QLED TVs Guide for Top Models and Revolutionary Features
The television has come a long way since the early black and white cathode ray tube sets. Technology innovations over the decades have enabled stunning improvements in picture quality, viewing sizes, and functionality. One of the most recent advancements is QLED TVs.
Early colour TVs used cathode ray tubes and analogue signals. While revolutionary for their time, they were limited to poor resolution and small screen sizes compared to modern standards. The move to digital signals and display technologies like LCD in the 90s ushered in high-definition viewing.
The transition to flat panel designs revolutionized form factors, allowing much larger screen sizes. Improvements in LCD and LED screen technology delivered better contrast, brightness and resolution. The advent of internet connectivity brought streaming media and smart TV platforms.
QLED TVs represent the latest innovation, combining advanced quantum dot technology with LED screens. The result is exceptional brightness, vivid colours, and deep contrast. QLED TVs support up to 8K resolution and come packed with smart features. They demonstrate how far home entertainment has advanced.
Going forward, manufacturers are exploring new display techs like MicroLED and future-proof connectivity options. But for now, QLED TVs sit at the cutting edge, bringing premium picture quality and intuitive functionality into homes. Exciting innovations will continue pushing TV technology into new realms.
Buyer’s Guide to QLED TVs
When choosing a QLED TV, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. This buying guide will walk you through the most important features and provide tips on choosing the right QLED TV.
We’ll cover display quality, including resolution, refresh rate, and HDR support. These impact the overall visual experience and level of detail you’ll get. Next, we’ll talk about ideal TV size based on viewing distance. Go too small or too big and you won’t get an optimal experience.
You’ll also want to understand the smart features that make QLED TVs convenient and customizable. Modern OS platforms and voice assistants change the way you interact with the TV. Finally, we’ll look at connectivity options to ensure your new QLED TV can interface with other devices like gaming consoles and sound systems.
By learning about these aspects of QLED TVs, you’ll be able to select the perfect model to match your viewing habits, room setup, and budget. With this buying guide, you’ll feel confident that your new QLED brings the amazing viewing experience these advanced TVs are capable of.
1. Display Quality
QLED TVs use quantum dot technology to produce stunning colors and deep blacks. Look for a TV with a high resolution like 4K or 8K for crisp details. A high refresh rate of at least 120Hz will make motion look smooth and natural. HDR support allows the TV to display a wider range of brightness levels for a more lifelike picture. Also consider the peak brightness, usually at least 1000 nits for the best HDR performance.
2. Size and Viewing Distance
When choosing a QLED TV size, make sure to consider the distance from where you’ll be viewing. A good rule of thumb is to multiply the viewing distance by 0.84 to get the ideal screen size. For example, if you sit 10 feet away, the recommended screen size is about 84 inches. Going too small will make details hard to see, while too large may be overwhelming. Refer to the viewing distance table for general guidelines.
3. Smart Features
Look for a QLED TV that runs on the latest smart platform like Tizen or webOS for intuitive navigation and access to streaming apps. Key apps to have are Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu. Voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant allow for hands-free control. Make sure the processor is fast enough to deliver a smooth experience when multitasking and quickly launching apps.
4. Connectivity
Check that your QLED TV has enough HDMI ports for your devices and that they support HDMI 2.1, the latest standard. This allows features like 4K 120Hz gaming and variable refresh rate. Look for at least 3-4 HDMI ports. Also consider USB ports for plugging in storage and ethernet if WiFi is spotty. Bluetooth support allows you to connect wireless speakers and headphones. Optical audio out is useful for connecting older audio systems.
QLED vs OLED – Picture Quality Showdown
When it comes to picture quality, QLED and OLED are top contenders. While both deliver stellar image quality, there are some key differences.
OLED TVs produce perfect black levels and infinite contrast since each pixel emits its own light. This results in rich, dark scenes. QLED TVs have very good but not perfect black levels and contrast.
However, QLED TVs can achieve significantly higher peak brightness, up to 2000 nits. This makes highlights really pop and is great for well-lit rooms. OLED maxes out under 800 nits.
QLED uses quantum dots to produce vibrant, saturated colours that cover 100% of the DCI-P3 colour space. OLED can display accurate colours but has issues near peak brightness.
For viewing angles and motion handling, OLED wins out. QLED image quality degrades at wider angles and fast motion can cause slight blurring.
Both technologies deliver 8K resolution, HDR, and great upscaling. For most buyers, picture quality will be excellent on either type of premium TV.
Optimizing Picture Quality
To get the most out of a new QLED TV’s picture, be sure to calibrate and adjust the settings for your particular room.
Turn off energy saving/eco modes which reduce power and picture quality. Set picture mode to Movie, Filmmaker, or Cinema for accurate color.
Adjust brightness, contrast, sharpness, and color temperature while viewing test patterns. Enable HDMI black level settings that match your devices.
Experiment with local dimming and contrast enhancers to find the right balance. The TV should be re-calibrated over time as lighting and room conditions change.
Following calibration best practices will ensure your QLED TV delivers stunning image quality.
Best Rated QLED TVs
We’ve scoured the market to bring you the top three QLED TVs available right now. If you’re in the market for a new television, you’ll want to consider the benefits of a QLED display. These TVs use quantum dot technology to deliver stunningly bright and vivid colours, making them perfect for watching movies and sports. They’re also great for gaming, with super-fast response times and low input lag. So, without further ado, here are our picks for the best QLED TVs on the market.
Samsung The Frame QLED 4K TV 55″
If you’re looking for a TV that doubles as a work of art, the Samsung The Frame QLED 4K TV 55″ is definitely worth considering. It’s a high-performance TV that looks great even when it’s turned off.
Pros
- The Quantum processor 4K provides excellent performance, making it perfect for gaming or streaming.
- The Art fashion feature allows you to display beautiful artwork on your TV when you’re not watching anything.
- The Adaptive Picture feature automatically adjusts the image and sound to the environment, ensuring that you get the best possible viewing experience.
Cons
- The TV’s slim design may make it difficult to connect certain devices.
- The One Cable Solution may not be long enough for some setups.
- The TV’s price point may be a bit steep for some consumers.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the Samsung The Frame QLED 4K TV 55″, and we were impressed with its performance. The Quantum processor 4K provides a lot of power, making it perfect for gaming or streaming. We were also impressed with the Art fashion feature, which turns the TV into a beautiful work of art when it’s not in use.
One of the standout features of this TV is the Adaptive Picture feature. This feature automatically adjusts the image and sound to the environment, ensuring that you get the best possible viewing experience. We found that this feature worked really well, and it made a noticeable difference in the quality of the picture.
The TV’s slim design is also worth mentioning. It’s ultra-slim and has a frame look design that makes it look like a piece of art. However, this design may make it difficult to connect certain devices, so keep that in mind when you’re setting it up.
Overall, we think that the Samsung The Frame QLED 4K TV 55″ is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-performance TV that looks great even when it’s turned off. The price point may be a bit steep for some consumers, but if you’re looking for a TV that doubles as a work of art, it’s definitely worth considering.
Samsung Neo QLED 4K TV QN85A 55 Inch
If you’re looking for a top-notch TV with excellent image quality, the Samsung Neo QLED 4K TV QN85A 55 Inch is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Neo QLED 4K technology creates a super slim product design that looks amazing in any room.
- The HDR 1500 feature creates film-rich images full of deep contrasts.
- The Neo Quantum processor 4K optimises the viewing experience, making everything look incredible.
Cons
- The TV is quite expensive, so it might not be the best choice for those on a tight budget.
- The setup process can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not tech-savvy.
- The remote control is a bit basic and doesn’t have all the features you might expect.
The Samsung Neo QLED 4K TV QN85A 55 Inch is a fantastic TV that offers excellent image quality and a range of advanced features. The Neo QLED 4K technology creates a super slim product design that looks amazing in any room, and the HDR 1500 feature ensures that you get film-rich images full of deep contrasts. The Neo Quantum processor 4K optimises the viewing experience, making everything look incredible.
One of the downsides of this TV is that it’s quite expensive, so it might not be the best choice for those on a tight budget. Additionally, the setup process can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. Finally, the remote control is a bit basic and doesn’t have all the features you might expect.
Overall, if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line TV that offers excellent image quality and a range of advanced features, the Samsung Neo QLED 4K TV QN85A 55 Inch is definitely worth considering.
RCA 43 Inch QLED UHD Smart TV, 4K HDR10 Tizen OS TV with Samsung TV Plus Youtube Netflix Motion Mode Dolby MS12, 3 x HDMI 2 x USB WiFi Bluetooth, Large Screen TV for Living Room Home Office 43″ QLED Tizen TV QLED Tizen TV
If you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality QLED TV, the RCA 43 Inch QLED UHD Smart TV is a great choice.
Pros
- Immersive Color: With over 90% high color gamut, the QLED technology brings vibrant and lifelike visuals to your screen.
- Smart Tizen OS: The Tizen OS offers seamless navigation, access to a wide range of apps, and convenient voice control for a truly smart and intuitive TV experience.
- Enhanced HDR10: Enjoy enhanced contrast and vibrant colors with HDR10 technology, bringing your favorite content to life with exceptional realism.
Cons
- Sound Quality: The sound quality of the TV is not as good as some of the higher-end models on the market.
- Limited Software Updates: The guaranteed software updates until date are unknown, which may be a concern for some users.
- Viewing Angle: The viewing angle of the TV is not as wide as some other models, which may be an issue if you have a large room.
The RCA 43 Inch QLED UHD Smart TV is a great option for those who want a high-quality TV without breaking the bank. The immersive color and enhanced HDR10 technology make for a truly stunning viewing experience, while the Tizen OS offers a seamless and intuitive user experience.
One thing to note is that the sound quality of the TV is not as good as some of the higher-end models on the market. However, this can be easily remedied by using external speakers or a soundbar.
Another potential drawback of the RCA 43 Inch QLED UHD Smart TV is the limited software updates. While the TV comes with guaranteed software updates, the date until which these updates will be available is unknown.
Finally, the viewing angle of the TV is not as wide as some other models, which may be an issue if you have a large room. However, this is a minor concern that is unlikely to affect most users.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable QLED TV with great features and a stunning picture quality, the RCA 43 Inch QLED UHD Smart TV is definitely worth considering.
Smart Home Integration
One of the conveniences of QLED TVs is their ability to integrate with smart home platforms for voice control, automation, and more.
For Samsung QLED TVs, they work with Bixby or Amazon Alexa for hands-free voice commands. You can search for content, change volume, switch inputs, control smart devices, and more.
LG’s webOS ThinQ AI and Google Assistant allow similar voice control abilities. Most QLED TVs also support Google Home and Amazon Echo devices for connectivity.
Apple AirPlay support on many QLEDs allows effortless streaming from Apple devices. HomeKit integration enables using the TV for scenes, automations, and controls.
Having seamless smart home integration makes QLED TVs feel even more advanced and high-tech.
Enhancing Audio
While QLED TVs offer incredible picture quality, audio from the built-in speakers is often lacking. Plan to enhance the sound with a soundbar or speaker system.
Look for a soundbar with multiple drivers, separate tweeters, and a wireless subwoofer for impactful sound. Soundbars with Dolby Atmos height channels add immersive audio.
For the best cinema experience, go for a surround sound speaker package. A receiver and 5.1 or 7.1 speakers will fill the room with sound.
Match the sound system capabilities to the QLED model. Basic TVs can benefit from a 2.1 soundbar while high-end 8K QLEDs deserve premium Atmos surround sound.
Great picture quality deserves great audio to match. Don’t neglect sound when buying a new QLED TV.
The Road Ahead for QLED
QLED TV technology continues to advance each year. What does the future hold for quantum dot displays?
Expect even higher peak brightness up to 4000 nits for better HDR. Improved filters will boost contrast and black levels.
More models will likely support 8K resolution. Bezels will shrink further as manufacturers squeeze larger screens into smaller form factors.
Smart platforms will get faster and more capable. HDMI 2.1 specs allow gaming up to 4K 120fps. Quantum dot enhancements will enable wider and more accurate color.
MicroLED tech may one day allow huge screens with QLED-level quality. For now, QLED TVs will continue to impress as picture quality steadily progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between QLED and OLED TVs?
QLED TVs use quantum dots to produce a brighter and more vibrant picture than OLED TVs. Additionally, QLED TVs are more durable and have a longer lifespan than OLED TVs.
Which Samsung QLED TV models are considered the best in 2023?
As of 2023, the Samsung QN900A, QN800A, and QN90A are considered the best QLED TV models from Samsung.
What are the benefits of a QLED TV over a standard LED TV?
QLED TVs offer a wider colour gamut, brighter picture, and better contrast compared to standard LED TVs. They also have a longer lifespan and are more durable.
How does Samsung’s TV comparison chart help in selecting the best QLED TV?
Samsung’s TV comparison chart allows you to compare the features and specifications of different QLED TV models. This can help you select the best TV for your needs and budget.
What is the difference in picture quality between a 55-inch and 65-inch QLED TV?
The picture quality of a 65-inch QLED TV is generally better than that of a 55-inch QLED TV due to the larger screen size. However, the difference in picture quality may not be noticeable to all viewers.
Is it worth investing in a Samsung QLED TV over a standard LED TV?
If you are looking for a TV with superior picture quality, wider colour gamut, and better contrast, then investing in a Samsung QLED TV is worth it. However, if you are on a tight budget, a standard LED TV may be a better option.