[REVIEW] The Samsung Music Frame Is A Stylish Blend Of Art & Audio
A photo-frame that plays music.
By Sukhbir Cheema — 26 Sep 2024, 04:33 PM
The Samsung Music Frame is unique.
It's a photo frame speaker that allows you to blend aesthetics with audio in a way that feels refreshingly different.
Samsung's fascinating addition to its growing world of home technology is targeted at homeowners who appreciate functional tech that complements their living space.
Much like Samsung's The Frame TV, this speaker isn't just about performance — it's about integration, turning sound into something more than just background noise, and I had the opportunity to test it out.
The standout feature of the Samsung Music Frame is its design
It's more than just a speaker — it's a photo frame, making it a functional piece of art.
The fact that it doesn't have a screen is a welcome break from today's overabundance of digital displays.
The design blends well into almost any room, offering a sleek, minimalist appearance that keeps your tech from feeling intrusive. Whether you mount it on the wall or stand it on a bookshelf, the Music Frame delivers a sophisticated yet unassuming presence.
I also appreciated how the speaker adapts to the room's acoustics using sound optimisation technology. At lower volumes, the music is crystal clear, and once the sound optimisation does its job, it makes a tangible difference in how the music fills the space. It even supports Dolby Atmos and spatial audio, offering a deeper sound experience for those who know what to listen for.
It's crucial to bear in mind that this is the first generation of the Samsung Music Frame, which means it has a few rough edges that Samsung would hopefully iron out in future versions
I hope Samsung improves the button feedback (or lack thereof). The touch controls on the side offered no tactile response, which left me second-guessing whether the speaker had registered my input. A simple click or slight vibration would go a long way in improving usability.
The SmartThings app itself, while intuitive, feels a bit undercooked when it comes to audio settings. The equaliser (EQ) options are limited, and the descriptions of the sound modes are vague. For example, choosing between "standard" and "music" modes isn't as clear-cut as it should be — especially when there's little explanation about what each mode does.
I hope Samsung improves both the EQ controls and the user interface of the app to provide more transparency and customisation options once the second generation rolls out.
Another quirk is the volume control. When using Spotify, I found that the volume levels jumped dramatically. Hopefully, Samsung will address this minor teething issue with a software update.
The size of the Music Frame might not suit everyone
Weighing at 5.9kg, it's heavier and bulkier than I anticipated, making it difficult to find an ideal spot for it.
Another area I hope Samsung improves in future generations is the large white border around the image which felt like a wasted opportunity.
I would have preferred the option to display a larger photo without all the white space. Samsung could consider offering different frame sizes or more flexible image display options in the next iteration.
But for all its minor setbacks, the Samsung Music Frame remains a bold and innovative concept. It's also a great conversation starter
If you're already invested in the Samsung ecosystem, this frame seamlessly integrates with SmartThings and can even pair with a 2024 Samsung TV for surround sound. It's a unique alternative to more traditional speaker setups, and the added functionality does feel well-thought-out for home cinema enthusiasts.
It's clear that Samsung is investing heavily in functional tech that complements modern living spaces, and the Music Frame is a prime example of this philosophy.
For those who value both style and substance, the Music Frame makes an attractive addition to the home. Yes, being a first-generation product, there are areas for improvement, but if you love the idea of blending art with sound, this is a product worth considering.
Priced at RM1,999, the Samsung Music Frame stands out as a beautiful, multifunctional device with solid sound quality, though some of its usability quirks need refinement. While it might not be for everyone, it is a creative and forward-thinking piece of tech that hints at exciting possibilities for the future of home audio.
