Although the model numbers Samsung The Frame LS03FA and The Frame LS03FW may look nearly identical, the two TVs differ significantly in both design and technology.
The LS03FW is the more advanced model. It features an external One Connect module that connects to the TV wirelessly, which is what the “W” in the model name stands for — Wireless. In addition to its cleaner setup, this model uses a premium Neo QLED panel, offering higher brightness, better contrast, and more accurate color reproduction. Due to the higher manufacturing cost of this panel, the LS03FW is available only in larger sizes: 65″, 75″, and 85″.
In contrast, the LS03FA connects to its One Connect box via cable. It comes with a standard QLED display, which delivers solid picture quality but doesn’t match the Neo QLED in terms of depth and color precision. This version is available in a broader range of screen sizes — 43″, 50″, 55″, and 65″, making it a versatile choice for different room sizes and needs.
Connections and One Connect
The Samsung The Frame LS03FW uses a wireless One Connect Box (Y25). This unit serves purely as a port hub and does not include any processing components or memory — all the electronics are integrated into the TV itself. Because wireless transmission can introduce some delay, the TV also has a built-in micro-HDMI 2.1 port for direct connection to gaming consoles or other latency-sensitive devices.
This model offers five HDMI inputs: four on the One Connect Box and one micro-HDMI 2.1 directly on the TV. The box is powered by a 15V USB-C charger, while the screen connects separately to the mains. The wireless signal works reliably within a distance of up to 10 meters (32 feet), and the box must be paired with the TV during setup.
The LS03FA, on the other hand, uses the standard wired One Connect Box (2024 model), which houses all the main processing components. It connects to the TV via a dedicated cable that carries both video signal and power, eliminating the need for a separate power cord to the screen.
In short, the LS03FW offers a wireless connection setup, while the LS03FA relies on a traditional, fully wired configuration. The idea of a more advanced wireless One Connect Box (Y25) may seem appealing at first, especially with its promise of a cleaner setup and greater flexibility. However, in practice, it doesn’t quite live up to the hype. Moving the ports to a separate unit isn’t a revolutionary concept, and the fact that you still need to use the HDMI port on the TV itself—particularly for gaming—significantly reduces the benefit of going wireless.
Screen and Processor
The LS03FW features a Neo QLED panel with advanced mini LED backlighting, delivering higher peak brightness and more precise local dimming. The LS03FA, on the other hand, relies on a standard QLED matrix with conventional LED lighting and Dual LED technology. In practice, the two panels come from different manufacturers and differ noticeably in quality. The LS03FW clearly offers a superior viewing experience, with deeper contrast and more refined details, especially in darker scenes.
While the LS03FW is officially listed with the newer NQ4 AI Gen3 processor and the LS03FA with the previous Gen2 version, it’s quite possible that both models use identical hardware. These generational labels often reflect marketing strategies more than genuine technical differences, especially when there’s no transparency about the actual chipset inside.
Both televisions support Smart Calibration, but only the LS03FW includes both basic and professional modes. This not only suggests greater flexibility for those who value accurate color reproduction, but also reinforces the idea that the LS03FW is equipped with a higher-grade screen.
