Art Mode: The Frame transforms into an art gallery, displaying selected artworks when not in use as a television. With access to 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 customize the appearance of the television with interchangeable frames that can match your interior style.
Quantum Dot Technology: Quantum dot technology delivers 100% color intensity, offering vibrant and realistic colors regardless of brightness levels.
Pantone Validated Certification: The Frame has received Pantone Validated ArtfulColor certification, confirming color reproduction fidelity according to Pantone's rigorous standards.
One Connect Box: The external module allows for connecting all devices to the television using one almost invisible cable, keeping the area around the television tidy.
Adaptive Picture Mode: The television analyzes room lighting and video content, automatically optimizing brightness and contrast for the best visual experience.
Active Voice Amplifier (AVA): This feature identifies background noise and automatically raises the volume of dialogues to ensure they are clearly audible even in a loud environment.
Ambient+ Mode: Allows the screen to display information such as weather, time, or to adjust the background to the wall color 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.
- Matching (Score)
- Our verdict
- Competing TVs
- TV appearance
- Where to buy
- 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
- TV features
- Apps
- Playing files from USB
- Sound
- Details about the matrix
Samsung The Frame LS03D Review
The Frame / LS03D
Available screen sizes:
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Panel type: LCD VA Refresh rate: 120Hz Brand: SAMSUNG Resolution: 3840x2160 System: Tizen Model year: 2024
SAMSUNG LS03D - Our verdict
7.0
Overall rating
Samsung The Frame (2024) is not just an ordinary television that you could put in the corner and forget about after two days. Here, it's immediately evident that the manufacturer focused on something beyond just displaying movies. First, the "Art" mode catches the eye – with just a few clicks, we can turn The Frame into a digital gallery, showcasing artworks that, combined with the matte panel, truly resemble a real painting in a frame. And speaking of the frame, we have the option to customize its color to perfectly match our interior. Additionally, the package includes a wall mount, allowing the TV to be hung practically "flat," which further enhances the impression of engaging with a picture rather than a typical screen. The matte panel provides excellent protection against light reflections, which, paired with high brightness (650 cd/m²), works well in full sunlight. Moreover, 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 really smooth and pleasant to the eye. If we add a gaming features package – VRR, ALLM, and HGiG – it becomes clear that Samsung also thought of console and PC fans. As a result, The Frame can be both a picturesque decoration for the living room and a quite sensible gaming monitor. The aforementioned One Connect is another handy gadget – thanks to it, we can hide all cables in one place, pulling only a thin wire connecting the TV to this magical box. If we like order, this is a solution made for us. Another advantage is the Tizen system – user-friendly, fast, and full of applications. We might not find absolutely everything in it (e.g., the Tidal app), but it still offers a wide range of options for searching new streaming platforms. Of course, there’s no rose without thorns. The lack of local dimming is noticeable in dark scenes, where black becomes less defined. We also have to remember that there is only one HDMI 2.1 port, so if we want to connect more devices in 4K and 120 Hz, we might feel limited. Additionally, viewing angles are rather average, so it's better for the most important viewer (i.e., us) to sit directly in front of the TV. For Dolby Vision fans, this also won’t be the perfect choice, as The Frame only supports HDR10 and HDR10+. Moreover, the sound – like in most slim TVs – 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 leaves a great impression. It is striking, stylish, and versatile – suitable for watching the latest hits as well as displaying reproductions of paintings on the wall. If we care about a unique appearance, high brightness, and at the same time want to play something with low input lag, this model will be a home run. And although it may not be the leader in terms of cost-effectiveness or a technological "monster" in terms of picture quality, it has something that is simply likable. It’s a piece of equipment that stands out with its unique character and can fit into any interior, attracting attention both in TV mode and as a digital art gallery.
Advantages
Unique design and "Art" mode - the television fits perfectly into interiors and serves as a digital frame for images
Matte screen - effectively reduces glare
Possibility of personalizing the TV frames - adapting the appearance to the interior
Dedicated wall mounts included (Value approx. 400 PLN) - the TV can be mounted almost flush to the wall
High brightness (650 cd/m²) - excellent visibility even in well-lit rooms
VA matrix - decent contrast
Good motion fluency - 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 tested TVs
One Connect module - minimizes 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 image loses quality when viewed at a greater angle
Average sound quality – flat sound without depth
Limited number of HDMI 2.1 ports – only one port supports full 4K@120 Hz
No Dolby Vision – the TV only supports HDR10 and HDR10+
Movies and series in UHD quality6.9
Classic TV, YouTube6.5
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)6.2
Gaming on console8.2
TV as a computer monitor7.6
Watching in bright light6.5
Utility functions7.8
Apps8.7
Sound quality5.8
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SAMSUNG LS03D - Competing TVs in this price range
SAMSUNG LS03D - 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
Build quality: Premium
Stand type: Legs
Bezel colour: Graphite
Stand: Height adjustment
Flat design: Yes
Accessories: Stand, Wall bracket, One Connect Box
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SAMSUNG LS03D - Contrast and black detail
5.6/10
Local dimming function: No
Result
4,200:1
Result
4,800:1
Result
5,100:1
Result
5,300:1
Result
3,850:1
Visibility of details in the lights:
The Frame uses a VA panel, which in itself provides quite high contrast. In our tests, the results ranged from 4000 to 5000:1, which will be quite sufficient for most users. However, the lack of local dimming becomes noticeable, especially on more demanding test screens. In dark scenes, one can notice that the black has a slight navy hue. During the day or in a well-lit room, this won't be an issue, but during an evening viewing, more discerning viewers may feel a slight disappointment.
Halo effect and black detail visibility:
SAMSUNG LS03D - HDR effect quality
6.4/10
Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 91.0%, Bt.2020: 68.0%
Luminance measurements in HDR:
Result
679 nit
Result
663 nit
Result
712 nit
Result
698 nit
Result
726 nit
The Frame really handles brightness well. With results at the level of 700 nits, bright elements on the screen look impressive and detailed, whether they illuminate the entire screen or appear as small bright spots against a dark background. In more demanding scenes, like the fourth sequence from the movie Sicario 2, the blacks perform averagely, but we already discussed that in the section regarding contrast. However, when it comes to brightness – here the TV definitely performs well. An additional advantage is the quantum dot coating, i.e., QLED technology. Thanks to it, the color 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 The Frame performs with the most demanding scenes from movies. In the case of Mr., the material mastered at 2800 nits, the image looked really good. Details in darker areas were slightly brightened, but the overall picture still looked solid. The sun in the background did not merge into a single spot, although we have seen TVs that handle this better.
On the other hand, the second scene from the film Billy Lynn positively surprised us. The colors were brilliantly reproduced, and bright light effects, such as fireworks, looked really impressive. The overall reception of the scene was very good, although once again, the unrelenting blacks caused by the lack of local dimming stood out.
It is also worth mentioning the dynamic tone mapping feature. By default, as with most Samsung TVs, we recommend leaving it in static mode. Turning on the active option caused excessive brightening of the screen, which ruined an already good-looking effect.
HDR luminance chart:
HDR luminance
The Frame supports two popular HDR formats: HDR10 and HDR10+. At first glance, they differ only by the "plus" in the name, but the difference in image quality is really noticeable. HDR10+ uses dynamic metadata, which means that brightness and contrast are adjusted in real-time, scene by scene. This allows for more details in both bright and dark areas, and overall, the image looks simply better and more natural than in 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 like Netflix and Disney+. Of course, the absence of Dolby Vision does not mean that the TV will not display such materials. It will simply do so in HDR10 format, which in practice may mean slightly fewer details in more demanding scenes.
Static HDR10
Dynamic: HDR10+
Factory color reproduction
7/10
Samsung offers several picture modes in its TVs, but without a doubt, the Filmmaker Mode is the one that should provide the most natural representation of content. Unfortunately, as is often the case with mass production, the differences between units can be significant, and our tested model did not escape a few problems.
In the case of SDR content, the white balance heavily leaned towards red, with a slight boost in blue. This effect was particularly visible in comparison photos – in the example of a photograph with a boy, whose face was almost unnaturally flushed. The gamma, or brightness characteristic, also did not perform perfectly – the image was slightly brightened, which took away its depth.
In 4K HDR content, the white balance was again dominated by red, this time combined with green. Meanwhile, blue clearly lost intensity, which could be easily noticed on the Color Checker palette, where the colors began to "run away" in the wrong direction. The EOTF curve, responsible for brightness in HDR content, showed that the TV tends to excessively brighten the image, especially in the darkest elements of scenes.
Overall, although it did not look tragic, it definitely needed correction. Fortunately, Samsung offers extensive calibration options, which provide an opportunity for significant image improvement. Therefore, we proceeded with professional calibration to extract the full potential of this TV.
Color reproduction after calibration
8.1/10
After professional calibration, the Filmmaker Mode shows its full potential. The white balance in HD content is exemplary – an error level of 0.5 indicates almost perfect color reproduction precision. The image now looks natural, and the colors are exactly as they should be. In 4K HDR content, the effect is not as perfect, but it still maintains a really high level. The colors are vibrant, well-saturated, and the overall image quality is impressive.
So where does the problem arise, if we praise the color reproduction so much? Unfortunately, the overall experience is disrupted by the brightness characteristic. The gamma in HD content looks decent, but in 4K HDR it's not as good. The EOTF curve shows that the TV excessively brightens certain parts of the image, which is a result of design limitations. The lack of local dimming means that the TV cannot precisely control the differences between the brightest and darkest areas of the screen. This is a barrier that simply cannot be overcome in this model.
Nevertheless, after calibration, The Frame offers excellent color reproduction, especially in HD content, and the overall appearance is much better than before the settings correction.
SAMSUNG LS03D - Smoothness of tonal transitions
9.7/10
This is one of the best TVs 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. Undoubtedly, this is one of the greatest advantages of this model. It's possible that such a good effect is partly due to the matte coating of the screen, which gently masks any irregularities in color gradation. The smoothness of tonal transitions in The Frame is at a level that will satisfy even exceptionally demanding users. Kudos to the LS03D!
Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
7.1/10
Smooth transition function
Image without overscan on the SD signal
It was time to check how The Frame handles older, lower-quality materials. We already know that the smoothness of tonal transitions is very high here, so we were curious to see how the TV would manage their smoothing.
The noise reduction feature in the "Standard" setting performs well – tonal transitions are noticeably smoothed out, and the image does not lose too much detail. However, it's 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 TV also performed really well. The tested frame was solid – the model was rendered correctly, with clear details. The branches in the background, although slightly jagged in places, generally look natural and do not stand out as a flaw.
SAMSUNG LS03D - 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%
First of all, it is worth noting that the model we tested in 55 inches, just 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 offer only 60 Hz panels, which is worth considering when making a purchase. As for improving motion fluidity, the TV offers a feature called "Picture Clarity." This is a classic motion smoother that gives users the ability to adjust it using two sliders:
Motion Blurring Reduction – this is responsible for sharpening the image during dynamic scenes. The higher the value, the less blur during rapid camera movement or moving objects. However, overly aggressive settings can make the image look unnatural and start to resemble a “soap opera”.
Judder Reduction – this slider affects the smoothness of frame playback, particularly in materials with a lower frame rate, such as films (24 fps). Higher settings can smooth out motion but can also lead to an excessive "plasticky" effect on 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 the natural appearance of the image. We recommend setting them as shown in the picture.
Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):
Motion blur in The Frame is... average. It is not something that stands out during everyday watching of series or movies, but in more demanding scenes, you can notice slight imperfections. During our test with the classic "ufo," we observed a slight motion trail, especially on darker backgrounds. It does not ruin the overall impression, but a trained eye will certainly catch it. It is worth noting that we tested the variant with a 120 Hz panel (55 inches). Larger versions – 65, 75, and 85 inches – also use 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 shots in sports or games.
SAMSUNG LS03D - 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 in version 2024 is equipped with four HDMI ports, but only one of them supports the 2.1 standard with a bandwidth of 40 Gb/s. This is an important piece of 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 gaming features, The Frame truly has a lot to offer. We find ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and HGiG. It is worth emphasizing that HGiG has been very well implemented here, which is particularly important since the TV does not support Dolby Vision in games (which is only available on Xbox consoles). In this case, HGiG proves to be a better standard for gaming. Samsung has not forgotten about features that enhance the gaming experience. Game Bar is an advanced panel for gamers that allows for quick adjustment of screen settings without the need to sift through the TV menu. We can even change the aspect ratio from 16:9 to cinematic 21:9, which for some gamers can be a significant advantage. However, Samsung's biggest ace up its sleeve is the Game Motion Plus feature. This is a special smoother dedicated to games, which adds extra frames of animation without significantly impacting input lag. The effect is really noticeable – the image appears much smoother, which fans of dynamic titles will particularly appreciate. In summary – Samsung The Frame is a television that offers a solid set of features for gamers. Although the limitation to one HDMI 2.1 port may be a downside, the rest of the solutions make gaming on this TV a truly enjoyable experience.
SAMSUNG LS03D - Input lag
10/10
In terms of latency, The Frame really impresses. 13 ms with 60 Hz content and 8 ms with 120 Hz are results that will satisfy even the most demanding gamers. Such low values make the reactions to controller movements almost instantaneous. In dynamic games like shooters or racing, every fraction of a second matters – here The Frame performs excellently.
| SDR | HDR | Dolby Vision |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p60: 13 ms | 2160p60: 13 ms | |
| 1080p120: 8 ms | 2160p120: 8 ms | |
| 2160p60: 13 ms | ||
| 2160p120: 8 ms |
SAMSUNG LS03D - 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 the 4:4:4 chroma support. There is no blurring or fuzziness that often appears in cheaper televisions. Of course, if someone scrutinizes small texts, they may notice minimal imperfections, but it's really a minor issue that doesn't interfere with everyday work. It's also suitable for PC gaming. The 120 Hz panel, support for G-Sync, and truly low input lag make games run smoothly and without delays.
SAMSUNG LS03D - Viewing angles
3.3/10
Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 75%
The viewing angles on The Frame are average, which is typical for a VA panel. And here comes a bit of a snag – 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, colors start to lose their intensity, and black turns into shades of gray. This is not at a level that completely ruins the experience, but if the TV is placed in a position where it will often be viewed from the side, the effect may be noticeable. It's a pity because better viewing angles would be a significant advantage in a TV intended for such purposes.
SAMSUNG LS03D - TV efficiency during daytime
6.5/10
Matrix coating: Matte
Reflection suppression: Very Good
Black levels during daytime: Poor
The Frame is equipped with a matte display that manages to effectively suppress direct light reflections. As a result, even in a brightly lit room, the image remains readable, and reflections do not interfere with viewing. Of course, as is usually the case with matte coatings, there is a trade-off – colors lose some intensity, and black seems more faded 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 lit room.
Matrix brightness
Average luminance SDR
Samsung The Frame LS03D : 645 cd/m2
SAMSUNG LS03D - TV features
7.8/10
System: Tizen
System performance: Very good
- 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
- TV reception: DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
Classic features:
- Recording to USB (terrestrial TV): No
- Recording programming: No
- Picture in Picture (PiP): No
- RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen): RF
- Backlit remote control: No
- Teletext: Yes
- Audio only mode: Yes
- Bluetooth headphones support: Yes
- Simultaneous Bluetooth headphones & TV audio: Yes
Smart features:
- AirPlay: Yes
- Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast): Yes
- Voice search: Yes
- Voice search in native language: Yes
- Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse: Yes
The Frame is a television that stands out from other models and is difficult to describe in a traditional way. Of course, we will find all the standard Smart TV features thanks to the Tizen system. The system works responsively, is extensive, and offers a wide selection of applications. The remote control supports voice commands in Polish, and we can connect additional devices via Bluetooth – just like in many other televisions. But this is not the essence of this model.
The greatest strength of The Frame is its design. The "Art" mode allows you to display thousands of high-resolution images, which, combined with the matte display, look truly exceptional. The effect is surprisingly realistic and hard to compare to any other television.
The frames may not be the thinnest on the market, but they can be customized in terms of color and style to perfectly match the interior. (Sold separately) And although the frames themselves are not ultra-thin, the entire construction is sleek and elegant. The wall mount is also noteworthy, as it is included (its value is around 400 PLN). With it, the television can be mounted almost flush, with no gap from the wall, which further emphasizes the "picture" effect.
And what about the cables? Samsung thought of that too. The Frame is equipped with the One Connect module – an external box to which we connect all devices. Only one nearly invisible cable leads to the television, which transmits both signal and power. The box can be easily hidden in a cabinet or behind furniture, ensuring that nothing disrupts the aesthetics of the interior.
The Frame is more than just an ordinary television – it is a thoughtfully designed decorative element that combines modern Smart TV functionality with exceptional design and practical solutions. Although it lacks typical features like USB recording or PiP, it is not a model created with a classic approach to television in mind. The LS03D is a television that is easy to like for its innovation, originality, and how well it fits into any interior.
Sound connection options
HDMI audio:
Other audio outputs:
- Toslink: Yes
Wireless audio:
- Bluetooth: Yes
Obsługiwane formaty audio:
- Dolby Digital Plus 7.1: Yes
- Dolby True HD 7.1: No
- Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC): Yes
- Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD: No
- DTS:X in DTS-HD MA: No
- DTS-HD Master Audio: No
Ułatwienia dla seniorów
- Numeric keyboard on TV: No
- Font size adjustment: Yes
- Audio description: Yes
SAMSUNG LS03D - Apps
8.7/10
SAMSUNG LS03D - Playing files from USB
9.1/10
| 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 The Frame handles most popular video and audio formats without major issues. Video files, even those with our added subtitles, play smoothly and without interruptions. The same goes for audio files – there are no major surprises here either. The situation is somewhat worse when it comes to photo format support. The built-in player has some limitations and does not support all possible types of graphic files. However, nowadays most people use wireless photo transfer, so this will not be a major problem for many users.
SAMSUNG LS03D - Sound
5.8/10
-
Maximum volume
Supported codecs
(TV speakers)
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 in The Frame is... well, quite average. The slim design of the television, while impressive, does not provide much space for decent speakers. As a result, the sound is flat and lacking in dynamics – just like most televisions in this category. Samsung is clearly aware of this, as it has a special series S of soundbars in its offer, created specifically for the "lifestyle" line of televisions to which The Frame belongs.
Acoustic Measurements
No acoustic data
SAMSUNG LS03D - Details about the matrix
Software version during testing: 1120
Subpixel Structure:
Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:
Backlight Type: QLED
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1/15/2025