What Is QLED? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Home Theater & Entertainment > TV & Displays
What Is QLED?
QLED TVs are different from OLED models in a few ways
By Evan Killham Evan Killham Writer University of Nebraska Evan Killham has been writing about tech and pop culture since 2008. His work has appeared in publications that include Fandom, VentureBeat, and ScreenRant. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 9, 2021 Reviewed by Ryan Perian Reviewed by Ryan Perian Western Governors University Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email TV & Displays Samsung Projectors Antennas HDMI & Connections Remote Controls "QLED" is a marketing label that refers to a specific type of ultra-high-definition TV display that Samsung and a couple of other companies (TCL and Hisense) produce. The "Q" in the name represents the quantum-dot technology that the screens use to create colors alongside LCDs. Here's what you need to know about QLED screens. What Are Quantum Dots
The more general term for QLEDs is "Quantum dot displays," which have two types: photo-emissive (or photoluminescent) and electro-emissive (or electroluminescent). Consumer-level QLED TVs are all photo-emissive displays that exist in direct competition with OLED sets, which produce the same resolutions but work differently. The main difference between QLED displays and their competitors is the former's use of "quantum dots." Quantum dots are conductive, microscopic crystals. When light shines through a quantum dot (for example, the LED backlight of a TV), they emit different wavelengths of light depending on their size. QLED screens use a "film" of quantum dots near the back of the TV to create a higher range of more saturated colors than in other screens. These displays can also produce brighter pictures without losing saturation. Resolutions of QLED TVs
Most QLED screens are ultra-high-definition, which means they're available in 4K and 8K resolutions. You can still find cheaper sets that use the older HD standard of 1080p, but those are more rare. If you're going to take the plunge on a QLED screen, you might as well get the higher resolution. Pros and Cons of QLED TVs
Along with richer colors, QLED TVs generally cost less than OLED screens of the same size. They also work better in bright rooms. Two downsides of QLEDs are they can't display deep blacks and the brilliants colors require you sitting pretty close to straight on to the screen. The darker areas of the screen might not be as impressive because, despite the cool quantum dots, they still both use an LED backlight and LCD circuits. Those LCD circuits are always on so they can produce a wide range of colors, but cause the darker areas to be less dark. Those brilliant colors require you to have a fairly-head on view of the screen. In fact, if you sit even a few dozen degrees off of center you'll likely notice a difference in the image. To compare, some OLED displays can maintain an ideal picture quality until nearly 50 degrees from center. Photo-Emissive vs Electro-Emissive Displays
Any QLED TVs you'll see in a store currently are the "photo-emissive" type, which means that the quantum dots release energy (in this case, in the form of colors) after being exposed to light. In electro-emissive displays, the dots emit light in the presence of electricity. Electro-emissive displays offer greater control over the picture since they allow for individual control of each pixel. While "true" quantum-dot displays aren't currently available at the consumer level, screens that use them would be thinner and more versatile than the current, photoluminescent options. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What Is NEO QLED? QLED vs. OLED OLED vs. LED: Which TV Display is Better? What Is a Quantum Dot (aka QD QLED) TV? ULED vs QLED: What You Need to Know LCD TV vs LED TV: What You Need To Know Neo QLED vs. OLED: What's the Difference? What Is Mini LED? How to Buy a TV in 2022 The 8 Best 60-inch TVs of 2022 What to Consider Before Buying a New TV The Best Picture Settings for Samsung 4K TV The 8 Best 40-Inch Smart TVs of 2022 What Is ULED and How Does It Work? What Is MicroLED? HDR vs. 4K: What's the Difference? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies