Best OLED Display for Gaming Revealed

Purchasing my first OLED TV, the LG E8 55-inch model back in 2019, right before the world went into lockdown, turned out to be a game-changer. This TV became my ultimate isolation companion. Initially, my understanding of OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology was basic; I knew it boasted self-lit pixels, unlike the backlit LCD displays, offering infinite contrast. However, diving into games like Final Fantasy XV and The Last of Us Part II truly showcased the magic of OLED. The experience was akin to reliving a nostalgic fever dream in real time. Naturally, my journey with OLED didn't end with the E8.

Years later, I upgraded to the LG C2 65-inch TV, and since then, I've delved deep into the world of devices with OLED displays. It's crucial to understand that not all OLED screens are the same, nor do they all use the same technology. You might be curious about the types of OLEDs out there. While there are many, the three you should focus on are 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 experimenting with it. It wasn't until LG introduced its OLED TVs in the early 2010s that the technology gained widespread popularity.

LG's version of OLED is known as WOLED (White OLED). Although LG doesn't use this term in its marketing, preferring to position itself as the leader in OLED technology, WOLED uses a pure white OLED layer with an RGBW color filter. This approach addresses the issue of burn-in, which is a common concern with OLED displays due to the different deterioration rates of red, green, and blue emitters. However, WOLED's use of color filters can lead to imbalanced brightness and reduced color volume. Higher-end WOLED models attempt to mitigate this with Micro Lens Array technology, which enhances light focus.

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. This method absorbs light rather than filtering it, resulting in no loss of brightness and more vibrant colors.

AMOLED, on the other hand, is a variation of WOLED that includes a thin-film transistor (TFT) layer. This layer allows for faster pixel activation but at the expense of OLED's renowned infinite contrast.

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

Choosing the right OLED technology for gaming depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a straightforward answer, QD-OLED is generally considered the best option. However, there are scenarios where WOLED or AMOLED might be more suitable.

AMOLED displays are commonly found in smartphones and laptops, rarely in TVs due to their high cost. They are flexible, suitable for various screen sizes, and offer high refresh rates and excellent viewing angles. However, they struggle in direct sunlight due to lower peak brightness.

For gaming monitors and TVs, you'll typically choose between WOLED (often marketed simply as OLED) and QD-OLED. WOLED can achieve high brightness levels, particularly with whites, but the RGBW filter can diminish color brightness. QD-OLED, with its quantum dot technology, provides superior overall brightness and color vibrancy.

In environments with significant glare, WOLED's ability to maintain true blacks can be advantageous. My own experience with a WOLED TV in a bright living room confirms this, as it handles reflections better than my QD-OLED monitor, which can show a purplish tint in similar conditions. While QD-OLED generally offers better color and brightness, the choice between WOLED and QD-OLED can hinge on the specific display's quality and your budget.

The Future of OLED Is PHOLED

Beyond WOLED, QD-OLED, and AMOLED, another type of OLED technology is on the horizon: PHOLED (Phosphorescent OLED). PHOLED uses phosphorescent materials to convert energy into light, offering 100% luminous efficiency compared to the 25% of fluorescent materials. However, the challenge with PHOLED has been the shorter lifespan of its blue component.

Recently, LG announced a breakthrough in blue PHOLED technology, paving the way for mass production. Dubbed "Dream OLED," PHOLED promises brighter displays with lower power consumption. While PHOLED TVs are not expected to hit the market soon, we can anticipate seeing this technology in smartphones and tablets in the near future.