Brookstone PhotoShare Review: One of the Best Digital Photo Frames Available

Last updated on 2022-09-22
By Yvonne

Brookstone PhotoShare Review: The Best Digital Photo Frames Is It Available?I tried the Brookstone PhotoShare digital frame for fifty hours in order to find out how it performed. Its screen quality, overall performance and design impressed me.

Brookstone PhotoShare Smart Picture

Brookstone PhotoShare Friends and Family Smart Frame

We like this

Durable design
Frame owns its email address
Wi-Fi capable
Speaker built-in
USB and SD expansion

The Things We Hate

Battery operated is not possible (limits on portability).
The app could have more features

Brookstone PhotoShare frames offer solid performance and elegant designs, but could use a better app.

Brookstone sent us a unit to review for one our writers. For the complete take, read on.

Digital photo frames are a great way to display your photos using an easy-to use device. Digital photo frames must offer a seamless and simple experience, especially with smart devices like the Echo Show. The Brookstone PhotoShare Friends & Family Smart Frame, 10.1 inches, was tested to compare it to other smart display and digital photo frames. I paid close attention to the design and setup, as well as its software and pricing.

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Design: Strong, but prefers the landscape

The PhotoShare frame is durable and stylish in matte black, or espresso. You can also choose from sizes 8-8, 10 or 14, depending on your preference. The 10-inch matte-black frame was used in this review.

The PhotoShare frame is sturdy and won't smudge or scratch easily.

You can choose from a black or white matte to match your home's decor. The PhotoShare frame is heavy so you can feel its quality. The durable wooden frame weighs 2.61 pounds and is resistant to scratching or smudging.

The power button and speaker are located on the back of PhotoShare frames. There is also a keyhole mount and slot for SD card expansion and USB expansion. It auto-rotates so it'd be great if there were wall mounting holes that could accommodate both portrait and landscape orientations. However, it has only one wall mounting hole for landscape. You can move the included stand from a table or to a wall with ease using its slide-on design.

The power connection is a major problem. It is powered by an AC adapter, and doesn't require batteries. You can not hang the cord high enough on a wall, or too far away from an outlet with an extension cord. You'll need to conceal the cord if you hang it up on a wall. They should include a battery-operating solution.

Installation: Each frame comes with its own email address

It is very easy to set up the Frame. All you need to do is connect the power adapter and turn it on. After you download the iOS and Android apps, create an account to add the frame.

If you want, you can add as many frames to your account as possible. The app can access all or a portion of your library photos. You will also be able to access your PhotoShare frame via the app's email address. The app allows you to share Facebook photos and take advantage of the USB or SD card expansion.

Audio and Video Quality: Optional background music, detailed photos

The PhotoShare frame displays photos clearly. High-definition touch displays allow you to see details such as highlights and hair. In photos of the trip to the beaches, you can see the seagulls and details on holiday ornaments. You can adjust transition effects and intervals for the slideshow, as well as zoom in or out. For that Harry Potter/Hogwarts feel, you can also display videos.

High-definition touch displays allow you to see details such as highlights and hairs.

A built-in speaker allows you to add background music locally or play audio from family videos. You can add background music to your slideshow using the SD or USB slots.

PhotoShare frames come with a speaker that can be used to play audio or add background music locally.

Wi-Fi is provided on the frame. It would be great if it could stream music but you can still have background music. The music can be heard from far away, although it doesn't have a booming bass and high-res audio. You can also hear the frame play tones as you navigate through the menus. However, you have the option of disabling the sound for a quiet digital frame.

Software: App PhotoShare Frame

PhotoShare is a basic app that doesn't offer many features. Although you can edit photos and add captions to them, as well as invite others to join your frame, the PhotoShare app doesn't allow for much editing or changing of slideshow features.

Many of these functions can be performed directly from the onboard menu. You can access many of the functions directly from the onboard menu.

You can only customize some options on the frame's menu, but you cannot do all of the things on both the frame and app simultaneously. The frame is not as intuitive and you need to use the app in order to make the best of PhotoShare. It doesn't offer the same features as a smart display or digital frame, even if you use all of them.

Prices: Quality is not free.

Digital photo frames that are 10 inches in size can be purchased for $50. However, you get what you pay. As the PhotoShare feels and looks expensive, the main difference in the PhotoShare's $160 price tag is its build quality. The PhotoShare is made of high-quality wood and has a more expensive border than other frames. While you won't likely get more features with a less expensive frame than a PhotoShare, the design will be better.

Brookstone PhotoShare vs. Nixplay Seed

The Nixplay Seed 10 inch is usually sold for $165. It's similar to Brookstone PhotoShare. The frame is Wi-FI compatible and includes an email address to send content. The Nixplay Seed is compatible with Alexa, Google Photos sharing and offers a companion app that's more complete. However, the PhotoShare frame is cleaner and more beautiful.

Final Verdict

An elegant Wi-Fi digital frame you can be proud of.

Brookstone PhotoShare is beautiful and well-designed. However, it lacks the technical whims of other options. It's still a great way to showcase photos and videos at home.

Specifications

Product name PhotoShare Smart Frame
Brookstone Product Brand
SKU FSM010BLB
Prices from $160.00
September 2019, Release Date
Weighing 2.61 pounds
Product dimensions 12.43x1.1x9.6in
Color Black, Espresso
1-year warranty
Screen Size 10.1 inches
Speaker with audio built-in
Compatible Wi-Fi (302.11 G/H)
Connectors 2pin to AC Adapter
Antenna Built-in ceramic
Sensors for Orientation
Expanding Slots USB and SD
What's included? PhotoShare frame in black, white, or both matte, adapter for AC, quickstart guide and stand