You will come across different kinds of displays when you want to buy a new television. Each display has its own distinctive technology and features. LED, OLED, and QLED are among the most sought-after televisions.
The display of these TVs are not the same, and knowing the differences between these technologies help you in making a well-informed decision that is aligned with your viewing preference and budget.
In this article, we will analyze the basic aspects of LED, OLED, and QLED TVs, including their benefits, drawbacks, and also optimal usage scenarios.
Choosing between LED, OLED, and QLED essentially comes down to your specific needs, preference, and even budget. By having a complete knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of each technology, you can make a well-informed choice and find the perfect TV for your home.
What is an LED TV?
LED TV in ordinary terms is just an upgraded version of LCD TV. Meaning that LED utilizes backlighting as opposed to the older CCFL backlighting that is found in LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panels. You can find the LED backlighting in a grid directly behind the screen (full-array) or around the edges of the screen (edge-lit). Normally, LEDs with edge-lit are thinner and also lighter compared to LEDs with full array, which provide superior control over local dimming, resulting in enhanced contrast and black levels.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of LED TVs?
LED TVs are one of the most popular TVs because its the most affordable and versatile compared to others. But it’s important to understand their pros and cons so you can decide if they are the right choice for your viewing needs.
Reasons to buy LED TVs
Affordability: They are the most affordable.
Brightness: They are excellent for well-lit rooms.
Energy Efficiency: Compared to other TVs or older LCD, they consumes less power.
Variety: They come in various sizes and specifications.
Slim design: Some models like Edge-lit LED are sleek and lightweight.
Reasons to avoid LED TVs
Contrast: Their contrast is the low
Viewing angles: Their color and contrast reduce from the side view.
Black levels: They don’t do well with deep blacks due to backlighting.
Overall picture quality: Not as high as OLED or QLED TVs.
What is an OLED TV?
OLEDs are a huge upgrade in display technology compared to LEDs. Unlike LEDs that rely on backlighting, OLED TVs use organic compounds that transmit light when electricity passes through them. This novel feature allows each pixel to operate independently, providing deep blacks and infinite contrast ratio. Pixels can completely turn off with OLED technology, thereby achieving unrivaled black levels.
Advantages and Disadvantages of OLED TVs
OLED TVs are known for their brilliant image quality and state-of-the-art technology. Below are benefits and drawbacks of this TVs
Reasons to buy OLED TVs
Picture quality: OLED TVs have outstanding black levels and contrasts.
True blacks: On OLED, pixels can completely turn off.
Color Accuracy: OLED has vibrant, warm, and accurate colors.
Viewing angles: They have excellent views from all angles.
Thin and flexible: They allow for cutting-edge designs like curved and olive screens.
Reasons to avoid OLED TVs
Costs: They are the most expensive TVs.
Burn-in risk: Permanent marks can appear over time due to static images.
Brightness: They are not as bright as QLED TVs, especially in a very illuminated room.
Lifespan: They are durable, but organic materials may diminish faster. However, modern features mitigate this.
What is a QLED TV?
QLED TVs manufactured by renowned brands are an upgrade to LED technology. This TV produces vibrant and more realistic images by releasing light at a precise wavelength when exposed to a backlight. Because of this upgrade in color and brightness, QLED TVs are superior to LED even though both still rely on LED backlights
Advantages and Disadvantages of QLED TVs QLED TVs uses Quantum Delta technology to enhance color accuracy and brightness. Below are benefits and drawbacks of this TV.
Reason to buy QLED TVs.
Brightness: Premium brightness ideal for bright rooms.
Color volume: Improved colors, particularly in HDR content.
Lifespan: They last longer longer and are less susceptible to burn-in than OLEDs.
Variety: They come in various sizes and price ranges.
Durability: It generally lasts more or longer than OLEDs.
Reasons to avoid QLED TVs
Black levels: Due to backlighting, their black levels are not as deep as OLED TVs
Contrast: Lower contrast level compared to OLED.
Viewing Angles: Low side view picture quality.
Cost: QLED is usually more expensive than the standard LED TVs.
Which TV has better picture quality?
In comparing picture quality, OLED TV will take the lead. The individual control of every pixel allows for amazing black levels, contrast, and color accuracy. This feature puts OLED TVs ahead for movie lovers and also for those who want ultimate viewing experience.
However, QLED TVs are also remarkable. They provide excellent brightness and color performance, which makes them a strong competitor, especially in illuminated rooms.
Even though LED TVs are more affordable, they offer decent picture quality, but when it comes to contrast and viewing angles, they can’t compete with OLED or QLED models.
What about brightness and color accuracy?
The brightness level plays a key role for a lot of viewers, especially those who watch TV in a well illuminated room. Because of their quantum dot technology which improves the overall brightness and color, QLED TVs stand out in this area. LED TVs also do well in bright settings, however, they face challenges in maintaining their color accuracy when the room is more illuminated. As for OLED TVs, they are not as bright as QLEDs but they provide superb color accuracy, as well as depth, especially in dark scenes.
Why viewing angles are important
One of the most important factors when choosing a TV is the viewing angle, especially for larger living rooms where people may not always be sitting directly in front of the screen. In this case, OLED TVs take the lead. They are known for offering the best viewing angles ensuring color consistency and contrast when viewed from the side.
QLED TVs have made significant improvement in this regard, but they still experience some diminishing in picture quality when viewed from the side.
When compared to these two, LED TVs generally have the most limited viewing angles, with noticeable degradation in color and contrast when viewed from the side.
Which TV type is suitable for you?
There are different sizes of TV and they are made for specific purposes. LED TVs are good for watching sports and TV programs, especially in well-illuminated spaces. QLED TVs are better. They are purposefully manufactured for bright settings as well as HDR content. They offer vivid color and superior brightness. While OLED TVs are manufactured specifically for gamers looking for superb picture quality, rich blacks, and immense gameplay.
What about durability and overall value for money?
It’s very important to consider the durability of a TV before purchasing a new TV. Because you would not want to purchase a TV that’s not durable.
QLED TVs last longer compared to OLED TVs. They are also less susceptible to issues like burn-in. Although more than OLED TVs come with features to reduce burning risk, it is still something to be mindful of for those who use static images frequently. The most durable amongst them are LED TVs. They are well known for their ability to offer good balance between cost and durability.
Conclusion
OLED TVs are mostly chosen because of their affordability and they provide good value for those with budget constraints. QLED takes care of the mid to high-end market. It offers high-quality performance and it comes at various price levels. OLED TVs are the most expensive, but they deliver superb picture quality and innovative designs.