LED or OLED? Which TV to choose?

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Choosing the right television can be complicated, especially with so many options available. Two of the most popular technologies are LED and OLED. Each has its unique features, advantages, and disadvantages. In this article, we will take a detailed look at both technologies to help you make an informed decision.

1. What are LED TVs?

LED TVs (Light Emitting Diode) are actually LCD TVs (Liquid Crystal Display) that use LED diodes to illuminate the image. This technology has dominated the television market for many years and has become a standard in many homes.

1.1. How does an LED TV work?

An LED TV consists of an LCD matrix where liquid crystals are illuminated by LED diodes. We can distinguish two main types of backlighting:

  • Edge-Lit Backlighting: LED diodes are placed along the edges of the screen, allowing for a thinner device. Although this design saves space, it can result in uneven backlighting and poorer black reproduction.
  • Full-Array Backlighting: LED diodes are distributed behind the entire matrix. This allows for better contrasts and deeper blacks through the use of local dimming technology.

1.2. Advantages of LED TVs

  • Price: LED TVs are generally cheaper than OLEDs, making them more accessible to a wider group of consumers.
  • Brightness: LED TVs can achieve higher brightness, making them a better choice in bright rooms.
  • Durability: LED diodes have a longer lifespan than OLED pixels, meaning LED TVs can serve longer without noticeable degradation in image quality.
  • No risk of image burn-in: LED TVs do not have the burn-in issues that can occur with OLED TVs.

1.3. Disadvantages of LED TVs

  • Poorer black quality: LED TVs, especially those with edge lighting, may struggle to reproduce true black, leading to the so-called 'blooming' effect, where bright objects on a dark background may appear to spread sideways.
  • Weaker viewing angles: LED TVs often have poorer viewing angles than OLED, meaning colors may look different when viewed from the side.

2. What are OLED TVs?

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) is a newer technology that is gaining popularity. Unlike LED, in OLED each pixel emits its own light. This allows for excellent contrast and deep blacks.

2.1. How does an OLED TV work?

In OLED TVs, each pixel is made up of organic compounds that glow when subjected to electric current. When a pixel is not powered, it does not emit light, allowing for perfect black. This makes colors more saturated and realistic.

2.2. Advantages of OLED TVs

  • Perfect color reproduction: OLED TVs offer excellent color reproduction, making them an ideal choice for movie and gaming enthusiasts.
  • Ideal black: Since pixels can be completely turned off, OLED TVs provide unparalleled black quality, enhancing contrast and overall image quality.
  • Wide viewing angles: Colors and contrast remain stable even when viewed from the side, making them ideal for large rooms.
  • Thinner design: OLED TVs can be thinner and more elegant, giving them a modern and stylish appearance.

2.3. Disadvantages of OLED TVs

  • Price: OLED TVs are generally more expensive than LED models, which can be a barrier for some consumers.
  • Image burn-in: Although modern OLED models have features that minimize this risk, there is still a possibility of image burn-in with prolonged display of static images (e.g., TV station logos).
  • Brightness: OLED TVs may have lower maximum brightness compared to LED, which can affect viewing in bright rooms.

3. Which technology is better?

The decision between LED and OLED depends on your individual needs and preferences. Below are some key criteria that may help you make a decision:

3.1. Watching in a bright room

If you often watch TV in bright rooms, an LED TV may be a better choice. With higher brightness and better backlighting, LED TVs perform better in such conditions.

3.2. Image quality

For cinema and gaming lovers who value image quality, OLED will likely be the better choice. Ideal black, excellent color reproduction, and wide viewing angles make OLED more appealing.

3.3. Budget

If you have a limited budget, an LED TV will be more affordable. There are many LED models available in various price ranges, allowing you to choose one that suits you.

3.4. Long-term use

If you plan to use the TV for a long time and are concerned about image burn-in, an LED TV may be a safer choice. OLEDs, while increasingly advanced, still carry some risk of burn-in.

4. Examples of LED and OLED models

4.1. LED TVs

  • Samsung QLED Q80T: This is one of the best LED TVs on the market. It offers excellent image quality, high brightness, and great color reproduction. It also has Smart TV features, making it a versatile choice.
  • LG UN7300: An LED TV with good quality at an affordable price. It offers solid performance in terms of image quality and smart features, ideal for everyday use.

4.2. OLED TVs

  • LG OLED CX: This is one of the best OLED TVs on the market. It offers excellent image quality, ideal black, and great color reproduction. Additionally, it supports Dolby Vision technology, making it perfect for movies.
  • Sony A8H: An OLED TV that stands out not only for its image quality but also for its sound. It features innovative audio functions, making it an excellent choice for cinema lovers.

5. What else should you consider?

When choosing a TV, it's worth paying attention to additional features and capabilities. Here are a few things that may influence your decision:

5.1. Smart TV

Most modern TVs, both LED and OLED, offer Smart TV features, allowing access to streaming apps, internet browsing, and other functionalities. Make sure the chosen model supports the apps that are important to you.

5.2. HDMI and other ports

Pay attention to the number of HDMI ports and other connections, such as USB or Ethernet. The more ports, the greater the flexibility in connecting various devices, such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, or audio systems.

5.3. Sound system

Sound quality is an important aspect that is often overlooked when choosing a TV. Make sure the chosen model has sufficiently good sound quality or consider purchasing a soundbar if you plan to use the TV for watching movies.

5.4. Design and aesthetics

The visual appearance of the TV may also be important to you. Pay attention to the bezels, screen thickness, and overall design to ensure the TV fits your interior decor.

6. Summary

The choice between an LED and an OLED TV is not simple, as both technologies have their advantages and disadvantages. LED TVs are more affordable, offer good brightness and durability, but may struggle to achieve perfect black. OLED TVs, on the other hand, offer excellent image quality, ideal black, and wide viewing angles, but may be more expensive and carry the risk of burn-in.

The final choice depends on your preferences, budget, and the conditions in which you plan to use the TV. Ask yourself what is most important to you – price, image quality, durability, or perhaps additional features? With the above information in mind, you will be able to make an informed decision that meets your needs and expectations.