QLED TVs have become more accessible in 2024, offering significant improvements over traditional LED LCD TVs. QLED, or Quantum Dot LED displays use quantum dots or microscopic semiconductor particles that emit specific colours when exposed to light. This process allows for highly efficient colour conversion without reducing brightness. With a wider colour gamut, QLED panels deliver vibrant and accurate colours, ideal for HDR content. Manufacturers are also integrating Mini LED backlighting to enhance contrast and dynamic range. This combination results in superior picture quality across various price segments. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly or premium QLED model, options from Sony, Samsung, LG, TCL, Hisense, and Acer cater to different needs, making QLED TVs a compelling choice in 2024.
Sony’s Bravia 9 Mini LED is our Zero1 winner for 2024, offering remarkable brightness, contrast, and colour accuracy. Sony uses Quantum Dots for the panel but doesn’t mention it. The XR Cognitive Processor enhances details dynamically, ensuring excellent HDR performance. The TV features XR Backlight Master Drive, which improves local dimming and peak brightness. Sony’s superior motion handling also makes it a great choice for fast-paced sports and gaming. With HDMI 2.1 support, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), the Bravia 9 is well-suited for modern gaming consoles and high-frame-rate content.
Samsung has an expansive QLED lineup, ranging from the QE1D series to the premium QN90D. The QNX1D sits at a sweet spot for mid-range buyers looking for a Mini LED variant with Samsung’s AI-powered enhancements. The TV leverages the Neo Quantum Processor for real-time upscaling and AI-driven HDR improvements. Samsung’s Tizen OS offers a smooth interface with various streaming apps and smart features. The TV also supports 4K at 120Hz, making it an appealing option for gamers.
While LG prioritizes OLED in its premium lineup, it also offers QNED TVs that combine Quantum Dot technology with its proprietary Nanocell technology. Unlike many of LG’s QNED models, the QNED83 does not feature Mini LED but supports local dimming, helping improve contrast levels. It comes with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 support, and an HGiG Mode that optimizes HDR representation for gaming. The TV is often available at competitive pricing during festive sales, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious buyers who still want premium features.
The TCL C835 Mini LED TV offers aggressive pricing while packing high-end features. It has a VA panel with all major HDR formats, including Dolby Vision IQ, ensuring excellent contrast and colour reproduction. TCL also includes IMAX Enhanced certification, making it ideal for watching compatible content such as Marvel movies on Disney+ Hotstar. The TV features a robust 60W Onkyo 2.1-channel audio system with a 20W subwoofer. Gaming features include HDMI 2.1 support, ALLM, and VRR, making it a strong contender in its segment.
If aesthetics matter as much as performance, Samsung’s Frame QLED TV is a unique option. Designed to resemble an art frame, it blends seamlessly into home decor when in Art Mode. The Frame QLED features a VA panel and uses additional warm LEDs in the backlight to improve contrast and colours. It integrates effortlessly with Samsung Galaxy smartphones via Tap View for quick screen mirroring and content sharing. The TV also supports multiple voice assistants for hands-free operation.
For those looking for a budget-friendly QLED TV, the TCL 55C61B offers an impressive balance of performance and affordability. It features a wide colour gamut for enhanced visuals, solid HDR support, and a modern, slim design. While it doesn’t incorporate Mini LED backlighting, it remains a great option for users seeking better colour performance than traditional LED TVs at an entry-level price.
Acer Super Series lineup offers great performance and value for money. The 55-inch variant delivers excellent colour accuracy and sharp image quality while maintaining affordability. It supports all major HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, and comes with a good selection of smart TV features powered by Google TV.
For those looking for an ultra-large TV experience, the Hisense 100Q7N is a 100-inch QLED TV with a focus on immersive visuals. It features full-array local dimming for deeper blacks and vibrant colours. The massive screen size makes it ideal for home theatre setups, delivering a cinematic viewing experience. Other highlights include a 240Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium and a 60W audio system with a built-in sub-woofer.
QLED, which stands for Quantum dot LED, utilizes the properties of quantum dots—nanoparticles that emit light of specific colours when energized by light from the LED LCD backlight. When a blue light interacts with a green quantum dot, for instance, the quantum dot emits green light. The advantage of this process is that colour conversion occurs without any loss of efficiency or reduction in overall brightness. QLED TVs incorporate a Quantum Dot Enhancement Film (QDEF) positioned between the backlight and the LCD substrate. This film improves the quality of the backlight by balancing the green, red, and blue light in its spectral power distribution. As a result, QDEF contributes to the production of purer colours and a broader colour gamut, enhancing the visual experience.
Are QLED TVs the same as Mini LED TVs?Mini LED is a backlight technology, where the backlight includes a matrix of tiny LEDs that can be individually controlled. Quantum Dot Enhancement Film (QDEF), on the other hand, is used in front of the backlight. So, yes, a QLED TV may or may not have a mini LED backlight.
What is the best QLED TV brand in India?Among legacy brands, Samsung has been the biggest proponent of QLED TVs in India for several years. LG’s introduced its QLED-based QNED TVs starting in 2021. Sony doesn’t sell QLED TVs in India. Many other brands including TCL, Xiaomi, Hisense, and Acer have competitively priced QLED TVs in India. Now let’s get to some of the best QLED TV options across different price segments that you can pick from.