Mini Led vs QLED TVs: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing the right TV for your needs can be challenging, especially with differing and ever-changing technologies. Two great options for your new TV are QLED and Mini LED, both LED-based technologies with highly beneficial qualities. Though similar, each TV type has different implementations and may vary in suitability depending on your requirements.
In this guide, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of both QLED and Mini LED TVs, helping you decide which option will best enhance your home entertainment setup.
- What is QLED Technology?
- What is Mini LED Technology?
- Key Differences: Mini LED vs QLED
- Which TV is Best for You?
- What is Neo QLED?
- Final Thoughts: Which TV Should You Choose
- FAQs
Discover the key features of QLED TVs, and our top pick at Crampton & Moore.
Discover the key features of Mini LED TVs, and our top pick at Crampton & Moore.
Use our table for QLED vs Mini LED TVs to compare the key features, such as brightness and cost, to help make your choice.
Discover which TV option will work best for your needs, including those of gamers and cinema lovers.
Samsung’s Neo QLED TVs perfectly combine QLED and Mini LED technologies – find out more here.
Make your choice of the best TV for your needs and preferences.
Read common queries on Mini LED TVs.
What is QLED Technology?
QLED technology, or “Quantum-Dot Light Emitting Diode”, enhances an LED-LCD television screen by using a layer of quantum dots into the TV’s panel. These tiny particles emit light of different colours when illuminated, resulting in greater brightness and a more vibrant image.
Known for their wide variety of colours, QLED TVs rely on an LED backlight, where the light passes through the quantum dot layer for enhanced colour and brightne
Key Features of a QLED TV:
- Wide range of colours: These offer an impressive colour gamut, displaying a wider range of colours than traditional LCD TVs. The QLED technology improves colour accuracy to allow vibrant and high-quality pictures.
- Enhanced brightness: Thanks to the quantum dot layer, QLED TVs achieve high brightness levels without compromising colour, making them ideal for bright rooms.
One factor to remember is that QLED technology relies on traditional LED backlighting. This can cause “blooming” or “haloing” around bright objects, where the light from the backlight leaks around bright areas in the room.
Samsung is the leading brand for QLED TVs, producing a wide range of products in different sizes and prices.
For more information, read our expert guide on “What is a QLED TV?” here.
What is Mini LED Technology?
Mini LED is a backlight technology for LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panels, an advanced alternative to traditional LED backlighting.
Rather than a couple of large LEDs, Mini LED technology uses hundreds or even thousands of tiny LEDs behind the LCD panel for better HDR performance, local dimming, improved contrast, and deeper blacks.
Key Features of a Mini LED TV:
- Better control over lighting: With Mini LED technology, individual LEDs can be turned off or dimmed independently. This results in a wider range of brightness levels, and the ability to dim, which is highly beneficial for viewing content in bright spaces.
- Great contrast: The enhanced contrast, deeper blacks, and improved HDR performance culminate in a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience—best for gamers and film lovers.
While Mini LED TVs provide improved picture quality compared to standard LED TVs, they come at a premium price.
Top brands for Mini LED TVs include Hisense, LG, Sony, and Samsung.
Key Differences: Mini LED vs QLED Technologies
| Feature | QLED (Quantum Dot LED) | Mini LED |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Type | LED-LCD and quantum dot technology | LED-LCD with miniaturised LED backlighting |
| Black Levels & Contrast | Moderate black levels, decent contrast, but some light bloom | Much deeper blacks, better contrast due to local dimming |
| Brightness & HDR | Very bright, good for well-lit rooms, supports HDR | Even higher brightness, excellent HDR with precise highlights |
| Colour Accuracy | Excellent, vibrant colours due to quantum dots | Equally excellent, with improved depth in darker tones |
| Viewing Angles | Moderate, may lose colour accuracy at angles | Similar, though high-end models improve with better panel technology |
| Price & Value | More affordable, found in a wide range of models | Higher cost due to advanced backlight system |
| Best For | General viewing, bright rooms, sports, gaming | Movie lovers, HDR content, darker rooms, home theatres |
Which TV is Best for You?
Choosing between QLED and Mini LED TV options depends on your priorities, viewing environment, and budget. Here are some key factors to consider to find a TV suited to your needs:
Room Lighting
- Bright Rooms: If your viewing space has a lot of natural or artificial light, QLED’s high brightness and vibrant colours ensure a clear, vivid picture even in well-lit conditions.
- Dark Rooms: For home theatre setups or rooms with controlled lighting, Mini LED provides deeper blacks and enhanced contrast, improving the viewing experience for movies and cinematic content.
What Content Are You Watching?
- Gaming: Both QLED and Mini LED TVs support gaming, but check for features like the refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 for a smooth experience. Mini LED’s superior contrast can enhance darker game scenes, while QLED’s high brightness benefits fast-paced games.
- Sports: QLED’s high brightness and colour vibrancy make it ideal for watching live sports in bright rooms, ensuring clarity and motion smoothness.
- Movies & TV Shows: Mini LED delivers better contrast and black levels, making it the preferred choice for film enthusiasts, especially for HDR content.
Your Budget
- QLED: More affordable and available across a broad price range, making it accessible for most consumers.
- Mini LED: A higher upfront cost, but offers premium picture quality, particularly for those prioritising deeper blacks and HDR performance.
Who should choose a QLED TV? If you prioritise brightness, vivid colours, and overall value, QLED TVs are perfect for bright environments and general viewing.
Who should choose a Mini LED TV? If you want deeper blacks, better contrast and more defined visuals, Mini LED is a worthy investment, particularly for movie lovers and in darker room settings.
What is Neo QLED?
For the best of both worlds, Neo QLED is an advanced technology that features the benefits of QLED TVs with Mini LED backlighting. Neo QLED is a compelling choice for those who want an upgrade over standard QLED but may not be ready to invest in an OLED TV.
Using quantum matrix technology, Samsung Neo QLED TVs offer a vibrant and immersive picture. Mini LEDs deliver precise light control and dimming abilities. Other key features include enhanced brightness, contrast, and rich colour accuracy.
Final Thoughts: Which TV Should You Choose?
There is no one-size-fits-all ‘best’ TV. Both QLED and Mini LED TVs have their strengths, and your decision should be based on your viewing habits, room lighting, and budget.
For the best experience, test TVs in-store to compare picture quality firsthand or check trusted video reviews for real-world performance insights. If you’re considering Mini LED, look for sales on premium models, as discounts during events (such as Black Friday and Boxing Day) can make them more accessible.
Shop all Mini LED TVs at Crampton & Moore to find your best option – varying in screen size, brand, and Smart TV features.
FAQs
Do Mini LED TVs burn in?
Unlike OLED, Mini LED TVs do not suffer from burn-in issues, making them a more durable option for long-term use.
Are Mini LED TVs good for gaming?
Mini LED TVs offer fast response times, low input lag, and gaming features like VRR and HDMI 2.1, making them an excellent choice for gamers, especially those who prefer deep blacks and high contrast in dark game environments.
Related Content
What are the Best QLED TVs? | Brands, Features & Performance
What are the Benefits of QLED TVs & Should you Choose a QLED?