If you're in the market for an OLED TV, you might come across options that utilize either MLA or QD-OLED technology. This might lead you to question the distinctions between MLA vs QD-OLED.
MLA and QD-OLED are two advanced OLED display technologies used by the best TV brands in the industry. To make an informed choice, it's crucial to grasp the pros and cons of each, ensuring you select the option that best suits your requirements.
In this MLA vs QD-OLED comparison guide, we will share the differences between the technologies so you can make an educated decision and choose the display that perfectly matches your preferences.
MLA vs QD-OLED - what's the difference?
Both MLA (Micro Lens Array) and QD-OLED (Quantum Dot Organic Light Emitting Diode) technologies are built upon the foundation of OLED technology and share the common goal of enhancing the OLED display experience.
The difference between MLA and QD-OLED lies in their approaches to implementing these enhancements within the OLED technology. QD-OLED accomplishes this by utilizing Quantum Dots, while MLA achieves it through the implementation of microscopic lenses.
Aspect | Better Technology |
|---|---|
Brightness | QD-OLED |
Viewing Angle | MLA |
Colour Accuracy | QD-OLED |
Colour Gamut | QD-OLED |
OLED Burn-in Resistance | MLA |
Durability | MLA |
Price | Comparable pricing for both |
Because they adopt distinct methods for implementing enhancements, they each excel in different areas. For instance, QD-OLED displays excel in colour accuracy, while MLA OLED displays exhibit stronger resistance to OLED burn-in.
How does MLA work?
In traditional OLED TVs, a portion of the light emitted by the OLED pixels doesn't reach your eyes; instead, it's reflected back into the display itself.
The MLA (Micro Lens Array) technology strives to harness this reflected light effectively, making the most out of it for improved display performance. It involves the incorporation of a layer of microscopic convex lenses positioned on top of the OLED pixels.
The convex lenses in the MLA layer manipulate the direction of the reflected light so that it advances toward the screen. This redirected light contributes to the overall brightness and efficiency of the display, enhancing the visual experience.
The integration of MLA technology leads to a notable boost of more than 60% in brightness and an increase of over 30% in viewing angle. This enhancement is evident in LG's MLA OLED smart TVs, including the LG G3 and LG M3 models.
How does QD-OLED work?
In traditional OLED displays, a colour filter is used to convert the light emitted by the OLED emitters into the RGB (red, green, blue) colours that are needed to create a full range of colours for the display.
In a QD-OLED display, the layer of quantum dots placed on top of the blue OLED emitters effectively acts as a colour filter. The quantum dots absorb the blue light and subsequently re-emit light at longer wavelengths, typically in the red and green parts of the spectrum.
This re-emitted light is then combined with the blue light from the OLED emitters, resulting in a full spectrum of colours (RGB). This approach leads to a wider colour gamut, improved viewing angles, and notably enhanced brightness.
If you're looking for premium QD-OLED TVs, the Samsung S95C and the Sony A95L are excellent options. If you're having trouble deciding between the two, take a look at our Samsung S95C vs Sony A95L comparison guide.
MLA vs QD-OLED - which is best?
Both MLA and QD-OLED excel in enhancing the capabilities of OLED displays; however, they each possess their own distinct strengths and weaknesses.
In terms of colour accuracy and brightness, QD-OLED technology holds a slight advantage over MLA. Nevertheless, for the average user, the distinction between the two might not be easily noticeable.
On the other hand, MLA OLED displays are more resistant to OLED burn-in, compared to QD-OLED TVs. Moreover, MLA's convex lenses redirect or scatter reflected light, potentially contributing to improved off-axis viewing angles.
When it comes to price, both MLA and QD-OLED technologies are typically priced at a similar level. So consider evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of each technology to make an informed decision.
And that concludes our MLA vs QD-OLED comparison guide. If you're on the lookout for a gaming TV, don't miss our selection of top picks for the best 4K 120Hz gaming TV options.