No two televisions are ever truly the same. TVs can differ massively from model to model. Not just in terms of their screen size, and resolution, but also in terms of the display technologies they use! There are so many different display types available across the market. So much so that it can often be a little daunting to tell them apart.
One modern display technology that often leaves prospective TV owners confused is “Mini LED”. What exactly is a mini LED TV? And what is it that sets them apart from other TV types like standard LED TVs?
Making sense of the modern TV market, with all of its proprietary technologies and abbreviations, can feel like deciphering an advanced code! Luckily, our Reliant tech experts have done the digging, to find out what sets mini LEDs apart from other display technologies! Let’s get started!
What Is a Mini LED TV?
To understand what makes mini LED TVs so special, it’s worth highlighting how they differ from standard LED TVs.
A standard LED TV is one that employs around 100 individual LED lights to make up its backlight array. It’s these LED lights that illuminate the images seen on the screen. LED TVs are well-loved for their immense brightness levels that make them incredibly visible. However, LED TVs have long since largely been usurped by the visually-superior OLED TVs.
One major problem with LED TVs is that they lack sharp contrast. This is because the light from the LEDs often bleeds through the darkest parts of the image. OLED TVs, on the other hand, make use of self-illuminating pixels that can turn on and off independently. This allows them to create true black levels. Enhancing contrast.
Mini LEDs are microscopically small, especially when compared to standard LEDs used in LED TVs. With more LEDs packed into a mini LED TV, it’s much easier to heighten the contrast in any image!
Mini LED TVs were produced largely as a direct response to OLED TVs. Unlike an LED TV, a mini LED TV has thousands of individual microscopic LEDs that make up the backlight! These mini LEDs are then packed into groups known as “Zones”. These zones are then able to dim the amount of light they produce, as required by the on-screen image. In turn, this prevents light from bleeding through the darkest parts of the image. As such, mini LED TVs have much sharper contrast than their standard LED counterparts!
The more zones a mini LED TV has, the greater the contrast it can produce!
Mini LED Vs OLED
As we touched on above, mini LED TVs were originally produced as a direct response to the dominance of OLED TVs. Mini LED TVs make use of local dimming zones to carefully control the amount of light being produced by the backlights. This results in much higher contrast, as it prevents light from bleeding through the on-screen image.
However, when it comes to contrast, OLED TVs are still largely unmatched. Again, this is because they make use of self-illuminating pixels. This means there’s no need for a backlight array at all. Each pixel can control the amount of light it produces, depending on the needs of the image! This results in “Infinite contrast”. Which creates an unparalleled sense of realism. OLED TVs are also incredibly thin and offer wide viewing angles. Perfect for hosting movie nights with friends.
However, mini LED TVs do have a distinct advantage over OLED TVs, in terms of colour accuracy. Mini LED TVs most often make use of distinct technologies that can create highly accurate and realistic colours. OLED TVs might have stronger contrast, but they can sometimes lack when it comes to colour accuracy!
Finally, it’s also worth noting that mini LED TVs are often much more affordable than OLED TVs!
Mini LED Vs QLED
While mini LED TVs are great when it comes to colour accuracy, they are largely usurped by QLED TVs. QLED TVs are essentially the ultimate in colour accuracy. This makes them great for enjoying HDR content that’s packed with colour and saturation.
However, when it comes to brightness, mini LED TVs come out on top. Though QLED TVs make use of backlights to illuminate their images, they’re not quite as powerful as mini LEDs. Despite their compact size, mini LED TVs are able to pack a serious punch!
QLED TVs also tend to be much bulkier, thanks to the unique visual technologies they use. This makes them less convenient for smaller spaces. The unique visual technologies also have a direct impact on price. QLED TVs are on the higher end of the price scale!
Is Mini LED Worth The Upgrade?
If you currently own an LED TV, but often find yourself wanting a little more, then a mini LED TV is an excellent upgrade! Mini LED TVs are able to massively improve visual contrast, which results in a much more satisfying viewing experience.
Mini LEDS TVs are an excellent investment. They’re much more affordable than OLED and QLED TVs, and yet, mini LED TVs boast truly impressive visuals with great contrast and brightness!
Mini LED TVs are also incredibly affordable. This makes them a great option if you’re not quite ready to fork over the cash for an OLED or QLED TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Mini LED TV?
Mini LED TVs are an improved version of LED TVs, and they were originally developed in direct response to the dominance of OLED TVs. Mini LEDs are much smaller than standard LEDs. This means that you can pack far more into a TV. These mini LEDs can control how much light they emit. This results in greater contrast!
How Long Do Mini LED TVs Last?
It’s more than possible for a mini LED TV to last more than 10 years. However, in order for it to last that long, you’ll need to take good care of it. Most importantly, be sure to turn it off whenever it’s not in use. This reduces the strain placed on the TV and helps its many components to last much longer.
