So you‘ve narrowed your search down to Samsung‘s 2023 television fleet. Excellent choice – their screen technology and performance prowess lead the industry.
But within Samsung‘s impressive offerings, two models stand out catering to different audiences.
The creatively-named The Frame aims to class up your living space by doubling as wall art.
And the visually-stunning Neo QLED pushes the limits for picture refinement.
This breakdown will compare Samsung‘s Frame and Neo QLED TV families across critical factors like intended use, features, picture quality and pricing. Lean on my in-depth testing knowledge while avoiding overly technical jargon.
So whether you crave the best graphics for gaming and movies…or a set disappearing into your décor when idle, let‘s determine the better fit.
Comparing The Frame and Neo QLED‘s Divergent Strengths
Both The Frame and Neo QLED fly the QLED (Quantum Dot LED) flag offering premium performance. But outside of 4K resolution and Samsung‘s polished Tizen operating system, their capabilities diverge.
The Frame focuses its talents on:
- Aesthetic design – picture frame silhouette, customizable bezels, no-gap wall mounting
- Art Mode – displaying licensed paintings, photos or albums
- Decor-blending – matte screen and auto-dimming to resemble wall art
This lifestyle-centric functionality makes The Frame a versatile living space upgrade.
Neo QLED zeroes in on pure home theater excellence:
- Blinding brightness – achieving up to 2000 nits for astonishing HDR pop
- Inky blacks – Mini LED backlight with slim-profile units across over 5,000 zones
- Fantastic optics – quad-step filtering and anti-glare film
- Gamer-friendly – 4K/120fps, FreeSync Premium Pro dynamic refresh rate
If you want the pinnacle of visual performance, Neo QLED rules the roost.
Now let‘s examine how these Samsung heavy hitters stack up across the attributes that matter most.
Diving Into The Frame and Neo QLED‘s Key Specs and Features
Evaluating televisions requires balancing specs and marketing claims with real-world usability. I lean on over 5 years reviewing TVs to cut through the noise around what delivers superior viewing.
Here‘s how Samsung‘s two top model lines compare where performance rubber meets the road:
Display Technology
| Spec | The Frame | Neo QLED |
|-|-|-|
| Screen Type | QLED | QLED |
| Backlighting | Full Array LED | Mini LED (zones vary by model)|
| Peak Brightness | ~450 nits | Up to 2000 nits |
| Contrast Ratio | No data | 1,000,000:1 |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | Up to 4K/120Hz |
Takeaway: Neo QLED leverages Mini LED backlights with over 5,000 dimming zones enabling precision light control for awesome contrast. Expect spectacular HDR and brightness ideal for daytime viewing.
Resolution and Upscaling
| Spec | The Frame | Neo QLED |
|---|---|---|
| Max Resolution | 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) | 4K & 8K Models |
| Upscaling Processor | Quantum Processor 4K | Neo Quantum Processor 4K/8K |
| AI Enhancements | Neo Quantum processor powered by deep learning AI |
Takeaway: Neo QLED models add an 8K option and improved upscaling. But even streamer watchers enjoy terrific 4K clarity and smooth motion on The Frame.
Gaming Performance
| Spec | The Frame | Neo QLED |
|---|---|---|
| Input Lag | No data | Ultra-low 5.8ms input lag |
| Variable Refresh Rate | No | Yes |
| 4K/120fps Support | No | Yes |
| Auto Low Latency Mode | Yes | Yes |
Takeaway: The Frame handles gaming just fine. But Neo QLED was engineered precisely for buttery smooth next-gen gaming.
Sound Quality
| Spec | The Frame | Neo QLED |
|---|---|---|
| Sound System | 60W 2.2 Channel | 60W 4.2.2 Channel |
| Dolby Atmos | No | Yes |
| Object Tracking Sound | No | Yes |
Takeaway: With Dolby Atmos and object-tracking audio, Neo QLED provides supreme spatial sound to match its pictures.
Smart Features
| Spec | The Frame | Neo QLED |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Platform | Tizen OS | Tizen OS |
| Voice Assistants | Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant | Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Gaming Dashboard | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Calibration | Yes | Yes |
Takeaway: Both TVs run the superb Tizen OS for smooth streaming, apps and smart controls. Edge goes to Neo QLED‘s gaming dashboard and room adjustment.
This side-by-side evaluation proves while The Frame excels as décor-accenting screen, Neo QLED outclasses it for sheer A/V horsepower.
But raw capability only goes so far. You also must weigh size options, pricing tiers and extra perks fitting your situation.
Mapping Out Available Models, Sizes and Prices
With all technologies, going bigger and bolder equates to a higher price tag. Samsung‘s 2023 lineups for The Frame and Neo QLED scale to suit differing space and budget needs:
The Frame Sizes & Pricing
| Model | Screen Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 The Frame 4K TV | 32", 43", 50", 55", 65", 75", 85" | $999 – $3,499 |
Takeaway: Entry-level 43" models start under $1,500. Go super-sized with the 85" at $3,500 or special 32" HD model perfect for tight spaces at $999.
Neo QLED Sizes & Pricing
| Model | Screen Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| QN85B Neo QLED 4K TV | 43", 50", 55", 65", 75", 85" | $1,599+ |
| QN900C Neo QLED 8K TV | 65", 75", 85" | $4,997+ |
Takeaway: Even "entry-level" 4K Neo QLEDs require a healthy budget. But they still significantly undercut 8K models soaring over $5,000.
Beyond the TV itself, The Frame tacks on costs for:
- Multi-pack bezels ($100+)
- Custom frames ($149+))
- Wall mounting brackets ($100+)
- Art Store subscription ($4.99+/month)
If swapping magnetic bezels monthly seems fun or Showtime for art entices, calculate those additions.
For many, the digital painting novelty wears off so I don‘t heavily factor it into evaluations.
But Neo QLED‘s superior lighting and processing do warrant the higher tariff. Even more so when spanning 77"+ screen real estate revealing every pixel.
Just be sure you actually will benefit from extreme color range, brightness and contrast before overspending. More frugal stream watchers enjoy amazing 4K video quality on cheaper models.
Recent Advancements Expand Both Model Lineups
The Frame originally launched in 2017 with Neo QLED following in 2021. Yet through successive redesigns they‘ve both upped capabilities:
The Frame 2023 Additions
- Anti-glare panel reducing indoor light washout
- Matte, low-reflection display for further artwork-esque styling
- Brighter HDR-optimized panel reaching 400 nits
- Expanded bezel and frame options now including white steel
Samsung continues slowly improving The Frame as a decor fixture first, television second. Unique offerings like height-adjustable floor stands also enable new placement flexibility.
Neo QLED 2023 Additions
- Neural Network Upscaling for machine learning-enhanced graphics
- Shape Adaptive Light technology to reshape backlights around on-screen objects
- Largest sizes ever with 77", 85" and 95" class models
- Next-gen gaming optimizations like 4K/144hz VRR
Team Samsung keeps finding ways to ratchet picture quality past perceived limits. 2023 also sees 8K content creep up through services like YouTube now supporting it.
But no current model spans The Frame‘s 32” petite option to the monstrous 98” 8K Neo QLED beast Samsung flaunts.
Determining Your Perfect Samsung TV Fit
With price ranges from $999 – $15,000+, use case variations and diverging feature sets, finding the right Samsung television takes honest evaluation:
The Frame Is Ideal If:
- You‘ll actively curate art displays – sans visual interest between shows/movies this loses appeal
- Stylish form factor is mandatory – upgrade your decor as much as entertainment
- Streaming and sports outweigh gaming/theater – big spectacle screen less critical
In these situations, The Frame introduces welcome living space panache. Even if not leveraging the art functionality it classily centralizes streaming apps and can kick the occasional football around without sweating specs.
Neo QLED Is Ideal If:
- Premium picture quality rules all – world-class contrast, searing brightness and lavish color fully optimize movies
- Booming next-gen gaming sound enticing – 4K/120 fps and VRR provide sublime immersion
- 7.1.4 surround systems await hookup – robust HDMI and Dolby Atmos decoding outpace The Frame
Here Neo QLED‘s talents translate to outright cinematic and gaming splendor. Feast eyes on staggering clarity showcasing every crevice, hue and texture possible across entertainment spheres.
In many situations either Samsung solution outperforms budget competitors. Size up viewing habits and room dynamics before overspending. For most, honest 4K Neo QLED visual pleasures satisfy without maxing credit cards!
I hope mapping specifications to real-world usage proves helpful curating your dream television. Have additional questions or want personalized advice? Don‘t hesitate reaching out!
