TV Tech Explained: What to Buy in 2025

Summary

Confused by TV jargon like QLED or Mini-LED? This guide breaks down the two main display technologies: LCD and OLED. LCD TVs use a backlight, with variations like edge-lit (avoid these), direct-lit (budget-friendly but with weaker contrast), full array local dimming (recommended for better contrast), QLED (adds brightness and color with quantum dots), and Mini-LED (top-tier LCDs with more precise backlighting). OLED TVs, on the other hand, have self-emissive pixels offering perfect blacks and incredible contrast, though they were historically less bright. Newer OLED types include W-OLED (standard with a white subpixel for brightness), QD-OLED (combines quantum dots with OLED for enhanced color and brightness, considered top-tier), and four-stack or tandem OLED (an evolution of W-OLED offering similar high-end performance). For a budget-friendly option, direct-lit is fine; for better picture quality without breaking the bank, opt for full array local dimming. For premium LCDs, look to Mini-LED, especially with quantum dots. For the absolute best picture, QD-OLED or four-stack OLEDs are the current leaders, though they are pricier and come in fewer large sizes.