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Key Points
- Nanocell technology is based on the 4k tech by absorbing the unwanted lights and enhancing the quality of display.
- QLED employs a quantum dot filter to enhance the red, green and blue lights, providing a brighter display.
- When it comes to comparing the two technologies, Nanocell seems more ideal for gaming as it offers clear view from any angle, and QLED offers a better viewing experience as it has higher contrast and brightness.
NanoCell vs QLED: Full Comparison
The quality of TVs has rapidly improved over the past decade. Industry leaders like Samsung and LG have been pushing the limits of screen technology, raising picture quality standards. This is great for cinephiles, gamers, and people who just want a beautiful viewing experience. However, the market for a new TV is flooded with different acronyms like OLED, QLED, and NanoCell. So, what do these things all mean? And how they should impact your buying decision. Stick around as explore NanoCell vs Qled, two technologies found in the latest Samsung and LG smart TVs respectively, to see how they stuck up against each other.
NanoCell vs QLED: Side by Side Comparison
LG NanoCell TV | Samsung QLED | |
---|---|---|
Display | LCD | LED |
Panel Type | IPS Panels | VA Panels |
Technology | Nanoparticles | Quantum Dot |
Viewing range | Wide | Narrow |
Durability | 50k-100k viewing hours | 100k viewing hours |
Dolby Vision Support | Yes | No |
NanoCell vs QLED: 5 Need to Know Facts
- NanoCell is based on LCD technology, whereas QLED is, unsurprisingly, based on LED panels.
- With NanoCell smart TVs, you get a wider viewing range than QLED TVs
- QLED tend to have a better high dynamic range than NanoCell.
- NanoCell LCD screens, which use IPS panels, are less brighter than QLED TVs that use VA panels.
- Samsung’s QLED technology adds a sheet with millions of nanoparticles while LG’s nanotechnology adds nanoparticles of the same size to remove incorrect power waves resulting in pure color.
- Deep blacks and pure whites
- Object Tracking Sound gives you realistic 3D audio
- Quantum Processor 4K
- 100% Color Volume with Quantum Dot
First, we need to define LCD, the panel type that is the basis for NanoCell. LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display and works through a series of layers and backlighting. Light is emitted from the back of the panel and filtered through some layers. These layers include RGB, a polarizer, and the liquid crystal layer. These crystals expand and contract to give a specific amount of RGB color and filter unwanted light.
NanoCell adds a layer of nanoparticles to this process which improves the filtration of light. The colors on your TV are represented in pixels that are made of millions of colors. The NanoCell layer expands the number of colors that can be produced so that each pixel is more representative of the true color. It mitigates bleed and ghosting effects and gives you a richer, more accurate picture.
How does Samsung QLED work?

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As the name suggests, QLED is based on LED technology. LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode, which refers to the type of lighting that LED TVs use. LED TVs work a lot like LCD TVs; they both have backlighting that filters through layers that process light into an image. The main difference is the light source. LED TVs use light-emitting diodes, hence the name, while LCDs use fluorescent lights.
When looking at NanoCell vs QLED, keep in mind that LED TVs are typically thinner and more energy efficient than LCD TVs. They also tend to have much better picture quality. But the gap between LCD and LED TVs is closing, compelling LED manufacturers to innovate to keep up with QLED.
The Q in QLED stands for quantum dot, and like NanoCell, it adds a layer to the filtration process. This metallic quantum dot layer acts a lot like LG’s NanoCell technology. It can produce a lot more colors and filter out unwanted colors. QLED is most often found in Samsung TVs as they are the ones who manufacture the technology. Most of Samsung’s newest 8K TVs have QLED panels.
NanoCell vs QLED: Which is better?
If you take anything away from this article, it’s the fact that not all TVs are built the same way. Compare every QLED TV with every NanoCell TV; you’ll find discrepancies. Both also have their pros and cons. Since TVs are not built the same, no one TV is all-around and better than the other.
QLED TVs offer a high dynamic range, but not all films and shows support HDR. NanoCell is better for viewing at an angle, but maybe that isn’t necessary with your home setup. Ultimately the choice of technology comes down to what you need in a TV. A dark home theater setup could use a Samsung QLED TV, while a bright living room, LG NanoCell.
Next Up…
- Smart TV vs. Roku: What are the Real Differences?: If you are confused between Smart TV and Roku, here is a comparison that will help you choose.
- Apple TV vs. Google TV – Which Is Better?: When it comes to the two tech giants, neither wants to be left behind in producing the best of devices. Here is a comprehensive comparison between Apple and Google TV.
- Sony A80J vs LG C2: Which OLED TV is Better?: If you are planning to buy the best OLED TV, find out which of these two TVs would be the best purchase.