Katarzyna Petru
TCL is entering a new round of competition with Samsung. The manufacturer has announced the Nxtvision A400 Pro model – a television that is finally set to stand on par with The Frame Pro, and even surpass it in terms of picture quality. This time it’s not just another “frame,” but a full-fledged miniLED screen with true local dimming.
So far, TCL has competed with The Frame using the Nxtvision A300 series, previously known as Nxtframe. Just like Samsung, the Chinese company relied on a matte LCD panel that turns into a digital gallery when the television is turned off. However, a major step forward is now on the horizon.
Real miniLED vs edge-lit miniLED from Samsung
The Frame Pro introduced miniLED to the frame series, but in practice, it turned out that it is not the classic miniLED known from higher models. Samsung opted for edge lighting there, which offers virtually no local dimming zones. The result? Brightness is higher, but contrast control remains similar to cheaper edge-lit LED TVs.
TCL A400 Pro takes a completely different approach. It features miniLED with real local dimming and a quantum dot layer, which places this model closer to the high-end LCD range. Despite the true local dimming, the design is still surprisingly slim – 4 to 4.5 cm deep. TCL has not yet revealed the number of zones, but everything suggests that there will be significantly more than the "symbolic zero" found in The Frame Pro.
Less art, but TCL is hot on its heels
Samsung's biggest advantage still lies in its gigantic library of artworks. Over 4000 images from museums and cultural institutions around the world is an offering that TCL – at least today – cannot surpass. Nxtvision has over 100 available graphics, but the brand emphasizes that it is intensively developing its resources and takes the art-TV line very seriously. The launch of the A400 Pro model is a clear signal that TCL intends to finalise this competition in 2026.
Specifications don’t disappoint
The A400 Pro comes with a full suite of premium features for discerning viewers and gamers. Support for 144 Hz, and even 288 Hz at reduced resolution, HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, WiFi 6, and a full range of audio formats with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X provide a solid foundation for many years. It is equipped with Onkyo speakers, although at this time it’s unclear if TCL remains in collaboration with B&O, which co-created the audio in the current Nxtvision Pro model.
Many sizes and global debut in 2026
The television will hit the market in 55, 65, 75, 85, and even 98-inch versions. The launch is planned for China, but everything indicates that the A400 Pro will also appear in Europe and America next year. We should hear more details in January at the CES 2026 trade show.
TCL is gearing up for a strong opening of the new season. If the manufacturer delivers picture quality on par with its best miniLEDs, The Frame Pro may gain a truly serious competitor for the first time in history – and in a segment that Samsung has practically had to itself until now.
