QNED vs. OLED: What’s the Difference?

If you’re in the market for a new television, you’ve likely encountered the debate of QNED vs. OLED technologies. Both offer premium picture quality, but they each have unique features and advantages. If you’re a movie lover, a casual viewer, or a dedicated gamer, choosing the right display technology can make a significant difference in your viewing experience.

This guide will break down the key differences, benefits, and drawbacks of QNED and OLED TVs, helping you make an informed decision based on your needs.

What is QNED and how does it work?

QNED (Quantum Nano Emitting Diode) is an advanced LED-LCD technology developed by LG. It combines Quantum Dot and NanoCell technologies with Mini LED backlighting, creating enhanced colour accuracy, brightness, and contrast. Positioned as a high-end alternative to OLED, QNED delivers superior picture quality compared to traditional LED TVs.

QNED TVs use Quantum Dots to boost colour accuracy and NanoCell technology to filter out impure colours. Plus, the Mini LED backlight system significantly increases brightness and contrast, providing deeper blacks and improved local dimming over standard LED TVs. However, unlike OLED, QNED still relies on a backlight, so it can’t achieve the true blacks that OLED displays are known for.

At CES 2025, LG unveiled an exciting evolution of QNED and confirmed that its newest models would be using a new proprietary Dynamic QNED Color Solution to replace quantum dots. The company promises this will afford more realistic and vivid colours along with high brightness.

What is OLED and how does it work?

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) is a self-emissive display technology that eliminates the need for a backlight. Each pixel in an OLED TV produces its own light, allowing for true blacks, infinite contrast, and exceptional colour accuracy.

Each pixel in an OLED display can turn on and off independently, producing deep blacks and superior contrast. Since there’s no backlight, OLED TVs can achieve ultra-thin designs and better viewing angles than QNED or traditional LED TVs.

Key differences between QNED and OLED

1. Picture quality

• Black levels & contrast: OLED is the clear winner here, as it can turn off individual pixels completely, achieving true blacks and infinite contrast. QNED, while an improvement over traditional LED TVs, still relies on a backlight, which can cause light blooming. This is when bright sources of light spill over to darker areas of the picture, creating a sort of halo or glow effect.
• Brightness: QNED has the advantage in brightness, making it ideal for bright rooms. OLED, while improving, may struggle with glare in well-lit environments. However, brands like Samsung have developed glare-free OLED models.
• Colour accuracy: Both technologies offer excellent colour reproduction, but OLED delivers more vibrant and accurate colours due to its self-emissive nature. You’ll see more true-to-life images that seem like they are jumping out of the screen.

2. Viewing angles

• OLED: You’ll be able to enjoy wider viewing angles with no colour or contrast loss.
• QNED: While better than traditional LED TVs, QNED technology still suffers from colour shift and reduced contrast at extreme angles.

3. Thickness & design

• OLED: Boasting ultra-thin designs, OLED TVs are ideal for wall mounting. They sit flush to the wall such that they blend nicely into the decor with no gaps between the wall and the TV.
• QNED: Slimmer than standard LED TVs, QNED still require more thickness for backlighting.

4. Burn-in risk

• OLED: This technology has a potential risk of burn-in when static images (e.g., news tickers, gaming HUDs) are displayed for long periods. If the image “burns in” to the screen, it will be slightly visible permanently. You can combat this by never leaving the TV on the same channel with a static image (think CP24) for too long.
• QNED: There are no burn-in concerns with QNED due to its LED-based technology.

5. Gaming performance

Both QNED and OLED offer high refresh rates (120Hz) and low input lag, making them great for gaming. However:

• OLED: This technology has the edge in motion clarity and contrast, delivering a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.
• QNED: Thanks to its backlighting, QNED is a safer choice for long gaming sessions due to no burn-in risk.

6. Consideration for the smart home

If you have smart home devices, the decision might come down to which brand of other products you have. QNED technology is exclusive to LG while several top brands make OLED TVs.

• OLED: Available from many brands so you can choose based on which ecosystem you might already use or want to use.
• QNED: Exclusive to LG, QNED may be a great choice if you already have other LG smart tech and appliances in the home. If you’re not tied to a specific brand, it might also be the perfect fit.

Pros and cons of QNED vs. OLED

QNED: advantages and disadvantages

OLED: advantages and disadvantages

Which one should you choose?

Best for bright rooms

Choose QNED if your TV will be in a well-lit room. The higher brightness and Mini LED backlighting prevent glare and ensure a great viewing experience during the day.

Best for dark rooms and movie lovers

If you love watching movies in a dark room, OLED is the best choice. Its true blacks and infinite contrast create a cinematic experience unmatched by any other technology.

Best for gamers

Both QNED and OLED support high refresh rates and low input lag, but your choice depends on your priorities. OLED offers the best picture quality for gaming but carries a burn-in risk. QNED is a safer long-term choice for gaming due to its burn-in resistance.

Best for budget-conscious buyers

QNED is generally more affordable than OLED while still offering a premium viewing experience. If price is a major factor, QNED provides great value without sacrificing too much in picture quality.

Final verdict: QNED vs. OLED

Both QNED and OLED offer fantastic picture quality, but the right choice depends on your needs. If you prioritize contrast, deep blacks, and a cinematic experience, OLED is the way to go. If you need higher brightness, durability, and affordability, QNED is an excellent alternative.

Explore your options at Best Buy Canada

Ready to upgrade your TV? Check out the latest QNED and OLED models at Best Buy Canada and find the perfect fit for your home entertainment setup!

This article was drafted using AI technology and then reviewed, fact-checked, and revised by a member of our editorial team.