Aluratek 8-inch Distressed Wood Digital Photo Frame

Does this budget frame compare to higher-end options?

Digital photo frames are a convenient way to display photos in the home. With a digital photo frame, images may be displayed on the same frame and changed when desired. Digital photo frames may also show animations, signs or artwork. Digital photo frames offer designs that imitate or resemble those of traditional picture frames. Though they're generally intended for tabletop or shelf top display, some digital photo frames may be hung on walls.

The Aluratek 8-Inch Distressed Wood Digital Photo Frame is a digital photo frame priced at the low end of the category. With a low-resolution LCD screen, no onboard storage and no battery, it's primarily an entry-level digital photo frame with a trend-conscious finish and design.

Testing the Aluratek 8-inch Distressed Wood Digital Photo Frame 

The BestReviews Testing Lab investigates product claims and features during real-world usage situations. For this article, the testing lab evaluated the Aluratek 8-Inch Distressed Wood Digital Photo Frame on display quality, ease of use, build quality and value for money.

What is the Aluratek 8-inch Distressed Wood Digital Photo Frame?

The Aluratek 8-Inch Distressed Wood Digital Photo Frame is a device for displaying a photo or set of photos digitally designed to resemble a traditional picture frame. It comprises an 8-inch (diagonal) 1024 x 768 (XGA) TFT LCD screen with attached hardware, manual controls and onboard software. It offers a USB 2.0 port and a SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot to connect to storage media. It does not have built-in storage. The imitation wood frame sports a distressed, rustic finish and includes a white matte detail around the display. An AC adapter is included. There are no batteries. 

For a comparison of the Aluratek 8-Inch Distressed Wood Digital Photo Frame with similar products, see our guide for best digital photo frames.

Aluratek 8-Inch Distressed Wood Digital Photo Frame price and where to buy

The Aluratek 8-Inch Distressed Wood Digital Photo Frame costs $69.99. It's available on Amazon.

How to use the Aluratek 8-Inch Distressed Wood Digital Photo Frame

Setup and use of the Aluratek photo frame is generally simple but suffers from some clumsy controls. After removing the Aluratek from its packaging, screw the table stand into the main body of the frame. Connect the included AC adapter to the frame and plug it into an outlet. Transfer digital images onto an SD/SDHC/SDXC card or USB device such as a flash drive, and insert the card or drive into the appropriate port on the Aluratek. A slideshow should immediately start. Use the rear controls to start, stop, forward or reverse through the images. More advanced operations including display options and time/calendar setup are accessed by repeated presses of the control panel buttons.

Aluratek 8-inch Distressed Wood Digital Photo Frame benefits

Low price

At its suggested retail price, the Aluratek 8-Inch Distressed Wood Digital Photo Frame costs $50 to $100 less than other digital photo frames. Typical discounts make it even more affordable. It works well as a stocking stuffer gift.

Trendy frame

Unlike some other low-cost digital picture frames, the Aluratek features an imitation wood frame with distressed styling, suitable for rustic, vintage or industrial interior decorating styles. This, plus its built-in matte detailing, make it reasonably attractive as a piece of decor.

Simple mounting

The Aluratek sports a wall mount slot at the back of the frame, allowing the user to hang the Aluratek from a nail, screw or hook on the wall. Using it was straightforward and uncomplicated.

Memory card and USB support

The Aluratek accepts SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards and USB storage such as a flash drive or thumb drive. This allows for flexible and simple photo storage and input into the frame. The Aluratek supports several image file formats, but media should be formatted to FAT32. The Aluratek can also accept images stored on a USB external hard drive, but the hard drive must have its own external power. The Aluratek has a USB 2.0 port.

Aluratek 8-inch Distressed Wood Digital Photo Frame drawbacks

Mediocre image resolution and quality

The Aluratek disappointed during testing with its mediocre image quality. The 1024 x 768 TFT LCD display lacked the resolution and quality to display photographs at their best and were notably inferior to viewing those files on a computer. Viewing angles were limited to a 45-degree cone, outside of which the image did not display well.

Laughable transitions

The Aluratek’s slideshow mode suffers from poor image transitions, which the testing lab found laughable and akin to grade school-level programming class. The lab recommended choosing the simplest slideshow transition when possible.

Clumsy controls

The control buttons at the back of the Aluratek were clumsy to use. Their location is inconvenient and the interface requires multiple button presses to navigate to all the options and selections.

Lacks auto-rotate

The Aluratek is designed for landscape or horizontal display of photos. It does not automatically rotate photos if set in a vertical orientation, nor does it automatically rotate photos that may have been edited to display on its side.

Should you get the Aluratek 8-inch Distressed Wood Digital Photo Frame?

The Aluratek 8-Inch Distressed Wood Digital Photo Frame is a lower-cost option among digital photo frames that cuts some corners in picture quality, features and usability. It's worth considering if price is the overriding factor or if the distressed wood frame style is appealing. However, for quality, performance and features, there are better digital photo frames available.