Introduction

As we reflect on the past year in television technology, it’s clear that the anticipated showdown between Mini LED and OLED has not gone as many had hoped. In late 2023, industry buzz signaled that 2024 could be the breakthrough year for Mini LED TVs, particularly with major players like Sony and Samsung voicing their commitments to this promising technology. Sony's flagship Bravia 9, for example, launched with a Mini LED panel instead of the expected QD-OLED display.

Samsung echoed this optimism during their final earnings call of 2023, announcing plans to focus on large Mini LED and 8K TV models. Other manufacturers like Hisense and TCL also made headlines with their intentions to challenge OLED's dominance, often with a skeptical tone towards the established technology.

Current Performance of Mini LED TVs

Flash forward to now, and the results are in: the anticipated ascendancy of Mini LED is faltering. Our extensive testing throughout 2024 has revealed a troubling trend. Despite high expectations and significant marketing claims, flagship Mini LED TVs - including the Sony Bravia 9, Hisense U8N, and Samsung QN95D - are consistently rated at four stars. In stark contrast, the leading OLED models such as the LG G4, Panasonic Z95A, and Samsung S95D are sweeping the ratings with five stars across the board.

Picture Quality Comparison

The crux of the issue lies in picture quality. The OLED sets are outclassing Mini LED in almost every category. Our reviewers found superior color reproduction, better black levels, and enhanced depth in OLED displays. A few highlights include:

- The Bravia 8 OLED's exceptional handling of skin tones and consistent color performance made it a standout against its Mini LED competitor.

- The LG C4 was mentioned as a smart investment over the Hisense U8N for its deeper blacks and better gaming features.

- The QN95D’s distracting visual inconsistencies and lackluster sound system hindered its rating, especially when compared to the competing S95D with its superior QD-OLED panel.

Mid-Range Market Performance

This raises the question: is Mini LED inherently flawed? Not exactly. In the mid-range market, Mini LED TVs still deliver commendable value, with models like the TCL 85C805K proving that for viewers on a tighter budget, there are compelling options that outperform many previous models. The technological advancements seen in these newer Mini LED models are promising; however, they have yet to surpass OLED in high-performance segments.

Future Outlook

Industry experts remain cautiously optimistic, suggesting that the Mini LED technology could evolve further. As noted by our home cinema editor, Tom Parsons, the initial foray into Mini LED offers hope for the future. A second-generation Mini LED system might harness technological improvements that could one day rival OLED's quality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Mini LED has made strides, it is clear that for 2024, OLED remains the undisputed champion in high-end television. Watch this space closely—could Mini LED ever leap to the front, or will OLED continue to hold its crown? Only time will tell!