OLED technology update

An editorial look at how two OLED technologies differ in brightness, color and cost as 2025 models hit shelves

QD-OLED and WOLED clash over brightness and price in 2025

Two OLED designs dominate the market in 2025. WOLED uses white light through color filters, a setup that preserves contrast and broad availability but loses brightness and color punch at the high end. QD-OLED uses blue light and quantum dots to produce color, delivering brighter images and stronger color volume at a higher price. Samsung and Sony offer QD-OLED sets such as the S95F and S90F, while LG does not sell QD-OLED. LG follows with a four-stack RGB tandem OLED in models like LG G5 and Panasonic Z95B, which push brighter highlights. LG Display does not engineer QD-OLED; the four-stack approach is meant to close the gap. Prices vary, with mid-range and top-end QD-OLED sets typically costing more than entry-level WOLED TVs. The LG C5 remains a highly regarded WOLED option. In 2025 there are more mid-range QD-OLED choices, expanding options for buyers. The takeaway for shoppers is to weigh brightness and color against price and available sizes.

Overall the balance between performance and price will guide 2025 sales. The gap may narrow as LG four-stack OLEDs reach more models and mid-range QD-OLEDs appear, giving buyers color and brightness without sacrificing too much on cost. For shoppers, this means more windows to upgrade but also more choices to compare.

The OLED market is evolving from a single preferred path to a spectrum of options. QD-OLED promises brighter highlights and richer color volume, but its higher price limits mass appeal. WOLED remains a solid value with broad availability and strong contrast, particularly at mid-range prices. LG is pushing a four-stack RGB tandem OLED approach to close the brightness gap without adopting QD-OLED, signaling a strategic split in how panel makers pursue performance gains. If this trend continues, more mid-range QD-OLEDs and broader four-stack implementations could push toward broader price parity and wider adoption. For shoppers, the outcome hinges on balancing what matters most to their viewing space whether it is brightness, color accuracy or budget.

Highlights

Expect further OLED refinements and price pressure as 2025 unfolds