Xiaomi S Mini 2025 vs Samsung The Frame 2026 (LS03H)

Direct comparison

The Frame / LS03HAU

Info

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”

Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

Complete the survey to find out the result

Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Tizen

Model year: 2026

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

7.0

7.1

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    6.3

    6.7

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    6.5

    6.4

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.4

    6.3

  • Gaming on console

    8.4

    8.8

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.2

    8.0

  • Watching in bright light

    7.3

    6.7

  • Utility functions

    4.7

    7.7

  • Apps

    9.6

    9.3

  • Sound quality

    6.8

    6.0

Advantages

  • VA panel with MiniLED backlighting – good contrast and deep blacks

  • High brightness (841 cd/m²) – great visibility even in bright rooms

  • Support for multiple HDR formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10+

  • Good motion fluidity - High refresh rate

  • Low input lag – perfect for gaming

  • Google TV system – versatile and extensive with wide access to applications

  • The remote does not require aiming at the screen

  • Pleasant sound with slight bass

  • Support for audio formats: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

  • Matte screen coating, works great in a bright living room

  • Unique on-wall picture design

  • One Connect module makes connecting devices easier

  • Wall mount included

  • Art Mode with motion sensor

  • Ability to change frame colors

  • High brightness, about 650 nits

  • Vivid colors, QLED

  • High refresh rates: 144 Hz at 4K and 240 Hz at Full HD

  • Extensive gaming features: VRR, ALLM, HGiG, FreeSync, G-Sync, and low input lag

  • Tizen with a large selection of apps, AirPlay, and SmartThings

Disadvantages

No like
  • Errors in the translation of the TV menu

  • Problems with aggressive dimming algorithms - noticeable in dynamic scenes

  • Image scaling and tone transition enhancement features are unstable

  • No local dimming – average blacks and contrast

  • VA panel smearing (especially on dark backgrounds)

  • Only one HDMI 2.1 port

  • Full access to Art Store requires an additional subscription

  • Average, fairly flat sound

Our verdict

Xiaomi, well known as a giant in the smartphone market, has decided to compete for the attention of high-end technology enthusiasts by presenting a MiniLED backlit television. Model S MiniLED 2025 looks really impressive on paper. A huge number of dimming zones ensures excellent contrast, and the brightness, reaching impressive values, can impress in both high-quality HDR materials and older SDR. The TV performs excellently where motion smoothness is key. The 120 Hz panel and low input lag make it a good choice not only for sports fans but also for gamers. Support for features like ALLM or GameBar further enhances the gaming experience. Google TV on this television works as it should – fast, smoothly, without unnecessary stutters, which we couldn't say about the model A Pro 2025. Additionally, with such a vast application library, it will satisfy even the most demanding users. However, not everything looks as good in practice. Despite solid hardware specifications, the TV has its issues. The biggest problem lies in the algorithms managing the dimming zones, which can be quite annoying when watching movies in the evening. The operation of individual zones is too visible in dynamic scenes, which can effectively draw our attention away from the image. Problems also arise in more demanding HDR scenes. Small, bright elements often lose brightness, which spoils the effect that should be provided by the highest quality image. The system is also not free from shortcomings – image enhancement features in lower quality materials work unevenly, and some options in Google TV are poorly translated or even untranslated. Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 has enormous potential, but in its current form, it seems underutilized. It is clear that Xiaomi wanted to create something really good, but several significant shortcomings make the final effect mixed. A device with high aspirations that needs better software to truly shine. It is an ideal television for brighter rooms, where high screen brightness plays a key role, and the issues with local dimming become less noticeable. It will also work perfectly as a screen for gamers and for those who value versatility and functionality in the Google TV system.

Samsung The Frame 2026 is still a TV aimed at a fairly specific type of buyer. If your main priority is having a screen that looks good in your interior, hangs almost flush against the wall, and doesn’t simply turn into a large black rectangle when switched off, there are very few TVs on the market that execute this idea quite as well. The matte screen, interchangeable bezels, external One Connect box, and extensive Art Mode allow The Frame to genuinely become part of the room rather than just another TV sitting in the living room. And that’s exactly where we see its biggest appeal.

Importantly, though, that doesn’t mean design is all you’re getting. The Frame performs really well in bright rooms. Its matte coating is very effective at reducing reflections, brightness reaching around 650 nits is enough for comfortable daytime viewing, and the wide colour gamut means colourful content, animation, and brighter HDR scenes can look very impressive. On top of that, there’s 144Hz support at 4K and, for the first time, up to 240Hz at Full HD. VRR, ALLM, FreeSync, G-Sync, HGiG, low input lag, and an extensive Game Bar make The Frame a much more capable gaming TV than its “artistic” character might suggest.

The biggest compromises become apparent when you look at it as a TV primarily intended for home cinema. The Frame has no local dimming, so blacks become noticeably raised in dark scenes, and this is where the difference compared with good Mini LED and OLED TVs is most obvious. HDR therefore looks best with bright and colourful content, while evening movie sessions in a dark room are definitely not its strongest suit. There is also noticeable motion blur and only one full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 port on the One Connect box, which may be frustrating for some users, especially gamers.

The Frame 2026, then, isn’t a TV for someone looking for the absolute best picture quality in its price range. There are models that offer deeper blacks or a more impactful HDR experience. But if the TV is meant to become part of a well-designed living room, is often used during the day, displays artwork, and at the same time needs to perform well with a wide variety of content, The Frame still makes a lot of sense. Samsung has barely changed its formula here, but it’s easy to see why — the “picture on the wall” concept is still executed extremely well. Owners of the previous model have little reason to upgrade, but for new buyers looking for this particular combination of design and TV functionality, it remains one of the most interesting options on the market.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
1 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
3 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x HDMI 2.1 (40Gbps)
Other inputs
USB-C
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
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, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Build quality
Average
Premium
Stand type
Legs
Legs
Bezel color
Graphite
Changeable Frame
Stand
Fixed
Height adjustment
Flat design
No
Yes
Accessories
Stand
Stand, Wall bracket, One Connect Box

Contrast and black detail

6.8/10

6/10

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 308 (22 x 14)

Local dimming function: No

Contrast:

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

182,000:1

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

38,050:1

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

18,300:1

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

10,150:1

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

5,450:1

Review Samsung The Frame 2026 (LS03H) Contrast and black detail

Result

6,300:1

Review Samsung The Frame 2026 (LS03H) Contrast and black detail

Result

6,800:1

Review Samsung The Frame 2026 (LS03H) Contrast and black detail

Result

5,500:1

Review Samsung The Frame 2026 (LS03H) Contrast and black detail

Result

5,950:1

Review Samsung The Frame 2026 (LS03H) Contrast and black detail

Result

4,050:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

Check the visibility of bright lights on a dark background. Mini-LEDs often struggle with this. The photo does not compare black levels – that’s what the video below is for.

The video accurately shows differences in contrast and black levels between TVs, as well as potential issues: halo around bright objects or Mini-LED zone operation visible as brightness jumps.

Xiaomi S MiniLED is one of the most affordably priced televisions featuring MiniLED technology available on the market. The model we tested in a 55-inch size is equipped with as many as 308 local dimming zones, which is impressive for such a price. Additionally, it uses a VA panel, which naturally offers significantly better contrast than IPS panels. On static test screens, the television performed excellently, achieving an impressive contrast ratio of 182,000:1 in the film Oblivion. The black levels were deep, and details in both bright and dark parts of the image were clearly separated. However, in more demanding scenes, where the image is dynamic, the situation begins to complicate.

Where lies the problem? The main cause is the local dimming algorithms. Although their effects are promising on static images, during film playback – that is, in the television's natural working conditions – they operate too aggressively. In dynamic scenes, such as those from the tested film, one can observe how individual dimming zones "work and flicker," which detracts from the viewer's sense of image coherence. This effect is particularly noticeable in motion, when bright objects move against a dark screen. As a result, although Xiaomi S MiniLED offers a remarkable contrast on paper, in practice the effect is less satisfying. The aggressive operation of the algorithms diminishes the reception of dynamic scenes, making the television average in this category. It is a good example of how MiniLED technology requires not only good specifications but also proper optimization.

Samsung The Frame 2026 uses a VA panel but has no local dimming. That means the TV can't dim selected parts of the screen. The backlight therefore works fairly evenly across the entire panel. The VA panel itself offers an advantage over IPS or ADS screens. Black levels are noticeably better, and the picture doesn't look as washed out when watching in the evening. That said, in terms of contrast The Frame performs rather averagely.

You can see that most clearly in dark scenes. If a bright object appears on a black background, the TV can't lower the light around it. Blacks then turn more navy, and the image loses depth. The same applies to films with black bars. In a dark room it's fairly easy to notice that the bars aren't truly black. In simpler, brighter scenes the issue is much less visible. So for regular TV, sports, or daytime viewing, contrast is unlikely to be a major problem. It looks worse during evening viewing, especially if you've previously used an OLED or a good Mini-LED. The difference in black levels to The Frame's detriment is then very pronounced.

HDR effect quality

4.8/10

6.1/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 93.0%, Bt.2020: 72.0%
DCI P3: 93.7%, Bt.2020: 71.8%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

852 nit

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

140 nit

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

385 nit

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

97 nit

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

1126 nit

Review Samsung The Frame 2026 (LS03H) Brightness measurement

Result

587 nit

Review Samsung The Frame 2026 (LS03H) Brightness measurement

Result

609 nit

Review Samsung The Frame 2026 (LS03H) Brightness measurement

Result

599 nit

Review Samsung The Frame 2026 (LS03H) Brightness measurement

Result

648 nit

Review Samsung The Frame 2026 (LS03H) Brightness measurement

Result

663 nit

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

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

The photos show two HDR10 movies. 'Pan' is one of the brightest productions ever made, while 'Billy Lynn' (soldier) has brightness typical of streaming (Netflix, Prime, HBO MAX). Notice the intensity of effects and detail in whites.

Static HDR10

The photos present the visibility of white details in various HDR formats. They do not show brightness differences between TVs (these can be compared in the previous gallery).

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: HDR10+

The photos present the visibility of white details in various HDR formats. They do not show brightness differences between TVs (these can be compared in the previous gallery).

HDR luminance chart:

Samsung The Frame 2026 (LS03H)

Xiaomi S Mini 2025

Since the Xiaomi S MiniLED boasts an impressive number of 308 dimming zones, it was time to see how it performs in HDR tests. Starting with luminance, or the ability to display bright scenes, the television achieved nearly 1000 nits of brightness – a result that can be considered outstanding in this class. However, do these numbers translate into real experiences in movie scenes? In the case of less demanding shots, like those from the film The Meg, the television indeed showed excellent results, reaching up to 900 nits. Such values are impressive and can truly convey the strength of HDR effects.

Unfortunately, similar to the contrast situation, there were issues. When smaller, brighter elements appear on the screen – as in challenging scenes from Sicario 2 – the aggressive operation of the dimming zones spoils the whole effect. Brightness during these moments drops to just 100 nits. This is definitely too little to capture the full magic of HDR. Instead of a dynamic and detailed image, the viewer gets a muted, almost flat impression, which diminishes the enjoyment of the viewing experience.

In summary, if we are looking for a television with high brightness for watching movies during the day, the Xiaomi S MiniLED will easily fulfill that task. However, its inability to precisely manage dimming zones means that watching movies in the evening, especially in demanding HDR scenes, can be more frustrating than satisfying.

The Frame 2026 is genuinely a bright TV. Its peak brightness reaches about 650 nits and, importantly, similar values are maintained regardless of the type of scene being displayed. So it doesn’t matter much whether we’re watching a very bright full-screen shot or just a small bright element occupying part of the screen. The backlight always has a lot of power, so bright portions of the image are strongly illuminated. That gives The Frame a solid foundation for HDR. Bright highlights can stand out, and the picture doesn’t look flat or too dark. Unfortunately, this is not a solution without compromises. Because it lacks local dimming, the TV cannot darken the blacks next to very bright elements.

This is clearly visible, among other things, in scenes 2 and 4 from our test procedure. Bright areas look intense, but at the same time the blacks around them become noticeably lifted. The picture loses depth as a result, especially when watching in the evening. For that reason The Frame performs best with HDR in bright and moderately bright scenes. There the high backlight brightness works in its favor. In darker shots the situation is the opposite.

Colors

The Frame also performs well in terms of color. It’s a QLED TV, so it can display a wide color gamut and show richly saturated colors. DCI-P3 coverage is around 94%, and BT.2020 about 72%. Those are good numbers and you can see them while watching. Colors are vivid and do not look washed out. It looks best in bright, colorful scenes. Animations or cartoons with lots of saturated hues can look really good on The Frame. In such material the TV shows one of its stronger points.

Factory color reproduction

3.9/10

7.1/10

This gallery shows how colors change after professional TV calibration. If you notice the difference, we recommend ordering this service at SkalibrujTV.com.

Factory Mode

After calibration

This gallery shows how colors change after professional TV calibration. If you notice the difference, we recommend ordering this service at SkalibrujTV.com.

Factory Mode

After calibration

Xiaomi, like many manufacturers, offers a wide range of picture modes. On the S MiniLED, we can find both IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker. We conducted our tests in Filmmaker mode, which theoretically is supposed to reference the original image, but the reality turned out to be somewhat different.

Let's start with the test of SDR materials. Here, the television had quite a few problems, especially with white balance. The clearly visible dominance of red made the image appear too warm, and all colors gained a reddish tint. This was particularly noticeable in a comparative scene from the Star Wars movie. The brightness characteristics (gamma) also left much to be desired – instead of a smooth transition, we had a real "rollercoaster," with a visible excessive brightening of the screen.

In 4K materials, the situation looked much better. The white balance, while still not perfect, was much more balanced, with a slight dominance of red and blue, but without excessive influence on the overall perception. The EOTF curve (responsible for brightness in HDR) showed some brightening in the brightest parts of the image, which was noticeable, for example, in the test scene from the Pan movie that we described above. These brightening effects can disrupt image precision, but in 4K, the overall effect was much more acceptable than in SDR.

Although the Xiaomi S MiniLED can positively surprise in 4K materials, its factory settings in SDR require significant adjustments, especially in terms of white balance and brightness. It is definitely a television that would benefit from calibration.

To evaluate the out-of-the-box colors we chose Filmmaker Mode. If you’re encountering it for the first time, it’s a mode designed to present a movie or series as faithfully as possible. The TV then turns off most additional picture enhancers, and the colors and luminance characteristics are meant to be as close as possible to what the content creators intended. I have to admit that the The Frame 2026 already performs quite well in this regard straight out of the box. The biggest deviation is visible in the white balance. As brightness increases, blue starts to drop off and green increases slightly. As a result the image shifts toward warmer tones. White is therefore not perfectly neutral, and in some scenes you can notice a slightly warmer overall cast.

The luminance response — gamma or EOTF — looks good. Across most of the range they stay fairly close to the target, though in the darkest parts of the image there is a larger deviation. In practice, some details emerging from black may therefore appear a bit more pronounced. That said, it’s not a flaw that jumps out during normal viewing. Overall, Filmmaker Mode is a good starting point here. However, the factory image is a bit too warm and not all hues land exactly where they should.

Color reproduction after calibration

7.7/10

8/10

The photos show how movies look on the TV. Pay attention to black detail visibility, colors, and shadow tint.

The photos show how movies look on the TV. Pay attention to black detail visibility, colors, and shadow tint.

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a television that gains a whole new life after calibration. The results are truly remarkable and show how much potential this model has.

In SDR mode, the white balance is nearly perfectly aligned. The errors are minimal enough that in many cases they can be considered negligible. This is confirmed by the Colour Checker palette results, where the errors did not exceed 2 ΔE – a result that is indeed quite rare. Gamma also looks very good, although at the beginning of the graph, there are slight brightenings in the darkest elements. However, this is a minor exception that does not significantly affect the image perception.

In 4K HDR materials, calibration also brought visible improvements, especially in white balance. The image looks natural and consistent. However, the brightness characteristic remains a problem. EOTF analysis in film materials shows that the television tends to over-brighten or darken the smallest elements on the screen. This is a result of limitations in the dimming algorithms that we previously discussed concerning HDR and contrast testing. Unfortunately, this is a technical feature of this model that cannot be completely eliminated.

Despite this minor flaw, calibration allowed extracting the maximum capabilities from this television. The image now looks phenomenal, and its quality impresses with every type of material. Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 demonstrates that with the right settings, it can compete with more expensive models.

After calibration we mainly managed to remove that warmer cast and better even out the white balance. We also smoothed the brightness response a bit, which made the image more neutral and predictable. However, there are things calibration won't fix. It's mainly the behavior of the blacks, which stems from the backlight design itself and the lack of local dimming. In some scenes blacks will therefore still be slightly lifted, and you'll just have to accept that. That's more a characteristic of this model than something that can be fixed with settings. HDR is also somewhat limited. Samsung doesn't give full freedom to work across the widest color gamut, so not all colors can be reproduced perfectly. In normal viewing you probably won't notice it, but it's worth being aware of.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

8/10

8.5/10

These are selected scenes that show smooth tonal transitions from one color to another. If you see distinct banding, it’s the TV panel’s fault.

These are selected scenes that show smooth tonal transitions from one color to another. If you see distinct banding, it’s the TV panel’s fault.

These are selected scenes that show smooth tonal transitions from one color to another. If you see distinct banding, it’s the TV panel’s fault.

These are selected scenes that show smooth tonal transitions from one color to another. If you see distinct banding, it’s the TV panel’s fault.

The fluidity of tonal transitions in Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is very good. Even in the theoretically most challenging scene with red water, the television performs excellently – we did not notice any significant issues. Minor imperfections appear in scenes such as Kingsman or The Martian, where subtle color transitions can be seen. Nevertheless, Xiaomi stands out in this category, offering one of the best qualities of tonal transitions in its price range. This is definitely a strong point of this television.

Gradation on The Frame 2026 performs well, though not perfectly. In bright tonal transitions you can notice slight issues and occasional mild banding. These are not errors that seriously interfere with normal viewing, but they can be spotted on our test patterns and in more demanding scenes. We would rate the bright gradation itself at roughly 7.5–8 out of 10.

Interestingly, gradation looks much better in the dark parts of the image. Here the transitions are very smooth and it's hard to find clear signs of posterization. This is the opposite of many LCD TVs, where the area around black most often causes bigger problems. However, in photos of dark scenes you can notice some image unevenness. These don't stem from the gradation itself but from panel uniformity and backlight behavior. Unfortunately, in this respect our unit of The Frame wasn't perfect, so in very dark shots it was possible to see brighter and darker backlight patches.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6.7/10

7/10

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

Smooth transition function

The match photo shows how the TV smooths weak tonal transitions in low-quality video.

Image scaling SD (576i)

The model photo shows how it handles upscaling of SD material.

When it comes to color transitions in lower quality materials like YouTube or television, the Xiaomi S MiniLED is equipped with the "Color Contour Removal" feature. In the "low" setting, it works quite well, but its effectiveness can be uneven. Sometimes it seems like the TV struggles with smoothing, which creates a certain dissonance. On the plus side, we did not notice any visible side effects, although given the instability of this feature, one might suspect that unexpected issues could arise in some situations.

Image scaling also performs average. There is slight aliasing, especially on thin elements like branches, and subtitles can appear a bit jagged. While it may not be very bothersome, a more discerning eye will certainly catch these shortcomings. Overall, most users should be satisfied with the scaling and smoothing quality, but the TV may not satisfy those who expect perfection in every frame.

As with many of Samsung’s newer TVs, this one also uses the NQ4 AI processor, only the older, second-generation version. And you have to admit it handles digital image processing quite well. Lower-resolution material is sharpened effectively, and after upscaling to 4K it still looks natural. The TV can also somewhat "tidy up" weaker sources, like older recordings or lower-quality broadcasts. That doesn't, of course, mean it will suddenly turn poor footage into 4K, but at closer viewing distances the difference compared with simpler models with weaker processors is easy to spot. Edges are clearer, and fine details don't get lost as much to signal compression.

Samsung also offers a few additional image-enhancing features, but as usual it's best to use them sparingly. At stronger settings, noise reduction can very effectively reduce posterization, but it also noticeably interferes with the image. The picture then simply starts to look very artificial, for example by heavily smoothing characters' faces. So it makes the most sense with really poor sources when various types of noise are seriously distracting.

Blur and motion smoothness

7/10

6.8/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
240Hz
144Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
No
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
BFI function 120Hz
No
No
Brightness drop with BFI
-%
41%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Image flickers in this mode

Blur ():

Blur (1080p@240Hz):

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is equipped with a display that refreshes at 4K@120Hz (1080p@240Hz), providing sufficient smoothness for both watching dynamic sports broadcasts and playing the latest games. This level of refresh rate makes the image look smooth, even in the most intense scenes. Additionally, the TV offers a "Motion Smoothing" feature that allows users to adjust the way images are displayed in movies. We can choose a more frame-like effect, typical of cinematic experiences, or a smoother one reminiscent of the so-called "theatrical effect." This way, every user can tailor the settings to their preferences and enjoy smooth images in their favorite content.

Samsung again used a panel with a maximum refresh rate of 144 Hz here. Refresh rates up to 120Hz primarily offer more headroom for material with a lot of motion. The TV can use additional motion interpolation systems that can improve smoothness in sports and other fast-moving content. However, a high refresh rate alone does not solve everything. The Frame still uses a VA panel, which has a relatively slow response time, and consequently fairly pronounced motion blur. With fast-moving objects, especially on a dark background, motion trails are easy to notice. There's also a slight doubling of edges, which can be visible even with the additional motion processing systems turned off. We already saw similar behavior in last year’s The Frame 2025, and it’s a pity Samsung hasn’t fixed that element. The 144 Hz itself provides a good foundation, but the panel’s response time still limits this TV.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.8/10

9.6/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 144Hz
    48 - 240Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    No
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a television that has a lot to offer gamers. With two HDMI ports with 48 Gbps bandwidth, we can easily connect modern consoles or PCs, utilizing their full potential. Additionally, the ALLM feature automatically switches the television to low latency mode – something we will appreciate during dynamic games without annoying lags. No matter what we connect, it works smoothly, and the television handles various resolutions well. There is also GameBar, which may not look as impressive as the "bars" from the competition, but makes up for it with practicality. It's a simple settings panel that allows us to quickly change the most important options or check statistics – an ideal solution when time is of the essence.

However, we have to admit that operating the television itself – or rather finding the gaming features – was quite a challenge for us. We approached the Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 test several times to find all the necessary options. The hidden menu allowed us to discover the "GameBoost" feature, which enables switching the television to 240 Hz mode, activating VRR at 120Hz, and turning on the image in HGIG mode.

In summary, the Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a television that definitely deserves praise in the gaming hardware category. Its rich set of features – 240 Hz mode, VRR, HGIG, and "GameBoost" – provides exceptional gaming experiences. Unfortunately, the intuitiveness of the menu itself leaves much to be desired and may pose a certain challenge for the average user.

In terms of gaming features, The Frame is practically on par with Samsung's top TVs. When you connect a console the TV automatically switches to game mode thanks to ALLM, so you don't have to change settings manually each time. There's also VRR, which matches the display's refresh rate to the frames being produced by the console or PC. During drops in smoothness this helps avoid the characteristic screen tearing. The Frame of course supports 4K at 120 Hz, so you can take advantage of the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X in games that offer higher frame rates. HGiG also works correctly. With HDR set up properly on the console the TV doesn't try to brighten the image on its own, so bright effects in games are shown as they should be. Samsung also includes a Game Bar. It's a handy menu you can bring up without leaving the game. There you can check things like VRR and the current frame rate, and quickly change the most important gaming settings. For PC use the options are even greater, since the mentioned Full HD mode allows raising the refresh rate up to 240 Hz. There is really only one feature missing that Samsung has already spoiled us with, and that's Dolby Vision Gaming. Xbox owners will notice this the most, because that console can use Dolby Vision in games. There's one more thing worth mentioning that applies specifically to this model. Its One Connect module has only one HDMI 2.1 port, so that's the only port you can use for a console or PC if you want 4K 120 Hz. Fortunately Samsung didn't tie that port to eARC. You can therefore connect a soundbar separately (3) and still have a full HDMI 2.1 port available for the console.

Input lag

9.8/10

9.9/10

SDR

1080p60
17 ms
14 ms
1080p120
8 ms
8 ms
2160p60
17 ms
14 ms
2160p120
8 ms
8 ms

HDR

2160p60
17 ms
14 ms
2160p120
8 ms
8 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
17 ms
2160p120 DV
9 ms

Input lag in Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is one of its biggest advantages. 8 ms for 120 Hz content and 17 ms for 60 Hz is an outstanding result that will satisfy even the most demanding gamers. Moreover, the Dolby Vision mode in games deserves praise. Unlike many competing models, Xiaomi maintains low input lag even in this mode, making it an excellent choice for fans of high-quality HDR gaming experiences.

People who feared that the external One Connect module might cause greater delay between our actions on the controller and what happens on-screen can rest easy. The input lag we measured is just as low as in other Samsung TVs.

With a 60 Hz signal it's about 15 ms, and when switching to 120 Hz it falls to around 8 ms. Those are very good results, so the delay is hard to notice in practice even in fast games. The One Connect module itself does not introduce any noticeable issue here.

Compatibility with PC

8.2/10

8/10

Chroma 444 (max. resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Good
Average
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, max. refresh rate)
8ms
8ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
BGR
Max refresh rate
240Hz
144Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

The photo shows the legibility of small fonts. Ideally, lines should be the same thickness on both light and dark text, with minimal pixel gaps.

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a good choice if we need a television for working with a computer. Fonts are very clear thanks to 4:4:4 chroma support, making it perfect for office work or browsing documents. It also performs excellently in gaming – high refresh rate, G-SYNC, and low input lag ensure smooth gameplay, which will satisfy most gamers.

In this category you could jokingly say that the new The Frame gives with one hand and takes away with the other. If you look solely at PC gaming, it performs really well. It offers 144 Hz at 4K or even 240 Hz at Full HD, plus support for G-Sync and FreeSync and very low input lag. The Frame can comfortably serve as a large gaming monitor and there’s little to complain about.

On the other hand, we noticed that font readability in the new model has slightly worsened. When you look at text from very close up, you can see extra outlines along the bottom edges of letters caused by the behavior of individual sub-pixels. This creates a slight sense of text blurring. Of course, this is mainly a drawback for people who would actually want to use The Frame as a desk monitor, for example for working with text. At a typical viewing distance the issue is practically unnoticeable. And let’s be honest, it’s hard to imagine someone putting a 55- or 65-inch The Frame on their desk.

Viewing angles

3/10

3.1/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
74%
72%

In terms of viewing angles, Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 does not impress. This is a typical problem for VA panels, which, without additional coatings to widen viewing angles, do not perform well. The image begins to lose quality when watching the TV from the side – colors fade, and contrast clearly decreases. However, the advantage of VA panels is significantly better contrast compared to IPS panels, which, on the other hand, win in terms of wider viewing angles. This is a classic compromise where one has to choose between deeper blacks and a more versatile image seen from different places in the room.

Viewing angles are not a strong suit of this model. Compared with LCD TVs that use IPS panels, and even more so with OLEDs, the picture loses quality fairly quickly when viewed at an angle.

Daytime performance

7.3/10

6.7/10

Panel finish
Satin
Matte
Reflection suppression
Average
Very Good
Black levels during daytime
Good
Average

Panel brightness

Samsung The Frame 2026 (LS03H): 617 cd/m2

Xiaomi S Mini 2025: 841 cd/m2

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is equipped with a satin coating on the panel, which averages out well in reducing reflections. On the screen surface, one can notice light reflections, which can be somewhat distracting in brightly lit rooms. However, the key element that saves this television in daytime use is its brightness. With a value of 841 cd/m², the screen performs well even in very sunlit interiors. This is more than sufficient for comfortably watching television, movies, or sports events. Importantly, the television also handles more demanding materials, such as winter sports, where the dominating white can pose quite a challenge for other televisions. Here, Xiaomi definitely delivers.

The Frame is, by design, a TV that will often be used in a bright living room, and its matte coating suits that very well. The screen effectively scatters reflections, so a window or a lit lamp don't turn into a distinct mirror. In that respect it's really good and one of the stronger points of this model. The matte coating does have a downside. Strong light hitting the screen directly scatters over a larger area and slightly raises the black level. During the day the blacks therefore don't look as deep as at night, especially when the room is very bright. But we think that's a fair compromise. Working in The Frame's favor, however, is its high brightness. The TV has enough brightness so the picture doesn't become washed out and remains clearly visible during the day. Overall, it's a good TV for a bright living room, especially if reflections bother you more.

Panel details

Backlight Type
Mini-LED PFS LED
QLED
Software version during testing
UKM3.240326.001.490
1204
Image processor
MT5896 2,5GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 TV Panel details
Review Samsung The Frame 2026 (LS03H) TV Panel details

TV features

4.7/10

7.7/10

  • System
    Google TV
    Tizen
  • System performance
    Average
    Good
  • HDMI inputs
    1 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 48Gbps
    3 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x HDMI 2.1 40Gbps
  • Other inputs
    USB-C
  • Outputs
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
    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, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
  • 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)
    No
    No
  • Recording programming
    No
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    No
  • RF remote control (no need to aim)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Backlit remote control
    No
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    No
    Yes
  • Bluetooth headphones support
    Yes
    Yes
  • Simultaneous Bluetooth headphones & TV audio
    No
    Yes

Smart features:

  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 TV features
Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 TV features
Review Samsung The Frame 2026 (LS03H) TV features
Review Samsung The Frame 2026 (LS03H) TV features
Review Samsung The Frame 2026 (LS03H) TV features
Review Samsung The Frame 2026 (LS03H) TV features

Sound connection options

  • HDMI audio
    eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
    eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
  • Other audio outputs
    Toslink (Optical audio), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
    Toslink (Optical audio)
  • Wireless audio
    Bluetooth
    Bluetooth

Supported audio formats (external HDMI eARC audio):

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

Senior accessibility

  • Numeric keyboard on TV
    No
    No
  • Font size adjustment
    No
    Yes
  • Audio description
    No
    Yes

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a television that stands out thanks to the Google TV system. It offers access to the most popular streaming services, music applications, and various useful features that significantly enhance everyday use of the TV. For those who like personalization, the system also provides plenty of configuration options.

The built-in voice assistant works smoothly – we can not only control the TV with it but also ask about the weather forecast or set a reminder for the next day. Unfortunately, we noticed during testing that some functions have trouble translating into Polish, which can be frustrating, especially for those less proficient in navigating the settings. Despite this, the overall impression is very good, and minor shortcomings can be addressed in updates.

The device handles connectivity well. Wireless connections with Windows computers or Apple devices are smooth, and thanks to Bluetooth, we can easily connect headphones, keyboards, or other accessories. The remote is simple and comfortable – it works from any position, so aiming at the screen is not necessary. However, there are certain shortcomings. If someone often uses traditional television, they may miss the recording feature from tuners or the PiP (picture-in-picture) option. This slightly limits capabilities, but for those focused on streaming and modern features, it shouldn't be a significant problem.

Xiaomi compensates for these shortcomings with an excellent operating system. Google TV is one of the most advanced and intuitive systems available on the market, which makes the TV really perform well in everyday use.

Operating System: Tizen

Samsung The Frame 2026 runs on the familiar Tizen operating system, so when it comes to Smart TV features, you get pretty much everything you would expect from a modern TV. There is a wide selection of streaming apps, AirPlay, SmartThings, and the ability to cast content from a smartphone. The system itself is fast and responsive, while the menu layout is very similar to what you’ll find on other Samsung TVs.

When it comes to traditional TV features, things are a little more basic. The Frame doesn’t really stand out in this area, focusing primarily on its online features and lifestyle-oriented functionality.

Art Mode

The key feature, of course, remains Art Mode. It allows The Frame to display artwork or your own photos when you’re not watching TV, effectively turning the screen into part of your interior. The matte screen coating plays an important role here, as it helps the displayed artwork look less like an image shown on a glowing TV screen.

Another interesting addition is the motion sensor, something you won’t normally find on other TVs. It’s worth pointing out that this is not the same thing as the ambient light sensor. The latter adjusts the screen brightness to match the conditions in the room, while the motion sensor detects whether someone is nearby. If the room is empty, the TV can automatically turn Art Mode off and then switch it back on when you return. This means the screen doesn’t have to stay on all the time.

Another feature that works particularly well with this model is One Connect. In our opinion, it makes a lot of sense on a TV like The Frame, which is designed to sit as close to the wall as possible. All the main cables are connected to a separate box, while only a single cable runs to the screen itself. It’s simply a very convenient solution.

It’s also worth mentioning that Samsung includes a dedicated wall mount in the box. That might sound obvious, but it really isn’t. With the flagship S99H, for example, which also puts a strong emphasis on flush wall mounting and blending into the interior, the appropriate wall mount has to be purchased separately. With The Frame, it’s included, so you can save yourself a bit of extra money right from the start.

*The Art Mode photo was taken on The Frame Pro 2026. It looks identical on the standard The Frame — we have to admit that we simply forgot to take a photo of it during testing. 😉

Apps

9.6/10

9.3/10

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
OK
Eleven_sports
OK
Xbox Game Pass
OK
GeForce NOW
OK
Amazon Luna
OK
Boosteroid
No
Steam Link

Playing files from USB

7.3/10

9.1/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
No
PNG
Yes
Yes
GIF
Yes
No
WebP
No
No
TIFF
No
No
BMP
Yes
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 basic file player in Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 fulfills its task for simple video materials. However, a noticeable drawback is the lack of support for Polish diacritics, which can be problematic for people using subtitles.

Fortunately, the presence of the Google TV system provides an easy way around this limitation. It allows you to install alternative file playback applications that handle Polish characters and offer much more advanced options. As a result, the limitations of the built-in player are not as burdensome as one might think.

When it comes to playing files from USB, The Frame performs adequately. The TV easily supports the main video, photo, and audio formats, so you shouldn't encounter any major surprises in everyday use. However, we again ran into problems with the HEIC format, which is popular on Apple devices, among others. Photos saved in that format couldn't be opened correctly, which can be annoying if you often transfer pictures directly from an iPhone. Other than that, the player worked without major issues.

Sound

6.8/10

6/10

  • Maximum volume
    -
    90dB
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1
    No
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD
    No
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA
    Yes
    No
  • DTS-HD Master Audio
    Yes
    No

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 sounds really pleasant and even offers a slight bass, reminiscent of the audio known from the lower model, the A Pro 2025. The sound is well balanced, making movie watching or music listening comfortable, even without additional audio equipment. Interestingly, the TV seamlessly supports audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and the less common DTS:X. This allows you to connect a home theater system or soundbar and enjoy spatial sound without any difficulties. A nice addition is also the presence of a standard speaker jack.

Despite using a 40 W speaker system in a 2.0.2 configuration—on paper a bit better than in many ordinary TVs—the sound is fairly average. What bothers us most is that it’s simply flat. As with most very slim TVs, it lacks bass and much depth. Fortunately, mids and highs are reproduced correctly. Dialogue is clear, and during normal viewing you don’t hear significant distortion. For the news or regular TV, this setup is more than enough. However, for movies, music, or games you’ll quickly want more. That’s why we’d definitely recommend adding a soundbar or external speakers to The Frame. Samsung increasingly offers models made specifically for lifestyle TVs, like the slim S800 series or speakers from the Studio or Music Frame lines, whose design fits the TV well.

Sound Quality Test

No sound test video

Acoustic Measurements

No acoustic data

90dBC (Max)

75dBC

Reader comments

Comments are provided by the external service Disqus (Zeta Global). Once loaded, Disqus may set cookies and process data about your activity.

We will remember your choice on this device. Provider's privacy policy