Samsung The Frame Pro—Full Guide & Step-by-Step Setup
A practical walkthrough covering what The Frame Pro is, its key specs, unboxing, wireless setup with the One Connect box, Art Mode, picture tuning, mounting tips, and pros/cons.
Quick overview—what is The Frame Pro?
Samsung’s The Frame Pro is a lifestyle 4K TV designed to double as wall art when not in use. The Pro variant emphasizes décor-first styling while improving picture brightness, a Neo-QLED display, and a wireless One Connect option that keeps cables hidden from view. It’s offered in large screen sizes (e.g., 65", 75", 85") and includes Samsung’s Art Mode—a mode that shows curated or user images with frame-like presentation.
What’s new in the Pro model (high-level)
Compared with previous Frame models, the Pro focuses on brighter HDR performance, an improved Neo QLED panel, an upgraded NQ4 (Gen3) AI processor for picture optimization, and compatibility with a wireless One Connect box—letting the TV appear cleaner on the wall with fewer visible cables. These changes aim to make the TV both a better TV for daytime viewing and a more convincing digital picture frame.
Key specifications (short)
| Screen sizes | 65", 75", 85" |
|---|---|
| Panel type | Neo QLED 4K (Quantum Mini LEDs + Quantum Dot) |
| Resolution | 3840 × 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Processor | NQ4 (Gen 3) AI Processor |
| HDR & Brightness | Improved peak brightness for HDR (brighter than earlier Frame models) |
| Refresh | Up to 120 Hz support (model dependent) |
| Connectivity | Wireless One Connect (video hub), HDMI ports via One Connect, Wi-Fi 6/7 support on some regions |
| Special features | Art Mode, Samsung Vision AI, customizable bezels (sold separately) |
| Audio | Built-in speakers; supports soundbars and external audio via One Connect |
(Exact specs and bundle contents vary by country—check the local Samsung page for the SKU you plan to buy.)
Why choose The Frame Pro?
If you value design and want a TV that looks like a framed picture on your wall while still being a capable 4K TV, The Frame Pro is aimed at you. The Pro improves brightness and color compared with earlier “Frame” models and reduces visible cable clutter with the Wireless One Connect approach. It’s ideal for living rooms, galleries, or design-minded spaces.
Unboxing—what you’ll get
Typical items in the box:
- Samsung The Frame Pro TV (screen)
- Remote control (Smart Remote)
- Power cable for TV (some regions require separate power for One Connect)
- Wireless One Connect box (or One Connect box & required cables)
- Quick start guide, warranty card, and screws/mounts (some mounts sold separately)
Note: Some accessories, like the decorative frame trim or special wall mounts, may be sold separately by Samsung or authorized resellers.
Step-by-step setup (practical)—ready to hang & use
Step 1—Inspect and choose placement
Decide whether the TV will be wall-mounted or placed on a stand. The Frame Pro is optimized for wall mounting to look like art; choose a wall that’s at eye level and has nearby power access for the One Connect box if required.
Step 2—Attach (or buy) the custom bezel
If you want the picture-frame look, Samsung sells replaceable bezels in different colors and textures. Fit the bezel according to the instructions—they usually snap on around the screen edges.
Step 3—Mounting the TV
Use the included VESA mount points or Samsung’s No-Gap wall mount (sold separately) for a flush look. With the One Connect option, a single thin cable (or wireless link) will route to the hub, keeping the wall tidy. Always use a stud finder and follow local safety rules for TV mounting.
Step 4—Connect the Wireless One Connect box
The Wireless One Connect acts as the port hub: it holds HDMI, Ethernet, USB, and other inputs and transmits video to the TV wirelessly (or via a single slim cable depending on the model). Place the box in a nearby cabinet or behind a console; connect your sources (set-top box, game console, Blu-ray, soundbar) to the One Connect’s HDMI ports.
Tip: For gaming, connect the console directly to the One Connect box and enable Game Mode on the TV to reduce input lag.
Step 5—Power & initial boot
Plug the TV and One Connect into power. Power on the TV, follow the on-screen language and network setup, and sign into your Samsung (SmartThings/Samsung Account) account to access apps and the Art Store.
Step 6—Connect to Wi-Fi and register
Connect the TV to your home Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet for faster streaming and access to the Art Store. Registering your TV unlocks personalization, artwork downloads, and firmware updates.
Step 7—Update firmware & apps
After the initial setup, check for software updates (Settings → Support → Software Update). Keeping firmware up to date improves picture tuning, security and compatibility with the Art Store.
Art Mode—turning the TV into art
Art Mode displays curated artworks or your personal photos with an on-screen mat/virtual bezel to mimic framed art. You can choose pieces from Samsung’s Art Store (some paid subscriptions or purchases may apply) or upload your own high-resolution images. The TV dims and adjusts color tone and texture to better match printed artwork while using an anti-glare matte finish to reduce reflection.
How to add your own artwork (quick)
- Open the SmartThings app on your phone or the TV’s Art section.
- Choose “My Collection” or “Add Photo.”
- Upload a high-resolution image (4K or higher for best results) and crop to 16:9 if needed.
- Adjust brightness and mat style, then save to the TV or cloud album.
Pro tip: Use images with natural texture and avoid tiny, busy patterns—large, high-contrast art looks most convincing at a distance.
Picture tuning—get the best view
The Frame Pro is brighter than earlier Frame models, but it may still need a few adjustments to match your room lighting and preferences:
- Picture Mode: Start with “Movie” or “Standard” for TV and “Adaptive” for variable lighting conditions.
- Backlight/Brightness: Increase slightly in bright rooms for HDR impact.
- Motion & Game Mode: Turn on Game Mode for consoles to reduce lag; enable Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) if supported.
- Local Dimming/Contrast: The Pro uses edge-type Mini LED behavior; test scenes with deep blacks and bright highlights to find the best compromise for blooming vs. depth.
- Color & Tint: Use the TV’s calibration guides or a calibration disc for best accuracy, or hire a pro calibrator for a theater-grade setup.
Many reviewers note the Pro is brighter and more vibrant than standard Frame versions, but it still may not match flagship OLED black levels. Balance brightness with local dimming settings to avoid excessive blooming.
Sound & accessories
Built-in speakers are fine for casual viewing, but to get full cinema sound choose a dedicated soundbar or AV receiver. Because inputs are on the One Connect box, connect your soundbar to it (ARC/eARC support if available) for the cleanest wiring and best audio sync.
Gaming & input lag
The Frame Pro supports modern gaming features (120 Hz panels on applicable sizes and Game Mode). For the lowest latency, connect consoles to the One Connect box and enable Game Mode/VRR (if supported). Wireless One Connect can introduce a small latency penalty compared with a fully wired panel—use a wired HDMI path for competitive gaming if you need the absolute lowest input lag.
Pros & Cons (summary)
Pros
- Design-forward: looks like framed art on the wall.
- Brighter Neo QLED panel vs. older Frame models.
- Wireless One Connect keeps wiring tidy.
- Art Mode + large art catalog (Art Store)—great for interiors.
Cons
- The price is higher than non-lifestyle TVs with similar panels.
- Not as deep-black as premium OLED for home theater purists.
- Wireless One Connect may add complexity and possible latency for super-competitive gaming.
- Some advanced local-dimming implementations can cause haloing/bloom in high-contrast scenes.
Reviewers generally praise the design and improved brightness but caution that it’s not a replacement for the deepest black levels of OLED home theater sets.
Troubleshooting—common issues & fixes
- No image from One Connect: Check power to the One Connect box and confirm firmware; try a wired connection as a test.
- Art Mode images look dim: Upload higher resolution photos and use the TV’s brightness adjustment for Art Mode.
- Input lag when gaming: Use Game Mode and connect via HDMI to the One Connect box; ensure low-latency mode is enabled on your console.
Is it worth buying?
If your priority is a TV that blends with interior decor, shows art beautifully, and gives improved picture quality over older Frame models, the Frame Pro is a strong option. If your priority is absolute cinematic blacks or the cheapest price per inch for pure picture performance, compare it with OLED and other Neo QLED models before deciding.
Further tips & final thoughts
- Buy the size that fits the viewing distance—larger sizes make the art effect more impactful.
- If you care about very low latency, keep competitive gaming on a wired setup.
- Explore Samsung’s Art Store subscription if you want a rotating gallery of curated pieces.
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