In 2025, the competition intensifies between TCL’s Mini LED screens and the OLED panels from Samsung and LG. While OLED has long been regarded as the pinnacle of picture quality for its deep blacks and contrast, TCL’s Mini LED technology is rapidly closing the gap. With advancements that improve brightness and reduce burn-in risks, Mini LED displays now offer impressive performance, making them strong contenders in the market, especially in bright environments.
2025: The Showdown of Mini LED and OLED Technologies
As we step into 2025, the rivalry between the latest Mini LED screens, particularly those spearheaded by TCL, and the advanced OLED panels from Samsung and LG is heating up like never before.
Is OLED Still the King of Picture Quality?
In recent years, image enthusiasts have often viewed OLED technology as the gold standard for perfect visuals. With its ability to produce absolute blacks and infinite contrast, OLED has been seen as unbeatable. However, TCL’s innovative Mini LED offerings in 2025 are prompting a reevaluation of this belief.
The 7th generation Mini LED technology has significantly narrowed the gap with OLED, particularly in contrast and display accuracy. While OLED remains unrivaled in certain aspects—such as delivering true blacks and exceptional contrast—it is slowly addressing its past issues, including peak brightness limitations and the risk of burn-in.
Historically, I believed that if you had the budget, an OLED screen was unmatched, providing deep blacks and stunning contrast for a truly cinematic experience. However, in 2025, Mini LED TVs from TCL are emerging as formidable competitors for both QD-OLED and WOLED technologies. So, which technology reigns supreme? I had the chance to explore TCL’s latest Mini LED range, and the results were intriguing.
Understanding Mini LED Technology
First, let’s clarify what Mini LED technology entails. It involves a backlight system in LCD screens, where traditional LEDs are replaced by numerous smaller LEDs—hence the name “mini.” Instead of relying on just a few dozen or a couple of hundred traditional LEDs, Mini LED screens utilize thousands, even tens of thousands of tiny LEDs.
This advancement allows for precise control over various light zones, enhancing contrast and achieving deeper blacks—though still slightly behind OLED performance. Additionally, Mini LED screens can achieve much higher brightness levels without the burn-in risks associated with OLED.
The latest iteration of Mini LED isn’t just about more zones and higher brightness; it’s about precision and efficiency. TCL’s new LED chips are capable of producing 53% more brightness while consuming 10% less power. This means models like the TCL X11K can reach brightness peaks of up to 6500 nits, making them ideal for bright environments where OLEDs might struggle.
Moreover, the introduction of micro-lenses and reduced optical distances has significantly improved light management. Gone are the blurry halos that plagued previous LCDs; now, bright objects stand out sharply against dark backgrounds, providing a clearer viewing experience. TCL’s innovative “light-shadow bionic” algorithm even enhances older SDR content to make it look closer to HDR quality.
With no visible halos and smooth light-dark transitions, TCL’s Mini LED displays are making a strong case for themselves.
In practical terms, the advanced backlighting system employs a 23-bit dimmer, offering over 65,000 brightness levels per zone. In contrast, even high-end competitors like the Sony Bravia 9 feature only 22-bit control. This enhanced precision allows for real-time adjustments of each mini-LED, ensuring that dynamic scenes transition seamlessly without lag or unwanted halo effects.
On the panel front, TCL’s use of High Vertical Alignment (HVA) technology provides a remarkable native contrast ratio of 7000:1. Coupled with optimized quantum dots, which cover 98% of the DCI-P3 color space, TCL’s offerings are proving that LCD technology can compete at the highest levels.
In conclusion, the battle between Mini LED and OLED is tighter than many might think. While OLED maintains its reputation for superior contrast and blacks due to its ability to turn off pixels completely, Mini LED technology has made significant strides in reducing blooming effects and enhancing performance. The advancements in micro-lens technology and light control have made the differences less noticeable in everyday viewing conditions.
As we move forward, especially in bright environments, Mini LED screens are poised to take the lead, offering a compelling alternative to traditional OLED displays.