Samsung The Frame 2023 vs. TCL 8-Series Roku TV: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a premium television in 2025, the Samsung The Frame 2023 (e.g., QN65LS03BAFXZA) and TCL 8-Series Roku TV (2019 model, e.g., 65Q825), both available in secondary or refurbished markets, offer distinct experiences in the high-end TV segment. The Samsung The Frame 2023, a QLED TV with an art-focused design, blends aesthetics with solid performance, while the TCL 8-Series, a Mini-LED QLED with Roku TV, prioritizes brightness and HDR capabilities. This article compares their quality, costs, and target audience, with prices in Kenyan Shillings (KSh) tailored for the Kenyan market, using data from RTINGS.com, BusinessInsider.com, and CNET.com.

Overview of the TVs

Samsung The Frame 2023

The Samsung The Frame 2023 is a 4K QLED TV with a VA panel, edge-lit backlighting, and no local dimming, designed to double as a digital art frame with a matte screen and customizable bezels. Powered by the Quantum Processor 4K and Tizen OS, it’s available in 32-, 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes.

TCL 8-Series Roku TV

The TCL 8-Series (2019) is a 4K QLED TV with a VA panel, Mini-LED backlighting, and full-array local dimming (~300 zones for 65-inch). Equipped with the AiPQ Engine and Roku TV, it’s optimized for bright rooms and HDR content, available in 65- and 75-inch sizes.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• Samsung The Frame 2023 (based on RTINGS.com, BusinessInsider.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD, QLED, edge-lit, no local dimming.
• Brightness: ~500 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~400 cd/m² (SDR), suitable for moderate lighting.
• Contrast: ~6,500:1 native, good blacks but prone to backlight bleed.
• Color Performance: ~85% DCI-P3, vibrant colors with quantum dots.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~24°), suited for direct viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG (no Dolby Vision).
• Upscaling: Quantum Processor 4K, decent (~6.7/10), adequate for low-quality content.
• Reflections: Excellent handling (~2.5% total reflections), matte anti-glare coating.
• TCL 8-Series Roku TV (based on RTINGS.com, CNET.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD, QLED, Mini-LED, full-array local dimming (~300 zones).
• Brightness: ~1,500 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~800 cd/m² (SDR), excellent for bright rooms.
• Contrast: ~20,000:1 with dimming, ~5,000:1 native, deep blacks with minimal blooming.
• Color Performance: ~97% DCI-P3, ~75% Rec.2020, highly vibrant colors.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~25°), suited for direct viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, broader streaming compatibility.
• Upscaling: AiPQ Engine, fair (~4.8/10), struggles with low-quality content.
• Reflections: Good handling (~4.5% total reflections), semi-glossy finish.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The TCL 8-Series excels with significantly higher brightness (~1,500 cd/m² vs. ~500 cd/m²), better contrast (~20,000:1 vs. ~6,500:1), and a wider color gamut (~97% vs. ~85% DCI-P3), making it ideal for HDR content in bright Kenyan living rooms. Its ~300 dimming zones minimize blooming, enhancing dark-room performance. The Samsung The Frame offers decent colors and superior reflection handling (~2.5% vs. ~4.5%), thanks to its matte screen, but its edge-lit panel and lack of Dolby Vision limit HDR impact. Both have narrow viewing angles, favoring direct viewing setups. The TCL’s Mini-LED technology outperforms for vibrant visuals, while the Samsung’s art-focused design prioritizes aesthetics.

2. Gaming Performance

• Samsung The Frame 2023:
• Refresh Rate: 60Hz (120Hz on 55-inch+), 4K/120Hz via one HDMI 2.1 port (55-inch+).
• Input Lag: ~10.0ms (4K@60Hz), responsive for casual gaming.
• Features: ALLM, VRR (55-inch+), no FreeSync/G-SYNC.
• Game Mode: Adequate for single-player games.
• TCL 8-Series:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, 4K/120Hz via two HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~15.0ms (4K@60Hz), ~8.0ms (4K@120Hz), less responsive.
• Features: VRR, ALLM, no FreeSync/G-SYNC.
• Game Mode: Good response (~10.0ms total response time).

Verdict on Gaming: The TCL 8-Series is better for gaming with a 120Hz refresh rate across all sizes and two HDMI 2.1 ports, supporting modern consoles like PS5/Xbox Series X. The Samsung The Frame’s lower input lag (~10.0ms vs. ~15.0ms) benefits casual gaming, but its 60Hz panel on smaller sizes and limited HDMI 2.1 support (one port on 55-inch+) reduce its appeal for next-gen gaming.

3. Sound Quality

• Samsung The Frame 2023: 2.0-channel speakers, 20W output, Dolby Digital Plus, adequate (~6.5/10 score).
• TCL 8-Series: 2.0-channel speakers, 30W output, Dolby Atmos, good (~7.0/10 score).

Verdict on Sound: The TCL 8-Series offers better audio with higher power (30W vs. 20W) and Dolby Atmos, providing more immersive sound. The Samsung’s audio is sufficient for casual viewing, but both TVs benefit from a soundbar for cinematic experiences in Kenyan homes.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• Samsung The Frame 2023: Tizen OS, Bixby/Alexa/Google Assistant, three HDMI (one 2.1 on 55-inch+), two USB, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 5, AirPlay, Art Store subscription.
• TCL 8-Series: Roku TV, Google Assistant/Alexa, four HDMI (two 2.1), one USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 5, Chromecast.

Verdict on Smart Features: The Samsung The Frame’s Tizen OS is smooth with AirPlay and Art Store for displaying art, ideal for aesthetic-focused users, but its subscription cost (~KSh 650/month) adds expense. The TCL 8-Series’ Roku TV offers a user-friendly interface with extensive app access (>5,000 apps) and Chromecast, plus an extra HDMI port. Both support voice assistants, but TCL’s connectivity and app ecosystem are more versatile.

5. Design and Build

• Samsung The Frame 2023: Slim (~1.0 inch, 65-inch), 0.4-inch bezels, VESA 400×300, ~22.5 kg, excellent reflections (~2.5%), customizable magnetic bezels, wall-mount included.
• TCL 8-Series: Thicker (~2.9 inches, 65-inch), 0.4-inch bezels, VESA 400×300, ~26.3 kg, good reflections (~4.5%), no art-focused design.

Verdict on Design: The Samsung The Frame’s ultra-slim design, matte screen, and customizable bezels make it a standout for Kenyan homes seeking a TV that doubles as art, with flush wall-mounting included. The TCL 8-Series’ bulkier build is less elegant but functional, with slightly weaker reflection handling.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2023/2019 pricing, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 19, 2025, 6:30 PM EAT). Local pricing may vary due to import duties and availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

Samsung The Frame 2023 Prices (based on RTINGS.com, BusinessInsider.com)

• 55-inch: $1,000–$1,200 ≈ KSh 130,000–156,000
• 65-inch: $1,500–$1,700 ≈ KSh 195,000–221,000
• 75-inch: $2,000–$2,200 ≈ KSh 260,000–286,000

TCL 8-Series Roku TV Prices (based on RTINGS.com, CNET.com)

• 65-inch: $900–$1,100 ≈ KSh 117,000–143,000
• 75-inch: $1,200–$1,400 ≈ KSh 156,000–182,000

Verdict on Cost: The TCL 8-Series is more affordable (~KSh 117,000–182,000 vs. ~KSh 130,000–286,000), offering better value for performance-focused buyers. The Samsung The Frame’s higher cost reflects its art-focused design and brand premium, with additional bezel (~KSh 13,000–26,000) and Art Store subscription costs.

Target Audience

• Samsung The Frame 2023:
• Ideal For: Style-conscious viewers and small households in moderate lighting. Its art mode and customizable bezels suit Kenyan homes prioritizing decor and aesthetics.
• Use Case: Best for art display, streaming, and casual viewing in direct seating setups.
• Budget: KSh 130,000–286,000, for buyers valuing lifestyle integration.
• TCL 8-Series Roku TV:
• Ideal For: Cinephiles, gamers, and families in bright rooms. Its high brightness and HDR performance suit movie enthusiasts and gaming in Kenyan homes.
• Use Case: Ideal for HDR movies, gaming, and bright-room viewing.
• Budget: KSh 117,000–182,000, for value-driven buyers seeking performance.

Final Verdict

Winner: TCL 8-Series Roku TV

The TCL 8-Series Roku TV is the superior choice for its higher brightness (~1,500 cd/m² vs. ~500 cd/m²), better contrast (~20,000:1 vs. ~6,500:1), and Dolby Vision support, delivering vibrant HDR visuals ideal for bright Kenyan living rooms and cinematic viewing. Its ~300 dimming zones and 120Hz panel with two HDMI 2.1 ports enhance HDR and gaming performance, while its affordability (~KSh 117,000–182,000) offers exceptional value. Its weaker upscaling (~4.8/10 vs. ~6.7/10) and narrow viewing angles (~25°) are drawbacks for low-quality content and group viewing.

The Samsung The Frame 2023 excels as a lifestyle TV with its art mode, matte screen, and customizable bezels, blending seamlessly into Kenyan homes as decor. Its superior reflection handling (~2.5%) and decent upscaling make it suitable for moderate lighting and local broadcasts, but its edge-lit panel and lack of Dolby Vision limit HDR impact, and its higher cost (~KSh 130,000–286,000) reflects its aesthetic focus.

Recommendation: Choose the TCL 8-Series Roku TV for vibrant HDR, gaming, and value in bright or controlled lighting, with a budget of KSh 117,000–182,000. Opt for the Samsung The Frame 2023 for art-focused aesthetics and casual viewing in moderate lighting, with a budget of KSh 130,000–286,000. Verify pricing through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers as of August 19, 2025.

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