Mini LED vs. QLED: Understanding the Differences

When shopping for your next 4K smart TV, you’ll likely come across two impressive display types: Mini LED and QLED. Both deliver excellent picture quality, vibrant colours, and advanced backlight technologies, but they work differently. Understanding the difference between Mini LED and QLED TVs will help you find the best option for your home and viewing habits.

Backlight Technology

Mini LED TVs
Utilise thousands of tiny LEDs (as small as 0.2mm) for backlighting, allowing for precise local dimming and improved contrast. This means deeper blacks and brighter highlights across the screen.

QLED TVs
Employ a traditional LED backlight combined with a quantum dot layer to enhance colour and brightness. Samsung QLED TVs are especially known for their vivid visuals and consistent performance.

Brightness and Contrast

Mini LED TVs
Achieves higher peak brightness levels, making it suitable for bright rooms. The precise local dimming enhances contrast, delivering deeper blacks.

QLED TVs
QLED: Offers vibrant colours and good brightness, but may not match the contrast levels of Mini LED due to less precise backlight control.

Colour Accuracy

Mini LED TVs
When combined with quantum dot technology, it delivers rich and accurate colours across various brightness levels.

QLED TVs
Excels in colour reproduction, providing a wide colour gamut and vibrant hues.

Viewing Angles

Mini LED TVs
Typically offers better viewing angles compared to standard LED TVs, but may not match OLED in this regard.

QLED TVs
Viewing angles can be narrower, with colour and brightness diminishing when viewed from the side.

Gaming Performance

Mini LED TVs
Features low input lag and high refresh rates, making it ideal for gaming.

QLED TVs
Also offers good gaming performance but may have slightly higher input lag compared to Mini LED.

Price Range

Mini LED TVs
Generally positioned in the premium segment, offering advanced features at a higher price point.

QLED TVs
Offers a range of options, including more affordable models, providing good value for money.

Which One Should You Choose?

Mini LED TVs

Superior contrast and deeper blacks.
Higher peak brightness for bright rooms.
Enhanced gaming performance with low input lag.

QLED TVs

Vibrant colours and wide colour gamut.
Good performance at a more accessible price point.
A balance between quality and affordability.

Both Mini LED and QLED TVs offer fantastic 4K picture quality, smart features, and stylish modern designs. Your choice ultimately depends on your budget, viewing environment, and how you use your TV, whether it’s for gaming, movies, or everyday entertainment.