Choosing a new TV or monitor means navigating a confusing landscape of display technologies: OLED, QLED, Mini-LED, Neo QLED, QD-OLED, and more. Each technology has distinct strengths and weaknesses that make it better suited for different use cases.
This comprehensive guide explains how each technology works, compares their real-world performance, and helps you decide which is best for your specific needs.
Technology Overview
How Each Display Technology Works
OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)
How it works: Each pixel produces its own light using organic compounds. When electricity passes through these compounds, they emit light directly—no backlight needed.
Key characteristic: Pixels can turn completely off, producing perfect blacks.
OLED Pixel Structure:
┌─────────────────────┐
│ Cathode (-) │
├─────────────────────┤
│ Organic Emissive │ ← Light produced here
│ Layer │
├─────────────────────┤
│ Anode (+) │
├─────────────────────┤
│ Glass Substrate │
└─────────────────────┘Technical Note: According to LG Display’s technical documentation, WOLED panels use white organic emitters with color filters, while Samsung’s QD-OLED uses blue emitters with quantum dot color conversion.
QLED (Quantum Dot LED)
How it works: A traditional LCD panel with LED backlighting, enhanced by a quantum dot layer that improves color accuracy and brightness.
Key characteristic: Quantum dots convert blue LED light into precise red and green wavelengths.
QLED Layer Structure:
┌─────────────────────┐
│ LCD Panel Layer │ ← Controls light passage
├─────────────────────┤
│ Quantum Dot Film │ ← Enhances color
├─────────────────────┤
│ LED Backlight │ ← Light source
└─────────────────────┘Important clarification: QLED is Samsung’s marketing term. It’s still LCD technology—not self-emissive like OLED.
Mini-LED
How it works: An LCD panel with thousands of tiny LEDs as the backlight (instead of hundreds in traditional LED-LCD). This enables precise local dimming zones.
Key characteristic: Dramatically improved contrast over standard LCD through fine-grained backlight control.
Mini-LED Backlight Comparison:
Traditional LED: Mini-LED:
┌───┬───┬───┐ ┌─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┐
│ ● │ ● │ ● │ │●│●│●│●│●│●│
├───┼───┼───┤ ├─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┤
│ ● │ ● │ ● │ │●│●│●│●│●│●│
└───┴───┴───┘ ├─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┤
~50 zones │●│●│●│●│●│●│
└─┴─┴─┴─┴─┴─┘
~2000+ zonesIndustry Data: Apple’s Pro Display XDR uses 576 local dimming zones, while Samsung’s flagship Neo QLED TVs feature over 2,000 dimming zones. [Source: DisplayMate]
Head-to-Head Comparison
Contrast Ratio
Contrast ratio measures the difference between the brightest whites and darkest blacks a display can produce.
| Technology | Typical Contrast | Peak Contrast | Black Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLED | Infinite:1 | Infinite:1 | 0 nits (perfect) |
| QD-OLED | Infinite:1 | Infinite:1 | 0 nits (perfect) |
| Mini-LED | 20,000:1 - 100,000:1 | ~150,000:1 | 0.01-0.05 nits |
| QLED (standard) | 3,000:1 - 6,000:1 | ~10,000:1 | 0.1-0.5 nits |
| IPS LCD | 1,000:1 - 1,500:1 | ~2,000:1 | 0.3-1.0 nits |
Winner: OLED — Perfect blacks are impossible to beat. Mini-LED comes impressively close in dark rooms but can’t match pixel-level control.
Brightness
Peak brightness matters for HDR content and bright room viewing.
| Technology | SDR Brightness | HDR Peak (10% window) | HDR Peak (Full screen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLED | 300-500 nits | 800-1,500 nits | 150-250 nits |
| QD-OLED | 400-600 nits | 1,000-1,800 nits | 200-300 nits |
| Mini-LED | 500-1,000 nits | 1,500-3,000 nits | 800-1,500 nits |
| QLED | 400-800 nits | 1,000-2,000 nits | 600-1,200 nits |
Winner: Mini-LED — Significantly brighter, especially for full-screen content. Critical for bright rooms and HDR highlights.
Measurement Standard: Brightness figures based on RTINGS.com testing methodology, measuring 2%, 10%, 25%, 50%, and 100% windows.
Color Performance
| Technology | Color Volume | Color Gamut | Color Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLED | Good | 98-99% DCI-P3 | Excellent |
| QD-OLED | Excellent | 99%+ DCI-P3, 90% Rec.2020 | Excellent |
| Mini-LED | Very Good | 95-99% DCI-P3 | Very Good |
| QLED | Very Good | 95-99% DCI-P3 | Very Good |
Winner: QD-OLED — Combines OLED’s perfect blacks with quantum dot color enhancement. Standard OLED and high-end Mini-LED are very close.
Response Time and Motion
| Technology | Response Time | Motion Clarity | Input Lag (Game Mode) |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLED | 0.1-0.2ms | Excellent | 5-10ms |
| QD-OLED | 0.1-0.2ms | Excellent | 5-10ms |
| Mini-LED | 2-5ms | Very Good | 5-15ms |
| QLED | 4-8ms | Good | 8-20ms |
Winner: OLED — Near-instantaneous pixel response eliminates motion blur. Ideal for fast-paced gaming and sports.
Viewing Angles
| Technology | Horizontal Angle | Color Shift | Brightness Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLED | 178°+ | Minimal | Minimal |
| QD-OLED | 178°+ | Minimal | Minimal |
| Mini-LED (VA) | 120-140° | Moderate | Significant |
| Mini-LED (IPS) | 170°+ | Minimal | Moderate |
| QLED (VA) | 120-140° | Moderate | Significant |
Winner: OLED — Self-emissive technology maintains picture quality at extreme angles. VA-based Mini-LED/QLED suffer at off-angles.
The Burn-In Question
What is Burn-In?
Burn-in (or image retention) occurs when static elements displayed for extended periods cause permanent damage to pixels, leaving ghost images.
OLED burn-in risk factors:
- Static UI elements (news tickers, channel logos, game HUDs)
- High brightness settings
- Extended daily usage (8+ hours)
- Same content type repeatedly
Real-World Burn-In Data
| Study/Source | Finding |
|---|---|
| RTINGS 2-Year Test (2019-2021) | Burn-in visible after 9,000+ hours with static content |
| LG’s Internal Testing | 30,000 hours to 50% brightness degradation |
| Consumer Reports (2023) | No burn-in issues in typical home use patterns |
RTINGS Long-Term Test: In their comprehensive burn-in test, RTINGS ran 6 OLED TVs for over 9,000 hours. TVs showing varied content showed no burn-in, while those with static elements (CNN, FIFA, Call of Duty HUD) showed visible retention.
Burn-In Mitigation Technologies
Modern OLEDs include multiple protection features:
| Feature | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Pixel Shift | Subtly moves image to distribute wear |
| Screen Savers | Activates after detecting static content |
| Logo Luminance | Dims detected static elements |
| Pixel Refresh | Periodic calibration cycles |
| Panel Compensation | Adjusts individual pixel output |
Burn-In Verdict
| Use Case | Burn-In Risk | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Movies/Streaming | Very Low | OLED safe |
| Varied TV watching | Low | OLED safe |
| Gaming (varied games) | Low-Moderate | OLED generally safe |
| Single game, daily, 4+ hours | Moderate | Consider Mini-LED |
| PC monitor (taskbar visible) | Moderate-High | Mini-LED recommended |
| News/Sports with static logos | High | Mini-LED recommended |
| Digital signage | Very High | Avoid OLED |
Lifespan and Degradation
Expected Lifespan
| Technology | Half-Life (to 50% brightness) | Typical Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| OLED (Blue) | 15,000-30,000 hours | 7-15 years typical use |
| QD-OLED | 20,000-40,000 hours | 10-15 years typical use |
| Mini-LED | 50,000-100,000 hours | 15-25 years typical use |
| QLED | 50,000-100,000 hours | 15-25 years typical use |
Context: At 6 hours daily viewing, 30,000 hours = ~13.7 years.
Degradation Patterns
OLED degradation:
- Blue subpixels degrade faster than red/green
- Can cause color shift over time (warm/yellow tint)
- Uneven wear if content is consistently static
LED-based degradation:
- Gradual, uniform brightness reduction
- No color shift concerns
- Backlight can be replaced (in theory)
Price Comparison
TV Pricing
| Size | OLED | QD-OLED | Mini-LED | QLED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55” | $1,200-2,000 | $1,500-2,500 | $800-1,500 | $600-1,000 |
| 65” | $1,500-2,500 | $2,000-3,500 | $1,000-2,000 | $800-1,500 |
| 77” | $2,500-4,000 | $3,000-4,500 | $1,500-3,000 | $1,200-2,000 |
| 83-85” | $4,000-6,000 | N/A | $2,500-4,500 | $2,000-3,500 |
Monitor Pricing
| Size/Resolution | OLED | QD-OLED | Mini-LED | IPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27” 4K 144Hz | $800-1,200 | $900-1,300 | $700-1,000 | $400-700 |
| 32” 4K 144Hz | $1,000-1,500 | $1,100-1,500 | $800-1,200 | $500-900 |
| 34” UW 1440p | $800-1,200 | $900-1,300 | $600-1,000 | $400-700 |
| 49” UW 1440p | $1,500-2,500 | N/A | $1,000-1,800 | $800-1,200 |
Value Analysis:
- Best value: QLED for bright rooms, budget buyers
- Best mid-range: Mini-LED for HDR enthusiasts
- Best premium: QD-OLED for ultimate picture quality
- Best for movies: Standard OLED
Use Case Recommendations
Home Theater / Movies
Best: OLED or QD-OLED
| Priority | Technology | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Dark room viewing | OLED | Perfect blacks, infinite contrast |
| Mixed lighting | QD-OLED | Better brightness than OLED |
| Bright room | Mini-LED | Highest brightness, good contrast |
Movies benefit most from OLED’s perfect blacks—dark scenes look stunning, and the infinite contrast creates a truly cinematic experience.
Gaming
Best: Depends on game type and environment
| Gaming Style | Best Technology | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive FPS | OLED | Fastest response, no motion blur |
| Single-player RPGs | OLED/QD-OLED | Immersive visuals |
| Bright room gaming | Mini-LED | Visibility in ambient light |
| Marathon sessions (same game) | Mini-LED | No burn-in risk |
Gaming Performance: Modern OLED TVs achieve input lag under 10ms in game mode—competitive with dedicated gaming monitors. The near-instantaneous pixel response eliminates motion blur in fast-paced games.
PC Monitor Use
Best: Mini-LED or QD-OLED (with caution)
| Use Case | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| General productivity | Mini-LED | No burn-in from static UI |
| Creative work | QD-OLED | Best color accuracy |
| Programming | Mini-LED | Static IDE elements |
| Mixed use | QD-OLED with care | Vary content, use dark mode |
Sports Viewing
Best: Mini-LED or QLED
| Factor | Best Technology |
|---|---|
| Bright room | Mini-LED/QLED |
| Motion clarity | OLED |
| Static scoreboards | Mini-LED (no burn-in) |
| Overall | Mini-LED |
Sports often have static graphics (scores, network logos) that pose burn-in risk on OLED. Mini-LED’s brightness also helps in typically bright living rooms during game time.
Technology Variants Explained
Samsung Neo QLED
What it is: Samsung’s Mini-LED TVs with quantum dot enhancement.
- Mini-LED backlight (not OLED)
- Quantum dot color layer
- Up to 2,000+ dimming zones
- Peak brightness up to 3,000 nits
LG QNED
What it is: LG’s Mini-LED TVs with quantum dot and NanoCell technology.
- Mini-LED backlight
- Quantum dot + NanoCell layers
- Competes with Samsung Neo QLED
- Not to be confused with OLED
QD-OLED
What it is: Samsung Display’s hybrid technology combining OLED with quantum dots.
- Self-emissive OLED base (blue)
- Quantum dot color conversion
- Best of both worlds: OLED blacks + QD colors
- Currently in Samsung S95 series and Sony A95 series
WOLED vs QD-OLED
| Aspect | WOLED (LG) | QD-OLED (Samsung Display) |
|---|---|---|
| Emitter | White OLED + color filters | Blue OLED + quantum dots |
| Brightness | Lower | Higher |
| Color volume | Good | Excellent |
| Viewing angles | Excellent | Excellent |
| Manufacturers | LG, Sony, Vizio | Samsung, Sony |
Future Technologies
MicroLED
What it is: Self-emissive display using microscopic inorganic LEDs.
Advantages over OLED:
- No burn-in risk
- Higher brightness potential
- Longer lifespan
- Modular/scalable
Current status: Available in massive sizes (89”+) at $100,000+. Consumer-friendly sizes expected by 2026-2028.
QD-LED (QDEL)
What it is: Quantum dots that emit light directly (no OLED or LCD).
Potential advantages:
- OLED-like contrast
- Higher brightness than OLED
- Better color than current QD-OLED
- Potentially lower cost
Current status: In development. Commercial products expected 2026+.
Quick Decision Guide
Choose OLED If:
- ✅ You watch movies in a dark or dim room
- ✅ Picture quality is your top priority
- ✅ You play varied games (not one game for hours daily)
- ✅ You want the best motion clarity
- ✅ Wide viewing angles matter (family viewing)
Choose QD-OLED If:
- ✅ You want the best overall picture quality
- ✅ You need higher brightness than standard OLED
- ✅ Color accuracy is critical (creative work)
- ✅ Budget allows for premium pricing
Choose Mini-LED If:
- ✅ You watch in a bright room
- ✅ You’re concerned about burn-in
- ✅ You want excellent HDR at lower cost than OLED
- ✅ You use it as a PC monitor with static elements
- ✅ You watch lots of sports/news with static graphics
Choose QLED If:
- ✅ Budget is a primary concern
- ✅ You need a very bright display
- ✅ Burn-in risk is unacceptable
- ✅ You’re buying a very large screen (80”+)
Conclusion
| Technology | Best For | Avoid If |
|---|---|---|
| OLED | Movies, gaming, dark rooms | Bright rooms, static content |
| QD-OLED | Ultimate quality, creative work | Tight budget |
| Mini-LED | Bright rooms, HDR, no burn-in worry | Need perfect blacks |
| QLED | Budget, brightness, large sizes | Dark room movie watching |
The Bottom Line: OLED delivers the best picture quality for most content in controlled lighting. Mini-LED is the safer, brighter choice for varied use cases and bright environments. QD-OLED represents the current pinnacle of display technology for those willing to pay the premium.
Use our TV screen size calculator to find the optimal screen size for your viewing distance once you’ve chosen your display technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OLED burn-in still a problem?
Burn-in remains a consideration but is much less of an issue than in early OLED models. Modern OLEDs include pixel shift, screen savers, and automatic brightness limiters to prevent burn-in. For typical home use with varied content, burn-in is unlikely within the TV’s lifespan. However, if you display static content for hours daily (news tickers, game HUDs, PC taskbars), Mini-LED is a safer choice.
Which is better for gaming: OLED or Mini-LED?
OLED is generally better for gaming due to its near-instant response time (0.1ms vs 2-5ms), perfect blacks, and excellent motion clarity. It’s ideal for fast-paced games and dark scenes. However, Mini-LED is better if you play the same game for extended hours daily (burn-in risk) or game in a very bright room where OLED’s lower peak brightness becomes a limitation.
Is QLED the same as OLED?
No, despite the similar names, they are fundamentally different technologies. OLED uses self-emissive pixels that produce their own light. QLED is Samsung’s marketing term for LCD TVs enhanced with a quantum dot layer—it still uses a backlight like traditional LED TVs. OLED offers better contrast and viewing angles, while QLED offers higher brightness and no burn-in risk.
How long do OLED TVs last?
Modern OLED TVs are rated for approximately 30,000 hours to reach 50% brightness—equivalent to about 13-14 years at 6 hours of daily viewing. Blue subpixels degrade faster than red and green, which may cause a slight warm color shift over time. For comparison, LED/QLED TVs are rated for 50,000-100,000 hours.
What’s the best display technology for a bright living room?
Mini-LED or QLED are better choices for bright rooms. They can achieve 1,500-3,000 nits peak brightness compared to OLED’s 800-1,500 nits. This extra brightness helps overcome glare and reflections from windows and lights. If you primarily watch TV during the day with curtains open, Mini-LED offers the best balance of picture quality and brightness.
Should I get an OLED or Mini-LED monitor for my PC?
For PC use, Mini-LED is generally safer because desktop interfaces have static elements (taskbar, icons, browser UI) that pose burn-in risk on OLED. However, if you primarily do creative work requiring perfect blacks and color accuracy, a QD-OLED monitor with careful usage habits (auto-hide taskbar, dark mode, varied content) can work well. For multi-monitor considerations, see our guide on ultrawide vs dual monitor setups.
Is QD-OLED worth the extra cost over regular OLED?
QD-OLED offers higher brightness, better color volume, and improved viewing angles compared to standard WOLED. If you’re buying a premium TV or monitor and want the absolute best picture quality, QD-OLED is worth the 20-30% price premium. For most users watching in typical conditions, standard OLED provides excellent value and the differences may not justify the extra cost.