QLED Vs. UHD: Complete Comparison

If you want to purchase a new screen and are in the dilemma of QLED versus UHD, which is better?  We’ll compare them for better understanding. So, let’s delve into the complex world of display screens and find out what solution will help you improve your display screen.

QLED vs UHD: Basic Overview of Technologies

What is QLED? 

“QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode) is a display technology which improves the image quality by employing the quantum dots.”

A quantum dot is a tiny semiconductor particle that emits light of a particular colour under radiation of a specific wavelength. It helps to ensure better colour reproduction, brightness, and picture quality in display devices.

What is UHD? 

“UHD (Ultra High Definition) is known to us as a screen resolution standard for providing sharper and more detailed images.”

It’s one of a transformation geared towards Full HD by giving four times the pixel distribution. This makes it a preferred choice for the biggest screens and modern display devices. As more 4K content is produced, people’s dependency on it will increase, making it hard for anyone not to adopt UHD as the latest technology in visual viewing.

Colour Accuracy and Brightness: QLED vs UHD

If you want to compare QLED and UHD in terms of colour accuracy and brightness, then both perform different functions. 

QLED improves display colour accuracy and brightness by using quantum dots. 

UHD is a resolution standard that does not improve colour accuracy or brightness but focuses on image clarity.

Outcome

QLED is the winner in terms of colour and brightness. Thus, you can consider this type of display for advertising, events, and digital branding.

Contrast and Black Levels: UHDvs QLED

QLED: Because of their LED backlighting source, QLEDs cannot provide true black levels although provides good contrast. 

UHD: UHD is a resolution standard (4K/8K), so contrast and black levels also depend on the UHD display system. LED UHD display panels offer an absolute peak in darkness because all individual pixels can switch off, thereby blanking out any light.

Outcome

Depending on the display system we choose, there may be differences in contrast and black levels. If you choose LED displays or OLED displays, they will usually be better than QLED displays.

Viewing Angles: QLED vs UHD

QLED: Most QLED displays use LED backlights, and thus, their viewing angles tend to be more restricted.

UHD: UHD is the resolution type, not the type of screen. Different types of panels have different viewing angles. For instance, LED UHD displays offer good view angles since light is emitted from every pixel; hence, colour and brightness remain the same even at extreme angle positions. 

Outcome

UHD LED displays are best for conference rooms or collaborative workspaces, requiring wider viewing angles.

Energy efficiency: QLED vs UHD

QLED displays use a constant LED backlight, consuming more energy, especially in high-brightness modes. 

UHD: The energy efficiency depends on the kind of panel being utilised. So, LED UHD displays’ pixels light up and completely shut off in the dark, making them energy efficient. However, some LED UHD displays may have backlighting, contributing to more energy usage.

Outcome

LED UHD is the clear winner when energy efficiency is a top priority for your company, such as in corporate interiors, digital signage systems, or large-scale event management. 

Durability and Longevity: UHD vs QLED

QLED has the upper hand over other display technologies in terms of durability and longevity, thanks to the use of inorganic Quantum Dots. These dots do not degrade over time, thus eliminating issues like burn-in.

UHD Compared with QLED screens, if the UHD screen uses OLED technology, there may be a risk of screen burn-in, and its durability is naturally not as good as that of QLED screens.

Outcome

Thus, QLED is best for high-use applications like retail, digital signage, and advertising.

7) Price Considerations for QLED and UHD

It is important to mention that both QLED and UHD offer 4K or 8K resolution, but QLED is generally considered budget-friendly as compared to OLED UHD screens because of its LED backlighting.

Outcome

If you want to run an advertising, event management, or retail business where the budget is important but you still need colourful displays, QLED is a better choice.

Applications of QLED and UHD Display Technologies

UHD Display Technology Applications

+ Outdoor Advertising and Billboards: UHD displays offer great visuals, as the high resolution is essential for outdoor and other advertising applications at large scales.

+ Corporate Displays & Digital Signage: UHD displays are very important for making presentations effective in conferences, lobbies, etc. They are also equally important for advertising in shopping malls, commercial elevator, airports, or corporate offices.

+ Large Event Displays: Large-size displays, such as 8K UHD, are ideal in events where large images should be presented in high quality.

QLED Display Technology Application

+ Indoor Advertising in Premium Retail or Corporate Spaces: QLED’s vivid colours and brightness make it suitable for high-quality advertising in luxury boutiques or corporate halls.

+ Control Rooms and Broadcast Studios: QLED’s bright and clear attributes are beneficial technological changes that could be seen in the broadcasting realm and require constant monitoring. 

+ Presentation & Luxury Digital Signage Displays: In an environment where the images must always look great, presenting a lot of colours accurately is a plus point for a QLED.

Hybrid Uses (Both Technologies)

Shopping Malls and Transportation Hubs: Both QLED and UHD displays are appropriately placed in a high-traffic region since more than one person needs to stand at different angles, and everything should be designed with a vivid appearance.

Outcome

QLED needs to be deployed for rich visuals indoors. UHD is the best option when high-resolution displays or screens are required outdoors; however, in places such as malls where visuals are diverse, a hybrid of both technologies can be employed.

Special Features and Innovations

Key features of QLED

HDR support: QLED is a more advanced display technology that can well support HDR (High Dynamic Range) function.

LED backlight: QLED, like other LCDs, requires a backlight to light up the screen. The only difference is that QLED will cover the LED light with a layer of quantum dot film to improve color purity and achieve richer colors.

Quantum dot technology: This is the most commonly used display technology for QLED displays or QLED TVs. The purity of the backlight is increased by quantum film, so that a higher contrast can be achieved.

Key features of UHD

HDR support: UHD displays also provide good HDR support.

Upgrade service: For UHD displays, manufacturers usually continue to launch hardware upgrade service support for 2–3 years.

High resolution: UHD displays support multiple resolutions, whether 2K or 4K, can be easily achieved.

QLED vs UHD: Comparison Table

Conclusion: Which Display Technology is Better?

In summary, we have concluded that QLED is an all-in-one solution as it provides colour, contrast, and brightness enhancement while also supporting resolution. On the contrary, UHD solely provides resolution advantages. Now, your decision seems to rest on whether your preference lies in accurate colours or just the number of pixels. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is QLED better for outdoor use? 

Yes. QLED displays can be used indoors and outdoors and offer high brightness levels even in high ambient light.

2. What is the lifespan of QLED vs UHD displays for commercial use?

In commercial use, QLED displays usually last between 7 and 10 years due to the fact that they are burn-in resistant and use durable Quantum Dot technology. LED UHD displays, on the other hand, can withstand high-quality images, but only for periods of about 5 to 7 years due to the burn-in effect.