When you’re buying a new TV, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the technical terms — especially when it comes to screen types. From LED to OLED, each technology brings its own advantages, and understanding the difference can help you choose the best screen for your needs and budget.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the most popular TV screen types on the market today.
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
What it is:
LED TVs are essentially LCD screens that use LED backlighting to produce the picture.
How it works:
A panel of LEDs shines through a liquid crystal display to create the image you see.
Pros:
- Affordable and widely available
- Bright picture, suitable for well-lit rooms
- Low energy consumption
Cons:
- Limited contrast and black levels
- Colour and brightness can fade at wider viewing angles
QLED (Quantum Dot LED)
What it is:
QLED is a type of LED TV that adds a layer of quantum dots to enhance colour and brightness.
How it works:
Quantum dots sit between the LED backlight and the LCD panel, improving colour accuracy and vibrancy.
Pros:
- Brighter than standard LED
- Great colour reproduction
- Long lifespan (no burn-in risk)
Cons:
- Still uses a backlight, so black levels aren’t perfect
- Can be expensive at the high end
Popular brands: Samsung, TCL, Hisense
QNED (Quantum NanoCell Emitting Diode)
What it is:
QNED is LG’s proprietary technology that combines quantum dots with NanoCell colour filtering and Mini LED backlighting.
How it works:
Combines the best of LED, quantum dots, and NanoCell tech to improve brightness and colour precision.
Pros:
- Sharper colours and better brightness control
- Great for high dynamic range (HDR) content
- Better contrast than standard LED
Cons:
- Not true self-emissive like OLED
- Still a premium price tag
Brand: LG
Mini LED
What it is:
Mini LED is a backlighting technology that uses thousands of smaller LEDs to provide more precise control over brightness and contrast.
How it works:
Smaller LEDs mean more dimming zones, leading to better contrast and less light bleeding.
Pros:
- High brightness levels
- Improved black levels over traditional LED/QLED
- No burn-in risk
Cons:
- Still relies on an LCD layer
- Not quite as perfect with blacks as OLED
Popular brands: Samsung, LG, TCL
Micro LED
What it is:
Micro LED is a next-gen display tech that works like OLED — each pixel emits its own light — but without the risk of burn-in.
How it works:
Uses millions of microscopic LEDs to create the image directly, no backlight needed.
Pros:
- True blacks and high brightness
- Superb contrast and long lifespan
- No burn-in risk
Cons:
- Extremely expensive
- Limited availability (mainly commercial or ultra-premium market)
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)
What it is:
OLED is a display technology where each pixel emits its own light, eliminating the need for a backlight.
How it works:
Organic compounds glow when an electric current passes through, producing light and colour at the pixel level.
Pros:
- Perfect blacks and infinite contrast
- Exceptional colour accuracy
- Ultra-thin and stylish designs
- Great viewing angles
Cons:
- Risk of image retention or burn-in over time
- Usually more expensive than LED or QLED
Popular brands: LG, Sony, Philips
Which Screen Type Should You Choose?
- Budget Buyer? Go for a standard LED or entry-level QLED.
- Bright rooms? QLED and Mini LED offer superior brightness.
- Cinematic viewing? OLED delivers stunning contrast and depth.
- Future-proof tech? Micro LED is the ultimate (but costly) option.
- Best all-rounder? QNED or Mini LED strike a balance between price, performance, and picture quality.
