The TCL QM8 QLED 4K Mini LED TV pictured on a TV stand

Best TV display types: LED, QLED, OLED, and Mini-LED explained

There are several different TV display types, but which one is the best? Here's a quick guide explaining today's TV screen technologies.

Understanding the various TV display types is essential when shopping for a new television. Modern TVs feature a wide range of display technologies, each delivering different levels of picture quality, brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. If terms like LED, QLED, OLED, and Mini-LED have your head spinning, we’ll break down the differences between these TV panel types to help determine which is right for you.

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What are the different TV display types?

Several TV display types are on the market today, each using unique technology to render images on the screen. The “big four” main types are:

  1. Standard LED
  2. QLED
  3. OLED
  4. Mini-LED

Below, we’ll explore each of these TV display types in depth so you can decide which is best for your needs.

LG QNED Mini-LED 90 Series TV

Standard LED: The foundation of all modern TVs

Standard LED (light-emitting diode) is the most common TV display type. These televisions use a backlight behind the screen to illuminate pixels and create the image you see. LED TVs are popular thanks to their energy efficiency and affordability.

Pros of LED TVs:

  • Affordable compared to other TV display types
  • Bright screens, great for well-lit rooms
  • A broad range of sizes and models are available

Cons of LED TVs:

  • Limited contrast ratios due to reliance on backlighting
  • Black levels are less deep compared to OLED and Mini-LED

QLED: Quantum dot technology for enhanced colors

QLED (quantum light-emitting diode) is an enhanced version of standard LED technology developed by companies like Samsung. Modern QLED TVs use quantum dots, tiny semiconductor nanocrystals, to improve color accuracy and brightness. This makes them ideal for HDR content and bright rooms.

Pros of QLED TVs:

  • Brighter than standard LED and OLED TVs
  • Excellent color accuracy and vibrancy
  • No risk of burn-in, making them great for gaming and extended use

Cons of QLED TVs:

  • Still reliant on backlighting, so black levels are not as deep as OLED
  • Picture quality varies by viewing angle, with degradation at wider angles
Samsung QN90C Neo QLED TV

OLED: Perfect blacks and unbeatable contrast

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) TVs are a different class of display type. Instead of using a backlight, every pixel in an OLED TV emits its own light, meaning it can turn on or off independently. This allows OLED TVs to achieve true blacks and infinite contrast, providing a more immersive viewing experience, particularly in darker rooms.

Pros of OLED TVs:

  • True blacks and perfect contrast for stunning picture quality
  • Wide viewing angles with minimal distortion
  • Slim, sleek designs due to the lack of a backlight

Cons of OLED TVs:

  • Higher cost compared to LED and QLED
  • Potential risk of burn-in with static images over long periods

Mini-LED: The best of both worlds?

The mini-LED panel is the newest TV display type, combining elements of LED and QLED technology. Mini-LED TVs use smaller, more densely packed LEDs for backlighting, allowing for improved local dimming and better black levels than standard LED TVs. They offer an enhanced contrast ratio and superior brightness, making them a popular middle ground between QLED and OLED. Furthermore, many top-rated QLED TVs feature mini-LED backlighting.

Pros of Mini-LED TVs:

  • Superior brightness and contrast compared to regular LED and QLED
  • More affordable than OLED while offering near-OLED black levels
  • Excellent for both dark and well-lit rooms

Cons of Mini-LED TVs:

  • Still uses a backlight, so black levels are not as deep as an OLED
  • Prices are higher than standard LED and QLED TVs

Which TV display type is the best?

When deciding between these TV display types, consider the following factors:

  • Budget: Standard LED TVs are the most affordable, while OLED models are at the high end.
  • Viewing environment: If you watch TV in a bright room, QLED and Mini-LED may perform better. For darker rooms, OLED is unbeatable.
  • Usage: If you play video games or watch TV for extended periods, consider QLED or Mini-LED because they have a lower risk of burn-in.
Sony Bravia 8 OLED TV

Best TV models for each display type

In the market for a new TV? On the hunt for some juicy 4K TV deals? Here’s a list of some of the best models currently available for each TV display type to help you shop:

Best LED TVs:

  1. Sony X90L – Excellent contrast and picture quality at an affordable price.
  2. Samsung DU8000 – Offers solid 4K performance on a budget.

Best QLED TVs:

  1. Samsung QN90C – Outstanding brightness and color accuracy with Mini-LED backlighting.
  2. TCL Q65 – A value-packed option with excellent performance for the price.

Best OLED TVs:

  1. LG C4 OLED – Best-in-class picture quality with perfect blacks and excellent gaming features.
  2. Sony Bravia 8 OLED – Delivers superior brightness and stunning image clarity.

Best Mini-LED TVs:

  1. Samsung Neo QLED QN90D – Exceptional brightness and near-OLED black levels with premium features.
  2. LG QNED Mini-LED 90 Series – Great balance of price and performance with advanced Mini-LED technology.

Conclusion

Whether you prioritize affordability, brightness, color accuracy, or contrast, understanding the different TV display types can make all the difference in choosing the right TV for your home theater setup. Weigh the features of each TV panel type—LED, QLED, OLED, and Mini-LED—with your preferences, needs, and budget, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect TV for your home.