If you’re in the market for a sleek new TV that doubles as stylish wall art, the Samsung Frame Smart TV (55”) is one of the most talked‑about models. On paper, you know it’s a 55‑inch 4K QLED Smart TV with a design that blends into your décor. But what if I told you there are hidden features—funky little extras—that most buyers skip over? That’s exactly what we’re going to dig into.
Picture this: a TV that sits flush on your wall, looking like a framed photo, then when you press “On” it transforms into a high‑quality movie portal. But how deep does it go? Beyond the art‑mode gimmick, there are clever tricks built in for convenience, aesthetics, home automation and even secret menus. Let’s explore the features that rarely make the sales pitch, but absolutely matter once you own the set.
Whether you’re a gadget lover, or someone who wants tech that looks good in the living room, you’ll want to know these extras. I’ll also drop a personal review based on hands‑on usage, followed by a buying guide to help you with options and warranty considerations. So let’s get to the hidden side of The Frame TV.
Hidden Feature #1: Art Mode & Smart Home Integration
The headline feature of The Frame is its “Art Mode” — when you’re not watching TV it can display artwork or your own photos, transforming the screen into a decor piece. You can upload your own photos via USB and the screen will switch into Art Mode where brightness and color tone adapt to ambient light.
But what many don’t talk about is how you can integrate that into your smart‑home with the SmartThings app. For example, you can set it so the TV automatically turns off when no motion is detected, or adjust the art brightness from your phone rather than the remote.
Why it matters: It turns the TV into more than just a display device — it becomes part of your room’s ambiance and smart home system.
Hidden Feature #2: Ultra‑Slim Wall Mount & One Connect Box
One nice design detail is how the TV mounts almost flush to the wall, mimicking a picture frame. The Frame uses the Samsung “Slim‑Fit” wall mount to keep the gap tight.
On the connectivity side, the One Connect box consolidates all your external inputs (HDMI, USB, etc.) into a small hub so that behind the TV you only see one near-invisible cable. Some DIY setups even hide the One Connect Box behind the wall to keep everything neat.
Why it matters: For design‑conscious users, the wiring and mount matter just as much as picture quality.
Hidden Feature #3: Hidden Engineering Menu & Customization
Here’s one you won’t see in the brochures: there’s an engineering or “secret” menu on some Frame models that lets you tweak deeper system settings. You can access it with codes like 1‑1‑9‑OK or Mute‑1‑8‑2‑Power.
What you can do: disable hidden sensors, adjust motion detection more finely, reset factory flags not approachable via standard menus. But caution: this is technical and may affect warranty or normal operation.
Why it matters: If you love tweaking and customizing gear, this is a bonus hidden layer with The Frame.
Hidden Feature #4: Smart Features You May Not Use Yet
As part of the broader Samsung Smart TV ecosystem, The Frame includes smart features that many users never notice. For example:
- Multi View: Split the screen into two different input sources (e.g., streaming show + YouTube on side) — useful if you’re multitasking.
- Tap View / Phone Mirroring: With compatible Samsung phones you can “tap” your phone to the TV and share your screen instantly.
- Smart Hub & SmartThings Control: Your TV can control other home devices (lights, speakers) via SmartThings, and let you build “scenes” (e.g., dim lights + art mode on).
Why it matters: These aren’t just gimmicks—they boost the functionality of the TV as a smart‑hub rather than just a passive screen.
Hidden Feature #5: Matte Display & Anti‑Glare Finish
Because The Frame is meant to hang on a wall like a picture, Samsung gave it a matte finish display which reduces glare significantly compared to typical gloss TV screens.
This makes a difference especially if your TV wall gets a lot of light, windows or reflections. Some users recommend fine‑tuning the art‑mode brightness to make the artwork look more like a canvas and less like a glowing TV:
“Install the SmartThings app… brightness all the way down. Put the mat on the art piece. The mat border really sells that it’s an art piece that’s separate from the edges.”
Why it matters: In real‑world living rooms with ambient light, this texture finish means less eye fatigue and fewer reflections.
Personal Review
I spent time with the Samsung Frame Smart TV (55”) in my living room, and it impressed more than I expected. The art mode is genuinely charming — when I switch it off, the TV literally disappears into the wall décor and people ask if the “picture” was always there. The clarity when you switch to regular TV mode is excellent; movies pop with color and sharpness.
On the flip side, the One Connect cable and hub still require some careful setup for a completely clean look. And while the smart features show promise, I found some of the deep customization (art mode tweaks, motion sensor settings) a little fiddly for the average user. Overall though, for anyone who cares about both performance and design, it offers a fantastic fusion of style and tech.
Buying Guide
Purchasing Options
When buying the Samsung Frame Smart TV (55”), look for authorized retailers to ensure you get the correct model and full support. Check whether the bezel (frame) is included or sold separately in your region, as some versions list a separate “Customisable Frame” accessory. Make sure you select the correct model number and verify local compatibility (input voltage, HDMI version, region firmware).
Also consider accessories: the specific wall‑mount, the One Connect Box placement, and whether you want a custom bezel color (wood, white, black) to match your room.
Warranty Information
Buy from an authorized Samsung dealer or retailer to receive the full manufacturer warranty. Typically this may cover 1‑2 years depending on region—check the included leaflet or support section. Register your TV immediately (via Samsung account) to activate the warranty and ensure updates. Keep proof of purchase, model/serial number, and packaging intact.
Also ask about return policy and any extended warranty options (e.g., accidental damage, screen burn‑in protection) especially if your TV will run Art Mode frequently. Having a good warranty gives peace of mind when you’ve invested in this premium piece.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a TV that also elevates your living space, the Samsung Frame Smart TV (55”) is much more than meets the eye. The hidden features—smart home integration, secret menus, matte finish, art mode and design‑first setup—make it a standout. Just be sure to buy wisely, check the warranty terms, and spend a little extra effort on the wall‑mounting and setup to truly unlock its charm.
