Since 2017, Samsung has offered The Frame smart TV designed to look like a picture frame. The concept here is that when The Frame is not in use, it will not be just a black mirror in the living room. On the other hand, it can display artwork as if it were a real picture frame that decorates the living room at home.
Music Frame uses the same concept except that it is a smart speaker that looks like a picture frame. In Bangkok this week I got to use Music Frame for a while and this is my take on Samsung's smart picture frame.
Specifications
Samsung Music Frame
Smart Speaker Type 2.0
Drivers Six audio drivers
I/O Port None
Dolby Atmos Supported Audio
All operating systems are supported
Virtual assistant support Yes
Physical button Yes
Bluetooth tethering
Wi-Fi
AirPlay
Chromecast
AUX Audio Jack None
NFC Yes
Selling Price RM 1499
Design
Music Frame has a rectangular body with a width of 413mm, a height of 435mm and a thickness of 159mm. At first glance I did not notice at all that Music Frame does not have square dimensions. This excess height is because on the chin there is an LED light that shows the power and also the volume level of the music being played.
The unit we saw in Bangkok had a black frame but Samsung does offer an external frame similar to the one found on The Frame. Only at this time I do not know what color will be marketed in Malaysia because it is not listed on the website even though the pre-order has been opened.
There is an L-shaped metal base that ensures this 4.6 kilogram speaker stands firmly on the table surface. The relatively wide base ensures that it does not fall easily and does not vibrate when music is played.
On the front there is a removable picture panel. Yes Music Frame can work as a photo frame with the provided black plate photo can also be replaced with a personal photo. The square white frame can also be changed to a photo that fills the entire frame if that's what you want.
This panel can be removed by pulling it out just like the fabric grille on an old HiFi speaker. Behind it are hidden two tweeters and two midrange drivers behind a non-removable hollow plastic panel. When in operation, audio from these four audio drivers will be routed forward through the grooves between the front and rear panels.
On the back there are two more medium-sized subwoofers, space for power cables and hanging holes. Samsung said there was a special wall mount for the Music Frame, but it wasn't shown to the media at the event I attended.
There is still a physical button on the right side with it consisting of two volume buttons, a mute button and a power button. This smart speaker overall feels premium with a solid build.
Usage
Music Frame supports tethering using bluetooth and also WiFi. It is accessed through a panel in the SmartThings application. On Samsung devices, the process of docking and adding Music Frame to the device list takes several minutes. Android users can cast music to the speaker using Google Chromecast or Spotify Connect.
For users of the Apple ecosystem, there is AirPlay support to cast device content directly to Music Frame. In other words, Samsung, Android and iOS ecosystem users do not need to worry about the compatibility of Music Frame with the system you like to use.
Up to five Music Frames can be combined to play audio from the same source. The strange thing here is that if you have two Music Frames, playing music from a smartphone in stereo (one Frame being the left speaker and the other right) is not possible. Strange because this feature exists on Apple HomePod and Google Nest. Samsung said at this time there are no plans to offer an update to activate this feature in the near future.
The stereo audio system can only be used if the Music Frame is tethered to a Samsung TV using the Q-Symphony feature. Now two Music Frames can be used as additional speakers for the Dolby Atmos audio system. Only two Music Frames can be tethered to a TV with Q-Symphony. If you already have a Soundbar installed, only one Music Frame can use Q-Symphony. In my opinion this is another rather strange choice taken by Samsung.
Audio Quality
The audio quality is satisfactory for a speaker that is small and quite flat. The music played does not sound flat with audible separation on each instrument as well as the left and right channels. The bass thump is also satisfactory and even at high settings the front panel does not produce unwanted vibrations.
There is Space Fit technology that adjusts the audio according to the size of the room. But the demo of this system was not shown so I can't say this feature works as advertised. I've tested comparable features on Sonos and JBL products but I have to say the audio difference isn't that noticeable.
The demo for Dolby Atmos via Q-Symphony was just satisfactory. I already reviewed the Samsung Soundbar Q990C audio system. The two Q990C satellites offer better Dolby Atmos audio because they have upward-firing/pointing speakers. Music Frame shoots forward only so the Dolby Atmos effect produced is not comparable.
Conclusion
Music Frame is a product that solves the issue of speakers that don't look pretty in the living room or room. I admit the soundbar does offer solid audio but it's a boxy black bar in front of the TV that spoils the aesthetics. Music Frame tried to solve this aesthetic issue with a design that contained it inconspicuously as a speaker and it succeeded.
But how many of you feel "bad speakers" is a big issue. The solution offered by Samsung Music Frame is a niche for the majority of users. The audio produced is satisfactory but I am a little disappointed with the lack of some features that are standard on other smart speakers. I can see these speakers being used in art galleries, cafes and museums.
But all this is just my initial opinion using Music Frame for less than an hour. I will do some other tests with more diverse music genres if I can review Music Frame later. In Malaysia, Samsung Music Frame can be pre-ordered at a price of RM1499.
Prof
The design is like a normal picture frame.
The audio quality is excellent for its size.
Bluetooth and WiFi support.
Supports various popular ecosystems.
The front panel can be personalized with your own photo.
Dolby Atmos.
Cons
Only wireless connection without any wired input.
Two Music Frames cannot function as stereo speakers.