Best OLED Display Type for Gaming Revealed

I vividly remember purchasing my first OLED TV, the LG E8 55-inch model, back in 2019, just before the world went into lockdown. It turned out to be the perfect companion during isolation. Initially, I had only a basic understanding of OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology, knowing it used self-lit pixels instead of a backlight, which results in infinite contrast. However, after immersing myself in games like Final Fantasy XV and The Last of Us Part II, I experienced the nostalgic, dream-like quality of OLED visuals in real-time. This experience fueled my passion, leading me to upgrade to the LG C2 65-inch TV a few years later. Since then, I've reviewed numerous devices with OLED displays and discovered that not all OLED screens are the same. In fact, they don't all use the same technology. You might be curious about the types of OLEDs; there are many, but you should focus on three main types: WOLED, QD-OLED, and AMOLED.

WOLED, QD-OLED, and AMOLED: How They Work

OLED technology has been around for decades, with companies like Kodak and Mitsubishi exploring various approaches. It wasn't until LG introduced its OLED TVs in the early 2010s that the technology became widely recognized.

LG's version of OLED is known as WOLED (White OLED). While LG doesn't use this term in its marketing, preferring to position itself as synonymous with OLED, WOLED uses a pure white OLED layer combined with an RGBW color filter. This setup tackles the issue of burn-in, which is accelerated by the differing deterioration rates of red, green, and blue emitters in traditional OLEDs. However, WOLED's use of a white layer and color filters can lead to imbalanced brightness and reduced color volume. Higher-end WOLED models address this with Micro Lens Array technology, which focuses light using thousands of microlenses per pixel.

In 2022, Samsung introduced QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED), which replaces the white OLED layer with a blue one that interacts with quantum dot color convertors. Unlike the RGBW filter, these quantum dots absorb and convert light without losing brightness, resulting in more vibrant colors.

AMOLED, on the other hand, is somewhat distinct. It's similar to WOLED but includes a thin-film transistor (TFT) layer that enables faster pixel activation. However, this comes at the cost of OLED's renowned "infinite" contrast.

WOLED, QD-OLED, and AMOLED: Which Is Better for Gaming?

Choosing the best OLED technology for gaming depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a straightforward recommendation, QD-OLED stands out as the top choice. However, WOLED and AMOLED have their own merits depending on the situation.

AMOLED displays are commonly found in smartphones and laptops. They are less common in TVs due to their cost, but they offer flexibility, high refresh rates, and excellent viewing angles. These displays are ideal for devices where screen size and other factors are critical, though they struggle in direct sunlight due to lower peak brightness.

For gaming monitors and TVs, you typically choose between WOLED and QD-OLED. WOLED can achieve high brightness, particularly with whites, but the RGBW filter can diminish color brightness. QD-OLED, with its quantum dots, delivers superior color and overall brightness. However, in environments with high glare, WOLED's ability to maintain true blacks without a purplish tint makes it a better choice. This is because Samsung's QD-OLED lacks a polarizing layer to reduce reflections.

While QD-OLED and WOLED excel in color and brightness, the quality ultimately depends on the specific model and its specifications. Generally, higher-priced models offer superior visuals.

The Future of OLED Is PHOLED

OLED technology continues to evolve, with PHOLED (Phosphorescent OLED) being one of the latest developments. PHOLED uses phosphorescent materials to convert energy to light more efficiently than fluorescent materials. The challenge with PHOLED has been the shorter lifespan of blue emitters compared to red and green, which can render the panel ineffective.

Recently, LG announced a breakthrough in blue PHOLED technology, paving the way for mass production. LG dubs PHOLED as "Dream OLED" due to its 100% luminous efficiency, far surpassing the 25% efficiency of fluorescence. This advancement promises brighter displays with lower power consumption. While PHOLED TVs won't hit the market immediately, we can expect to see this technology in smartphones and tablets soon.