LED vs OLED vs QLED TV: Which one should you buy and why? A comprehensive comparison

28/06/2024

Choose the best TV type that suits your needs.

When purchasing a new television, you will come across different types of displays, each possessing its distinct technology and features. LED, OLED, and QLED TVs are among the most sought-after options. A clear understanding of the disparities between these technologies can assist you in making a well-informed choice that aligns with your viewing preferences and budget. This article explores the fundamental aspects of LED, OLED, and QLED TVs, encompassing their benefits, drawbacks, and optimal usage scenarios. Choosing between LED, OLED, and QLED TVs ultimately comes down to your specific needs, preferences, and budget. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each technology, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect TV for your home.

What is an LED TV?

In layman's terms, LED is the upgraded version LCD TV format. Well, to elaborate more, the LED TVs t utilise LED backlighting as opposed to the older CCFL backlighting, in an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel. LED backlighting can be found either around the edges of the screen (edge-lit) or in a grid directly behind the screen (full-array). Edge-lit LEDs are generally thinner and lighter, whereas full-array LEDs provide superior control over local dimming, resulting in improved contrast and black levels.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of LED TVs?

LED TVs are popular for their affordability and versatility. Understanding their pros and cons can help you decide if they are the right choice for your viewing needs.

Reasons to buy LED TVs

Affordability: Generally more budget-friendly than OLED and QLED TVs.
Brightness: Excellent for well-lit rooms.
Energy efficiency: Consumes less power compared to older LCD models.
Variety: Available in a wide range of sizes and features.
Slim design: Edge-lit models are particularly sleek and lightweight.

Reasons to avoid LED TVs

Black levels: Struggles with deep blacks due to backlighting.
Contrast: Lower contrast compared to OLED TVs.
Viewing angles: Colour and contrast degrade when viewed from the side.
Light leakage: Risk of blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds.
Overall picture quality: It is good, but not as superior compared to OLED or QLED models.

Check out the best LED TVs below:

What is an OLED TV?

OLED TVs are a game-changer in display technology. Instead of relying on backlighting like LED TVs, OLED TVs use organic compounds that emit light when electricity passes through them. This unique feature allows each pixel to operate independently, delivering deep blacks and infinite contrast ratios. With OLED technology, pixels can completely turn off, achieving unparalleled black levels.

Advantages and disadvantages of OLED TVs

OLED televisions are renowned for their outstanding image quality and state-of-the-art technology. Below, we will outline the primary benefits and drawbacks associated with OLED TVs.

Reasons to buy OLED TVs

Picture quality: Exceptional black levels and contrast.
True blacks: Each pixel can turn off completely.
Colour accuracy: Vibrant and accurate colours.
Viewing angles: Excellent from all angles.
Thin and flexible: Allows for innovative designs like curved and rollable screens.

Reasons to avoid OLED TVs

Cost: Generally more expensive than LED and QLED TVs.
Burn-in risk: Static images can cause permanent marks over time.
Brightness: Not as bright as QLED TVs, especially in well-lit rooms.
Lifespan: Organic materials may degrade faster, though modern features mitigate this.

Check out the best OLED TVs below:

What is a QLED TV?

QLED TVs, such as those made by renowned brands, represent a step forward in LED technology. By utilising quantum dots, these TVs can produce vibrant and realistic images by emitting light at precise wavelengths when exposed to a backlight. This enhancement in colour and brightness is what sets QLED TVs apart, even though they still rely on LED backlights.

Advantages and disadvantages of QLED TVs

QLED televisions utilize quantum dot technology to improve colour accuracy and brightness. Below are the primary benefits and drawbacks of QLED TVs.

Reasons to buy QLED TVs

Brightness: Superior brightness, ideal for bright rooms.
Colour volume: Enhanced colours, particularly in HDR content.
Lifespan: Longer lifespan and less prone to burn-in compared to OLEDs.
Variety: Available in many sizes and price ranges.
Durability: Generally more robust than OLEDs.

Reasons to avoid QLED TVs

Black Levels: Not as deep as OLED TVs due to backlighting.
Contrast: Lower contrast compared to OLED.
Viewing Angles: Picture quality diminishes when viewed from the side.
Backlight Blooming: Potential for light leakage around bright objects on dark backgrounds.
Cost: Often more expensive than standard LED TVs.

Check out the best QLED TVs below:

Which TV has a better picture quality?

Comparing picture quality, OLED TVs are usually at the forefront. The individual control of each pixel allows for exceptional black levels, contrast, and colour accuracy. This makes OLED TVs perfect for movie lovers and those who want the ultimate viewing experience. However, QLED TVs are also impressive. They provide excellent brightness and colour performance, making them a strong competitor, especially in well-lit rooms. LED TVs, although more affordable, offer decent picture quality but can't quite match the performance of OLED or QLED models when it comes to contrast and viewing angles.

What about the brightness and colour accuracy?

The brightness level plays a significant role for numerous viewers, especially those who watch television in well-lit rooms. QLED TVs stand out in this aspect due to their quantum dot technology, which improves both brightness and colour volume. LED TVs also perform admirably in bright settings, although they may face challenges in maintaining colour accuracy at higher brightness levels. On the other hand, OLED TVs, although not as bright as QLEDs, provide exceptional colour accuracy and depth, particularly in darker scenes.

Why viewing angles are important?

When it comes to choosing a TV, viewing angles are an important factor to consider. This is especially true for larger living rooms where people may not always be sitting directly in front of the screen. OLED TVs are known for offering the best viewing angles, ensuring consistent colour and contrast even when viewed from the side. QLED TVs have made improvements in this area, but they still experience some degradation in picture quality when viewed off-centre. On the other hand, LED TVs generally have the most limited viewing angles, with noticeable decreases in colour and contrast when viewed from the sides.

Which TV type is suitable for you?

Different types of televisions are best suited for specific purposes depending on their unique features. LED TVs are excellent for everyday viewing, such as watching sports and TV programs, particularly in well-lit rooms. QLED TVs are perfect for bright settings and HDR content, providing vivid colours and superior brightness. OLED TVs are ideal for cinephiles and gamers seeking top-notch picture quality, rich blacks, and immersive gameplay.

Check out the products below:

What about durability and overall value for money?

When purchasing a new television, it is crucial to consider the durability and lifespan of the television set. QLED TVs typically have a longer lifespan compared to OLED TVs, as they are less susceptible to problems such as burn-in. While modern OLED TVs come with features to reduce burn-in risks, it is still something to keep in mind for those who use static images frequently. LED TVs are another option known for their durability and ability to provide a good balance between cost and longevity.

LED TVs are commonly chosen by consumers looking for affordability. They provide good value for those with budget constraints. QLED TVs cater to the mid to high-end market, offering top-notch performance and features at various price levels. OLED TVs, on the other hand, are known for being pricier but deliver superior picture quality and innovative designs. It's crucial to balance performance advantages with costs when deciding which option aligns best with your requirements and financial plan.