Samsung QN85C 65" (4K Neo QLED) vs Samsung The Frame 65" (2023)
The Verdict
Both 65-inch Samsung TVs deliver solid 4K performance at 120Hz with Tizen OS and gaming features like VRR and ALLM, but they cater to different priorities. The QN85C ($1399) features a Neo QLED Mini-LED panel with superior brightness at 1200 nits versus The Frame's 1000 nits, delivering noticeably better contrast, deeper blacks, and superior HDR performance for movies and sports. Its 2.2ch 60-watt audio system with Object Tracking Sound outperforms The Frame's 2.0ch 40-watt setup. Input lag is nearly identical at 9ms versus 10ms, making both excellent for gaming. The Frame ($1499) justifies its $100 premium through aesthetic design and art mode functionality rather than raw specifications, featuring an elegant bezel and the ability to display artwork when idle. For pure picture quality and entertainment value, the QN85C delivers meaningfully better performance with its superior Mini-LED technology, brightness, and audio output at a lower price. Choose The Frame only if you prioritize its unique design philosophy and want a TV that doubles as wall art. Otherwise, the QN85C offers substantially better display technology and overall value.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung QN85C 65" (4K Neo QLED) if…
- →65-inch Mini-LED at $1,399 offers strong price-to-performance
- →Wide viewing angles suit open floor plan living rooms
- →Full HDMI 2.1 suite with VRR and ALLM for gaming
Buy the Samsung The Frame 65" (2023) if…
- →Art Mode displays artwork when off — blends into any room as wall decor
- →Matte anti-reflection screen eliminates glare and reduces fingerprints
- →Customizable bezels match any interior style — looks like a picture frame
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Samsung QN85C 65" (4K Neo QLED)
Pros
- 65-inch Mini-LED at $1,399 offers strong price-to-performance
- Wide viewing angles suit open floor plan living rooms
- Full HDMI 2.1 suite with VRR and ALLM for gaming
- Slim bezel and 1-inch depth for clean wall mounting
- Neural Quantum Processor 4K handles excellent upscaling
Cons
- ADS panel contrast ratio is weaker than VA alternatives
- Only Wi-Fi 5 — frustrating omission on a premium TV
- Blooming is more noticeable due to fewer dimming zones than QN90C
- No Dolby Vision limits HDR ecosystem compatibility
Samsung The Frame 65" (2023)
Pros
- Art Mode displays artwork when off — blends into any room as wall decor
- Matte anti-reflection screen eliminates glare and reduces fingerprints
- Customizable bezels match any interior style — looks like a picture frame
- One Connect box hides all cables for truly clean wall mounting
- 4K@120Hz with VRR keeps it relevant for gaming
Cons
- Picture quality trails Samsung's Neo QLED and OLED models at similar prices
- Art Store subscription ($6/mo) needed for the full artwork gallery
- 1000 nits brightness is average for HDR performance
- Contrast and black levels lag behind OLED and Mini-LED alternatives
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung QN85C 65" (4K Neo QLED) | Samsung The Frame 65" (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 45.9 lbs | 47.6 lbs |
| Dimensions | 57.0 x 32.7 x 1.0 inches | 57.1 x 32.7 x 1.0 inches |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.0 x 35.3 x 10.8 inches | 57.1 x 35.6 x 7.7 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 60 | 40 |
| Speakers | 2.2ch Object Tracking Sound | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 9 | 10 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Quantum HDR, HDR10+, HLG | Quantum HDR, HDR10+, HLG |
| Size | 65" | 65" |
| Type | Neo QLED Mini-LED (ADS panel) | QLED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 1000 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Tizen OS | Tizen OS |
| Voice assistant | Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant | Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| USB ports | 2 | 2 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 4 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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