OLED and LED TVs both utilise slender panels with millions of pixels to deliver crystal clear, 4K high-definition picture quality. There are superb TVs available in both categories, the primary distinction between the two lies in their method of illuminating the image.
When it comes to sheer picture quality, OLED TVs often take the lead. However, there are numerous factors that might sway one towards choosing an LED TV instead, with price being a significant consideration. LED TVs typically offer more budget-friendly options compared to similar sized OLED models. Additionally, LED TVs are available in a broader range of sizes and specs, although the range of OLED options is steadily expanding.
Understanding LED screen Technology
LED LCD screens use a backlight to illuminate their pixels, this is referred to as ‘transmissive’ technology. There are different types of backlight available and these significantly influence overall picture quality, particularly a TVs ability to reproduce dark images accurately.
LED backlighting can be categorised into three main types:
- Edge-lit – this type of screen employs strips of LEDs along the edges of the screen, with "light guides" dispersing and diffusing the light uniformly to produce a consistent picture. Some models utilise frame dimming to adjust brightness on a per-frame basis, while others incorporate local dimming to darken specific zones as required.
- Full Array with local dimming (FALD) - High-end LED TVs often feature a sophisticated backlighting technology called full-array with local dimming (FALD). FALD sets cover the entire rear surface of the screen with LEDs, providing a more extensive array of dimmable zones, resulting in enhanced contrast and more realistic shadow detail compared to more basic edge-lit counterparts.
- Mini LEDs are an advanced type of full-array backlighting. Mini LED TVs take FALD technology a step further by using LEDs that are significantly smaller than those used in traditional backlighting, this allows for a much greater number of LEDs to be used, resulting in even higher brightness levels as well as more precise light control, thereby enhancing overall contrast.
What is OLED?
OLED, an acronym for "organic light-emitting diode," operates on a different principle to LED TVs. While LED TVs rely on a backlight, OLED displays are self-emissive, with each individual pixel creating its own light, this ultra-precise, pixel-by-pixel control allows for exceptional black levels and superb contrast.
There have been some notable advances in OLED screen tech over the last couple of years with increased brightness levels, wider colour palettes and improved anti-reflective screens.
OLED vs LED strengths and weaknesses
Brightness and Contrast
Brightness and black levels are pivotal factors in determining picture quality, particularly when showcasing the expanded contrast range of HDR content. While OLED and LED TVs excel in different aspects, both can deliver exceptional performance.
Top end LED TVs typically offer higher brightness levels than OLEDs due to the inherently luminous nature of LED backlights. However, advancements in OLED technology have resulted in newer models from leading brands boasting significantly brighter panels, narrowing the gap between the two technologies.
In terms of contrast, OLED displays have traditionally outperformed LED TVs, thanks to their ability to achieve true black levels. Nonetheless, recent advancements in LED technology, particularly in high-end Mini LED sets, have substantially bridged this contrast disparity.
Viewing Angle
OLED TVs hold a notable advantage over LED counterparts in terms of viewing angles. While LED sets may experience picture distortion or washout when viewed from off-centre angles due to the backlight and pixel shutter effects, OLED's self-illuminating pixels ensure consistent picture quality from every vantage point.
Durability
LED TVs have established a reputation for reliability, often providing years of trouble-free operation. OLED TVs, although newer to the market, boast a comparable expected lifespan of around 100,000 hours. Concerns about OLED burn-in, resulting from prolonged display of static, bright images and logos, have been largely addressed by manufacturers through built-in features such as pixel shifting and panel refreshing. In our opinion if your TV stays on the news 24/7 you should opt for an LED screen but if you watch a wide variety of content OLED should give years of trouble free viewing.
Colour Accuracy
Modern OLED and high-end LED TVs, particularly those equipped with Quantum Dots, offer exceptional colour accuracy and wide colour gamut coverage, essential for HDR content. Additionally, support for dynamic formats like Dolby Vision or HDR10+ enables scene-by-scene optimization, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Conclusion
Both OLED and LED TVs offer impressive visual experiences, each with its unique strengths. OLED provides exceptional contrast and unbeatable viewing angles, while advanced Mini LED sets boast higher peak brightness levels with excellent shadow detail. Ultimately when choosing a new TV, considerations such as budget, viewing environment, and content preferences should help guide the decision-making process, ensuring an optimal viewing experience tailored to individual needs and preferences. Visit us instore so we can help you choose the right screen for your needs.