Over the next few months you will hear names like micro LED and mini LED on more than one occasion, two screen technologies that come with the intention of offering higher quality. That is why it is important to know its advantages and disadvantages compared to proposals such as current LED and OLED screens. So that you can choose well and value why the devices that make use of these solutions will cost more.
Mini LEDs and micro LEDs: display technologies of the future
Understanding the differences between OLED and LED has not been easy for some users, although luckily we can already say that the vast majority are clear about what screen technologies offer and even which one would be more convenient depending on the use that is planned to be done.
However, as advances in technology do not stop, now two new solutions are coming to the market that can complicate the choice again. In particular, buying a high-end TV may be a bit more complicated even if you have to decide between LED, micro LED, mini LED or OLED models .
So we are going to give you the keys to each of them and also an easy explanation about what they consist of. So that if you consider buying a new TV this 2021 you will have it easier. Or as we said, so that you know why a possible new laptop or tablet would see its price increase.
Mini LED
The Mini LED display technology is basically the same as what LED technology offers up to now. The big difference is in the backlighting system used. As its name suggests, now a series of smaller LEDs are used with which the number of lighting zones increases, thus improving its control.
Therefore, knowing that there are already TV models that can reach up to 30,000 LEDs (such as LG‘s new QNED range), what you get is a direct improvement both in the maximum brightness level and also in contrast and the ability to display. much deeper blacks, thus approaching OLED quality where each pixel manages its own level of brightness.
Without a doubt, Mini LED screens will be the most popular, because despite the price increase they will suffer, it will not be as marked as with Micro LED.
Advantage
- Higher level of brightness, saturation, contrast and depth of black
- More precise control of the different lighting zones
Disadvantages
- Due to the rear lighting system, the thickness of these screens will be affected, although for much it will not be a great detriment
Micro LED
Micro LED technology for its part, although it also shares the basis of traditional LED technology, is much closer to what OLED offers thanks to the fact that each of the pixels that make up the panel have the ability to self-manage the level of brightness that produce.
This very precise control for each of the pixels allows it to offer a performance very similar to OLED, where pixels composed of an organic material are capable of generating the light they need to be seen. Therefore, at the level of saturation, contrast and quality of the blacks they would be practically on par.
Another advantage of this technology is that it allows you to create screens by easily combining different panels or modules. In this way, large screens can be built for uses that go far beyond the reproduction of content at home. For example, for film applications, serial productions and even advertising.
Of course, this advantage also translates into a disadvantage because at the moment it is only feasible to manufacture large diagonal screens if you do not want to sacrifice resolution. Without forgetting that it is the most expensive technology today. That’s why a 77-inch micro LED TV can cost so much money compared to its namesake LED or OLED.
Advantage
- OLED color, contrast and saturation accuracy
- Higher brightness level, ideal for HDR content
Disadvantages
- Valid only for large inch screens
- Price
OLED vs LED vs Mini LED vs Micro LED
As you may have already deduced if you have some experience with the different image technologies, each and every one of them will continue to have their applications and audience. At the quality level it is true that OLED and Micro LED are in a higher step, but also their price is higher. In one because of the cost and in another because of the difficulty of manufacture.
On the other hand, LED and mini LED will be much more accessible and the advantages of the latter will mean that for a great majority the improvement in image quality it offers will be more than sufficient. That is why its popularity will grow faster and when it comes to betting on an interesting product in quality and price, most will opt for it.
Manufacturers already committed to these technologies
Both Mini LED and Micro LED are already two real technologies. The only problem is that, as happened when OLED televisions were introduced in their day, it is very expensive to manufacture and that implies products with a high price.
However, Samsung is already betting on Micro LED technology . So if you have enough space and money (130,000 euros), you can get a 110-inch TV that is a real delight. But for most mortals, until the end of the year there may not be any proposal that is really attractive.
If you are looking for the highest possible image quality and aspects such as the maximum brightness level or the possible useful life do not concern you so much (because you will not have it on 24 hours seven days a week), it is clear that OLED will continue to be the great option . For the rest, bet on LED panels that continue to offer great experiences and see how the new proposals that use mini LED technology settle.