So, you’re looking for a new TV but do you go for an OLED TV or an LED TV? With so many options on the market, it can be hard to navigate the differences between these two popular display technologies. Understanding how they work, their benefits, and their drawbacks will help you make the best choice based on your viewing needs and budget.
In this post, we’ll explore the differences between them, explain how each technology works, and help you determine which one is right for you. Whether you’re a movie buff, a gamer, or just someone looking for better picture quality, we’ve got you covered.
What is an LED TV?
LED TV technology is not exactly new. In fact, it’s been around for quite some time yet many people still confuse the distinctions between LED and LCD TVs since they are closely related. To simplify things, an LED TV is essentially an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) TV that uses LED backlighting to light up the pixels.
How LED technology works
An LED TV uses liquid crystals that don’t emit light on their own. Instead, they rely on a backlight (usually LEDs) to illuminate the pixels and create the image on screen. This backlight shines through the liquid crystals, which control how light is filtered, creating colours and brightness.
While LED TVs are still technically LCDs, the key lies in the LED backlight, which differentiates them from traditional LCDs that use uniform fluorescent backlighting.
Pros and cons of LED
Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of LED TVs:
| Pros of LED TVs | Cons of LED TVs |
| Affordable: LED TVs are generally more budget-friendly compared to OLED. | Lower contrast: LED TVs can struggle with true black levels, leading to lower contrast. |
| Wide availability: Available in a wide range of sizes and models, making it easy to find a TV that fits your needs. | Less vibrant colours: While the picture quality is good, LED TVs may not offer the same vibrant colours as OLED. |
| Energy efficient: They tend to consume less power than OLED at higher brightness levels. | Backlight bleed: The light source can sometimes be uneven, causing “light bleed” around the edges of the screen. |
Common use cases for LED TVs
- Budget-conscious buyers: LED TVs are a great choice if you’re on a budget because they cover the gamut in both size and price. You can find LED TVs small enough to work as computer monitors, and all the way up to beyond 100-inches. LED technology also has its offshoots, like Mini-LED or QNED, for example. This is the most pervasive underlying display technology on the market today.
- Bright rooms: LED TVs excel in bright environments due to their higher peak brightness. The one advantage in having a backlight is the LEDs arrayed in it can collectively produce a brighter picture compared to OLED, where pixels emit their own light. If you have a room that has increased natural light or bright lights inside, LED TVs can handle those conditions better.
What is an OLED TV?
OLED, or Organic Light Emitting Diode, is a newer technology that’s been gaining traction due to its incredible picture quality. Unlike LED TVs, OLED TVs don’t need a backlight. Instead, each pixel in an OLED panel emits its own light, allowing for stunningly vibrant images and deep black levels.
How OLED technology works
OLED technology uses organic compounds that emit light when an electrical current passes through them. This self-emitting technology allows for each pixel to independently turn on and off, creating true black levels and enhancing contrast. Since each pixel can illuminate itself individually, there’s no need for a backlight.
Pros and cons of OLED
OLED technology has some major advantages but also a few drawbacks. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Pros of OLED TVs | Cons of OLED TVs |
| Superior picture quality: OLED offers stunning contrast, deeper blacks, and vibrant colours. | Higher cost: OLED TVs are generally more expensive than their LED counterparts. |
| True black levels: Each pixel can turn off completely, resulting in perfect blacks. | Potential for burn-in: Static images may leave a permanent ghost image if displayed for too long. |
| Sleek design: OLED panels are incredibly thin and lightweight, making them perfect for modern, minimalist designs. | Limited brightness: OLEDs typically aren’t as bright as LED TVs, which can be a drawback in very bright rooms. |
Common use cases for OLED TVs
- Premium buyers: If you want the absolute best picture quality and design, OLED is the way to go. No other display technology can truly match the black levels and contrast pixel-for-pixel. That helps produce better tones and colour reproduction that can appeal to both movie buffs and creative professionals.
- Home theatre enthusiasts: OLED TVs are perfect for movie lovers, thanks to their stunning contrast and deep blacks. Their thinner profile also makes it considerably easier to mount them in different places and different ways, like above a fireplace or with a wall-mount swivel, for example.
- Gamers: With their fast response time and high refresh rates, OLED TVs are fantastic for gaming. Add the excellent picture quality and modern games look polished and pristine on these panels.
Key differences between OLED and LED
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each technology, let’s dive into the key differences between OLED and LED TVs. This will help you better understand which is the right choice for your needs.
Picture quality
OLED is the clear winner here. Thanks to self-illuminating pixels, OLED TVs offer perfect black levels, which leads to superior contrast. This is something LED TVs struggle with, as they rely on a uniform backlight that can never turn off fully or locally, causing a slight grey-ish tint in dark scenes.
Brightness and colour accuracy
LED TVs are typically brighter, which makes them a better choice for well-lit rooms. On the other hand, OLED excels in colour accuracy, offering deeper, richer colours, which is why OLED is preferable for movie nights and immersive experiences.
Viewing angles
OLED TVs have excellent viewing angles, expanding to a wider field of view in comparison. Picture quality remains consistent no matter where you sit, resulting in no colour shift. LED TVs, however, can suffer from colour distortion when viewed from the side.
Performance (motion handling and response time)
When it comes to motion handling, OLED takes the lead. The fast response time makes OLED TVs perfect for fast-paced content, like sports or action-packed video games. LED TVs may experience some motion blur, which could be an issue for gamers.
Price and value
LED TVs are more budget-friendly and offer good value for money. OLEDs offers less of a price range because they usually come at a premium price justified by their superior picture quality and sleek design.
Durability
LED TVs don’t have burn-in risks, unlike OLEDs. OLED displays can develop burn-in if static images are shown for extended periods, leading to ghosting effects that can be temporary, or worse, permanent. Normal usage ensures OLED TVs last a long time, and newer technologies combat this issue to help OLED panels ward it off.
Energy consumption
LED TVs are generally more energy-efficient, especially at higher brightness levels. OLED TVs consume more power, but this difference is becoming less significant as technology improves.
Design and aesthetics
One of the biggest advantages of OLED is its thin, sleek design. Since the pixels emit their own light, OLED TVs can be incredibly thin, making them perfect for modern, minimalist living spaces. LED TVs are bulkier due to the backlight technology and typically require more space.
So, which one is right for you?
Buy OLED if…
- You prioritize superior picture quality: OLED delivers unparalleled contrast, colour accuracy, and image depth.
- You have a dark or controlled lighting environment: OLED excels in dark rooms with its perfect black levels and vibrant colours.
- You want the latest premium technology: OLED is cutting-edge, offering the best visual experience and sleekest design.
- You’re a gamer or sports enthusiast: OLED’s fast response time and excellent motion handling make it ideal for gaming and fast-paced content.
Buy LED if…
- You’re on a budget: LED TVs are generally more affordable while still offering solid performance.
- You need a TV for a bright room: LED TVs shine in bright spaces due to their higher peak brightness.
- You’re concerned about longevity and burn-in: LED TVs don’t suffer from burn-in and are generally more durable.
- You want a TV for general TV watching: LED is a great choice for casual viewing, offering solid quality without the premium price.
Find the right TV for you at Best Buy Canada
When deciding between an OLED TV vs. LED TV, it ultimately comes down to what matters most to you. If you’re after the best picture quality and sleek design, OLED is the way to go. But if you’re working with a tighter budget or need a TV that performs well in a bright room, LED could be a better fit.
Consider your room’s lighting, how much you’re willing to spend, and what type of content you’ll be watching most often. Now that you understand the key differences, you can make an informed choice about which TV technology will enhance your viewing experience. If you’re looking for something that might fall in between these two, consider how QNED display technology might fit for what you have in mind.
Ready to upgrade your TV? Check out a wide range of options and find the perfect one for you at Best Buy Canada.
