Understanding the difference between OLED and QLED TVs is really important when you’re looking to buy a new one. They both show great pictures, but they do it in different ways that affect how good the picture looks, how much it costs, and how well it works.
It can be hard to figure out the truth from all the strong opinions online. But what TV is best for you depends more on what you need than on what the technology is.
In this article, you will learn the difference between OLED and QLED TVs. This will help you find a TV that’s just right for your budget and what you like.
OLED
OLED stands for “organic light-emitting diode.” Unlike regular LED and LCD TVs that need a backlight, OLED TVs have panels where each pixel emits its light. This makes OLED TVs great for showing deep blacks and sharp contrast, which is why they’re popular with people who love movies and games.
In the past, OLED TVs had limits like not being very bright and sometimes getting “burn-in” marks. But newer models from top brands like LG, Samsung, and Sony use technologies like MLA-OLED and QD-OLED to fix these issues. They’re now brighter and show colors more accurately.
OLED TVs also look sleek because they don’t need a backlight, and they don’t have light bleeding from the edges, giving you a fantastic cinematic experience.
QLED
QLED, short for Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diode, uses a blue LED backlight that passes through quantum dots to create a wide and precise range of colors. This technology is praised for its vibrant colors, high brightness, and accurate color representation from dark to light shades.
Top brands like Samsung, Sony, TCL, and Hisense offer QLED TVs with improved brightness, less glare, and anti-reflection features. For larger screens, especially over 75 inches, QLED TVs are a great choice for viewers who want vivid colors, strong contrast, and adaptability in various settings, all at a reasonable cost.
Recommended OLED and QLED TVs
Here are some recommended OLED and QLED TVs:
- Samsung S95C OLED 4K Smart TV
- Impressive colors, contrast, and brightness with QD-OLED technology.
- High cost.
- Sony Bravia XR X93L Mini LED 4K HDR Google TV
- Sharp, detailed images with impressive color and contrast.
- Mini-LED backlighting and Sony’s image processing rival OLEDs.
- LG OLED evo C3 4K Smart TV 2023
- Excellent color, contrast, and brightness suitable for most rooms.
- Price increase but in line with similar quality sets.
- TCL Q6 4K QLED HDR Smart TV With Google TV
- Good color production and HDR handling at an affordable price.
- Quantum-dot layer technology.
QLED vs. OLED
Feature | OLED TVs | QLED TVs |
---|---|---|
Technology | Uses Organic Light Emitting Diode | Utilizes Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode |
Brightness | Offers lower peak brightness than QLED | Provides higher peak brightness, ideal for bright rooms |
Contrast | Achieves perfect blacks by turning off pixels completely | Boasts very good contrast, though not as deep as OLED |
Color Accuracy | Shows excellent color accuracy with natural reproduction | Displays vivid colors enhanced by quantum dot technology |
Viewing Angles | Provides wider viewing angles without quality loss | Offers good viewing angles but may lose saturation at extreme angles |
Response Time | Has faster response times, suitable for gaming | Exhibits slightly slower response times compared to OLED |
Price | Generally more expensive, especially in larger sizes | More affordable, especially in larger screens above 75 inches |
Lifespan | May experience burn-in, with an average lifespan of 6-7 years | Similar lifespan of about 6-7 years, without burn-in risk |
Screen Burn | May encounter burn-in issues with static images over time | No burn-in problems due to different display technology |
Energy Efficiency | More energy-efficient due to absence of backlight | Less energy-efficient due to usage of LED backlight |
Image Quality: QLED vs. OLED
When comparing QLED and OLED image quality, here are some key points based on reviews:
- QLED TVs have varying picture quality depending on the series. Higher-end QLED models with mini-LED backlights and better local dimming outperform cheaper ones, offering bright highlights, better viewing angles, and improved picture quality.
- OLED TVs consistently deliver excellent image quality with superior contrast and black levels. The emissive nature of OLED allows for turning off unused pixels, resulting in infinite contrast and deeper blacks compared to QLED/LCD TVs.
- QLED TVs are brighter overall, especially in bright rooms and with HDR content. However, OLED TVs can still achieve sufficient brightness for most environments and offer better HDR image quality due to superior contrast.
- OLED TVs have better uniformity and viewing angles, maintaining screen uniformity and fidelity from various angles compared to LCD-based displays.
- Both QLED and OLED TVs share similar resolutions, color accuracy, and video processing capabilities, with no major inherent advantages in these aspects. QD-OLED may bring improved color performance in the future.
Size: QLED vs. OLED
QLED TVs offer a wider range of sizes compared to OLED. OLED TVs are available in sizes ranging from 42 inches to 97 inches, with new additions like the 42-inch and 97-inch models in 2022. On the other hand, QLED TVs, being LCDs, can be made in an even greater variety of sizes, starting from 32 inches and going up to 98 inches.
OLED TVs are available in the following sizes:
- 42-inch
- 48-inch
- 55-inch
- 65-inch
- 77-inch
- 83-inch
- 88-inch
- 97-inch
QLED TVs come in various sizes, including:
- 32-inch
- 43-inch
- 50-inch
- 55-inch
- 58-inch
- 65-inch
- 75-inch
- 82-inch
- 85-inch
- 98-inch
One key advantage of QLED and LCD TVs, especially in sizes over 65 inches, is their affordability. While 77-inch OLED TVs can cost $2,200 and above, most 75-inch QLED TVs are more budget-friendly. This price difference becomes more significant in larger sizes, making QLED and LCD TVs a popular choice for those looking for larger screens at a more affordable price point.
Which Will Benefit You More?
When considering LED, OLED, and QLED TVs, each technology offers distinct advantages. LED, being the standard backlit display, serves as a baseline option. OLED stands out with its self-emissive pixels, delivering unmatched contrast and deep blacks, making it a top choice for those seeking immersive cinematic experiences, especially movie enthusiasts and gamers appreciative of fast response times.
However, OLEDs are often limited in size options and come at a premium price. On the other hand, QLED excels in brightness, making it ideal for well-lit rooms and vibrant HDR content. It also offers a wider range of screen sizes and tends to be more budget-friendly than OLEDs. Although QLEDs may have occasional blooming and slightly less contrast, recent advancements in mini-LED backlighting and dimming zones have significantly improved their overall image quality.
When choosing between OLED and QLED TVs, consider these key factors:
- Usage and Environment: For dimly lit rooms and deep blacks, OLED is ideal. QLED suits bright rooms with vibrant colors.
- Budget: OLED TVs are pricier than QLED counterparts, so assess your budget carefully.
- Size and Resolution: Both offer various sizes and resolutions, so pick one that fits your space and viewing preferences.
- Additional Features: Check for smart TV functions, HDR support, refresh rates, and gaming features if important to you.
Ultimately, your decision should consider your viewing environment, budget, and which features matter most to you, be it contrast, brightness, screen size options, or affordability.