Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) vs Samsung The Frame 2025 (LS03F)

Direct compare

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Sony Bravia 8 (XR80)
$2 498

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Samsung The Frame 2025 (LS03F)
$2 024

BRAVIA 8 / XR80

The Frame / LS03FAU

Info

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”

Available screen sizes: 43”50”55”65”

Panel type: WRGB OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Tizen

Model year: 2025

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

7.8

7.0

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    7.6

    6.8

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    8.0

    6.5

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    8.1

    6.4

  • Gaming on console

    8.8

    8.3

  • TV as a computer monitor

    7.6

    8.2

  • Watching in bright light

    5.6

    6.3

  • Utility functions

    9.4

    7.2

  • Apps

    9.6

    8.7

  • Sound quality

    7.5

    6.0

Advantages

  • Excellent contrast

  • Google TV – intuitive system, easy access to applications, backlit remote.

  • Very good motion smoothness – 120 Hz, advanced smoothing system.

  • Great Dolby Vision support

  • Very good viewing angles

  • Superb built-in audio system

  • The matte display effectively reduces reflections

  • Customization options for the screen with interchangeable frames + art mode

  • Free accessories in the form of a wall mount + OneConnect module

  • High native contrast

  • Decent brightness

  • High refresh rate - 120/144Hz

  • Lots of features for gamers - VRR, ALLM, Gamebar, proprietary motion smoother working in games

Disadvantages

No like
  • Poor gradation – visible connections on dark and light colors

  • Brightness during the day – better for night sessions than for use in daylight

  • Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports - one of which is ARC.

  • No HGiG mode – makes it difficult to set HDR accurately on the console.

  • No DTS support – requires additional equipment for certain films from Blu-ray discs.

  • Paid image mode

Our verdict

The Bravia 8 is Sony’s flagship OLED model for 2024, aimed at attracting image quality enthusiasts. This television delivers outstanding picture quality with OLED’s hallmark deep blacks, vivid, precise colours, and infinite contrast, creating a highly realistic viewing experience. Dark scenes are presented with perfect black levels, while brighter elements are rendered with impressive detail, giving each frame a distinctive cinematic feel. With a 120 Hz refresh rate, the Bravia 8 ensures excellent motion fluidity, making it ideal for sports, gaming, and fast-paced movie scenes. Its ability to provide a ghost-free image allows viewers to appreciate fine details even during rapid action sequences, a feature that will particularly appeal to fans of dynamic content. Running on the Google TV platform, the Bravia 8 offers an intuitive, fast, and user-friendly interface. This system provides seamless access to popular applications and favourite content. The clear and responsive interface enhances the viewing experience, making navigation smooth and straightforward. The practical, backlit remote control adds further convenience and can be charged via USB-C, distinguishing it from traditional battery-powered remotes. This thoughtful design ensures easy use, even in low-light conditions. However, despite its strengths, the Bravia 8 does have some limitations. With an SDR brightness level of 330 nits, it may not perform optimally in very bright rooms, potentially leading to reflections or a less vivid display in strong ambient light. Users who valued the superior gradation in earlier Sony models may find this a minor drawback. Additionally, the television features only two HDMI 2.1 ports, which could be limiting for gamers who use multiple consoles or other high-bandwidth devices. Overall, the Sony Bravia 8 is a premium OLED television that excels in most areas. Its superb picture quality, advanced gaming features, and solid sound performance make it an excellent choice for a reliable OLED model in 2024. While there are some areas for improvement, particularly in SDR brightness and connectivity, the Bravia 8’s overall performance and features make it a compelling option for both everyday use and immersive viewing experiences.

Samsung The Frame 2025 is a TV unlike any other – and even though competition has emerged for it, it still does it best. The matte display, flush mounting to the wall, and one thin cable thanks to the One Connect module make the device look more like a painting than any other screen. The Art Store app still offers the best scanned artwork on the market (even if it's subscription-based), and with interchangeable frames, we can adapt the TV to the interior almost like a piece of furniture. As for the image itself, because we are also talking about a regular TV, there are no significant changes, but also no disappointments compared to last year's model LS03D. The Frame still offers high native contrast and solid brightness at 600 nits, which combined with the matte coating provides very comfortable use during the day. The colors are not as vibrant as on glossy screens, but against the backdrop of competing matte constructions – it performs the best. A novelty is the 144 Hz refresh rate, though in practice, mainly PC gamers will benefit from it. And indeed – in terms of features for gamers, The Frame has almost everything: low input lag, variable refresh rate (VRR) support, automatic game mode (ALLM), Game Bar, and a unique motion smoother designed for gaming. Unfortunately, not everything is as perfect as it might seem. Why? Because the HGiG mode is suddenly missing from the latest version of the Tizen system. And here Samsung really should respond, as for many gamers this is a crucial element of screen selection. And we fully understand that. Although LS03F The Frame 2025 doesn’t bring major revolutions, it is still a unique TV that, apart from its appearance, offers quite a solid picture and extensive gaming features. It’s just a shame that year after year we also encounter new compromises.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
3 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x HDMI 2.1 (40Gbps)
Other inputs
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz
Build quality
Premium
Premium
Stand type
Legs
Legs
Stand type
stand-type-Black
stand-type-Changeable Frame
Stand
stand-Height Adjustment, stand-Base Adjustment
stand-Height Adjustment
FlatDesign
Nie
Yes
Accessories
accessories-Two remote controls, accessories-Stand
accessories-Stand, accessories-Wall Bracket, accessories-OneConnect Box

Contrast and black detail

10/10

6/10

Local dimming function: No

Contrast:

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Samsung The Frame 2025 (LS03F) Contrast and black detail

Result

4,800:1

Review Samsung The Frame 2025 (LS03F) Contrast and black detail

Result

4,750:1

Review Samsung The Frame 2025 (LS03F) Contrast and black detail

Result

14,900:1

Review Samsung The Frame 2025 (LS03F) Contrast and black detail

Result

4,500:1

Review Samsung The Frame 2025 (LS03F) Contrast and black detail

Result

4,300:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

The Sony Bravia 8 television, equipped with an OLED matrix, delivers exceptional picture quality with outstanding black levels and contrast. Thanks to OLED technology, each pixel emits its own light, ensuring deep blacks and precise light reproduction. During testing with scenes from films like Oblivion and The Revenant, the Bravia 8 showcased impeccable separation between light and dark elements, producing detailed and lifelike images, even in challenging high-contrast scenarios. This performance places the Bravia 8 among the top models in its class.

The year 2025 looks quite interesting when it comes to lifestyle TVs. Why? Because Samsung has prepared two versions of the iconic model The Frame – one regular and another with the "Pro" label. In this review, we take a look at the version without "Pro," which – as will soon become evident – is quite significant. The regular model LS03F does not feature any local dimming technology, unlike its more expensive sibling. This is important because it affects not only the overall picture quality but primarily how this TV handles black levels.

The VA panel used in The Frame 2025 has a high native contrast – and this obviously works to its advantage. In the tested movie scenes, details in the dark parts of the image were clearly visible; nothing blended together, and it didn’t create a uniform black/bright spot. For the average viewer, this will be more than sufficient. But of course, not everything is perfect. The lack of local dimming causes the black levels on this TV not to be perfectly deep – it resembles a dark navy more than pitch black. Additionally, in our tested unit, we noticed slight backlighting in the right part of the screen, but this may just be the "beauty of the specimen" rather than a rule. Theoretically, one could try to improve the perception of blacks by backlighting the screen – for example, with an LED strip – but in the case of The Frame, this is rather impossible because this TV is meant to sit flush against the wall like a painting. So to achieve better blacks visible to our eyes, we are forced to watch the LS03F with the lights on. Such is the charm of this technology.

HDR effect quality

6.8/10

6/10

Supported formats
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 99.0%, Bt.2020: 74.0%
DCI P3: 91.5%, Bt.2020: 72.2%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Brightness measurement

Result

849 nit

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Brightness measurement

Result

865 nit

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Brightness measurement

Result

888 nit

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Brightness measurement

Result

880 nit

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Brightness measurement

Result

469 nit

Review Samsung The Frame 2025 (LS03F) Brightness measurement

Result

642 nit

Review Samsung The Frame 2025 (LS03F) Brightness measurement

Result

589 nit

Review Samsung The Frame 2025 (LS03F) Brightness measurement

Result

574 nit

Review Samsung The Frame 2025 (LS03F) Brightness measurement

Result

584 nit

Review Samsung The Frame 2025 (LS03F) Brightness measurement

Result

631 nit

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

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

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: HDR10+

HDR luminance chart:

Samsung The Frame 2025 (LS03F)

Luminancja HDR

Luminance of RGB colors

Sony Bravia 8 (XR80)

Luminancja HDR

Luminance of RGB colors

The Sony Bravia 8 performs commendably in terms of HDR brightness, reaching a peak of 880 nits. This level is sufficient to render lighting effects effectively in most scenes. In tested clips from Life of Pi and Sicario 2, the television demonstrated vibrant, detailed imagery that captured the atmosphere of these films beautifully.

However, challenges arise in scenes with consistently high brightness, such as in The Meg, where the display's limitations become apparent. In these situations, OLED technology can struggle, with brightness levels dropping to around 450 nits, which can be less satisfying when intense illumination is needed throughout a scene. Despite this, the Sony Bravia 8 remains a strong contender, offering excellent DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage and 74% BT.2020 coverage. These attributes result in rich, accurate colours and fine details, enhancing HDR content and providing an enjoyable viewing experience.

The Frame LS03F is a television that can surprise with its brightness. The maximum luminance reaches around 650 nits, which already looks solid on paper. But as we know, lab tests are one thing, and real movie scenes tell a completely different story. When watching HDR content in natural conditions, The Frame 2025 maintains very good results. In most film scenes, peak brightness remained at levels of 550–650 nits. This is enough to feel the difference between standard image quality and that of HDR – bright highlights, reflections on water, and moonlight appear clear and impressive.

It’s also worth noting that the LS03F is a QLED television, which translates to solid color saturation. The coverage of the DCI-P3 color space reaches about 92%, allowing for vibrant, intense colors in HDR content. It may not be at the level of top premium models, but for a lifestyle screen, the result truly deserves recognition.

Factory color reproduction

7.2/10

7.1/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The best factory mode on the Sony Bravia 8 television is IMAX Enhanced, offering the most cinematic experience, though it isn't perfectly calibrated. The TV attempts to replicate cinematic settings as accurately as possible, but some issues are evident. Starting with white balance, both for SDR and 4K content, there is a noticeable blue dominance, making the image appear too cold and lacking in natural warmth. Colour Checker tests reveal a shift towards cooler tones, affecting colour accuracy and making the image feel less lifelike.

Regarding brightness and contrast, the gamma shows a significant drop towards the end of the spectrum, meaning dark details may become too shadowed, and bright areas too intense, causing a loss of subtlety and detail. This is particularly noticeable in the sky, as seen in the comparison image. Additionally, the EOTF curve is considerably above the reference value, making bright elements overly intense. As a result, users may experience an unnatural image, with bright parts losing detail and negatively impacting the overall viewing quality.

When it comes to image quality right out of the box, even in Filmmaker mode, which is supposed to be the closest to reference, there were issues. In both HD and 4K HDR content, we noticed noticeable deviations in white balance. The image was heavily skewed towards red and blue, giving the screen a characteristic rosy tint. This effect was most visible in bright scenes – for example, in shots with a lot of white, where neutral light should naturally dominate. In such moments, the screen clearly leaned towards pink tones, which can also be seen in the attached comparison photo. As for brightness characteristics – it wasn't as bad as one might expect given such color inaccuracies. Analysis of the gamma curve and EOTF showed a slight brightening of the image compared to the reference, but not enough to drastically affect the perception of the material.

Color reproduction after calibration

8.2/10

8/10

The calibration process of the Sony Bravia 8 television resulted in significant improvements in image quality. The white balance was notably enhanced for both SDR and 4K HDR content, with minimal errors in the middle section of the graph. Gamma calibration was one of the biggest improvements, eliminating previous dips that had impacted brightness stability and the reproduction of detail in dark areas. The EOTF curve was also corrected, making bright elements appear more natural and improving the overall tonal balance.

However, the most attention should be given to colour reproduction, where some issues persist despite calibration. Sony has omitted the CMS system in this model, which would allow for more precise colour control. As a result, the Colour Checker test for 4K content still reveals significant colour inaccuracies. Despite these limitations, calibration is still recommended, as the improvements in brightness and contrast are noticeable and greatly enhance the overall image quality.

After calibration, the movie mode gained a completely new quality. The issue of pink tint, which had previously been clearly visible, especially in bright scenes, was effectively eliminated. Colors began to look much more natural, and the white balance no longer dominated the rest of the image. It was no longer the same exaggerated “box picture” – everything gained coherence and a cinematic character. Additionally, the tendency of the television to slightly brighten scenes, previously visible in the EOTF curve analysis, was partially corrected. Of course, this was within the limits of what the design allows without local dimming – it’s hard to speak of perfect brightness management here. Nevertheless, the final effect was definitely closer to what one would expect from a mode called Filmmaker.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

5/10

9/10

In 4K materials, the gradation is notably poor and disappointing. Visible seams are apparent in dark and light colours, detracting from the image quality and diminishing the overall viewing experience of high-resolution content. This is a notable weakness, as Sony's processors have typically excelled in this area, but it appears to be a failure this time.

In terms of the fluidity of tonal transitions, the LS03F maintains a high level – just like last year’s models. The television had no issues during the testing of more challenging movie scenes, where visible transitions between color shades can easily occur. The color grading is very good here – both in the lighter and darker parts of the image. We did not observe the typical banding effect or other disturbances that could stand out while watching movies. If we had to nitpick, in the most demanding scenes – with subtle transitions and delicate gradients – small imperfections can be noticed. But only when one gets really close to the screen and begins to analyze the image from a distance not intended by the manufacturer.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6.1/10

6.7/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
OK
No
Smooth transition function
No
OK

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

The fluidity of tonal transitions in lower-quality materials on the Bravia 8 is lacking. Unfortunately, the gentle gradation function, which was available in previous models, is missing, which is a significant drawback. The digital noise reduction feature can improve tonal transitions, but it often removes fine details, such as clouds in scenes from The Martian, which may not be to everyone's taste. On the other hand, the digital processing in the Sony XR80 is quite effective. In test scenes, it performed well without noticeable flaws, and the branches in the background remained smooth without jagged edges. This indicates that the Bravia 8 is capable of handling complex low-resolution image details with relative ease.

The LS03F is equipped with the NQ4 processor, which is responsible for improving image quality—especially in lower-quality materials. In practice, it works surprisingly well, particularly with older content and recordings with lower resolution. Activating the "noise reduction" feature yields noticeable effects. The television effectively smooths tonal transitions and removes digital noise that can appear in darker areas of the image. Compared to previous generations, there is a clear improvement—previously, this feature often smoothed everything too much, including details that it shouldn't have removed. In this year's model, the smoothing still occurs, but it is done in a much more acceptable manner. Textures of materials, skin, or fabric details are no longer so heavily muted as before—the image retains more naturalness. However, this does not change the fact that film grain is still removed by the television, which may not be to everyone's liking. On the other hand, it is no longer as aggressive an intervention as in previous models. It is also worth mentioning that the LS03F may struggle with very weak signals—such as recordings from VHS tapes or video in low resolution. In such cases, we noticed slight clipping of the image at the edges—so-called overscan. This can lead to situations where a small part of the image (e.g., subtitles at the bottom edge) gets cut off.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.5/10

6.9/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
120Hz
144Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
BFI function 120Hz
Nie
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
48%
43%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Image flickers in this mode

Image flickers in this mode

The Sony Bravia 8 offers a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz, ensuring smooth viewing of dynamic content such as sports and games, with sharp and fluid motion. For more demanding users, the Sony XR80 features an advanced motion smoothing system, divided into three settings: Smoothness (Film), Smoothness (Camera), and Clarity. The first two settings adjust the level of blur and smoothness, while the Clarity setting will be discussed in more detail below. Each of these parameters can be customised to suit individual preferences, allowing users to fine-tune the settings for the optimal viewing experience.

A novelty in The Frame for 2025 is the panel with a refresh rate of 144 Hz. Yes – in a television primarily associated with displaying artwork, you can now not only watch Van Gogh but also comfortably play on a console or follow dynamic sports action. This is a definite step towards greater versatility. In the case of Samsung films, as usual in models with a 120 Hz panel and above, it allows you to adjust motion smoothness according to your own preferences. You can set a more cinematic representation while maintaining frame rate or opt for full motion smoothing. The range of options is wide, allowing you to tailor the effect to your taste – whether the viewing experience is meant to resemble classic cinema or a presentation on a modern theater panel.

*this part of the test refers to the model LS03FAU in sizes 55 and 65 inches, which is equipped with a 144Hz panel; the 43 and 50-inch sizes have 60Hz panels, and therefore perform much worse in terms of motion smoothness.

Console compatibility and gaming features

8.1/10

8.1/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 120Hz
    48 - 144Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    No
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    No
    No
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    No
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

The Sony Bravia 8 has greatly improved its compatibility with consoles compared to earlier models. It supports variable refresh rate (VRR), which eliminates screen tearing and can sync with graphics cards for smooth visuals. The Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) reduces input lag, a crucial feature for fast-paced games. Additionally, Dolby Vision with low latency enhances HDR effects, offering stunning visuals during gameplay.

The Sony XR80 also includes a Game Bar, which provides quick access to settings and monitoring tools during gaming. A notable feature is the option to enable a virtual crosshair on the screen, giving players a potential advantage in shooter games.

However, there are some drawbacks. The TV lacks support for 1440p@120Hz resolution, which would benefit users with less powerful graphics cards. Furthermore, the Sony XR80 has only two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which is typically used for connecting an audio system via eARC, limiting the number of available ports for next-gen consoles.

As we mentioned earlier – although The Frame likely displays images and works of art most of the time, Samsung has recognized that a Van Gogh enthusiast can just as easily be an avid gamer. And it must be admitted that The Frame 2025 has almost everything it needs to become a fully-fledged gaming television.

On board, we find support for ALLM (automatic game mode) and variable refresh rate (VRR) thanks to the implementation of one HDMI 2.1 port. The television handles lower resolutions at higher refresh rates without any issues and features an expanded Game Bar – already known from other Samsung models – which allows for quick previewing and changing of the most important gaming-related settings. For this, it earns additional points from us. The proprietary motion smoother Auto Motion Plus Game also deserves special mention, which – and it's worth emphasizing – works without increasing input lag. Samsung remains the only manufacturer that has managed to implement this feature in a practically noticeable way in terms of delays. The result? Much better fluidity in games, especially those that struggle to maintain stable 60 frames. This solution can realistically improve the gaming experience in more demanding titles – especially on consoles that don’t always manage full fluidity, especially in AAA games.

As for the downsides – the lack of Dolby Vision is already considered standard in Samsung televisions, so there's nothing to particularly complain about here. However, the problem is something entirely different. In the latest version of the Tizen system, the HGiG option has disappeared. Literally – it's not there. This is a significant setback when configuring a console for proper HDR content display in games. It’s hard to understand why such a decision was made, but one thing is certain – this should be fixed as soon as possible. We are talking about a brand that has set standards for gaming on televisions for years. If HGiG comes back – and we hope that it will – The Frame LS03F can confidently aspire to be a true gaming television. Not just as a decoration on the wall, but as equipment that really provides joy in gaming.

Input lag

10/10

10/10

SDR

1080p60
13 ms
13 ms
1080p120
5 ms
8 ms
2160p60
13 ms
13 ms
2160p120
5 ms
8 ms

HDR

2160p60
13 ms
13 ms
2160p120
5 ms
8 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
14 ms
2160p120 DV
5 ms

The low input lag on the Sony Bravia 8 is certainly a standout feature, with a remarkable 13 ms providing exceptional responsiveness. The Dolby Vision mode also deserves praise, as it performs exceptionally well on this model. Unlike many other manufacturers, where Dolby Vision often underperforms, it delivers its full potential here, enhancing the gaming experience.

In terms of input lag, Samsung maintains a high standard – and it's a very high one. The LS03F, like most of this year's models from this brand, achieves a score of 8 ms for 4K content, which is almost a reference value. This result allows you to play even the most dynamic titles without delays and with full responsiveness. Well done!

Compatibility with PC

7.6/10

8.2/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Very Good
Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Average
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
5ms
8ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
RWBG
BGR
Max refresh rate
120Hz
144Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

The Sony Bravia 8 works very well with computers, much like most WOLED matrix televisions. Font readability is excellent, making it comfortable to work with documents or browse websites. The impressive 5 ms input lag ensures excellent responsiveness during gameplay. The only downside is that fonts on a dark background appear slightly dimmed.

The collaboration of The Frame 2025 with a computer poses no major issues. Let's start with gaming, as this is where this model shows its strengths – support for a 144 Hz signal, low input lag, and compatibility with G-Sync technology (for NVIDIA cards) make it hard not to consider it a fully-fledged gaming monitor. It is one of the more interesting "PC gaming" TVs available on the market in this class.

When it comes to daily work, the situation looks just as good. The Frame easily handles chroma 4:4:4, which translates to good font readability and overall user comfort. We only noticed minor issues with dimming very thin lines and dark details on a bright background – this effect may occur particularly when working with small interface elements. However, in practice, with a 55-inch screen and standard office working distance, it will be difficult to notice this problem realistically. Nonetheless, it's worth keeping this in mind if the television is to serve as a monitor not only for entertainment but also for precise work with graphics or text.

Viewing angles

7.3/10

3.5/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
28%
70%

The viewing angles on the Sony Bravia 8 are excellent, as expected from an OLED TV. The image retains its colours and contrasts even when viewed from wide angles. The only models that outperform it in this area are those equipped with MLA (Meta-Lens Array) technology and QD-OLED, which provide even wider viewing angles and superior image quality at extreme angles.

As one could expect from a VA panel, the viewing angles on The Frame 2025 are at best average. The image loses saturation and contrast when viewed off-angle. It’s a pity, because we are talking about a model that displays digital artworks while in standby mode—and it is precisely in such moments that wide viewing angles would make the most sense, enhancing the feeling of being in the presence of a real image, rather than just its screen imitation.

Perhaps in the future, manufacturers will decide to introduce special coatings or modified versions of VA panels that will improve this aspect—because in the case of lifestyle televisions, it would have real significance not only in terms of usability but also aesthetics.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.6/10

6.3/10

Matrix coating
Glare
Matte
Reflection suppression
Good
Very Good
Black levels during daytime
Very Good
Poor

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Samsung The Frame 2025 (LS03F): 596 cd/m2

Sony Bravia 8 (XR80): 335 cd/m2

The glossy matrix on the Sony Bravia 8 effectively reduces reflections, although they take on a slightly bluish hue. However, the brightness level of 330 nits is not particularly impressive, making this TV better suited for evening viewing. During the day, to ensure optimal image quality, it's advisable to close the windows to minimise the impact of external light.

One of the most characteristic features of The Frame is its matte display – and it must be admitted that Samsung has really refined this aspect. From our experience, this is one of the best solutions for reducing reflections, especially direct ones. If reflections on the screen can be irritating, it will be hard to find a better display in this budget than the matte panel used in Samsung TVs. Of course, this comes with a certain compromise. In very strong sunlight, colors may appear slightly washed out, and the image loses some depth. However, this is something we consciously accept when choosing a matte screen – something for something. In practice, the colors and contrast on Samsung's matte screen still perform better than on Chinese models like TCL NXT Vision or Hisense Canvas TV. If effectively reducing reflections and the desire to use the TV also as a 'digital picture' in bright rooms are priorities, it’s hard to find a better choice.

The Frame achieves about 600 nits of brightness, which, combined with the matte coating, allows the TV to handle well-lit daytime conditions without any issues. It may not reach the level of flagship models, but in everyday use – in a living room with plenty of light – it performs seamlessly.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
QLED
Software version during testing
112.624.140.1EUA
T-PTMFDEUC-0090-1110.7, E2500007, BT-S
Image processor
mt5897 6gb ram

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:

Sony Bravia 8 (XR80)

Samsung The Frame 2025 (LS03F)

TV features

9.4/10

7.2/10

  • HDMI inputs
    2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 48Gbps
    3 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x HDMI 2.1 40Gbps
  • Outputs
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
  • Network Interfaces
    Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
    Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C

Classic features:

  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    Yes
    No
  • Recording programming
    Yes
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    No
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Backlit remote control
    Yes
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker
    Yes
    Yes

Smart features:

  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Wyszukiwanie głosowe
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes

The Sony Bravia 8 runs on the Google TV system, offering an intuitive and user-friendly interface with access to an extensive range of applications. The interface is well-designed, with easy access to apps and features. The remote, similar to those from Korean competitors, can be charged via a USB-C port and is backlit, making it much easier to use in low-light conditions.

The TV provides a broad range of features that will satisfy most users. The Sony XR80 allows for program recording and easy connection to external devices via Bluetooth. However, it lacks the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature, which would enable simultaneous viewing of two image sources—a feature that could be useful in certain situations.

The design of the television is impressive, featuring a sturdy metal frame that adds an elegant touch. It stands on two adjustable feet, allowing for customisation of both width and height, making it easy to place a soundbar beneath the screen. While the Sony Bravia 8 is not the thinnest OLED on the market, its high-quality materials and meticulous finish ensure it presents well.

Classic TV Features

In terms of classic features, The Frame does not stand out in any way compared to the competition. There is no USB recording option or PiP (picture in picture) feature, which may be disappointing for some users. On the other hand, the TV allows for simultaneous use of speakers and headphones, which can be useful – especially for older users. The EPG, or electronic program guide, is quite readable, and despite the lack of traditional buttons on the remote, we managed to launch even the teletext. In everyday use, the basic functions work smoothly and without significant complaints.

Smart System – Tizen and Apps

The Frame 2025 runs on the Tizen operating system, which has been considered one of the most refined Smart TV solutions on the market for years. It is a system designed for devices that are more than just a television – and it was created with that spirit in mind. Tizen offers full integration with external devices – supporting both Apple AirPlay and Miracast. With the SmartThings app, it is possible to control not only the television but also other devices within the smart home. Since last year, Samsung has also been developing its own voice assistant with support for the Polish language, which significantly facilitates operation. However, the greatest strength of the Smart system in The Frame remains the Art Gallery app. Although access to it is paid (via subscription), it offers the best art scans on the market – we are talking about scans, not just ordinary photos. As a result, the effect of a digital artwork hanging on the wall looks much better than in any other lifestyle TV.

Playing files from USB

8.7/10

9.1/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
Yes
No
PNG
No
Yes
GIF
No
No
WebP
No
No
TIFF
No
No
BMP
No
Yes
SVG
No
No

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
Yes
Yes
6 Mpix
Yes
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
Yes
Yes
12 Mpix
Yes
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
Yes
Yes
24 Mpix
Yes
Yes
28 Mpix
Yes
Yes
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

The Sony Bravia 8 will satisfy most users for multimedia playback. The built-in player supports the most popular video and audio formats, ensuring seamless access to a wide variety of content. While there are some limitations with photo playback, the Google TV system allows users to install alternative players that should address these issues.

During testing, we did not notice any major problems with playing files from a USB memory. The TV handled both video materials and photos well. Of course, there are some exceptions – for example, lack of support for the HEIC format (used by Apple devices) – but it’s hard to consider this surprising. On the plus side, there is full support for high-resolution photos – the TV displays files with a high number of megapixels without any issues, which may be particularly important for those who want to treat The Frame as a digital frame as well. However, during testing, we noticed a limitation regarding subtitles – the TV only properly handled files in the .txt format. It's worth keeping this in mind and ensuring that the downloaded subtitles for movies are saved in this format, otherwise they may simply not display.

Apps

9.6/10

8.7/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
HBO_MAX
OK
Kodi
No
Apple_music
OK
Eleven_sports
No
Xbox Game Pass
OK
GeForce Now!
No
Amazon Luna
OK
Boosteroid
OK
Steam Link
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
HBO_MAX
No
Kodi
OK
Apple_music
No
Eleven_sports
OK
Xbox Game Pass
OK
GeForce Now!
OK
Amazon Luna
OK
Boosteroid
No
Steam Link

Sound

7.5/10

6/10

  • Maximum volume
    -
    -
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1
    Yes
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD
    Yes
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA
    Yes
    No
  • DTS-HD Master Audio
    Yes
    No

The Bravia 8 has a 50W sound system in a 2.2.1 configuration, featuring speakers mounted behind the screen under the Acoustic Surface Audio system. The sound is pleasant and well-balanced, perfectly complementing the image. In terms of audio format support, the Sony Bravia 8 performs excellently, playing all popular codecs without issues and delivering a rich, immersive audio experience.

For such a slim TV, the sound is quite good. It's full, sufficient for everyday viewing, but without much excitement – typical for flat designs. There's not much bass, although at times it can be heard. The speakers in a 2.0.2 configuration have a total power of 40 W (in the 55+ inch version). Unfortunately, the TV does not support DTS format, so when watching films with that audio, external equipment, such as a home theater system, must be used. You can connect a soundbar, and thanks to the Q-Symphony feature, the TV plays along with it. Samsung also offers visually matching models to The Frame like S700D or S800D, but they are sold separately. (This shouldn't surprise anyone😉).