Can Mini LED Topple OLED in 2024? It's a Close Race, but OLED Still Leads

2024 was tipped to be the year Mini LED finally claimed its place as a serious competitor to OLED in the premium television market. This prediction was fuelled by two key factors: the significant improvements seen in 2023 flagship models and the anticipated expansion of Mini LED technology by leading brands.

Last year, the Samsung QN95C and Sony X95L Mini LED TVs impressed reviewers with their notable advancements. Both sets showcased significant improvements over their predecessors, even surpassing flagship OLED models in some aspects. The Samsung QN95C, in particular, demonstrated that Mini LED could deliver exceptional picture quality, not just in bright environments.

Building on this success, both Samsung and Sony launched new Mini LED flagships – the Samsung QN95D and Sony Bravia 9 – with substantial marketing campaigns. Sony, in fact, opted to forgo releasing a new OLED flagship, making the Bravia 9 the top model in its current line-up.

However, reviews of the latest models revealed that the initial optimism may have been premature. While both the Samsung QN95D and Sony Bravia 9 are solid four-star televisions, they fell short of expectations when compared to this year's OLED offerings.

The primary drawback of Mini LED technology remains its inability to replicate the deep blacks and infinite contrast of OLED. Mini LED, being a refinement of LCD technology, still relies on a backlight, limiting its ability to achieve perfect black levels. OLED, on the other hand, excels at black levels by individually controlling pixels, allowing them to turn completely off.

Another issue with the new Mini LED flagships is the presence of some noticeable flaws, which are particularly frustrating at their high price points. The Samsung QN95D exhibited a blue halo effect around bright objects, while the Sony Bravia 9 suffered from inaccuracies with local dimming, resulting in distracting bursts of brightness.

In contrast, the LG C4 OLED offered a significantly smoother and more enjoyable viewing experience. Even the high-end LG G4 and Samsung S95D QD-OLED models outperformed the Mini LED flagships, making them the preferred choice for discerning viewers.

So, does this mean the reign of OLED in the premium TV market is secure? For now, it seems so. Even Samsung, acknowledging the current state of affairs, has prioritised its larger OLED models in its recent investor calls.

Despite this setback, there are two potential avenues for Mini LED to regain momentum.

Firstly, Panasonic has introduced its W95A, a direct competitor to the Samsung QN95D and Sony Bravia 9, utilising a Mini LED panel. While not yet reviewed, early demonstrations showcased significant improvements over its predecessor, the MZ950 Mini LED, particularly in black levels and colour accuracy. Should the W95A live up to these initial impressions in full testing, it could represent a significant victory for Mini LED.

Secondly, the new TCL C855K, the successor to the award-winning TCL C845K, presents another opportunity for Mini LED. While not a flagship model, it is positioned at a lower price point, highlighting Mini LED's strength in providing excellent value for money in the mid-range market.

OLED technology currently dominates the premium end of the TV market, but its high cost prevents it from reaching wider audiences. Mini LED, meanwhile, has established itself as the leading choice in the mid-range segment, offering impressive performance at a more affordable price.

If the TCL C855K replicates the success of its predecessor, Mini LED could solidify its dominance in the mid-range market, securing a key win over OLED in this crucial segment.

The battle between Mini LED and OLED is far from over. While OLED currently holds the upper hand in the premium market, Mini LED continues to offer compelling options for consumers seeking value and performance in the mid-range segment. It remains to be seen whether Mini LED can overcome its current limitations and truly challenge OLED in the quest for TV supremacy.