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Mini-LED vs. OLED: What's the Best TV Technology?

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 0:37 GMT by CNET
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Mini‑LED vs. OLED: Which TV Technology Reigns Supreme?
An in‑depth look at the two most talked‑about displays of the 2020s, their strengths, weaknesses, and who each is best suited for.

When it comes to choosing a new television, the debate over Mini‑LED and OLED has been the most contentious. Both technologies promise “next‑level” picture quality, but they do so in very different ways. CNET’s comprehensive guide (published in early 2024) dives into the nitty‑gritty of each display, compares real‑world performance, and helps buyers decide which is the right fit for their entertainment habits.

What Is OLED?

OLED (organic light‑emitting diode) has been the darling of premium TV makers for the last decade. Each pixel is its own light source, made of organic compounds that glow when electric current passes through them. The result?

• True blacks – because a pixel can simply turn off completely.
• Ultra‑wide viewing angles – colors stay consistent even when you’re off‑center.
• Ultra‑thin panels – manufacturers can push the glass almost to the edge, giving sleek designs.

CNET’s article cites several models—LG’s OLED C2/C3 series, Sony’s A90J, and Panasonic’s JZ2000—to illustrate OLED’s superb contrast and color accuracy. The only downsides are the risk of burn‑in with static UI elements, a slightly higher power draw for bright scenes, and a cost premium that can push a 55‑inch OLED to well over $2,500.

What Is Mini‑LED?

Mini‑LED is Samsung’s answer to high‑brightness, high‑contrast displays without the cost of OLED. It builds on the traditional LED-backlit LCD panel, but replaces the 1‑inch or 2‑inch LEDs used in standard LCDs with hundreds of smaller LEDs (10‑15 µm in diameter). Those tiny LEDs are grouped into local dimming zones, which can dim to near‑black or stay bright to highlight HDR highlights.

Key take‑aways from the guide:

• Higher peak brightness – many Mini‑LED panels reach 1,500–2,500 cd/m², compared to 700–900 cd/m² for OLED. This makes HDR content pop even in a well‑lit room.
• No burn‑in risk – because the pixels are backlight sources, static overlays don’t leave a permanent imprint.
• Generally cheaper – the same 55‑inch Mini‑LED TV can cost $1,200–$1,800, depending on local dimming complexity and panel technology.

CNET highlights Samsung’s “Neo QLED” line (the QN90A/QN95A) and TCL’s “C6” series as flagship Mini‑LED models, noting their excellent local dimming and wide color gamut (Rec. 2020 coverage).

Brightness, Contrast, and Color

In controlled lab tests, OLED displays score higher on black‑level and contrast ratio because individual pixels can be turned off completely. A CNET review of the LG OLED C3 found its “black depth” to be 1:100,000, an industry best. OLED also excels at motion handling in high‑frame‑rate sports or fast‑moving action due to its instant pixel response.

Mini‑LED shines on brightness and HDR performance. The Samsung QN95A’s 2,500 cd/m² peak enables brighter highlights and a more realistic “light bleed” effect in the brightest scenes. This is especially noticeable in HDR10+ and Dolby Vision content, where luminance ranges from 1 cd/m² to over 5,000 cd/m². CNET notes that the “dynamic range” (the span from darkest to brightest pixels) on Mini‑LED can be 3,000–4,000 cd/m²—substantial but still shy of OLED’s theoretical maximum.

Color reproduction is similar across both technologies, but Mini‑LED panels often reach a slightly higher sRGB and Rec. 2020 coverage, thanks to the high‑end local dimming and advanced quantum‑dot layers. OLED’s color accuracy is naturally high, but it can suffer from warm‑up or color shift if driven at extreme brightness levels.

Energy Consumption

OLED panels consume power per pixel, so a bright full‑screen image can draw up to 150 W on a 75‑inch model. Mini‑LED panels use a constant backlight, so their power usage is largely determined by the overall brightness setting rather than content. CNET estimates a typical Mini‑LED TV uses 70–90 W under normal viewing, which can be lower than an OLED of the same size if the OLED is driven at full brightness.

Real‑World Use Cases

Gaming – OLED’s instant response and wide angles are a boon for gamers who play on a couch, but the higher brightness of Mini‑LED provides a more vibrant HDR experience. The guide recommends a Mini‑LED if you’re gaming in a bright room or watching HDR video game trailers.

Sports – Because of their high brightness and fast local dimming, Mini‑LED displays handle fast action and light glare better. OLED’s motion blur is minimal, but the lack of high peak brightness can make fast-moving highlights look slightly washed out.

Cinema & Streaming – OLED’s deep blacks make it ideal for cinematic content, especially in a darkened room. Mini‑LED offers brighter highlights that can make HDR movies feel more “cinematic” in daylight, though it can’t match OLED’s true black depth.

Everyday Use – For the average consumer who watches a mix of cable, streaming, and YouTube in varied lighting conditions, Mini‑LED often offers a more balanced experience at a lower price point.

The Verdict

There is no one‑size‑fits‑all answer. CNET’s article, after weighing objective performance metrics and real‑life scenarios, concludes:

• If you value perfect black levels, ultra‑wide angles, and don’t mind paying a premium, OLED is the winner.
• If you want higher peak brightness, less risk of burn‑in, and a cheaper option, Mini‑LED takes the lead.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on your viewing environment and budget. CNET’s side‑by‑side test footage, which you can view on their website, demonstrates exactly how each panel behaves under identical content. By combining objective data with real‑world use cases, the guide equips buyers with the knowledge to choose the technology that best fits their lifestyle.