QLED VS UHD TVs: Understanding the Differences

The Visual Vortex: QLED vs UHD TV Technology

In the ever-evolving world of consumer electronics, keeping up with the latest buzzwords and marketing jargon can be challenging. Every brand seems to try to outdo the other with flashy terminology and unique selling points. 

One area of confusion is the debate surrounding QLED vs UHD technology. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different display technology aspects. So, let’s explore the differences between UHD and QLED and help you understand what these terms really mean. We’ll help you make a well-informed decision when buying your next smart TV. 

The Evolution of LCD TVs

The evolution of standard LCD TV has been fascinating to watch over the years. From their humble beginnings as bulky TVs with low-resolution displays, they have come a long way in design and technology. 

Today, we have a range of cutting-edge technologies that have emerged from the LCD platform, such as OLED, QLED, and UHD. While all of these technologies have unique features and benefits, they all build on the fundamental principles of the original LCD TV.

One significant advancement has been integrating LED backlights, dramatically improving picture quality and energy efficiency. 

In addition, the rise of smart TVs and streaming services has made accessing and watching content easier, with options like Google TV and Android TV offering seamless integration and a vast selection of apps and programs. 

As technology advances, we can only imagine what the future holds for LCD-based displays.

QLED TVs Features & Specs

If you’re in the market for a new TV, you’ve likely come across the term QLED or Organic Light Emitting Diode. So, what exactly is it? Well, it’s a technology that uses a quantum dot layer to enhance the colours and brightness of images on your screen. While Quantum Light Emitting Diode isn’t a miraculous new TV tech, it’s a key concept to understand, especially if you’re considering purchasing a Samsung TV. 

It’s important to note that QLED isn’t a type of TV but rather a set of enhancements to quantum dot technology. This means that QLED TVs use a separate LCD backlight, just like other LCD TVs, but with the addition of a metallic quantum dot filter to significantly boost the capabilities of HDR and 4K images.  

QLED TV Key Specifications

• 4K resolution or higher: You get four times the number of pixels as a standard 1080p TV for sharper images and more detail, which is especially noticeable during gaming and movies. 
• Quantum Dot Technology: QLED’s quantum dots sets it apart from other displays by using tiny semiconductor particles, enhancing colour accuracy and image brightness. 
• Multiple HDR formats: QLED TVs, including HDR10 and Dolby Vision, support multiple HDR formats.
• 120Hz or higher refresh rates: These refresh rates result in smoother motion, which is crucial for watching sports or action movies. 
• Full-array local dimming: Adjusts the brightness of individual screen areas, providing deeper blacks and brighter whites. QLED TVs typically offer full-array local dimming with independently controlled backlight zones. 
• Built-in streaming apps: QLED TVs come with apps like Netflix and Hulu, voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, and in some models, a built-in camera for video calls.
• Sleek modern design: QLED TVs are minimalistic, and some models come with a One Connect box for hiding cables.

Pros

• Superior picture quality 
• Wide viewing angles
• Great for gaming 
• Available in larger display sizes 
• Thin and lightweight design
• Fast switching speed 
• 50-100 times brighter than CRTs and LCDs 
• Lower power consumption 
• Not susceptible to burn-in 

Cons

• Requires a backlight unit for illumination
• Not able to achieve a similar contrast ratio to OLED TVs
• Backlight bleeding can be  visible in certain scenes
• Limited viewing angle to dead centre for best picture quality 
• Less saturated blue colour compared to OLEDs
• Slower response time 

UHD TVs Features & Specs

In addition to their stunning image quality, UHD TVs offer a range of features and specifications that make them the perfect addition to any home entertainment system. One such feature is the high refresh rate, which is especially important for gamers and sports enthusiasts. A high refresh rate means the TV can display fast-moving images with minimal motion blur, resulting in a smoother and more fluid viewing experience. 

Additionally, many UHD TVs come equipped with smart TV technology and Android TV features, which allow users to access streaming services, browse the web, and even control other smart devices in their homes. With voice control capabilities and intuitive interfaces, these smart TVs make finding and enjoying your favourite content easy. And with the ability to connect to other devices through HDMI and USB ports, UHD TVs offer unparalleled versatility and convenience. 

UHD TV Key Specifications

• 4x the resolution of Full HD TVs: UHD resolution is 3840 x 2160, which is four times the resolution of Full HD TVs.  
• Variety of refresh rate options: Higher refresh rate in UHD TVs can reduce motion blur and improve image quality. 
• HDR Technology improves contrast and colour: Most common HDR formats include HDR10 or Dolby Vision.
• A wide colour gamut: Displays colours more accurately and vividly. 
• Use different panel types: UHD TVs use IPS, VA, or OLED panel types. Each panel type has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your personal preferences. 
• Smart TV features: Many UHD TVs have smart TV features like built-in Wi-Fi, streaming apps, and voice control.
• External sound system: External sound systems at UHD TVs offer an immersive audio experience. 

Pros

• Extremely high-resolution and sharp images 
• Smoother transition between scenes, movements, and action sequences
• No pixelation effect even when approaching the screen
• Better eye protection and no eye strain 
• Increased content extensibility from TV channels to Blu-ray 
• Latest TV visual technology rivalling 3D, without requiring 3D glasses to watch TV and movies 
• Produced by reputable brands such as Samsung, Sony, LG, and Panasonic
• Compatible with modern gaming consoles 
• Advanced technology such as HDR and HFR 

Cons:

• More expensive than traditional HDTV 
• Limited amount of 4K content available 
• Large screens difficult to accommodate in smaller living spaces 
• Limited availability 
• Bandwidth requirements such as a fast and stable internet connection 
• Limited viewing angles 
• Higher power consumption

QLED vs UHD Comparison

While QLEDs are almost all UHD, UHD displays can be created using other panel technologies, such as OLED and LCD. And don’t forget; TV panel technology plays a crucial role in picture quality. 

That said, UHD and QLED TVs offer ultra-high definition, which refers to displays with a resolution of 4K or higher. The main difference between these two lies in their technology. 

Let’s go over the key specifications of the two, and discuss which one offers the better experience: 

QLED delivers superior colour accuracy and brightness

QLED and UHD are equipped with advanced technologies that produce rich and vivid colours. However, QLED TVs may have a slight edge in colour accuracy and brightness thanks to their Quantum Dot display technology and Quantum HDR feature.

QLED has a slightly better processor

The processor is an essential component of any TV, responsible for processing the image and producing the final picture. Both UHD and QLED offer excellent performance, but QLED technology has a slight edge in AI processing and upscaling. 

QLED TV offers a wider viewing angle

When it comes to the visuals, both Crystal UHD and QLED TVs provide an immersive and high-quality experience with advanced picture processing technologies and 4K resolution. However, QLED TV offers a wider viewing angle, making it possible to enjoy the same picture quality from a broader range of angles. 

QLED offers exceptional gaming performance 

QLED TVs are perfect for gaming enthusiasts as they offer a smoother gaming experience with low input lag, thanks to their FreeSync technology. This technology synchronizes the TV’s refresh rates with the game console’s frame rate, which helps to reduce screen tearing. 

QLED vs UHD - Which One is Better?

When comparing UHD and QLED TVs, it’s important to note that UHD refers to the resolution, while QLED is a type of display technology. UHD TV offers Mini LED and OLED display tech. OLED has deep blacks and infinite contrast, while Mini LED has higher peak brightness and improved HDR. Be sure to compare the benefits of Mini LED vs OLED before you make a choice.

QLED TVs can come in 4K and 8K resolutions, but it’s more common for manufacturers to produce 4K QLED TVs. If budget is not a concern, a 4K UHD QLED TV will generally offer better colour performance than a 4K UHD TV without Quantum Dots. 

However, it’s worth noting that OLED TVs offer a different display technology that can provide even better picture quality, with self-lighting pixels that don’t require LED backlighting or Quantum Dots. 

Ultimately, the choice of ULED vs QLED TVs and OLED tech will depend on personal preferences and budget!

FAQ

Is QLED worth it over UHD?

QLED and UHD are not directly comparable as they refer to different aspects of a TV. UHD refers to the TV's resolution, while QLED is a quantum dot display technology that generates brighter images with superior contrast and color accuracy than traditional LED displays. UHD offers a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, resulting in more clear and detailed pictures than standard HD TVs.

QLED technology employs quantum dots to produce more vivid and accurate colours and brighter images with superior contrast than conventional LED displays. 

All in all, the choice depends on your priorities. If you place more value on resolution, UHD may be the preferable choice. But if you value colour precision and brightness, QLED may be the better option. 

Which is better: 4K UHD or OLED?

It’s not a matter of one being better than the other, as they don’t directly compete. In fact, you can combine the two technologies in various ways. One option that stands out is QLED 4K. This innovative technology offers superior brightness and colour coverage compared to traditional UHD displays. 

Which is best: OLED or QLED or UHD?

For delivering exceptional picture quality, OLED reigns supreme, but for those seeking a more budget-friendly option, QLED is the best choice. 

Both OLED and QLED TVs are generally available in UHD format to enhance the visual experience. Although UHD TVs provide a higher resolution than Full HD TVs, they cannot compare to the level of picture quality provided by OLED and QLED TVs.