In the fast-paced realm of television technology, two heavyweight contenders have captured the spotlight in recent years: OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) and QLED (Quantum Dot LED) TVs. OLED and QLED represent distinct approaches to achieving stunning picture quality. I have had the opportunity to experience both rather extensively, and in this article, I will delve deep into my personal experience with the LG CX OLED (which is three years old now) and several QLED TVs, including the Samsung Frame, Samsung Q80R, and Mi 75 inch QLED.
The whole point of this post is to share how I find OLED to be way superior even if that means settling for a TV with a smaller size. We will dissect the fundamental aspects that elevate OLED to the throne as the superior choice. We’ll scrutinize its remarkable black levels, exceptional HDR content performance, and unparalleled contrast abilities. While QLED does have its merits, we will uncover why OLED remains the gold standard for those who demand the finest viewing experiences.
True Blacks and Contrast Performance
To truly grasp the supremacy of OLED in the OLED vs. QLED showdown, it’s imperative to understand the inner workings of these technologies. At the heart of OLED’s brilliance lies its unique ability to achieve true black levels. This is accomplished by having each pixel emit its light, allowing for the complete extinguishing of individual pixels when necessary. On the flip side, QLED relies on LED backlighting, which lacks the granularity required to turn off specific pixels.
The significance of OLED’s capacity becomes evident when immersing yourself in low-light or dark scenes. OLED TVs excel in rendering shadows with precision, offering a depth and richness that QLED TVs struggle to replicate. In such scenarios, OLED’s pixel-level control stands out as its defining advantage and is able to deliver an immersive and lifelike viewing experience. This advantage is further magnified when consuming high-contrast scenes, where OLED’s ability to deactivate pixels on a per-pixel basis results in an unparalleled feast for the eyes.
HDR Content
High Dynamic Range (HDR) content promises a broader spectrum of colors and heightened brightness. There are different standards like the HDR10 and the Dolby Vision. While QLED TVs do an admirable job of presenting vibrant and colorful HDR content, OLED takes it a step further. Thanks to its pixel-level control, OLED achieves brighter highlights and deeper shadows simultaneously, contributing to a more authentic and engrossing HDR experience. Imagine a scene like a moon in a black starry sky. The QLED will suffer with blooming, but the OLED will produce it nearly perfectly.
When basking in the glory of HDR content on an OLED TV such as the LG CX, one can’t help but notice the nuanced details in both the brightest and darkest corners of the screen. This enhances the authenticity of the content and underscores why OLED is the go-to choice if you are finicky about the picture quality.
QLED Lighting Technologies
Leading manufacturers like Samsung have invested substantially in improving the performance of QLED TVs through innovative lighting technologies. These advancements include edge lighting, full array lighting with local dimming, and the more recent Neo QLED technology. While these strides have undoubtedly enhanced the performance of QLED TVs, especially in well-lit rooms, they grapple with inherent challenges when it comes to delivering profound blacks and impeccable contrast.
For instance, edge-lit QLED TVs have been known to contend with uniformity issues, leading to light bleeding and a reduction in contrast levels. While full array lighting with local dimming mitigates some of these issues, it still falls short of OLED’s precision in controlling individual pixels.
Cost and Burn-In Considerations
An imperative factor in the OLED vs. QLED deliberation is cost. OLED TVs, particularly those in larger sizes, tend to carry a heftier price tag than their QLED counterparts. This cost differential often prompts consumers to scrutinize whether OLED’s enhanced picture quality justifies the steeper investment.
Additionally, it’s worth acknowledging that OLED TVs are susceptible to a phenomenon known as burn-in. This occurs when static images or logos are displayed for extended periods, potentially resulting in a lasting imprint on the screen and affecting long-term image quality. However, it’s crucial to note that recent OLED models have implemented preventive measures to minimize this risk, making it less of a concern for most users.
Size Matters: OLED for Smaller Screens
While OLED’s superiority in picture quality is undeniable, screen size plays a pivotal role in the decision-making process. OLED TVs tend to become considerably more expensive as screen sizes exceed the 65-inch mark. This pricing discrepancy underscores the significance of size when choosing between OLED and QLED. If you’re seeking a television under 65 inches, OLED remains an attractive choice, even if it entails a slight premium. However, for those in pursuit of massive screens, QLED might offer a more cost-effective solution.
Conclusion
In the ongoing contest between OLED and QLED technologies, OLED stands as the unequivocal champion for those who demand the zenith of picture quality. While QLED TVs possess their strengths, they simply cannot measure up to OLED’s depth, richness, and contrast performance. Whether you’re reveling in movies in a dimly lit room or immersing yourself in vibrant HDR content, OLED stands as the undisputed choice for a truly exceptional viewing experience. If you find yourself in the market for a new TV and prioritize picture quality above all else, the investment in an OLED TV is one that you won’t regret.
Having tried multiple QLED TVs, be it with full array lighting or edge lighting, the quality has always fallen short for me when compared to my rather old OLED. I even tried the newer Neo QLED at retail shops and felt that they were held back for the same reasons despite being comparable in price to OLED screens. In my experience, the difference in quality becomes even more noticeable in dark settings where the blacks on QLED don’t appear as dark as they do in the day. I’d say, if you usually watch TV during the day, or in a bright room, a QLED might be a more cost-effective proposition for you.
OLED’s capacity to generate true blacks, deliver outstanding HDR performance, and provide unrivaled contrast renders it the ultimate choice for home entertainment enthusiasts. While cost and the potential for burn-in are factors to weigh, OLED’s merits shine through, especially for screens under 65 inches in size. Ultimately, your choice between OLED and QLED should be informed by your unique requirements, viewing environment, and budget. OLED’s exceptional picture quality transforms it into an investment that elevates your entire television-watching experience, underscoring the fact that in the realm of television technology, not all screens are created equal.
