QLED vs. OLED: What’s the difference?

A walk through the TV aisle of any major electronics store presents a dizzying array of options. From OLED to QLED to LED, there's a lot to take in. How do you know what type of display you need? Is splurging for a high-end model worth it?

Asurion Experts are here to guide you. Whether you're confused about LED vs. LCD screens or want advice on TV size, we provide straightforward answers you can trust. Here's what to know about OLED vs. QLED screens so you can make a smart buying decision.

QLED vs. OLED TVs: Comparing features

TV manufacturers are always looking for new ways to improve their products. In recent years, many have introduced QLED and OLED displays, which offer enhanced clarity, brightness, and contrast. But what's the difference between OLED and QLED?

Let's start with the mechanics. OLED TVs incorporate tiny pixels to emit light, creating an emissive display that doesn't require an LED backlight. That's different from a QLED, which combines quantum dot crystals with an LED-lit LCD panel. Those disparities impact the TV's visuals and cost.  

Brightness and picture quality

QLEDs offer more brightness than their OLED counterparts. That's advantageous if you plan to use the TV to stream HDR content. They also provide nice visuals in bright rooms that are less susceptible to glare.

However, OLEDs also provide nice brightness. You'll notice greater depth to darker hues, which gives the TV a cinematic feel, especially when watched in a dark room.

Contrast and color: How QLED and OLED stack up

You're unlikely to find a QLED with contrast that matches an OLED screen. That's because OLEDs offer natural blacks. The microscopic pixels simply turn off when a black image displays, contrasting nicely against other colors on the screen.

A QLED's contrast level is similar to an LCD or LED screen. Dark colors have a washed-out appearance because the LED light shines through the quantum dot pixel. It never quite achieves the contrast that an OLED TV offers.

Viewing angles and screen uniformity

TVs with LCD paneling (like a QLED) may look brighter or darker depending on where you're viewing it from. For instance, if you place it in the middle of your wall and watch it from a 90° angle, the screen may appear dimmer in some areas. 

That's not an issue with OLED screens. Because of its construction, the screen retains a uniform appearance from almost any viewpoint. 

Price and longevity: Evaluating costs and durability

You'll generally pay more for an OLED TV than its QLED counterpart. Costs typically start at $1,000+ for 55-inch models. It's not unusual for high-quality brands to charge upwards of $2,000. 

You'll find QLEDs at much lower price points, especially for cheaper brands such as Hisense and TCL. There's also a greater variety of QLEDs available in small sizes.

QLEDs tend to last longer than OLEDs. However, both QLEDs and OLEDs may last thousands of hours before they start to degrade.

Maintenance and care: How to keep your display in top shape

Whatever TV you go with, you want to maintain its picture quality for years to come. Use these tips to keep it in mint condition.

• Optimize the factory display settings to fit your viewing environment.
• Use a surge protector to guard against unexpected voltage spikes.
• Leave the TV in standby mode overnight so it can receive manufacturer updates.
• Clean the TV with a microfiber cloth when it gets dusty.

Protecting your TV: How Asurion can help

When it comes to tech, Asurion doesn't just answer your questions—we protect your investment. Asurion Tech Care covers your most costly electronics and appliances, from TVs to washing machines. If something happens to your covered device, you can trust us to fix or replace it. 

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FAQ

Which is better: OLED or QLED?

OLED TVs offer better contrast and screen uniformity than QLEDs. However, QLEDs display well in bright rooms. Consider your viewing environment and needs to make an informed decision.

Is QLED worth the extra money?

QLEDs are less expensive than OLED TVs. They're a step up from LEDs, but you can still find them at reasonable prices, especially with budget brands.

Which is better, LED or OLED or QLED?

OLEDs are the most technologically advanced of the three. QLEDs are in the middle, while LED technology has existed for some time. If you want a TV with all the bells and whistles, an OLED is the best. However, QLED and LED TVs offer decent quality for an affordable price.

What is OLED burn-in?

OLEDs sometimes develop a shadow of a static image on the screen, known as burn-in. It occurs when you watch the same thing for hours, like a news channel. However, if you vary your viewing content, you're unlikely to experience issues with OLED burn-in.