Samsung The Frame LS03D

The Frame / LS03D

Available screen sizes: 43”50”55”65”75”85”

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Panel technology: LCD VA | Brand: SAMSUNG | Resolution: 3840x2160 | Operating system: Tizen | Model year: 2024

Our verdict

6.9

Overall rating

Samsung The Frame LS03D (2024) is not an ordinary television that you can place in the corner and forget after two days. Here, it is immediately evident that the manufacturer has focused on something more than just playing films. First, the “Art” mode captures attention – with just a few clicks, we can turn The Frame into a digital gallery, displaying works that, in combination with the matte screen, truly resemble a real framed painting. And speaking of the frame, we have the option to customise its colour to perfectly match our interior. Additionally, the package includes a wall mount, allowing the television to hang almost “flush”, which further enhances the impression of engaging with an image rather than a typical screen. The matte screen provides excellent protection against reflections, which together with high brightness (650 cd/m²) works well in bright sunlight. Furthermore, we have a VA panel with quite decent contrast and a refresh rate of 120 Hz, so when watching sports or playing dynamic titles, everything appears smooth and pleasant to the eye. If we also add a gaming features package – VRR, ALLM and HGiG – it’s clear that Samsung has also considered console and PC enthusiasts. As a result, Samsung The Frame can be both a picturesque decoration for the living room and a reasonably effective gaming monitor. The mentioned One Connect is another useful gadget – it allows us to hide all the cables in one place, with a thin wire connecting the television to this magical box. If we like order, this solution is made for us. Another advantage is the Tizen system – easy to use, fast, and full of applications. We may not find absolutely everything in it (e.g. the Tidal app), but it still provides a wide range for exploring various streaming platforms. Of course, there’s no rose without thorns. The lack of local dimming is noticeable in dark scenes, where blacks become less pronounced. We also need to remember that there is only one HDMI 2.1 port here, so if we want to connect more devices at 4K and 120 Hz, we may feel limited. Additionally, the viewing angles are rather average, so it’s better for the most important viewer (that is us) to sit directly in front of the television. For fans of Dolby Vision, this will also not be an ideal choice, as The Frame LS03D only supports HDR10 and HDR10+. Furthermore, the sound – as with most slim televisions – is mediocre, so it’s worth considering a soundbar if we care about clearer bass and a bit deeper sound. Despite these weaker points, The Frame still makes a great impression. It is striking, stylish, and versatile – perfect for watching the latest hits as well as displaying reproductions of paintings on the wall. If we value an unusual appearance, high brightness, and at the same time want to play with low input lag, this model will be a perfect choice. And although it is not a leader in terms of value for money nor a technological “monster” in terms of picture quality, it has something that simply makes it likable. It is a device that stands out with its unique character and can blend into any interior, attracting attention both in television mode and as a digital art gallery.

Advantages

Unique design and 'Art' mode – the television fits perfectly into interiors and serves as a digital picture frame
Matte panel – effectively reduces light reflections
Possibility of personalising the television's frames – adapting the appearance to the interior
Dedicated wall mounts included (value approx. 400 PLN) – the television can fit practically flat against the wall
High brightness (650 cd/m²) – excellent visibility even in well-lit rooms
VA panel – decent contrast
Good motion fluidity – 120Hz*
Support for VRR, ALLM and HGiG – a full set of gaming features
Smooth tonal transitions – one of the best results in this category among the tested televisions
One Connect module – minimises cable clutter, ensuring tidiness
Tizen system – responsive, intuitive

*Does not apply to the 43 and 50-inch variants (60Hz)

Disadvantages

Lack of local dimming – affects the quality of black, especially in dark scenes
Average viewing angles – the picture loses quality when viewed from a wider angle
Average sound quality – flat sound without depth
Limited number of HDMI 2.1 ports – only one port supports full 4K@120 Hz
Lack of Dolby Vision – the television only supports HDR10 and HDR10+

Movies and series in UHD quality

6.9
Classic TV, YouTube

6.5
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

6.2
Gaming on console

8.2
TV as a computer monitor

7.6
Watching in bright light

6.5
Utility functions

7.0
Apps

9.3
Sound quality

5.8

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Sharp GR8 43”

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TV appearance

HDMI inputs: 3 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x HDMI 2.1 (40Gbps) Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI) Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Review Samsung The Frame LS03D Appearance of the TV

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Contrast and black detail

Viewing mode Game mode

5.6/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Local dimming function: No

Review Samsung The Frame LS03D Contrast and black detail

Contrast between the black background and the bright spotlight illuminating Jack. Scene from the movie Oblivion (Universal Pictures).

Result

4,200:1

Contrast between the glare on the chameleon's skin and the black near the edge of the screen below. Scene from the Spears&Munsil test disc.

Result

4,800:1

Contrast between the reflection on the helmet and the black on the black film strip. Scene from the movie Arrival (Paramount Pictures).

Result

5,100:1

Contrast between the actress's face and the black film strip at the top edge of the TV. Scene from the movie Gravity (Warner Bros. Pictures).

Result

5,300:1

Contrast between the colorful balloon and the black slice between the falling objects. Scene from the Pioneer Kuro test disc (2008).

Result

3,850:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

Samsung The Frame uses a VA panel, which in itself provides quite high contrast. In our tests, the results oscillated around 4000–5000:1, which will be more than enough for most users. However, the lack of local dimming is noticeable, especially on more demanding test slides. In dark scenes, it can be observed that black has a subtle hint of navy blue. During the day or in a well-lit room, this will not be an issue, but during an evening viewing, more discerning viewers may feel a slight deficiency.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

6.2/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 91.0%, Bt.2020: 68.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Samsung The Frame LS03D Brightness measurement

The measured point is the setting sun against a bright sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).

Result

679 nit

The measured point is the moon against a dark, starry sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).

Result

663 nit

The measured point is the flashlight on the rifle, which shines directly at the camera. Scene from the movie Gemini Man (Paramount Pictures).

Result

712 nit

The measured point is the tail light of a helicopter flying at night. This is a very small light point, the essence of the HDR effect. Scene from the movie Sicario 2: Soldado (Lionsgate).

Result

698 nit

The measured point is the sun visible directly between the clouds. The scene is very bright and should blind the viewer as in nature. Scene from the movie The Meg (Warner Bros. Pictures).

Result

726 nit

Samsung The Frame LS03D performs really well with brightness. Results of 700 nits make bright elements on the screen look striking and detailed, whether they illuminate the entire screen or appear as small points of light against a dark background. In more demanding scenes, like the fourth sequence from the film Sicario 2, the black levels are average, but we have already discussed this in the section on contrast. As for brightness – the television definitely excels here. An additional advantage is the quantum dot coating, which is QLED technology. Thanks to this, the colour palette coverage has been improved, although The Frame does not stand out in this regard compared to the competition.

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

We checked how Samsung The Frame performs with the most demanding scenes from films. In the case of Mr, a material mastered at 2800 nits, the picture looked really good. Details in the darker parts were slightly brightened, but overall it still looked solid. The sun in the background did not merge into a single blob, although we have seen televisions that handle this better.

On the other hand, the second scene from the film Billy Lynn pleasantly surprised us. The colours were excellently reproduced, and bright light effects, such as fireworks, looked truly impressive. The overall reception of the scene was very good, although once again, the unquenched blacks, resulting from the lack of local dimming, were striking.

It is also worth mentioning the dynamic tone mapping feature. By default, as with most Samsung televisions, we recommend leaving it in static mode. Activating the option caused excessive brightening of the screen, which spoiled an already good-looking effect.

HDR luminance chart:

Samsung The Frame LS03D supports two popular HDR formats: HDR10 and HDR10+. At first glance, they differ only by the “plus” in the name, but the difference in picture quality is truly distinct. HDR10+ uses dynamic metadata, which means that brightness and contrast are adjusted continuously, scene by scene. As a result, the image has more details in both bright and dark areas, and the overall appearance is simply better and more natural than with static HDR10.

Unfortunately, traditionally for Samsung, there is a lack of support for Dolby Vision. This is a significant drawback, as Dolby Vision is currently the most popular HDR format on streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+. Of course, the lack of Dolby Vision does not mean that the television will not display such content. It will simply do so in HDR10 format, which in practice may mean slightly less detail in more demanding scenes.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: HDR10+

Smoothness of tonal transitions

9.7/10

This is one of the best televisions we have had the opportunity to test in terms of the smoothness of tonal transitions. Any potential imperfections are so minor that you really have to strain your eyes to notice them. They are subtle enough that we only deducted a symbolic fraction of points in this category. Without a doubt, this is one of the greatest advantages of this model. It is possible that such a good effect is partly due to the matte screen coating, which gently masks any irregularities in the colour gradation. The smoothness of tonal transitions in Samsung The Frame LS03D is at a level that will satisfy even exceptionally demanding users. Kudos to LS03D!

Review Samsung The Frame LS03D Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

7.1/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

It’s time to check how Samsung The Frame LS03D performs with older, lower-quality materials. We already know that the fluidity of tonal transitions is at a very high level here, so we were curious to see how the television would handle smoothing them out.

The noise reduction feature in the "Standard" setting does its job well – tonal transitions are noticeably smoothed out, and at the same time, the image does not lose too much detail. However, it is worth noting that this effect also smooths out film grain, so its use will be a matter of individual preference.

When it comes to image scaling, the television also performed really well. The test chart turned out solid – the model was reproduced correctly, with clear details. The branches in the background, though slightly frayed in places, generally appear natural and do not stand out as imperfections.

Blur and motion smoothness

6.4/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 120Hz

Film motion smoothing option: Yes

Blur reduction option: Yes

BFI function 60Hz: Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)

BFI function 120Hz: No

Brightness drop with BFI: 42%

Firstly, it is worth noting that the model we tested in the size of 55 inches, like the 65, 75 and 85-inch versions, is equipped with a 120 Hz panel. Unfortunately, the 43 and 50-inch variants of this series only offer 60 Hz panels, which is worth keeping in mind when making a purchase. As for improving motion fluidity, the television offers a feature called “Picture Clarity”. This is a classic motion smoother that gives users the ability to adjust it using two sliders:

Motion blur reduction – this controls the sharpening of the image in dynamic scenes. The higher the value, the less blur during quick camera movements or moving objects. However, overly aggressive settings may cause the image to become unnatural, appearing like a “soap opera”.

Judder reduction – this slider influences the smoothness of frame playback, particularly in materials with a lower frame rate, such as films (24 fps). Higher settings can smooth motion but may also lead to excessive “plasticity” of the image.

Both sliders operate on a scale from 0 to 10, allowing for precise adjustment of the effect to one’s own preferences. It is worth experimenting with the settings to find the perfect balance between fluidity and a natural appearance of the image. We recommend setting them as shown in the picture.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Motion blur on the Samsung The Frame LS03D is... average. It's not something that stands out during everyday watching of series or films, but in more demanding scenes, slight imperfections can be noticed. During our test with the classic "ufo", we noticed a slight blur, particularly on darker backgrounds. This does not ruin the overall impression, but a trained eye will certainly catch it. It's worth noting that we tested the variant with a 120 Hz panel (55 inches). Larger versions – 65, 75, and 85 inches – also utilise this technology, so the effect will be similar. However, in smaller models (43 and 50 inches), which have a 60 Hz panel, motion blur may be more noticeable, especially in fast action scenes in sports or games.

Console compatibility and gaming features

8.8/10

ALLM: Yes
VRR: Yes
VRR range: 48 - 120Hz
Dolby Vision Game Mode: No
Correct implementation of HGIG: Yes
1080p@120Hz: Yes
1440p@120Hz: No
4K@120Hz: Yes
Game bar: Yes

The Frame LS03D in the 2024 version has been equipped with four HDMI ports, but only one of them supports the 2.1 standard with a bandwidth of 40 Gb/s. This is important information if we plan to connect more than one device that requires a 4K@120 Hz signal – for example, two consoles or a console and a gaming PC.

In terms of features for gamers, The Frame truly has a lot to boast about. Here we find ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and HGiG. It is worth highlighting that HGiG has been very well implemented here, which is particularly important as the television does not support Dolby Vision in games (which is only available on Xbox consoles). In this case, HGiG turns out to be a better standard for gaming.

Samsung has also not forgotten about features that enhance gaming comfort. Game Bar is an advanced panel for gamers that allows for quick adjustment of screen settings without the need to dig through the television's menu. We can even change the aspect ratio from 16:9 to a panoramic 21:9, which may be a significant advantage for some gamers.

However, Samsung's biggest ace up its sleeve is the Game Motion Plus feature. This is a special smoothness enhancer dedicated to games that adds additional frames of animation without significantly affecting input lag. The effect is truly noticeable – the image appears much smoother, which fans of dynamic titles will particularly appreciate.

In summary – Samsung The Frame LS03D is a television that offers a solid set of features for gamers. While the limitation to one HDMI 2.1 port may be a downside, the rest of the solutions makes gaming on this television a truly enjoyable experience.

Input lag

10/10

In terms of latency, The Frame LS03D is truly impressive. 13 ms for 60 Hz content and 8 ms for 120 Hz are results that will satisfy even the most demanding gamers. Such low values mean that responses to controller movements are almost instantaneous. In dynamic games, such as shooters or racing games, every fraction of a second matters – this is where Samsung LS03D excels.

SDR	HDR	Dolby Vision
1080p60: 13 ms	2160p60: 13 ms
1080p120: 8 ms	2160p120: 8 ms
2160p60: 13 ms
2160p120: 8 ms

Compatibility with PC

7.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes

Font clarity: Very Good

Readability of dark text and shapes: Good

Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 8ms

Matrix subpixel arrangement: BGR

Max refresh rate: 120Hz

G-Sync: Yes

Using a computer on The Frame is truly a pleasant experience. The fonts are clear and well-rendered thanks to support for chroma 4:4:4. There is no blurring or fuzziness, which often occurs in cheaper televisions. Of course, if someone looks very closely at small text, they may notice minimal imperfections, but that's really a minor detail that doesn't interfere with everyday tasks. It is also suitable for PC gaming. The 120 Hz panel, support for G-Sync, and really low input lag ensure that games run smoothly and without delays.

Viewing angles

3.3/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 75%

The viewing angles of the Samsung The Frame LS03D are average, which is typical for a VA panel. Here lies a bit of a problem – this television is supposed to serve as a display for images and works of art, which are not always viewed head-on. When viewed at an angle, colours begin to lose their intensity, and blacks turn into shades of grey. This is not at a level that completely ruins the experience, but if the television is to be placed where it will often be viewed from the side, the effect may be noticeable. It's a shame, as better viewing angles would be a significant advantage for a television of this purpose.

TV efficiency during daytime

6.5/10

Matrix coating: Matte

Reflection suppression: Very Good

Black levels during daytime: Poor

Samsung The Frame is equipped with a matte panel that excels at suppressing direct light reflections. This means that even in a brightly lit room, the image remains clear, and reflections do not interfere with viewing. Of course, as is often the case with matte finishes, there is a trade-off – colours lose some intensity, and black may appear more washed out during the day. Fortunately, the television compensates for this with a brightness level of 650 cd/m². This ensures that the image is bright, clear, and well visible even in a heavily sunlit room.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Samsung The Frame LS03D : 645 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: 1120

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Backlight Type: QLED

TV features

7/10

System operacyjny: Tizen
TV reception: DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
Recording to USB (terrestrial TV): No
Recording programming: No
Picture in Picture (PiP): No
Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast): Yes
AirPlay: Yes
Voice search in native language: Yes
Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse: Yes
Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV: Yes
Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker: Yes
Audio only mode: Yes
RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen): RF
Backlit remote control: No
Teletext: Yes

Review Samsung The Frame LS03D TV features

Samsung The Frame LS03D is a television that stands out from other models and is difficult to describe in a traditional way. Of course, it includes all the standard Smart TV features thanks to the Tizen system. The system operates responsively, is comprehensive, and offers a wide selection of applications. The remote control supports voice commands in Polish, and additional devices can be connected via Bluetooth – just like in many other televisions. But that's not the essence of this model.

The greatest strength of Samsung The Frame is its design. The "Art" mode allows you to display thousands of high-resolution images, which, combined with a matte display, look truly exceptional. The effect is surprisingly realistic and hard to compare with any other television.

The bezels may not be the thinnest on the market, but you can customise them in terms of colour and style to perfectly blend with your interior. (Sold separately) And while the bezels themselves are not ultra-thin, the entire construction is sleek and elegant. The wall mount, which is included (its value is approximately £80), also deserves special attention. With it, the television can be mounted practically flat against the wall, with no gap, which further emphasises the "picture" effect.

And what about the cables? Samsung thought of that too. The Frame has been equipped with a One Connect module – an external box where all devices are connected. Only one nearly invisible cable runs to the television, which transmits both the signal and power. The box can be easily hidden in a cabinet or behind furniture, which means nothing disrupts the aesthetics of the interior.

Samsung The Frame LS03D is more than just an ordinary television – it is a thoughtfully designed decorative element that combines the modern functionality of Smart TV with exceptional design and practical solutions. Although it lacks typical features such as USB recording or PiP, it is not a model created with a classic approach to television in mind. LS03D the frame is a television that is easy to love for its innovation, originality, and how wonderfully it fits into any interior.

Playing files from USB

Video Photos Audio

8.5/10

Video Photos Audio

Maximum photo resolution:	Supported photo formats:
4 Mpix	JPEG
6 Mpix	HEIC
8 Mpix	PNG
10 Mpix	GIF
12 Mpix	WebP
16 Mpix	TIFF
20 Mpix	BMP
24 Mpix	SVG
28 Mpix
32 Mpix

The built-in media player in Samsung The Frame handles most popular video and audio formats without major issues. Video files, even those with subtitles that we have added, play smoothly and without interruptions. The same goes for audio files – here too, there are no significant surprises. The situation is somewhat worse when it comes to handling photo formats. The built-in player has certain limitations and does not support all possible types of graphic files. However, nowadays, most people use wireless photo transfer, so for many users, this will not be a major problem.

Apps

9.3/10

Sound

5.8/10

Subjective sound quality

Dolby Digital Plus 7.1

Dolby True HD 7.1

Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)

Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD

DTS:X in DTS-HD MA

DTS-HD Master Audio

The sound on the Samsung The Frame is… well, quite average. The slim design of the television, while looking impressive, doesn’t allow much space for decent speakers. As a result, the sound is flat and lacks dynamism – exactly like most televisions in this category. Samsung is clearly aware of this, as it offers a special series S of soundbars, specifically created for its "lifestyle" televisions, which includes the The Frame.

Art Mode: The Frame turns into an art gallery, displaying selected works when not used as a television. With access to the Art Store, you can choose from thousands of artworks or display your own photos.
Matte Screen Coating: The anti-reflective matte coating reduces light reflections, providing comfortable viewing even in bright rooms.
Interchangeable Frames: The ability to personalise the look of the television with interchangeable frames that can match your interior style.
Quantum Dot Technology: Quantum dot technology delivers 100% colour intensity, offering vibrant and realistic colours regardless of brightness levels.
Pantone Validated Certificate: The Frame has received the Pantone Validated ArtfulColor certification, confirming colour fidelity according to stringent Pantone standards.
One Connect Box: The external module allows you to connect all devices to the television via a single, nearly invisible cable, keeping the area around the television tidy.
Adaptive Picture Function: The television analyses the room's lighting and video content, automatically optimising brightness and contrast for the best visual experience.
Active Voice Amplifier (AVA): This function identifies ambient noise and automatically increases dialogue volume, ensuring clarity even in loud environments.
Ambient+ Mode: Allows for displaying information on the screen such as weather, time, or adjusting the background to match the wall colour when the television is not actively in use.
Smart TV with Tizen OS: An intuitive and responsive operating system offering access to popular streaming apps and smart features.

Samsung The Frame review – exceptional functionality

According to the The Frame review, the television stands out with its innovative combination of elegance and practicality. Thanks to the “Art” mode, the device displays artworks, resembling a picture in a frame, which highlights its stylish finish. Moreover, the Samsung The Frame review showed that the matte panel effectively eliminates glare, increasing viewing comfort even in bright rooms. If you are interested in details, check out other television reviews to compare Samsung The Frame 55 with others.

Samsung The Frame – picture quality

Samsung The Frame review shows that the device offers satisfactory picture quality, although the lack of advanced local dimming may affect the clarity of dark scenes. However, with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and brightness of 650 cd/m², the television performs excellently with dynamic content. It is worth noting that The Frame Samsung stands out with its stylish design, making it an ideal choice for lovers of modern interiors. The The Frame review also highlighted the presence of gaming features, such as VRR and ALLM, making it appealing to gamers.

Samsung The Frame LS03D

Our verdict

Advantages

Disadvantages

Competing TVs in this price range

TV appearance

Buy in the best price

Contrast and black detail

HDR effect quality

Factory color reproduction

Color reproduction after calibration

Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Blur and motion smoothness

Console compatibility and gaming features

Input lag

Compatibility with PC

Viewing angles

TV efficiency during daytime

Details about the matrix

TV features

Playing files from USB

Apps

Sound

Samsung The Frame review – exceptional functionality

Samsung The Frame – picture quality