QLED or OLED - what TV to buy in 2023

Our recommendations when choosing between QLED and OLED TVs

QLED and OLED are two different types of display technologies used in televisions and other devices.

QLED stands for "quantum dot LED," and it is a type of LCD (liquid crystal display) technology that uses tiny semiconductor particles called quantum dots to produce more accurate and vibrant colors. QLED TVs also use a backlight to illuminate the display, which can improve visibility in bright rooms.

OLED stands for "organic light-emitting diode," and it is a display technology that uses organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied. OLED displays do not require a backlight, which allows for deeper blacks and a wider color range. They also have faster refresh rates and wider viewing angles compared to LCDs.

Pros and cons of QLED and OLED technologies

Both QLED and OLED are considered high-end display technologies and offer excellent picture quality, but OLED is considered to have better overall picture quality, such as deeper blacks and a wider viewing angle. However, QLED TVs are often less expensive than OLED TVs and have a longer lifespan.

QLED (quantum dot LED) technology offers several advantages over other display technologies, such as:

1. High brightness: QLED TVs are able to produce very bright images, making them ideal for well-lit rooms or outdoor use.
2. Wide color gamut: QLED TVs use quantum dots to produce more accurate and vibrant colors, resulting in a wider range of colors and more lifelike images.
3. Improved contrast: QLED TVs use a backlight to illuminate the display, which allows for improved contrast and more defined blacks.
4. Greater durability: QLED TVs have a longer lifespan compared to OLED TVs, as the organic compounds used in OLED displays can degrade over time.
5. Cost-effective: QLED TVs are often less expensive than OLED TVs and provide similar or better picture quality.
6. Low input lag: QLED TVs have low input lag, making them suitable for fast-paced games and sports.
7. Variety of sizes: QLED TVs come in a variety of sizes and shape, making them more versatile and adaptable to different environments.
8. Compatibility with other devices: QLED TVs are compatible with most streaming devices, gaming consoles and smart devices.

OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology offers several advantages over other display technologies, such as:

1. Perfect blacks: OLED displays do not require a backlight, so each pixel can be turned off independently, resulting in deep blacks, high contrast and excellent picture quality.
2. Wide viewing angle: OLED displays have a wide viewing angle, so the image remains vibrant and consistent no matter where you're sitting.
3. Faster refresh rate: OLED displays have faster refresh rates, which results in smoother and more realistic motion.
4. Thinner and more flexible: OLED displays are thinner and more flexible than LCDs, making them more suitable for use in curved or rollable displays.
5. Energy efficient: OLED displays consume less power than LCDs, resulting in longer battery life and lower energy consumption.
6. Quick response time: OLED displays have quick response time, making them suitable for fast-paced games and sports.
7. Wide range of sizes: OLED displays come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, making them more versatile and adaptable to different environments.
8. Compatibility with other devices: OLED TVs are compatible with most streaming devices, gaming consoles and smart devices.
9. Picture quality : OLED TVs deliver outstanding picture quality with accurate and vibrant colors, deep blacks, high contrast, and wide viewing angles.

Popular QLED and OLED models in UK

And here are some of the good QLED and OLED examples that we have seen on the UK market in the recent years:

• Samsung QE75Q95T: This 75-inch QLED TV offers excellent picture quality, with a wide color gamut and support for high dynamic range (HDR) content. It also has a sleek design and a built-in smart platform that allows you to access a wide range of streaming services.
• LG OLED65CX6LA: LG's 65-inch OLED TV offers perfect blacks, wide viewing angles and a wide color gamut. It also has support for all major HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG.
• Sony KD-55A8: This 55-inch OLED TV offers excellent picture quality, with deep blacks, wide viewing angles and a wide color gamut. It also has support for all major HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10.
• Panasonic TX-55HZ2000B: This 55-inch OLED TV offers excellent picture quality, with deep blacks, wide viewing angles and a wide color gamut. It also has support for all major HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10.
• Philips 55OLED805: This 55-inch OLED TV offers excellent picture quality, with deep blacks, wide viewing angles and a wide color gamut. It also has support for all major HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10.

• Sony KD-65A8: This 65-inch OLED TV offers excellent picture quality, with deep blacks, wide viewing angles and a wide color gamut. It also has support for all major HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10.

QLED TV for under £400

Note that these are just examples of popular QLED and OLED TVs in the UK market and the availability and popularity may change over time. In addition, the above models are not limited to the UK market, they are available in other countries as well.

100 of the best TVs to buy in UK - new and used