Samsung’s Neo QLED has made some interesting headlines regarding their newest technology. They recently released a 98-inch 8K Neo QLED television in Korea, which is the largest QLED smart TV Samsung has ever released. The Company also partnered with Warner Bros. in 2023 to bring more 8K content to consumers.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Quality Stock Arts/Shutterstock.com.
