It’s apparent that, with so much sophisticated TV technology in the market, it may be challenging to make the best choice. You may have heard of QNED and QD-OLED among the many trending TV types. But, do you know the difference between them? It’s essential to compare QNED and QD-OLED to figure out what they can offer you in your home theater setup.
QNED is a new image technology developed by LG, which stands for “Quantum Nano-Emitting Diode.” It combines quantum dots with LG’s NanoCell technology to deliver vibrant and realistic images.
On the other hand is QD-OLED, a revolutionary self-emissive display technology developed by Samsung, combining two of the most advanced components in the market, Quantum Dots (QD) and Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED).
But, what does all this mean for you and the picture quality you can get out of these TV types? Well, we’re here to help break it all down! Let’s dive into a full comparison of ANED and QD-OLED.
QNED vs. QD-OLED: Side-by-Side Comparison
| QNED | QD-OLED | |
|---|---|---|
| Date Released | 2021 | 2022 |
| Viewing Angle | Watch from an angle of up to +30% | Wider viewing angle that maintains color and contrast at any angle |
| Resolution | 8K resolution | 8K resolution |
| Color Accuracy | 100% color consistency | Displays over 90% of the BT.2020 color space |
| Motion | Filmmaker mode disables motion smoothing while maintaining the original aspect ratios, colors, and frame rate | Instantaneous native (G to G) response time of 0.1Ms that reduces motion blur |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, HDMI 2.1, and eARC | HDMI 2.1 ports with eARC, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and USB 3.2 Type-A ports |
| Display Technology | Mini LEDs+Quantum Dots + LG’s NanoCell screens | Quantum Dot (QD) +OLED display |
QNED vs. QD-OLED: What’s the Difference?
QNED and QD-OLED are two different technologies used in developing flat-panel displays.
QNED is known for its high color accuracy and brightness due to the additional quantum dot layer and nano-level particles used. This imaging technique is enhanced with mini LED local dimming for deep contrast and a more immersive viewing experience. With its combination of quantum dot technology, nano-level particles, and mini LED local dimming, QNED TVs offer a stunning visual experience for all types of content.
QD-OLED, on the other hand, is designed so each pixel in this display panel can produce its own light and color, making for a much brighter and more vivid picture. This technology uses millions of extremely small quantum dots to improve the overall color volume and average brightness. This makes it ideal for applications such as large-screen televisions and digital signage where a wide range of vibrant colors and exceptional clarity are desired. QD-OLED offers several advantages over other display technologies, including higher refresh rates, a thinner panel design, and improved power efficiency.
They share similar traits regarding how they work, but they also have unique characteristics that set them apart. We will focus on five factors: display technology, design, picture quality, HDR support, and smart features. Let’s dive into each of these differences.
Display Technology
QNED TVs use Mini LEDs combined with Quantum Dot and NanoCell technologies in one display. Fusing these technologies provides viewers with deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a viewing experience like never before. This technology is more efficient, consumes less power, and provides an incredibly lifelike picture.
The QD-OLED is a combination of Quantum Dot and OLED technology developed by Samsung. OLED displays are known for their incredible contrast ratios and deep blacks, but the incorporation of Quantum Dot technology helps produce even much better colors and brightness. With the addition of QD-OLED, viewers get a more vivid picture with improved resolution, dynamic range, and HDR performance. Ideally, both QNED and QD-OLED TVs provide a unique viewing experience that viewers can enjoy. The difference lies in the type of display technology in each brand and the picture quality and viewing experience each one offers.
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Design
QNED, or Quantum Mini LED technology, features a sleek design for a stylish finish. The sleek, slim design of ultra-large screen QNED TVs allows them to hang almost flush against the wall, creating a breathtaking look that complements any home interior. Optimized for wall mounting, it adds an artistic touch to your space.
On the other hand, QD-OLED is packaged in an elegant 3-layer structure, ensuring high performance with slim design aesthetics. QD-OLED simplify the design process into one layer, using OLED to create blue light and then a quantum dot layer to convert some of the blue into red and green. This helps give the TV a stunning visual performance without sacrificing its design elements.
Picture Quality
With QNED’s combination of mini LEDs, quantum dots, and nanocell technology, you’ll receive an incredibly high-quality picture with deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. Using its combination of technologies, it can provide localized dimming, which allows deeper blacks and enhanced dynamic range.
On the other hand, QD-OLED takes OLED technology to a new level. QD-OLEDs with 4K resolution contain approximately 8.3 million individual light sources, each of which can be manipulated independently for a unique viewing experience. It also enables a high contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 and offers enhanced image detail and better HDR performance. Additionally, QD-OLED offers enhanced color performance with higher color saturation, creating a lifelike picture with a wide range of hues. The best part is that it offers a wider color gamut than traditional OLED displays, resulting in more accurate color reproduction.
HDR Support
QNED TVs offer excellent picture quality with support for HDR, HDR Actives, HDR10 Pro, and HLG formats. The picture on these TVs is bright and vibrant, with excellent color accuracy and sharp details. With the added bonus of increased brightness and contrast, the HDR capabilities of QNED TVs make them an excellent choice for the modern home theater.
In comparison, QD-OLED TVs provide an even more immersive viewing experience thanks to their support of HDR10, HDR10+ Adaptive, and HLG formats. These TVs also boast significantly higher peak brightness levels than QNED models, allowing deep blacks and improved shadow detail in darker scenes. With additional advancements like a wider color gamut, these QD-OLED TVs can deliver more lifelike and realistic images.
Smart Features
QNED has a Magic Remote with an ergonomic design, a point-and-scroll system, and AI for easy access to services. It also has LG’s ThinQ for natural voice recognition and simple command and control of the Home IoT ecosystem. When it comes to QD-OLED, you get SmartThings built-in, allowing you to control all your connected smart home devices from the comfort of your home. With this, you can monitor home cameras and view who’s at the door from your couch. This makes life easier and more secure.
QNED vs. QD-OLED: 5 Must-Know Facts
- QNED TV offers access to the Netflix and Apple TV apps, giving you access to a wide range of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and live sports all in one place.
- The filmmaker mode feature on QNED TV allows for smooth viewing with no motion smoothing while preserving original aspect ratios, colors, and frame rates. As a result, you can experience films as they were meant to be seen.
- LG’s QNED mini LED features the groundbreaking α9 Gen4 AI Processor 8K chip that uses deep-learning algorithms to optimize content. It provides an outstanding visual experience with every adjustment made automatically.
- You can enjoy dynamic audio with QD-OLED TVs thanks to its 6 dedicated built-in speakers. These include up-firing speakers that provide 3D surround sound that will make you feel like you’re a part of every scene.
- QD-OLED can turn off each individual pixel for a perfect black level and provides deeper blacks than ever before due to its sub-pixel level local dimming control.
QNED and QD-OLED in the News
QNED and QD-OLED technology continues to improve. Since February 2023 we have seen new micro-LED structures with QNED technology, allowing for better brightness and contrast. The LG QNED is also available in a new 86 inch size. Both the QNED and the QD-OLED have incorporated AI processors for improved image quality and sound.
The Future of LG QNED and QD-OLED TVs
As LG continues to make advancements to their QNED and OLED technology, we may see more updates. In the following six to 18 months, we could see things like even more improved brightness, and a wider array of colors for better image display. And, as these technologies become more popular in the marketplace, prices could come down.
QNED vs. QD-OLED: Which One is Better for You?
It depends on your individual needs and preferences when deciding between the two. QNED has the upper hand in sheer brightness and deep blacks, while QD-OLED offers a sleek design, superior gaming capabilities, and wider viewing angles.
If you’re up for the brightest picture and immersive dark scenes, then QNED is likely the better choice. With its precision dimming Pro+ technology, QNED can produce brighter whites and deeper blacks, making for a more realistic and enjoyable viewing experience. QNED also offers impressive gaming capabilities with its Gaming Hub, allowing you to stream games from popular platforms like Xbox without needing additional hardware.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a sleek design that blends into your home decor, then QD-OLED is your go-to TV. The near bezel-less design offers an unobstructed view of the screen, while its ultra-thin profile ensures it won’t take up too much space. Plus, you still get great gaming capabilities with the Samsung Gaming Hub and support for 4K gaming at high frames per second.
If you prioritize brightness and deep blacks for the best viewing experience, then QNED is the better choice. But if you’d rather have a slim design that blends into your home decor and has solid gaming features, then QD-OLED is your choice.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©PradeepGaurs/Shutterstock.com.
