Twenty years ago, color kinescope TVs represented cutting-edge technology. Today, however, consumers are faced with the choice between LED and OLED displays, each offering distinct advantages. Deciding which is best isn’t simple, especially given the marketing strategies of manufacturers.
Features of LED TVs
Modern LED TVs use an LCD matrix backlit by LEDs, which replaced the older and less efficient CCFL lamps. LEDs make the image visible when light passes through cells filled with liquid crystals of three colors – red, green, blue. The position of these crystals changes under the influence of voltage, changing the position of the crystals changes their polarization, so they transmit light differently, so the image is formed.
While LED TVs provide a clear and detailed picture, they are limited in contrast and black color reproduction. Light often leaks through the edges of the pixels, making it impossible to reproduce true black color. The next generation of LED TVs were QLED TVs. QLED is a marketing term for advanced LED panels. QLED TVs use cleaner pixel materials to improve picture quality, although the underlying technology remains the same as standard LED TVs.
Features of OLED TVs
OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology operates on self-illuminating diodes, eliminating the need for additional backlighting. Each pixel emits its own light and can turn off completely, delivering perfect blacks, exceptional contrast, and accurate color reproduction. OLED screens are lighter, thinner, and offer superior image quality but can be prone to burn-in when used at high brightness for prolonged periods.
Initially, OLED panels used colored organic materials, which proved impractical due to varying burn-in rates across colors. This led to early OLED panels deteriorating quickly. Two major players, LG and Samsung, ventured into OLED production. Samsung launched its first large OLED TV, the S9, in 2013, but the model failed commercially, leading Samsung to abandon OLED development temporarily. LG, however, persisted and released its first OLED TV in 2016. To solve the burn-in problem, LG has developed WRGB panels with white OLED pixels, this extra pixel reduces the load on the color pixels. Another improvement that significantly increased the brightness of OLED panels was the use of mini-mirrors to redirect light from inside the panel to outside, such panels from LG received the prefix Evo.
Samsung eventually re-entered the OLED market, adopting a different approach. Their panels feature larger RGB pixels, with organic diodes emitting specific colors, augmented by color filters to create the primary palette.
Comparing LED and OLED TVs
LED and OLED represent fundamentally different technologies, with OLED TVs delivering superior image quality. The main barrier to OLED adoption remains cost, as these TVs are priced higher than standard LED models. For instance, a 65-inch LED TV can be purchased for as little as $500, whereas OLED options are closer in price to premium LED TVs, such as 8K models, which often exceed OLED in cost.
Modern OLED panels have solved many of the burn-in problems that characterized previous versions. Manufacturers have introduced OLED panel care systems, which are programs that monitor the performance of pixels. When running such a program, it analyzes what current is consumed by the pixels and makes adjustments in case of pixel degradation, which allows to eliminate residual images and extend the life of the panel.
The table below provides a clear comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of OLED and LED displays:
| Criterion | LED TVs | OLED TVs |
|---|---|---|
| Color Accuracy | High quality but less realistic than OLED. | Wider color gamut with more natural and vibrant tones. |
| Contrast | Limited by the backlight of the LCD panel. | Perfect black levels due to pixel-level light control. |
| Brightness | High brightness across the entire screen, ideal for bright rooms. | Excellent localized brightness, but weaker for full-screen brightness. |
| Resolution | Up to 3840×2160 (4K), same as OLED. | Up to 3840×2160 (4K), same as LED. |
| Response Time | Fast but slower than OLED. | Extremely fast, eliminating motion blur and artifacts. |
| Energy Consumption | More energy-efficient (especially edge-lit models). | Consumes more power, particularly at higher brightness. |
| Thickness | Thicker due to the backlight. | Ultra-thin and lightweight due to lack of backlight. |
| Price | More affordable, suitable for most consumers. | More expensive, targeting the premium segment. |
