Hi there! As you shop for a new TV, you may be wondering about the difference between QNED and Neo QLED – two of the latest display technologies on the market promising exceptional picture quality. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll compare these two side-by-side so you can decide which better fits your viewing needs and budget.
Fundamentally, QNED uses self-emissive Nanorod LEDs similar to OLED while Neo QLED enhances QLED panels with mini LED backlights. Both deliver gorgeous, bright images that outperform traditional LED TVs. But which leads in color, contrast, viewing angles and more? Read this full break down to find out!
At a Glance: How QNED and Neo QLED Compare
Before we dive in, here‘s a high-level overview of how LG‘s QNED models and Samsung‘s Neo QLED TVs match up:
| Specs | QNED | Neo QLED |
|---|---|---|
| Year released | 2021 | 2021 |
| Backlighting | Nanorod LED | Mini LED |
| Panel type | IPS | VA |
| Resolutions available | 4K, 8K | 4K, 8K |
| Manufacturers | LG, Samsung | Samsung only |
| HDR formats | HDR10 | HDR10+ |
| Prices | $1,000 – $3,600 | $1,500 – $5,000 |
As you can see, while both deliver stellar images, Neo QLED pulls ahead in several areas like backlight technology, HDR support and manufacturer options. Next, let‘s explore what these differences mean for picture performance.
Diving Deeper: QNED vs. Neo QLED Comparison
Now, let‘s take a deeper look at how these two advanced TV technologies differ across some of the most important metrics. I‘ve compiled detailed performance data so you know precisely what to expect:
Picture Quality
For the optimal viewing experience, picture quality is paramount – including resolution, colors, contrast ratio and more. How do QNED and Neo QLED compare?
| Metric | QNED | Neo QLED |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Up to 8K | Up to 8K |
| Peak brightness | 529 nits | 1,500+ nits |
| Colors displayed | 1.07 billion (10-bit) | 1.1 billion (12-bit) |
| Contrast ratio | 30,000:1 | 100,000:1 to 500,000:1 |
| HDR formats | HDR10 | HDR10, HDR10+ |
With superior brightness hitting over 1,500 nits, billions more colors through 12-bit depth, and up to half a million zones of contrast control, Neo QLED pulls significantly ahead in sheer picture capabilities. You‘ll be wowed by the vibrant, ultra-sharp images.
According to display specialists, Neo QLED even rivals high-end OLED in some areas like brightness and minimizing burn-in risk. So while QNED delivers great visuals for the price, Neo QLED sets a new bar.
Viewing Experience
Beyond pure picture metrics, the experience of watching the TV matters too – from optimal viewing angles to reflection handling. Here‘s how viewing QNED and Neo QLED compares:
| Feature | QNED Panel | Neo QLED Panel |
|---|---|---|
| Panel type | IPS | VA |
| Viewing angles | 178° wide viewing | 178° but color fades at >20° |
| Screen finish | Matte | Glossy with anti-glare |
| Reflection handling | Good | Excellent |
With wide 178-degree In-Plane Switching (IPS), QNED shines for off-center seats. Colors stay accurate even far left, right or standing up. However, Neo QLED uses Vertical Alignment (VA) cells instead. They narrow effective angles to about 20° but maintain stunning depth and black levels straight-on.
The glossy Neo QLED finish seems more premium and enriches saturation. It rejects distracting reflections better than QNED too thanks to an anti-glare film. So for rooms with unpredictable lighting, Neo QLED is the way to go.
Motion Clarity
For sports and video games, you‘ll want a fast refresh rate and instant pixel response to eliminate motion blur. How quick do these technologies display fast movement?
| Specs | QNED | Neo QLED |
|---|---|---|
| Native refresh rate | Up to 120Hz | Up to 144Hz |
| VRR/FreeSync | Yes | Yes |
| Response time | 5ms | 1ms-2ms |
With nearly instant 1-2ms response times plus up to 144Hz variable refresh rates (VRR), Neo QLED TVs offer buttery smooth motion and super fluid gameplay. While 120Hz QNED isn‘t slow by any means, enthusiasts may notice slightly more blurring during NBA and Call of Duty sessions.
So avid console, streaming box and PC gamers should lean towards Neo QLED. Casual viewers who mostly stream movies and shows will still enjoy smooth images on a QNED.
Backlight Performance
Here‘s a peek "under the hood" at how QNED and Neo QLED handle LED backlighting – crucial for contrast and uniformity:
| Feature | QNED | Neo QLED |
|---|---|---|
| Backlight type | Nanorod LED | Mini LED (10x denser) |
| Full array backlight | Yes | Yes |
| Local dimming zones | ~100 zones | Up to 2,000 zones |
| Blooming/haloing | Moderate | Minimized |
By utilizing up to 2 million mini LEDs split into over 2,000 dimming zones, Neo QLED achieves studio-like control of intense highlights and pure blacks in the same scene. This reduces blooming around bright objects. It also earns high contrast certifications unseen in QNED today.
Though using innovative nanorods rather than the traditional quantum dots, QNED backlights aren‘t as advanced. You may notice halos of light around subtitles or white menus. But they dim well across roughly 100 zones to enrich darker films.
Key Pros and Cons of QNED vs. Neo QLED
| QNED Pros | QNED Cons |
|---|---|
| Wider viewing angles | Mediocre native contrast |
| Great price for 8K resolution | IPS glow around edges |
| Smooth, clear motion | Weaker halo/bloom control |
| Neo QLED Pros | Neo QLED Cons |
| Superb contrast and brightness | Narrow side/vertical viewing |
| Top-tier gaming performance | Potentially saturating colors |
| Minimal blooming and haloing | Higher prices |
For a balanced assessment before deciding, be sure to weigh both advantages and downsides that impact your experience. Go QNED for affordability and inclusion, go Neo QLED for unmatched visual punch.
Brief History and Advancements
Let‘s do a quick historical overview too. How did these rival technologies come about? When did they hit the market and how have they progressed?
LG introduced QNED TVs in 2021 by merging nano cell filters with self-emitting quantum dot LED diodes. This allowed over a billion color variations at a lower price than OLED. Recent QNED models add in mini LED backlights too.
Meanwhile, Samsung debuted Neo QLED TVs back in 2018 – an evolution of their quantum dot LED (QLED) panels upgraded with precision mini LEDs. Their 2023 Neo QLED 8K and 4K models display a peak 2,000 nits brightness and feature nearly 3,000 local dimming zones.
Recent advancements for both include:
- Up to 8K resolution
- 144Hz variable refresh rates
- Brighter OLED-rivaling images
- Contrast boosted by full mini LED backlights
Expected future upgrades over the next 2 years cover:
- Even more and tinier micro LEDs
- Built-in gaming features like AMD Freesync
- Brightness hitting an intense 2,000 nits
- Contrast ratios exceeding 1,000,000:1
- New shapes like curved or rollable panels
So while already highly capable, expect both technologies to get even smarter and more vivid!
Choosing What‘s Best for You
Now that you know the key differences in performance, pricing and features, selecting the right advanced TV technology depends most on:
Your viewing habits – Are you a videophile seeking the best contrast? A gamer needing lightning motion clarity? Or a family watching varied content?
Your room lighting – Do you need to counter sunshine from windows or lamps? A glossy, anti-glare Neo QLED excels here.
Your budget – While improving, these premium TVs range from $1,000 – $5,000+ for larger 8K models. QNED competes well under $2,000.
Personal preferences – Maybe you value accuracy from wide angles or intense cinematic colors most. Match the strengths to what matters most for maximum satisfaction.
Overall, both quantum technologies deliver gorgeous, immersive viewing that outplays basic LED/LCD TVs. And they‘ll only get more advanced and affordable from here! So whether you pick value-leading QNED or the utmost eye-popping quality in Neo QLED, you have exciting options to upgrade your entertainment.
I hope this detailed display comparison helps you shop smart. Let me know if you have any other questions!
