Chinese firm TCL blatantly copies Samsung's stylish The Frame TV

TCL NXTFRAME TV looks extremely similar to Samsung The Frame but runs Google TV

TCL has launched a new TV called NXTFRAME, which is a blatant rip-off of Samsung's extremely popular The Frame TV. It has the same white bezels around the screen, the same magnetic frame mechanism for bezel customization, and the same matte finish on the screen. It even copied Samsung's Art Mode, which allows people to showcase paintings on the screen when they aren't watching TV. It runs Google TV, though, instead of Samsung's Tizen OS.

It uses a similar VA QLED panel used in The Frame TV, featuring with 4K resolution, edge-lit backlight, a 120Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, VRR, and ALLM. It has two 10W speakers (stereo), Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Audio, DTS Virtual:X, and Enhanced Dialog Mode. It features Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.

It is powered by TCL's AIPQ processor. It has four HDMI ports (1 with eARC), two USB Type-A ports (1x USB 3.0 + 1x USB 2.0), one optical audio output port, one 3.5mm headphone port, one RF port, one Ethernet port, and AV input ports.

TCL NXTFRAME has a few advantages over The Frame TV

It one-ups Samsung in a few ways, though:

• First, it is compatible with Dolby Vision, which means you can stream/watch Dolby Vision HDR content.
• Second, unlike Samsung's The Frame, TCL NXTFRAME doesn't have any external box for the inputs. All the inputs are located on the TV, and despite that, the NXTFRAME is just 1.1-inch thin (1.2-inch for the 85-inch version) and has a Flush Wall Mount to sit close to the wall.
• Third, it features built-in Google Cast, so you can cast music, photos, and videos straight from your Android smartphone or tablet.

TCL NXTFRAME TV also offers an ‘Art Library' for free, so you can download pieces of art and other paintings and display them on your TV. Of course, you can also download all your favorite audio and video streaming apps from the Play Store.

The 55-inch version is priced at $1,500 in the US and is available through Best Buy.

• 55-inch: $1,500
• 65-inch: $2,000
• 75-inch: $2,500
• 85-inch: $4,000

TCL is also selling the NXTFrame Pro TVs in the same sizes as the NXTFRAME TV, but they come with a built-in 3.1.2-channel soundbar from Bang & Olufsen. It also has a wireless subwoofer. These TVs from TCL can be mounted on an optional movable floor stand, similar to Samsung's Studio Frame.