Displays
What is the difference between OLED and QLED?
OLED and QLED are two very different display technologies. On an OLED screen, each pixel produces its own light and switches off completely, which is why it achieves perfect blacks. QLED is an LCD with a layer of quantum dots and LED light behind it: brighter and with no burn-in risk, but with less deep blacks.
OLED: each pixel has its own light
Because each pixel turns on or off individually, black is truly black and contrast is extremely high. The AMOLED screens on phones and watches are a type of OLED.
Its weak spot is burn-in: a static image shown for a very long time (a logo or a menu bar) can leave a faint mark. Current devices reduce that risk by shifting the image slightly and dimming elements that do not change.
QLED: an improved LCD
QLED uses LED light behind the panel and a quantum dot layer that improves colors. It can reach high brightness, which helps in well-lit rooms, and it does not suffer from burn-in.
Since the backlight never switches off entirely, blacks look greyish in a dark room. Models with local dimming or Mini LED greatly reduce that difference.
What to check before you buy
- For watching movies in the dark, OLED gives the best contrast.
- For a bright room or one with windows, QLED usually looks better thanks to its brightness.
- If static images will stay on for hours (a security monitor, menus), QLED avoids the burn-in risk.
Guides to help you choose
Frequently asked questions
AMOLED is a type of OLED with an active matrix, the one used in almost all phones and smartwatches. It works the same way: each pixel gives off its own light.