Over the decades since TVs were first invented, they’ve largely become very homogenised. While they might boast all kinds of different features under the surface, many TVs now look incredibly similar from the outside.

When you’re browsing through the TV market, you’ll need to pay special attention to the kinds of features each TV boasts. One of the best ways to differentiate between two TV models is to take a look at the display features it boasts. TVs now make use of all kinds of unique display technologies to deliver more satisfying imagery. These display options have unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s worth knowing which of these display types is which.

It can be quite easy to get two different display technologies confused with one another. For instance, many people often find themselves confusing OLED and Mini LED TVs with one another. How exactly do they differ? Which option is best for your living room display?

If you want to browse the modern TV market with more confidence, then you’ve come to the right place. Join the Reliant tech experts below to find out how Mini LED and OLED TVs differ!

What Is the Difference Between OLED And Mini LED?

OLED and Mini LED are both terms used to describe different TV display technologies To the untrained eye, it can often be difficult to tell what’s different about each of these display types. However, the key difference between the two is how they control image brightness. Let’s familiarise ourselves with the unique features of both display types.

What Are OLED TVs?

OLED TVs are unique because of their use of special OLED pixels. What makes OLED pixels unique is how they function. They aren’t just responsible for generating images and producing specific shades of colour. They’re also responsible for creating their own light.

Non-OLED TVs make use of special backlight arrays to control the brightness of the image. The light from these backlights then shines through the pixel layer, to illuminate the image.

OLED pixels are able to individually control how much light they emit. This means that they can be used to create images with perfect contrast. With better brightness control, OLED TVs have much sharper black values.

The main issue with traditional TV backlights is that they often have trouble controlling just how much light shines through the on-screen image. When used to display a darker image, with more subtle highlights, such as in a horror movie, a cheap backlight will often emit too much light. This results in dampened black values, which in turn results in incredibly weak contrast, and a lack of clarity.

OLED pixels were specially designed to account for the shortcomings of traditional TV pixels. Not only can individual OLED pixels emit their own light, but they can also turn on and off independently. This means that an OLED TV screen only ever emits the amount of light that’s needed for a specific image. This results in sharper contrast and much greater visual clarity overall! OLED TVs are fantastic if you love watching horror films, or you simply want more accurate backlight control!

What Are Mini LED TVs?

Mini LED TVs are often confused with OLED TVs because they are also designed to account for the shortcomings of traditional LEDs.

Mini LEDs, as their name suggests, are designed to be a fraction of the size of traditional LEDs. In fact, they’re so small that they’re almost microscopic in scale! Because they’re so small, it’s possible to pack thousands more of them into the backlight array of a TV. Where an average LED TV might have a couple thousand individual LEDs, a Mini LED TV might have hundreds of thousands of individual Mini LEDs.

Mini LEDS are then grouped together into individual “Zones”. These zones can then be individually dimmed or brightened, independent of the other zones in the backlight array. This allows Mini LED TVs to create images with sharper contrast, without the risk of light blooming through the image where it shouldn’t!

Both OLED and Mini LED TVs achieve very similar results. Both types of TV are capable of more accurately controlling the amount of light they emit, for sharper contrast. Where they differ is how they create light. A Mini LED TV is similar to a standard LED TV in that it makes use of a backlight layer to make an image visible. An OLED TV, on the other hand, does not need a backlight layer. Instead, all of the light on an OLED display is generated by the pixels themselves!

Which Is Better: Mini LED Or OLED?

It’s difficult to say for certain which display type is better than the other. They both have unique benefits and drawbacks. In terms of contrast and brightness control, OLED TVs tend to stand on top. Because each pixel can control its brightness individually, OLED TVs are capable of creating near-infinite levels of contrast. Mini LEDs, on the other hand, are grouped into larger zones. This means they may be more likely to leak light into darker parts of an image.

Because OLED TVs have no need for a backlight layer, they can be built with a much skinnier frame. This makes OLED TVs fantastic for wall-mounting, and especially for homes with limited space.

OLED TVs are also worthwhile because they tend to be more lightweight. Because there’s no need to dedicate space for a complex backlight array, OLED TVs are able to be built with much slimmer shapes.

Mini LED TVs are perfect if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option. It’s no secret that OLED TVs can cost a pretty penny. So, if you’re looking for a simple TV with sharper imagery, then a Mini LED TV might be the perfect option for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mini-LED Better Than OLED?

No. Mini LED TVs are simply meant to be another alternative option for those not ready to purchase an OLED TV. Mini LED TVs do have a slight advantage in that they are much more affordable than OLED TVs. This makes them a fantastic display option for those who are looking to save money.