Mini-LED TV: What It Is and How It Improves Samsung, TCL, Hisense, Roku TVs
Mini-LED technology is rapidly becoming a prominent feature in the world of television, with major manufacturers like Samsung, TCL, Hisense, and Roku incorporating this advanced backlighting method into their latest models. At its essence, Mini-LED is an evolution of traditional LED-LCD display technology but with a twist that significantly enhances picture quality.
Mini-LED TVs utilize thousands of tiny LEDs to create the backlight for the screen, as opposed to the few hundred LEDs used in standard LED TVs. These minuscule LEDs are far smaller than those used in conventional displays and can be packed in much higher densities. The increased number of LEDs means that Mini-LED TVs can achieve much finer control of local dimming zones. Local dimming is a feature where sections of the LEDs behind the screen can be dimmed or brightened independently to match the content being displayed. This capability leads to deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and a vastly improved contrast ratio compared to traditional LED TVs.
Samsung’s implementation of Mini-LED technology, which they refer to as Neo QLED across their QLED TV line-up, claims to offer a leap forward in contrast and brightness. By using smaller LEDs and more precise dimming control thanks to their Quantum Matrix Technology, Samsung suggests that Neo QLEDs deliver more vivid pictures with better detail in both shadow and light.
TCL has also been pioneering Mini-LED tech with its range of Roku TVs. The company’s 6-Series Roku TV models boast Mini-LED backlights to provide excellent picture quality at relatively affordable price points. These televisions promise enhanced performance in terms of peak brightness and contrast while also offering Roku’s intuitive interface for smart TV functionality.
Hisense is another brand that has embraced Mini-LED technology. As part of its ULED range of televisions, Hisense’s use of Mini-LED aims to deliver higher peak brightness levels, resulting in an improved HDR viewing experience. The localized dimming also means better contrast and black levels that challenge those seen on OLED screens but at a more budget-friendly price.
Roku doesn’t produce its own TV sets but has partnered with companies like TCL to incorporate its operating system into televisions that use Mini-LED technology. The user-friendly Roku platform, combined with the visual enhancements brought by Mini-LED backlighting, makes for a compelling package for consumers who value both picture quality and ease-of-use.
As the adoption of Mini-LED technology grows across different brands and price points, it is evident that this innovation offers tangible improvements over older display technologies—particularly in enhancing contrast and brightness without compromising on color accuracy or broadening viewing angles. As manufacturing processes improve further, we can anticipate that Mini-LED will become more accessible and continue to elevate our TV watching experience across various segments of the market.