In the ever-evolving landscape of television technology, the emergence of QLED TVs promised a quantum leap in display quality, bridging the gap between traditional LED and OLED technologies. The technology has evolved over the years and seen multiple variations of the QLED technology, such as the Neo QLEDs by Samsung or QNED by LG, even further pushing the boundaries of what QLEDs can do.
While not as expensive as their OLED counterparts, QLED TVs from most premium brands such as Samsung command a hefty premium over their LED offerings. But as technology has become more commoditized, the market has become flooded with more affordable alternatives from brands like TCL, Mi, and many others, offering the QLED experience almost at the cost of regular LED televisions. This raises a natural question: can these budget-friendly QLEDs truly compete with the premium offerings from industry giants like Samsung and LG?
Once you start using these more affordable QLEDs, that can start for as low as $300 (Rs 25,000) it becomes apparent that not all QLEDs are created equal. Brands such as TCL and Mi, though boasting QLED technology, often fall short of delivering on the promises associated with the acronym. Color reproduction issues, subpar black levels, and uniformity problems like bleeding become a part of the viewing experience. You will find the colors to be often washed and not as popping as you’d see on a more expensive QLED. These TVs often have poor contrast ratios as well, where true blacks are rarely achieved due to diminished dynamic range.
Uniformity, or the consistency of color and brightness across the entire display, is another area where budget QLEDs tend to falter. Bleeding issues, where light spills into adjacent areas of the screen, can be a common problem. This not only distracts from the viewing experience but also diminishes the perceived quality of the display.
But why is there such a huge difference between cheaper and more expensive QLEDs when the difference isn’t that great in OLEDs? There is no one answer. Usually, cheaper QLEDs come with edge-lit dimming compared to full array lighting on the more expensive models. Edge-lit QLEDs even from premium brands like Samsung (case in point, the Frame) are known to have uniformity issues, leading to light bleeding and a reduction in contrast levels. Also, the recent premium QLED come with technologies like mini-LED, which ensures several hundred local dimming zones, thus, better contrast. The panel quality is also better on more premiemly priced televisions which results in better viewing angles.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that all QLEDs that aren’t Sony, Samsung, or LG are bad. A quick look at Rtings.com for QLEDs from TCL, HiSense, and other more affordable brands show that some of the more high-end offerings from these brands do score well. Conversely, not everything that Samsung or LG touches is gold either. I’ve had my Samsung Frame and the dirty screen effect on the TV makes me want to throw it in the trash bin.
What to do as a buyer?
For those considering a QLED TV, it is advisable to approach the decision with caution. Raising the budget to invest in a reputable brand like Samsung, LG, or even exploring more premium options such as OnePlus can significantly enhance the overall viewing experience. We don’t mean to say brands like TCL cannot offer compelling TVs. But we don’t think a lot of people would be willing to invest Rs 80,000 on a TCL. While cost may be a determining factor, the long-term satisfaction derived from a higher-quality QLED is likely to outweigh the initial savings offered by cheaper alternatives.
Conclusion
In the quest for the perfect television, it is crucial to recognize the distinctions within QLED technology. Cheaper QLEDs may fall short of delivering the promised visual prowess, leading to disappointment for unsuspecting consumers. While the allure of affordability may be tempting, investing in a trusted brand ensures a superior viewing experience that truly captures the essence of QLED technology. As the market continues to evolve, discerning consumers must be vigilant in distinguishing between the genuine QLED experience and the diluted imitations that threaten to diminish the technology’s reputation
