© iStock.com / simpson33
The battle between LG LED and OLED TVs has been raging for years. Both are top-tier televisions, but which one wins out in the end? We’re here to break down the differences between these two technologies and explain why each might be the best choice for you.
LG LED TVs are panels that use backlight to illuminate their pixels and offer a wide range of features, from 4K resolution to HDR compatibility. They also tend to have lower prices than their OLED counterparts, making them an attractive option for budget shoppers. On the other hand, LG OLED TVs boast superior picture quality and contrast ratios due to their self-emitting pixels, wider viewing angles, and faster response times. They may come with a higher price tag than LEDs, but they’re worth it if you’re looking for top-of-the-line performance.
So, which one should you choose? This article will help you decide between these two television technology giants in the market. Let’s get started!
LG LED vs. LG OLED: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| LG LED | LG OLED | |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | 2009 | 2013 |
| Viewing Angle | Limited viewing angle | Wider viewing angle |
| Resolution | Typically offers a resolution of up to 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels), delivering bright, clear images with excellent contrast ratios | Offers a higher resolution of 8K Ultra HD (7680 x 4320 pixels) |
| Colour Accuracy | Backlit pixels | Self-emitting pixels, meaning they can produce a wider range of colors than LED TVs |
| Motion Blur | Uses backlighting to illuminate the display, which can cause some blurring when displaying fast-moving objects | Uses self-emitting pixels that turn off completely when not in use, resulting in a much sharper image with virtually no motion blur |
| HDR Compatibility | Generally capable of HDR compatibility with HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats, meaning they can display a wider range of colors and contrast ratios, allowing for better image quality | Can only support Dolby Vision; the format is considered superior in terms of color accuracy and dynamic range. However, some LG OLED models may also offer support for HDR10+, an advanced version of the standard HDR10 format. |
| Energy Efficiency | Uses backlighting, which consumes more power than self-emitting OLED pixels | More energy efficient than LEDs when compared |
| Display Technology | Uses an array of LED lights behind the LCD panel to create the picture. This technology offers a great balance between brightness, color accuracy, and affordability | Uses self-emitting pixels that each produce their own light, allowing for much higher contrast ratios than LED TVs since each pixel can be turned off or on independently |
LG LED vs. LG OLED: What’s the Difference?
In today’s market, LG LED and OLED televisions are the most popular television type. Although both offer excellent image quality, there are some differences between them that you should consider. Here are 10 aspects of the two technologies you should consider before deciding.
Resolution
When it comes to resolution, there are distinct differences between OLED and LED TVs. OLED uses 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD), which refers to a resolution of 3840 pixels × 2160 lines and an image ratio of 16:9. This is the highest resolution available in consumer televisions.
LED TVs typically have full HD 1080 and can also display 4K, depending on the manufacturer. OLED TVs will display a more detailed picture than their LED counterparts. However, if you don’t need the extra detail or don’t want to pay the price premium, an LED TV may be more suitable for you.
Contrast Ratio
The contrast ratio on an LG LED TV is usually lower than that of an OLED TV due to the backlight technology used in LEDs. OLED TVs have higher contrast ratios because each pixel emits its own light and color, creating deeper blacks and brighter whites.
Viewing Angle
An LG LED TV’s viewing angle is limited by the backlight technology, while an OLED’s viewing angle is wider due to the self-emitting pixels — usually 8 million self-lit OLED pixels. This means that colors remain consistent regardless of where you’re sitting in the room with an OLED TV, but not so much with an LED model.
Response Time
The response time for an LG LED TV tends to be slower than that of an OLED model because it takes longer for the backlight to respond to changes in brightness and color levels onscreen. On the other hand, OLED TVs have faster response times (refresh rate of 120Hz) due to their self-emitting pixels, which react more quickly when brightness or color levels change onscreen.
Price
LG LED TVs are cheaper than their OLED counterparts. This is because LEDs are more widely available and use less expensive technology. On the other hand, OLED TVs can be quite pricey due to their self-emitting pixels and higher contrast ratios.
Picture Quality
LG LED TVs offer good picture quality for their price point, but they can’t compete with the superior picture quality of an OLED TV. The self-emitting pixels in an OLED TV create deeper blacks and brighter whites for a more realistic and uncompromised image, while LED TVs tend to have washed-out colors and lower contrast ratios.
Brightness
LG LED TVs are known for their high brightness levels, but LG OLED TVs take this to a new level. This is due in part to their innovative 4K Cinema HDR webOS Smart with ThinQ AI Pixel Dimming technology. With this technology, each individual pixel can be dimmed or brightened, resulting in deeper blacks and brighter whites. This gives LG OLED TVs a dynamic contrast ratio that makes images realistic and life-like.
Color Accuracy
OLED TVs offer superior color accuracy due to their self-emitting pixels, while LED TVs rely on backlight technology which can cause color shifting when viewed from an angle.
Design
LG OLED TVs have slimmer designs than LED models since they do not require a bulky backlight system. The OLED’s design also allows for greater flexibility in the placement since the screens can be curved or even folded. On the other hand, LED TVs are typically thicker and heavier due to their backlight system.
Motion Blur
LG OLED TVs produce less motion blur than LED models due to their faster refresh rate. This means they are better suited for watching action-packed movies or playing fast-paced video games.
LG LED vs. LG OLED TVs: 7 Must-Know Facts
- LG OLED TVs use organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology, which provides the deepest blacks and most vibrant colors available in a TV.
- In addition to Dolby Vision and Technicolor’s Advanced HDR, LG’s 4K Cinema HDR TVs also support HDR10 Pro.
- The webOS Smart platform gives you access to various streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
- ThinQ AI with Google Assistant built-in lets you control your OLED TV using voice commands for hands-free operation.
- Pixel Dimming is an advanced technology that LG OLED TVs use to achieve the brightest whites and darkest blacks possible, allowing for excellent contrast and more accurate color reproduction.
- LED TVs typically offer higher contrast ratios and better color accuracy, making them great for watching movies or playing video games. They also support full HD resolution of up to 4K Ultra HD, providing sharper images with greater detail.
LG LED vs. LG OLED: Which One is Better? Which One Should You Use?
Both TVs offer outstanding picture quality and a range of features, but the differences between the two technologies can be pretty significant. Understanding the difference between them is crucial to make the right decision.
The resolution is the most apparent difference between LG LED and OLED TVs. LG OLED TVs offer much higher resolution than LG LED TVs, which results in a more precise and detailed image. The higher resolution also helps with motion handling, as the pixels react faster to changing images. This makes OLEDs great for watching action movies and sports, while LED TVs may struggle to keep up. OLED TVs can also display a wider color gamut and achieve deeper blacks than LED TVs.
Regarding brightness, LED TVs usually have a slight edge over OLED TVs. LEDs tend to be brighter, which can benefit rooms with many windows or ambient light. Additionally, LED TVs are typically more affordable than OLED TVs, so if you’re on a tight budget, LED TVs may be the best option.
At the end of the day, both LG LED and LG OLED TVs offer excellent picture quality and features. Depending on your specific needs, one type may be a better fit than the other. An LG OLED TV may be right for you if you’re looking for a high-end TV with incredible contrast and vibrant colors. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable TV with great viewing angles, then an LG LED TV may be the better choice.
