Lg OLED vs. Qned: Which TV Reigns Supreme? – 2024
Tired of blurry images and lackluster colors? You’re not alone. Choosing a new TV can feel overwhelming, especially with so many acronyms and technologies vying for your attention. If you’re considering an upgrade, you’ve likely stumbled upon two titans in the TV world: LG OLED and LG QNED.
Both offer stunning visuals, but they achieve their brilliance through different methods. LG OLED TVs are renowned for their perfect blacks and infinite contrast, creating an immersive viewing experience. On the other hand, LG QNED TVs utilize Quantum Dot and NanoCell technologies to deliver vibrant colors and impressive brightness.
This comparison dives deep into the heart of the matter, pitting LG OLED against LG QNED to help you determine which TV is the perfect fit for your home entertainment needs. We’ll explore their key differences, including picture quality, features, and overall performance, so you can make an informed decision and elevate your viewing experience.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | LG OLED | QNED |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Technology | OLED | Mini-LED LCD |
| Backlight | Self-lit pixels | Mini-LED |
| Contrast Ratio | Infinite | High |
| Black Levels | Perfect Black | Deep Black |
| Viewing Angles | Wide | Wide |
| Color Accuracy | Excellent | Very Good |
| Peak Brightness | Moderate | Higher |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| HDR Support | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
| Response Time | Extremely Fast | Fast |
| Upscaling | Excellent | Very Good |
| Gaming Features | HDMI 2.1, VRR, G-Sync/FreeSync | HDMI 2.1, VRR, G-Sync/FreeSync |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Picture Quality
- Lg OLED: OLED TVs offer perfect blacks and infinite contrast due to self-emissive pixels. This results in exceptional picture quality with vibrant colors and stunning detail, but can be prone to burn-in with static images.
- Qned: QNED TVs use a combination of Quantum Dot and NanoCell technology to enhance color and brightness. While offering excellent picture quality with wide color gamuts, they don’t achieve the same perfect blacks as OLED.
- Winner: OLED
Contrast Ratio
- Lg OLED: OLED boasts an infinite contrast ratio, as individual pixels can turn completely off, resulting in the deepest blacks and incredible dynamic range. This leads to a more immersive viewing experience.
- Qned: QNED TVs have a significantly lower contrast ratio than OLED due to their reliance on a backlight. While improving on traditional LED TVs, the blacks will appear more gray.
- Winner: OLED
Brightness
- Lg OLED: OLED brightness is generally good, but can be less bright than QNED in some environments. Peak brightness varies depending on the OLED panel generation and model.
- Qned: QNED TVs typically offer higher peak brightness levels than OLED TVs, making them ideal for brightly lit rooms and HDR content.
- Winner: QNED
Color Accuracy & Volume
- Lg OLED: OLED provides exceptional color accuracy and a wide color gamut, delivering vibrant and lifelike colors. The self-emissive nature of OLED contributes to its superior color performance.
- Qned: QNED uses Quantum Dot technology to enhance color volume and accuracy. They offer a wide color gamut, but may not match the absolute color purity of OLED in some scenarios.
- Winner: OLED
Viewing Angle
- Lg OLED: OLED TVs have a wide viewing angle, meaning the picture quality remains consistent even when viewed from the sides. This makes them ideal for large gatherings.
- Qned: QNED TVs generally have good viewing angles, but may experience some color shift or contrast loss at extreme angles compared to OLED.
- Winner: OLED
Response Time & Motion Handling
- Lg OLED: OLED TVs feature extremely fast response times, resulting in virtually no motion blur, which is perfect for gaming and fast-paced content.
- Qned: QNED TVs have good response times, but may exhibit some motion blur compared to OLED. This affects fast-moving scenes.
- Winner: OLED
Gaming Performance
- Lg OLED: OLED TVs are excellent for gaming due to their instant response times, low input lag, and support for features like HDMI 2.1 and variable refresh rate (VRR).
- Qned: QNED TVs are also suitable for gaming with good response times and support for gaming features, but may not offer the same level of responsiveness as OLED.
- Winner: OLED
Price
- Lg OLED: OLED TVs are typically more expensive than QNED TVs, reflecting their superior picture quality and advanced technology.
- Qned: QNED TVs are generally more affordable than OLED TVs, making them a more budget-friendly option for those seeking good picture quality.
- Winner: QNED
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Picture Quality (Overall) | LG OLED |
| Black Levels | LG OLED |
| Contrast Ratio | LG OLED |
| Brightness | QNED |
| Viewing Angles | Tie |
| Gaming Performance | LG OLED |
| Value | QNED (Potentially) |
What They Have in Common
- 4K Resolution: Both LG OLED and QNED TVs offer stunning 4K resolution, providing incredibly detailed and sharp images for an immersive viewing experience.
- Smart TV Features: Both TVs come equipped with smart TV platforms, granting access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and more, all from the comfort of your couch.
- Wide Viewing Angles: Both display technologies provide wide viewing angles, ensuring that the picture quality remains consistent, even when viewed from the sides.
- HDMI 2.1 Support: Both TVs include HDMI 2.1 ports, which are essential for supporting the latest gaming consoles and high-bandwidth content.
- Hdr Compatibility: Both TVs are compatible with HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, allowing you to experience a wider range of colors and improved contrast.
LG OLED vs QNED Buying Guide
Picture Quality
LG OLED televisions offer unparalleled picture quality, thanks to their self-lit pixels. Each pixel can turn on and off independently, resulting in perfect blacks, infinite contrast ratios, and vibrant colors. This technology provides a viewing experience that’s incredibly immersive, with stunning detail and realism. QNED TVs, while using Quantum Dot and NanoCell technologies for color enhancement and wider viewing angles, cannot match the pure black levels and contrast of OLED. OLED’s ability to display perfect blacks elevates the overall picture quality, making it the preferred choice for those who prioritize visual fidelity.
Viewing Experience
The viewing experience on an LG OLED is truly exceptional. The wide viewing angles ensure that the picture quality remains consistent, even when viewed from the side. The fast response times of OLED panels eliminate motion blur, making it ideal for fast-paced content like sports and action movies. QNED TVs also offer good viewing angles, but they might not be as wide as those of OLED. The QNED offers a good viewing experience, but might not match the same level of immersion as OLED, which provides a more cinematic feel.
Brightness and HDR Performance
While OLED TVs excel in contrast and black levels, QNED TVs often boast higher peak brightness. This can make QNEDs appear brighter in well-lit rooms. However, OLEDs still deliver excellent HDR performance, with the ability to showcase a wide color gamut and dynamic range. The contrast and near-perfect blacks of OLED enhance the impact of HDR content, making the colors pop and providing a more detailed picture. QNED’s brightness is a strength, but OLED’s contrast frequently delivers a more captivating HDR experience.
Gaming Performance
For gamers, OLED TVs are a top choice. They offer incredibly fast response times and low input lag, resulting in a smooth and responsive gaming experience. The combination of perfect blacks and vibrant colors further enhances the visual impact of games. QNED TVs also offer good gaming performance, but may not match the responsiveness of OLED. Gamers will appreciate OLED’s ability to bring out every detail, creating a more responsive and immersive gaming experience. QNED offers a good experience, but OLED excels.
Price and Value
Generally, LG OLED TVs are priced higher than QNED models. The advanced technology and superior picture quality of OLED come at a premium. However, the price difference has been narrowing in recent years. QNED TVs offer a more budget-friendly option, providing good picture quality and features for the price. Evaluating your budget and how much you value picture quality is important. While OLED is more expensive, its performance justifies the price for many enthusiasts, representing a higher value in the long run.
Technology and Features
Both LG OLED and QNED TVs come packed with smart features, including webOS, LG’s intuitive smart TV platform. OLEDs often include the latest display technologies, such as HDMI 2.1 ports for 4K gaming at 120Hz. QNED TVs also incorporate advanced technologies, like Quantum Dot and NanoCell, enhancing color and viewing angles. You’ll find features such as voice control and seamless integration with streaming services on both. Both TVs offer impressive feature sets, but the OLED often comes with slightly more advanced technology.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy LG OLED If…
- You prioritize perfect blacks and infinite contrast for the most immersive viewing experience.
- You are a movie enthusiast and appreciate the best picture quality for cinematic content.
- You value extremely fast response times for competitive gaming.
- You want the best possible viewing angles.
Buy QNED If…
- You want a brighter picture for well-lit rooms.
- You are looking for a TV with excellent picture quality at a potentially more affordable price.
- You are primarily watching content that benefits from higher peak brightness.
- You want a TV that can handle bright environments without compromising picture quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between OLED and QNED?
The main difference lies in the display technology. OLED uses self-lit pixels that can turn on and off individually, delivering perfect blacks and infinite contrast. QNED TVs use Quantum Dot and NanoCell technologies to enhance color and improve viewing angles, but they rely on a backlight, which results in less precise control of contrast and black levels. This difference accounts for the superior picture quality of OLED.
Which TV technology is better for dark rooms?
OLED is the superior choice for dark rooms. Its ability to produce perfect blacks minimizes light bleed and enhances contrast, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience. QNED TVs can still perform well in dark rooms, but their reliance on a backlight means they can’t achieve the same level of black depth as OLED. This makes OLED ideal for home theaters.
Does QNED offer better brightness than OLED?
Yes, QNED TVs are often brighter than OLED TVs, especially in their peak brightness. This can make QNED TVs appear more vibrant in well-lit rooms. However, the superior contrast and black levels of OLED still deliver a stunning HDR experience, even if they aren’t as bright. OLED’s contrast often provides a more compelling HDR experience.
Which TV is better for gaming?
OLED TVs are generally better for gaming. Their fast response times, low input lag, and perfect blacks provide a smooth, responsive, and immersive gaming experience. QNED TVs are also good for gaming, but may not match the responsiveness of OLED. OLED’s ability to bring out every detail creates a superior gaming experience.
Are QNED TVs cheaper than OLED TVs?
Yes, QNED TVs are typically more affordable than OLED TVs. The advanced technology and superior picture quality of OLED come at a premium. QNED TVs offer a more budget-friendly option, providing good picture quality and features for the price. The price difference has been narrowing in recent years, making OLED more accessible.
What is the lifespan of OLED TVs?
OLED TVs have a lifespan comparable to or even longer than that of LED TVs. OLED technology has improved significantly over the years, and burn-in is less of a concern than it used to be. The lifespan of an OLED TV depends on usage and care, but you can expect a long, enjoyable viewing experience.
Which TV offers better viewing angles?
Both OLED and QNED TVs provide wide viewing angles. However, OLED TVs generally offer more consistent picture quality from wider angles. The color and contrast remain more accurate, even when viewed from the side. QNED TVs offer good viewing angles, but may experience some color shift at extreme angles. OLED offers a slightly better advantage.
Final Verdict
LG OLED televisions consistently outperform QNED models in picture quality, offering superior contrast, perfect blacks, and a more immersive viewing experience. While QNED TVs provide brighter images and are more affordable, OLED’s self-lit pixels deliver unparalleled visual fidelity. OLED’s advantages in contrast, viewing angles, and gaming performance make it the preferred choice for those seeking the ultimate home entertainment experience.
Winner: LG OLED