top of page
Search

Reflection Frame Review — The Minimalist E-Ink Display for Modern Homes

For years, I’ve been fascinated by E-Ink technology — that paper-like display that consumes almost no power once the image is shown. My first encounter with it was through the Amazon Kindle, and since then, I’ve dreamed of using it to display my own photography and artwork.


Finally, that dream is here with the Reflection Frame, a 13.3-inch digital frame using the Spectra 6 E-Ink color display. In this post, I’ll share what makes it special, how it works, and whether it’s worth adding to your home or studio.


What Is the Reflection Frame?


The Reflection Frame is a minimalist digital frame that displays images using E-Ink instead of traditional screens. Once an image is shown, it stays on the display without consuming power — just like printed art.

It’s designed for art lovers, photographers, or anyone who enjoys refreshing their wall decor without constantly printing new photos.


How the Spectra 6 E-Ink Display Works


The Reflection Frame uses the Spectra 6 panel, which features six ink colors: black, white, red, green, blue, and yellow.When electricity is applied, the display rearranges these colored particles to create the final image.


However, it’s not perfect — magenta and cyan tones are limited, so some images may look slightly muted or lack vibrancy in those hues.


The display is 13.3 inches (20 × 26.5 cm) and has a truly paper-like, matte finish that avoids reflections or glare.


How to Transfer Images (NFC Technology)


Transferring photos is simple thanks to NFC (Near Field Communication) — the same technology used in tap-to-pay systems.Using the Reflection Frame app, you can choose images or artwork from your gallery or from curated collections like:


  • Western fine art

  • Eastern fine art

  • AI photographs


Once selected, simply tap your phone to the bottom of the frame and the image transfers in seconds — no cables, Wi-Fi pairing, or Bluetooth needed.


Printing Time and Image Quality


Each transfer takes about 15 seconds to send and 15 seconds to “print” the new image. It behaves almost like a small printer — slowly revealing the new artwork.


When viewed up close, you’ll notice the tiny E-Ink dots that form the image. Because the display only uses six colors, it doesn’t achieve the same range as photo prints or LCD screens.


Tip:For best results, use bright, high-contrast images. Black-and-white photos can look beautiful but tend to appear slightly darker on the E-Ink display.


Design and Build Quality


The Reflection Frame weighs about 1.2 kg and includes magnetic mats (passe-partout) in white and gray, allowing you to match the frame to your decor or the tone of your artwork.


Changing mats is easy — just lift one edge and the magnetic system does the rest. The frame also includes mounting points for both horizontal and vertical display.


Battery Life and Charging


Inside is a 5,000 mAh battery — surprisingly large for such an energy-efficient device.


Because E-Ink only consumes power when changing the image, the Reflection Frame can last up to two years if you change photos three times a day. If you prefer keeping the same photo for weeks, you might go years without recharging.


Charging is done through a USB-C port on the back.


Price and Value


The Reflection Frame costs around 322 euro ($350 USD), depending on the configuration.


It’s not the cheapest frame on the market, but considering the newness of Spectra 6 color E-Ink technology, it’s a solid mid-range investment — especially for photographers or minimalist home enthusiasts.


Who Is It For?


This frame is ideal for:


  • Photographers and artists wanting to display their work in a low-energy, elegant way

  • Design lovers who prefer minimalist, cable-free tech

  • Smart home users who appreciate slow, calm technology


In my studio, I plan to use it in my client area — to show new wedding photos or personal work that I can easily refresh by tapping my phone.


Pros and Cons


✅ Pros

  • No glare or reflection

  • Extremely low power consumption

  • Simple tap-to-transfer system

  • Elegant, minimalist design

  • Beautiful for bright and artistic photos


❌ Cons

  • Slightly dark black-and-white tones

  • Limited color vibrancy (cyan & magenta)

  • Not suitable for motion or fast image changes


Final Thoughts


The Reflection Frame isn’t trying to replace LCD screens — it’s something entirely different.It’s calm tech: silent, elegant, and sustainable.


If you love art, photography, or minimalist design, this might be one of the most interesting digital displays to add to your space.


Would I recommend it?Absolutely — as long as you understand its limits and enjoy its charm for what it is: a living, evolving art print.



 
 
 
bottom of page