QLED are backlit screens based on so-called quantum dots. Initially, “quantum dots” were developed to replace organic compounds in OLED screens since they have a significant drawback: they age and become less bright. But this technology is also helpful in improving conventional LCD displays.
Three parameters are responsible for the picture quality in the screens we are used to: the design of the LCD shutter, colour filters and backlighting. Shutters have been dealt with long ago – they have become fast, reliable and energy efficient. There are also no problems with colour filters that form red, green and blue light – today, LCD screens can display an extended colour range that is no worse than OLED. But there were difficulties with the lighting. This is precisely what QLED technology solves.
QLEDs are classic LCD panels but with an important twist. The image is created using a classic IPS or VA matrix, but the backlight is formed by those same “quantum dots”.
Theoretically, QLED allows you to achieve almost perfect colour reproduction, high contrast and saturation. In practice, a lot depends on how much attention was paid to setting up a particular TV model at the factory.
It is essential to understand that QLED and OLED are entirely different technologies. QLED TVs use traditional backlighting, while OLED models use a circuit of self-luminous LEDs. But which solution is better? There is no clear answer to this question.
Typically, the picture on OLED TVs has the highest contrast, with perfect blacks and wide viewing angles. But such screens are more expensive and more susceptible to fading.
Additionally, due to backlight flickering, OLEDs are generally not recommended for users with sensitive eyes.
The picture on QLED TVs is less affluent but still looks very good. In addition, such models are more affordable. This is the best choice for those not yet ready to spend money on a luxurious OLED panel for the living room but already want to get a better picture than on a “regular” TV.
Which QLED models do we recommend? Our selection covers options with different diagonals and prices – choosing the suitable TV will be easy. Let’s start with inexpensive models and end with top ones.
HIPER QL43UD700AD
The most compact and inexpensive TV in our selection was on sale recently. The device deserves attention: thanks to QLED technology, the picture quality here is higher than many competitors for the money, and the purchase will not hit your wallet. In the marketplace, this TV can be found for 26 thousand rubles.
A 43-inch screen is a good solution for a bedroom or small living room with little free space. HIPER QL43UD700AD has loud sound, many connectors and an easily customizable shell with practical applications already installed like YouTube or VK Video.
Although the overall picture quality of the HIPER is inferior to higher-end models, it is a good candidate for your first QLED TV.
TCL 55C647
One of the most popular models with a QLED display. A 55-inch diagonal is the best option for most apartments. The screen is large, but not so large that there will be problems with placement in a bedroom or large room.
The TCL 55C647 has good screen brightness (450 nits), rich colours, and high image quality. The speakers are loud, but they still need to be more for lovers of high-quality sound – if you need a full-fledged home theatre, buying an additional sound bar is better.
The TV has good reviews from bloggers and real buyers: for its price, the TCL model supports melting technology (called MEMC), a broad colour palette, a game mode and a convenient shell. However, it is less expensive than models from Samsung or Sony with similar characteristics. You can buy a TCL 55C647 for about 40 thousand rubles; the model is even cheaper in some stores.
Toshiba 50C450KE
A successful 50-inch model with quantum dot technology. It has very decent image quality – colourful, with good blacks. The picture here equals more expensive TVs, while you can buy a Toshiba 50C450KE for less than 50 thousand rubles.
There is a clear 4K screen with support for HDR10+ technology; the TV has no problems with detail, brightness and contrast. The loudspeakers support Dolby Atmos, but some users need more. Purchasing a sound bar immediately is recommended so that the sound quality matches the picture.
The TV runs on its own VIDAA operating system. It is simple and easy to use; understanding the settings will be easy. However, the choice of programs here is broader than that of models with traditional Android TV.
Hisense 65U7HQ
This TV is excellent for gaming. The screen refresh rate is 120 Hz. The device will perfectly replace a large monitor – connecting a PlayStation, Xbox or gaming laptop to it is convenient.
The Hisense 65U7HQ has a large screen – 65 inches. This model is designed for large rooms. Quantum dot technology guarantees an excellent picture – with high contrast, a wide range of colours, and good saturation. The display brightness is 600 nits, so the model is well-suited for watching HDR videos.
The VIDAA operating system is also used here – convenient and fast, but with fewer programs.
On marketplaces, Hisense 65U7HQ is offered for about 80 thousand rubles. This is a justified price for a model with a modern design, a large, bright, and very smooth screen, and a high-quality picture with a good colour rendition.
Samsung QE75Q70BAU
It is one of the top models with QLED, which can be bought in retail. Samsung QE75Q70BAU is a premium TV that provides excellent picture quality. The cost of such a device is approximately 200 thousand rubles.
There is a huge diagonal here – 75 inches. The TV will fit perfectly in a large living room but is designed for something other than small rooms and bedrooms. The screen refresh rate is 100 Hz, so the TV will provide a smooth picture when playing videos and is also great for games.
As befits a top model, the Samsung QE75Q70BAU has a very bright screen, which also supports Quantum HDR 16x technology. High dynamic range videos, which don’t look good on low-end TVs, shine here in all their glory. Powerful stereo speakers (20 W) support spatial sound – this contributes to better immersion in a movie, TV series or documentary atmosphere.
A TV from Samsung may seem too expensive. Still, its price is justified by the highest image quality, advanced technology and screen size.
