We purchased the Nixplay Iris so that our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and review it. Read on for our full product review.

A photo frame should bring you joy, and the Nixplay Iris takes a few different approaches to doing just that. The first is the refined design of the frame itself, followed by the impressive quality of the display. But it strives to go even further, adding all the smarts that come with connecting to your Wi-Fi network. The execution isn’t perfect, but the Iris takes admirable steps toward what a modern frame should be. Even in our list of the best digital photo frames , it stands out as a frame that excels both inside and out.

In an age where most digital frames are built with a similar black bezel and basic tablet-like design, the Iris is a style-conscious breath of fresh air. The frame I tested had a “polished bronze” finish on the wide metal bezel, which gave the frame a nice visual pop, while remaining understated enough to fit almost anywhere in my home. I imagine the “peach copper” and “silver” variants would look equally elegant.

With no ports or other controls on the frame, the only thing left on the back is a stiff but flexible section of power cord where the rest of the cord plugs into. This acts as an unconventional stand for the frame, fully adjustable for portrait or landscape orientation (the screen automatically rotates to accommodate) and basically any tilt angle. The downside is less stability than the typical kickstand. Combined with a thick power cord that’s durable but heavy and will pull on the frame if there’s a lot of cord dangling from your surface, you’ll want a sturdy frame when you set it down.