Buying Artwork for Samsung Frame TV | 4K Digital Photography Downloads

Did you recently get a new Samsung Frame TV and are looking to buy high quality digital artwork to display on it? If you are not yet familiar with "The Frame", it is a high definition (4K) QLED display panel which functions as a TV when it's "on" and a display for digital artwork when it's "off." In this article you will learn more about the Samsung Frame TV, where to buy the best digital artwork for the Samsung Frame TV and how to easily add art to The Frame. The year 2024 promises to be an exciting time for digital art, so let's get started!

This article is primarily written for users of the Samsung Frame TV, but the information also applies to alternatives including: LG G2 Gallery Edition OLED 4K TV, Sony A8H BRAVIA OLED 4K TV, EverVue DecoVue TV, EverVue Spectrum Smart TV, and 4K computer monitors.

Samsung Frame TV (2024) 55 inch hanging on a living room wall. Scott Smorra Photography's Limited Edition Digital Artwork titled,
Samsung Frame TV (2024) 55 inch hanging on a living room wall. Scott Smorra Photography's Limited Edition Digital Artwork titled, "Layered in Blue" is displayed on The Frame.

Bring the beauty of nature to your Samsung Frame TV with digital artwork from Scott Smorra Photography. Buy your limited-edition digital artwork today!

History of Samsung The Frame TV

Also known as "The Frame" and "The Art Frame," The Samsung Frame TV has been gaining popularity with art collectors and art enthusiasts and has been accepted as an excellent option for displaying digital artwork. In late 2021, Samsung reported over 2 million units of The Frame TV have been sold.

Samsung has launched a new model every year since the TV as announced in 2017. Each new version builds on the success of the previous models. The 2022 model made a huge leap forward with its improved color accuracy and matte finish on the screen. The 2024 model is even better, since it maintains the matte finish and adds several significant refinements, which are discussed below.

Samsung Frame TV (2024)

At CES 2024, a new version of The Samsung Frame TV (2024) was announced. The new models will be available for pre-order on March 21, 2024.

Key features of the Samsung Frame TV (2024).

  • Decreased energy consumption while in Art Mode for the 55" and larger models
    • The refresh rate will be decreased from 120 Hz to 60 Hz while in Art Mode to improve energy efficiency and decrease energy costs by up to 10%. This may seem like a small change, but if The Frame is in Art Mode all the time, the annual energy savings can be significant.
  • Pantone Validated Badge
    • This indicates the display has passed Pantone's rigorous testing and calibration standards and can simulate the full range of Pantone Colors. TLDR: you see the colors the artist intended.
  • Samsung Art Store improvements
    • Now with over 2,500 pieces of art from world-renowned museums and galleries. Art Store users can enjoy 20 complimentary pieces of art each month. Pricing is expected to be $5/month or $50/year.
  • SmartThings App improvements
    • The simplified interface should make it easier to upload your own photos from a digital device

Samsung The Frame TV (2024) - Buying Guide

The table below summarizes the different options which are available for the Samsung The Frame TV (2024). While the 2024 version of The Frame is outstanding, it's very similar to the 2022 version with a few notable improvements. Currently, there are some excellent deals on the 2022 model, especially on open box items through Best Buy. If you go the open box route, be sure to order one that is in "excellent condition" or "excellent, Geek Squad Certified condition."

Samsung The Frame TV 2024 Comparison Table
Samsung The Frame TV (2024) Overview Comparison Table. Power consumption estimates are based on Samsung's statement that power consumption in Art Mode is ~30% of TV Mode.

Samsung The Frame TV (2024) Pros and Cons

Pros

  • It's the most "frame like" option on the market in 2024. It really does look like a piece of artwork hanging on the wall, especially when a digital mat is added around the art. The anti-reflective matte coating on the screen minimizes reflections and makes it easier to see the artwork.
  • Pantone® Validated colors allow the viewer to accurately see the colors in the artwork
  • Bezel and frame options. There are several different options for bezels and frames, which can help make the TV look even more like a frame. The TV ships with the standard black bezel. Samsung offers magnetic bezels in various colors at prices ranging from $99-$199, depending on the size of the TV. Pro tip: the inexpensive 2021 bezels can be used on the 2022 model and likely the 2024 model. There are also aftermarket frames which are available for purchase from vendors like Deco TV Frames.
  • The only wiring needed to hook up the TV is a single, thin, transparent wire which is used to connect the TV to the One Connect Hub box.
  • Slim fit wall mount kit is included with the TV.
  • High definition (HD), 4K, QLED, high dynamic range (HDR) display panel - Can be used to display all types of digital artwork including: photography, paintings, digital creations and NFTs (non-fungible tokens).
  • QLED display panel - Since the display is QLED, it is unaffected by burn-in and afterglow, which makes it an excellent option for displaying art for long periods of time. The HDR display has an excellent native contrast ratio (6194:1), but it's not quite as good as an OLED.
  • Wide color gamut - Samsung claims QLED TVs can produce 100% color volume in the DCI P3 color space. Testing by rtings.com shows the Samsung Frame TV (2022) covers 87.49% of the DCI P3 xy and 93.69% of DCI P3 uv color spaces. Higher percentages are better in these tests. The DCI-P3 color space is the format used for most cinema screens and HDR movies for television and is similar in size to Adobe RGB. DCI-P3 contains more yellows and reds, whereas Adobe RGB contains more blues and greens.
  • Art Mode is intuitive, quick and easy to use.
  • SmartThings app (iOS and Android) makes it easy to add artwork to the frame using a smartphone.
  • Solar Cell/USB-C remote is easy to use and generally operates faster than using the SmartThings app.
  • Built in motion sensor automatically turns the TV on or off depending on if there is movement in the room.
  • Built in light meter automatically adjusts the brightness of the display under different lighting conditions.
Cons
  • Uniformity (inconsistent dark and light areas on the display) - Some TV units seem to be unaffected, but for others it can be an issue.
  • Viewing angle - The display looks great when viewed straight on at eye level. When viewed from an angle, the colors can shift slightly and look a bit washed out.
  • More expensive than similarly sized QLED displays. The other displays don't have Art Mode though!
  • HDR movies can appear a bit dark.
  • One Connect Hub Box is somewhat bulky.
  • SmartThings app on iOS is buggy with some options not working correctly and the app periodically crashes. I generally add artwork using the app and then control the TV with the remote.

My Experience with the Samsung Frame TV

I've been using the 50 inch Samsung Frame TV (2022) for the past year and it has completely changed the way I think about displaying digital artwork. The Frame finally offers a way to view digital artwork on a high quality, large, 4K display. In Art Mode, The Frame has a similar appearance to an actual acrylic face mount or metal print. I still prefer the look of physical prints, but The Frame does a pretty good job of simulating a real print. I chose the 50 inch model, since it provided the best combination of size, weight and power consumption.I've found there are many benefits to displaying art digitally on the Samsung Frame TV including:

  • The artwork can easily be changed and cycled using slideshows.
  • For homes with limited space, a single art frame is a great way to display lots of different artwork.
  • The Frame solves the problems associated with properly lighting fine art prints. Since it's backlit, it looks good in any lighting situation.
  • The artwork looks REALLY nice!
Samsung Frame TV (2024) 75 inch hanging at home above a fireplace. Scott Smorra Photography's Limited Edition Digital Artwork titled,
Samsung Frame TV (2024) 75 inch hanging at home above a fireplace. Scott Smorra Photography's Limited Edition Digital Artwork titled, "Maple Harmony" is displayed in The Frame.

Where to Purchase and Download High Quality Artwork for Samsung Frame TV

Scott Smorra Photography Limited Edition Digital Artwork

Artwork available: Limited edition, high resolution (4K) digital photography artwork. Each piece of limited edition digital artwork is digitally signed and numbered and is formatted specifically for all sizes of the Samsung Frame TV (32, 43, 50, 55, 65, 75 and 85 inch models). A digital certificate of authenticity (COA) is included.
Prices: $60 per image. 12 pack of digital images $595. 24 pack of digital images $1095.
Pros - Unique, high quality digital photographic artwork created by an independent artist. Free assistance with setting up the Samsung Frame TV and uploading digital artwork are available to anyone who purchases digital art from Scott Smorra Photography.
Cons - none!

Samsung Art Store | Art for the Frame TV

  • Artwork available: Paintings, photography, videos. 2500+ pieces available.
  • Prices: Yearly subscription $49.90/year, monthly subscription $4.99/month. Individual pieces can be purchased for $19.99 each. There are also 39 complimentary / free artworks which are available in the SmartThings app.
  • Pros - Very easy to use. All artwork is integrated into the app so no uploading is needed.
  • Cons - Some people feel the options are limited for important historical pieces and high quality photography.

Juniper Print Shop

  • Artwork available: Paintings.
  • Prices: $20 for each digital download.

BFF PrintShop

  • Artwork available: Paintings, photography with over 300 pieces of artwork.
  • Prices: $15-20 per digital download

Deco TV Frames Art Store

  • Artwork available: Paintings, photography. Over 500 pieces of curated art designed specifically to use with Samsung Frame TVs. Deco also sells a wide variety of different frames for the Samsung Frame TV.
  • Prices: $9.99 per digital download.
Samsung Frame TV (2024) 65 inch hanging at home in a breakfast nook. Scott Smorra Photography's Limited Edition Digital Artwork titled,
Samsung Frame TV (2024) 65 inch hanging at home in a breakfast nook. Scott Smorra Photography's Limited Edition Digital Artwork titled, "Pastel Maui" is displayed on The Frame.

Questions and Answers About the Samsung Frame TV

What is the Samsung Frame TV?

  • The Samsung Frame TV is a high definition QLED display panel that functions as a TV when it's "on" and an art display when it's "off"

Did Samsung Release a New Version of the Frame TV in 2023?

  • The only update made in 2023 was the addition of a motion sensor on the 32 inch model. This is very minor change, since the motion sensor is already present on all other models of the Frame TV.

Will Samsung Release a New Version of the Frame TV in 2024?

  • Yes, at CES 2024 Samsung announced The Samsung Frame TV 2024. Key features of the new version of The Frame include: decreased energy consumption while in Art Mode for the 55" and larger models, Pantone Verified Badge, Art Store improvements and SmartThings App improvements. The 2024 version is available to order as of March 21, 2024. See the top of this article for a full discussion of these features and benefits.

How do I add artwork to the Samsung Frame TV?

Upload using the SmartThings App on a smartphone (iPhone or Android)

  • Set up steps
    • Important Note: On iPhone, in "Settings" you need to allow the app access to "All Photos" on your camera roll.
    • Save/add image to camera roll on your phone
    • Open the SmartThings app and tap "Art Mode"
    • Scroll down and press "My Album"
    • Press "Add your photos" and select the photo from the camera roll and press next
    • Then press "Set on The Frame". It will take a few seconds depending on the size of the image being uploaded.
    • Then select a mat type and color. For mats, I prefer the "Modern Mat - Auto" and the "Shadowbox Mat"

Upload using a USB thumb drive to transfer photos from your computer to the One Connect Box

  • Set up steps
    • Plug the USB thumb drive into your computer and add/save the images to the thumb drive.
    • Plug the USB thumb drive into the USB port on the back of the One Connect Box.
    • Use the remote and navigate to "Art" and follow the prompts on the TV screen to download the artwork.

How much power does the Samsung Frame TV use in Art Mode?

  • The Samsung Frame TV (2022) uses an estimated 10-87 watts of power while in Art Mode, depending on the size of the display. These figures are based on Samsung's statement that power consumption in Art Mode is ~30% of TV Mode. See the Samsung The Frame TV (2022) - Buying Guide Table above for more details about the power consumption for each size TV.

    How do I calibrate the colors on the Samsung Frame TV

    • Go to the SmartThings App on an iPhone or Android phone, press "Devices" and select the Samsung Frame TV, press "Smart Calibration" on the main screen and follow the prompts to use your smartphone as a calibration device.

    What are the best settings for Art Mode on the Samsung The Frame TV

    • Open SmartThings App --> press the 3 dots in the upper right hand corner and press "Art Mode settings", the "Sleep After", "Motion Detector" and "Night Mode" settings can be adjusted here. I use a brightness setting of about 80% and the color tone all the way to the left (blue).

    How do I create a slideshow with my photos?

    • Press Art Mode in the SmartThings app, go to "My Photos" and press the "Slideshow" button, then press the Clock/Gear Icon to access the slideshow settings. The "Slideshow Duration" sets the amount of time each photo is displayed and "Slideshow Random" will randomly select the next photo to be displayed.

    How do I prepare images for Samsung The Frame TV? (for photographers and artists)

    • Crop image using a 16:9 ratio. Resize image to 3840 x 2160 pixels (4K TV resolution), sharpen the image using your preferred technique for web images, export the image as a JPEG in the sRGB color space. I export my images from Adobe Photoshop 2023 by going to File --> Export --> Save for Web (legacy) --> Settings in Dialog box = JPEG, adjust "quality" so file size is in the 1-3 megabyte range, check "Embed Color Profile", check "Convert to sRGB", verify the image size is 3840 x 2160 px, quality "Bicubic" and then click save.

    How do I clean the Samsung The Frame TV?

    • Per Samsung, the best way to clean the surface of the Frame TV is to use a Magic Eraser by Mr Clean. Liquids of any kind and microfiber cloths should NOT be used to clean the surface of the display.

    What are the alternatives to the Samsung Frame TV?

    In 2024, the Samsung Frame TV appears to offer the best art mode features at a reasonable price, but there are several other TVs to consider for displaying artwork.

    • LG G2 Gallery Edition OLED 4K TV
      • Pros - 4K, extremely high contrast OLED display, sizes range from 55" to 97", vibrant colors, thin display, no gap between bezel and wall, 98.6% coverage of DCI P3 color space.
      • Cons - expensive, glare on glossy display, risk of image burn in on the OLED panel, very small bezel.
    • Sony A8H BRAVIA OLED 4K TV
      • Pros - 4K, excellent contrast and colors, sizes range from 55" to 66", Living Decor mode to display art. 97.1% coverage of DCI P3 color space.
      • Cons - expensive, glare on glossy display, risk of image burn in on the OLED panel, very small bezel.
    • EverVue DecoVue Framed TV
      • Pros - 4K, sizes ranging from 40" to 75", OLED available in 55" and 65" models, unique frame designs available.
      • Cons - expensive, glare on the mirror display, risk of image burn in on the OLED panels.
    • Evervue Spectrum Smart TV
      • Pros - non reflective matte glass, 4K, sizes ranging from 32" to 75" many frame options available.
      • Cons - expensive
    Samsung Frame TV (2024) 65 inch hanging in a luxurious bedroom. Scott Smorra Photography's Limited Edition Digital Artwork titled,
    Samsung Frame TV (2024) 65 inch hanging in a luxurious bedroom. Scott Smorra Photography's Limited Edition Digital Artwork titled, "Enlightened" is displayed on The Frame.

    Final Thoughts

    Overall, I've been very happy using the Samsung Frame TV to display my digital artwork. I've been waiting a long time for a high quality display for artwork to come along, and that day has finally arrived. It's amazing to me, but I really think "The Frame" looks like a physical print hanging on the wall. I believe this display has the potential to revolutionize the way we display and view artwork. While there will always be people who prefer physical artwork (paintings, limited edition photography prints, etc), there is a small but growing segment of art collectors who prefer to buy and display digital versions of artwork. I hope you enjoyed the article and learned something new about the Samsung Frame TV and where to buy artwork to display on it!

    If you need assistance with any step of the process of buying or adding Scott Smorra Photography's Limited Edition Digital Artwork to "The Frame", please consider scheduling a Free Art Consultation Session.

    What do you think about displaying digital artwork on the Samsung Frame TV? Have you tried it yet? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

    Updated: March 21, 2024

    Samsung Frame TV (2022) 75 inch hanging at home above a fireplace. Scott Smorra Photography's Limited Edition Digital Print of "Maple Harmony" is displayed in T
    Buying Artwork for Samsung Frame TV | 4K Digital Photography Downloads

    Samsung Frame TV (2022) 75 inch hanging at home above a fireplace. Scott Smorra Photography's Limited Edition Digital Print of "Maple Harmony" is displayed in The Frame.