Samsung’s 2026 The Frame LS03HE is best understood as a design-first 4K QLED TV, not a picture-quality upgrade disguised as wall art. Its matte screen handles reflections well in daytime viewing, but independent testing found low peak brightness, weak contrast and no local dimming—limitations that make HDR less impactful and dark-room movie watching a poor fit.
Buy it for Art Mode, its flush-wall presentation and daytime glare control. If deep blacks, bright HDR highlights or seats spread across a wide room matter more, compare other TVs, including Samsung’s Frame Pro.
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What is Samsung The Frame 2026?
The standard 2026 model is Samsung’s LS03HE, a 4K QLED television designed to resemble framed artwork when you are not watching TV. Samsung’s US lineup includes five sizes:
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- 55-inch: QN55LS03HEFXZA
- 65-inch: QN65LS03HEFXZA
- 75-inch: QN75LS03HEFXZA
- 85-inch: QN85LS03HEFXZA
- 98-inch: QN98LS03HEFXZA
RTINGS bought and tested the 65-inch model, QN65LS03HEFXZA, and says its results also apply to the other four sizes. Samsung notes that the last four characters of a model code can vary by region or retailer, so match the complete SKU to your market when shopping. RTINGS’ review and Samsung’s size-specific product pages provide the relevant model details.
#1 Best Overall
- DESIGNED TO LOOK LIKE A PICTURE FRAME: Looks like real art with a slim design that mounts flush to the wall, customizable bezels* to match your style, and an external hub that connects the TV to power and your devices with a single wire.
- YOUR PERSONAL ART GALLERY ON YOUR TV: When you're not watching TV, the Frame transforms into art**. Access a curated collection from the Art Store*** or upload your own photos****. Finish the look with various mat styles and colors.
- LIFELIKE PICTURE WHEN IT’S ON, MUSEUM-WORTHY WHEN IT’S OFF: Enjoy stunning colors when you're watching TV and admire lifelike artwork when you're not. Discover subtle details and bold colors and appreciate art as if you were in a gallery.
- THE NEXT BIG THING IN TELEVISION: TV, tailored to you with AI-enhanced***** picture & sound plus revolutionary personalized experiences that let you engage more deeply with your content.
- MAKES ART LOOK LIKE REAL ART WITH A PRINT-LIKE FINISH: See your favorite works like you're seeing them hanging in a gallery or museum. The virtually glare-free screen has subtle, matte texture, making art look like a real print.
Is The Frame 2026 good for picture quality?
It is acceptable for mixed use and daytime shows and movies, but it makes a clear trade: reflections are handled better than contrast and HDR highlights. RTINGS’ assessment says the matte anti-reflective coating handles most direct reflections, making the screen easier to watch in a bright room. That does not mean it can overcome every lighting condition or deliver the brightest image.
Where the picture works well
- Daytime viewing: The matte coating reduces the distraction of direct reflections, a useful quality in rooms with windows or other light sources.
- Mixed use and gaming: RTINGS lists low input lag, VRR support and HDMI 2.1 bandwidth among its gaming strengths.
Where the picture falls short
- HDR impact: RTINGS found low peak brightness, which limits the punch of bright HDR highlights.
- Dark scenes: Poor contrast and the absence of local dimming leave black levels raised. In a dark room, shadow detail can look gray rather than convincingly black.
- Seats off to the side: The image degrades from wider viewing angles, and RTINGS also noted patchy screen uniformity.
Those limitations make the standard Frame a mediocre choice for a dedicated dark-room home theater. RTINGS says similarly priced conventional TVs can deliver substantially better picture quality; that is the reviewer’s tested assessment, not a guarantee that every alternative will suit every room or budget.
What changed in the 2026 model?
Samsung announced its refreshed 2026 lineup on April 2, 2026. For the standard Frame, Samsung lists built-in connections, an included Slim Fit Wall Mount, upgraded Glare Free technology, 144 Hz Motion Xcelerator and DLG 240 Hz for compatible PCs. These are manufacturer-described features, not independent test results. Samsung’s announcement also introduced a 98-inch size for the standard Frame. Samsung’s 2026 announcement has the company’s complete feature description.
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- DESIGNED TO LOOK LIKE A PICTURE FRAME: Looks like real art with a slim design that mounts flush to the wall, customizable bezels* to match your style, and an external hub that connects the TV to power and your devices with a single wire.
- YOUR PERSONAL ART GALLERY ON YOUR TV: When you're not watching TV, the Frame transforms into art**. Access a curated collection from the Art Store*** or upload your own photos****. Finish the look with various mat styles and colors.
- LIFELIKE PICTURE WHEN IT’S ON, MUSEUM-WORTHY WHEN IT’S OFF: Enjoy stunning colors when you're watching TV and admire lifelike artwork when you're not. Discover subtle details and bold colors and appreciate art as if you were in a gallery.
- THE NEXT BIG THING IN TELEVISION: TV, tailored to you with AI-enhanced***** picture & sound plus revolutionary personalized experiences that let you engage more deeply with your content.
- MAKES ART LOOK LIKE REAL ART WITH A PRINT-LIKE FINISH: See your favorite works like you're seeing them hanging in a gallery or museum. The virtually glare-free screen has subtle, matte texture, making art look like a real print.
The Slim Fit Wall Mount is included, and Samsung says it is designed to mount the TV flush to the wall. The company also says back stoppers make it easier to connect or disconnect cables without removing the set. Actual installation still depends on the wall, cable routing and setup; a flush-mount design does not guarantee that every installation is effortless.
How do The Frame and The Frame Pro differ?
The Frame Pro is the relevant in-family step-up if you want the art-oriented styling but are concerned about brightness or picture performance. Samsung identifies the standard LS03HE as QLED with connections built into the TV, while the Pro LS03HW uses Neo QLED and Wireless One Connect.
| Feature | The Frame LS03HE | The Frame Pro LS03HW |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | QLED | Neo QLED |
| Connections | Built into the TV | Wireless One Connect |
| RTINGS assessment | Lower brightness, poor contrast and no local dimming | Brighter than the standard Frame and includes local dimming; RTINGS describes the dimming as basic, with limited picture benefit in its testing |
Wireless One Connect is not a completely cable-free installation: Samsung says the box needs separate power, and its wireless connection can be affected by surroundings, obstructions or metal enclosures. Consider brightness, black levels, seating angles, cable placement, installation conditions, screen size and price—not just shared styling—when deciding whether to move up to the Pro. Samsung’s Frame Pro page describes the product, while RTINGS discusses the tested picture differences in its Frame review.
Rank #3
- SPECTACULAR MINI LED-POWERED GLARE-FREE PICTURE: Experience bold contrast in both dark and bright scenes with precise mini LED lighting that reveals hidden details. When you're not watching shows, our best Art TV picture delivers spectacular 4K visuals that reveal masterpieces to rival those in museums and galleries. The matte display both enhances the texture of your favorite artworks and virtually eliminates distracting reflections — so you can fully enjoy your favorite True Crime series, Cubist masterpiece from MoMA, or both
- A PICTURE FRAME AESTHETIC WITH WIRELESS CONNECTION HUB¹: Cutting-edge tech meets contemporary design to elevate your viewing experience. This masterpiece features customizable bezels² to complement your personal aesthetic, transforming your television into a sophisticated work of art that blends into your decor. Say goodbye to tangled wires¹ and hello to endless possibilities for mounting options. Let this TV become the focal point of your home, with TV when it's on and art when it's off
- TURN YOUR TV INTO A MASTERPIECE: Enjoy a personal art gallery at home with Art Mode.³ Transform your TV into one of over 5,000 Art Store⁴ pieces from renowned artists like Salvador Dali and museums such as The Met and MoMA. Adaptive brightness, motion sensors and a matte finish recreate the look of real canvas, while customizable layouts let you refresh your space for any occasion
- EXPERT-VALIDATED COLOR FOR LIFELIKE VIEWING: Immerse yourself in stunningly accurate colors and breathtaking skin tones, expertly validated by the renowned Pantone professionals. As the leading authorities on color fidelity, Pantone guarantees that every hue and tone you see on screen is a true-to-life representation. This enhances your viewing experience, whether you're captivated by your favorite True Crime series or admiring a magnificent masterpiece from MoMA. Indulge in a world of vibrant visuals that elevate every moment
- HANGS LIKE A PICTURE: Mount The Frame flush against the wall, just like a picture, to create the illusion of an actual piece of art. With a minimal gap between the TV and the wall, it blends seamlessly with your art collection and paintings. Plus, it keeps the design uncluttered since there’s just one sleek cable connected to it
How much did The Frame 2026 cost at launch?
Samsung’s April 2, 2026 US announcement listed these launch prices. They are historical reference points, not current quotes; retailer promotions, stock and installation or delivery costs can change.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute| Screen size | US launch price |
|---|---|
| 55-inch | $1,199.99 |
| 65-inch | $1,499.99 |
| 75-inch | $1,999.99 |
| 85-inch | $2,999.99 |
| 98-inch | $4,499.99 |
Check the retailer’s current price and availability for the exact size and regional model code before buying. Samsung’s product listings are available for the 55-inch, 65-inch, 85-inch and 98-inch models.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does Art Mode and the art catalog offer?
Art Mode is central to The Frame’s appeal: instead of looking like a conventional black screen when idle, the set can display artwork. Samsung also promotes the Art Store and customizable bezel options. In its April 2, 2026 US announcement, Samsung said the Art Store included more than 5,000 works from over 800 artists and that Art Store Streams offered 30 new curated artworks every month. These are Samsung-published figures; catalog access, availability and any plan terms should be checked with Samsung for your region and at the time you subscribe or buy.
Rank #4
- GLARE FREE WITH NEO QLED: With mini LEDs for precision lighting, our best Art TV picture delivers spectacular and immersive viewing. Enjoy your favorite shows without distracting reflections, allowing you to immerse yourself in the content—whether the sun is streaming through your windows or that one lamp is on while watching the latest thriller.
- MODERN FRAME DESIGN WITH WIRELESS ONE CONNECT: Elevate any room with this stunning fusion of technology and artistry. Customizable bezels* let you choose your style, while the revolutionary wireless connection hub**, allows for flexibility in mounting options, free from unsightly cords and clutter.
- ART MODE / ART STORE: Enjoy a personal art gallery at home with access to over 5,000 artworks* from iconic museums and artists worldwide, available through the Art Store** and the innovative technology of Art Mode, which features adaptive brightness, a matte finish, and motion sensors that transform your space into a true-to-life gallery experience.
- PANTONE VALIDATED ARTFULCOLOR: Enjoy stunning colors whether you're watching TV or admiring lifelike works of art. Pantone Validated ArtfulColor brings your favorite artwork to life for a realistic, museum-like viewing experience.
- SLIM FIT WALL MOUNT INCLUDED: The Frame looks like art for many reasons. When mounted flush against the wall, the gap between the TV and the wall is minimal, creating the illusion of a genuine piece of art.
Samsung named Modern Brown, Modern Teak, Modern White and Sand Gold Metal among its bezel finishes, and says customizable bezels are sold separately. Confirm that a bezel matches the Frame generation and screen size you own before ordering. Samsung also identifies Deco TV Frames as an additional source of bezel offerings designed for The Frame and The Frame Pro.
Who should buy Samsung The Frame 2026?
It makes sense if
- You want a TV that can serve as a gallery-style display when idle.
- Your room gets daylight or direct reflections, and glare handling matters more than deep blacks.
- You value the flush-wall look and are willing to accept weaker dark-scene and HDR performance.
Look elsewhere or compare the Pro if
- You primarily watch movies in a dark room and want convincing blacks and shadow detail.
- You expect bright, high-impact HDR highlights.
- Several viewers often sit well to the sides of the screen.
- Picture quality is more important to you than art display and frame-like styling.
The Frame Pro is worth comparing if you want to stay within Samsung’s art-focused lineup but prefer a brighter set with local dimming. Its Wireless One Connect arrangement adds its own placement and power considerations, so it is not automatically the better choice for every room.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
