The introduction of QD-OLED TVs in 2022 marked a significant leap for display technology. Products like the Samsung S95B and the Sony A95K combined quantum dots with OLED, promising an enhanced viewing experience. This blend brought industry-leading color volume and brightness close to that of Mini-LED TVs.
Fast forward to 2025, and it appears QD-OLED might be on the verge of being supplanted. LG Display’s recent introduction of the Primary RGB Tandem OLED, or four-stack OLED, signifies a potential shift in the landscape. While it remains to be seen whether this technology will live up to expectations, early signals hint at a transformative impact on the industry.
Nevertheless, I am optimistic about this new evolution in display technology.
Two Roads Diverged at a White Sub-Pixel
Since 2022, Samsung and Sony have been steadfast in their QD-OLED lineup, while LG took a different approach with MLA technology. This innovative approach allowed LG OLEDs to compete with QD-OLED models by improving brightness without relying on Samsung Display panels. TVs equipped with MLA technology, such as the LG G4 OLED, utilized tiny lenses for enhanced brightness, aligning closely with competitors despite its color purity shortcomings.
However, this competitive landscape is poised to change in 2025. Early indicators suggest that major players might be moving toward four-stack OLED panels, signaling a shift in industry standards.
A Better OLED Display is Right Around the Corner
MLA is set to whither on the vine.
The arrival of LG’s four-stack OLED technology suggests MLA may no longer be a central focus. This new approach leverages stacked OLED layers to achieve higher brightness and efficiency, potentially positioning these panels as a superior alternative to QD-OLED.
Will Samsung Use LG Display’s Four-Stack OLED Panels Too?
At CES 2025, Samsung unveiled the Samsung S95F in an 83-inch format. Initial observations suggested this model did not use QD-OLED panels, implying a potential shift in Samsung’s panel strategy. Samsung’s claim that all S95F sizes, including the 83-inch version, would achieve 4,000 nits brightness raises questions about whether they might adopt LG’s four-stack OLED technology. Unconfirmed rumors suggest Sony may also abandon QD-OLED in favor of this new technology, indicating a significant shift in industry trends.
If Sony really does abandon QD-OLED in favor of four-stack, it will be a sign that the tides are turning.
The potential adoption by Sony and other major brands underscores the significant advancements offered by four-stack OLED technology. If legitimate, this shift could signal a major realignment in TV technology, emphasizing panel performance and efficiency over existing solutions.
We Should Embrace Better TV Tech
In an era where TV brands overwhelmingly promote artificial intelligence features that add little value, innovations like four-stack OLEDs offer tangible improvements. Enhanced brightness, longevity, and efficiency represent meaningful advancements that benefit consumers directly. These improvements signify a move away from superficial marketing toward genuine technological progress.
Should QD-OLED truly give way to four-stack OLED, its legacy might be one of essential stepping stones toward better-performing displays. As these technologies mature, we can anticipate a future where improved panels become more accessible, leading to a wider adoption of premium TV features.
The TV industry has long been criticized for its heavy reliance on buzzwords and minimal advancements. Innovations such as four-stack OLED represent a step in the right direction, focusing on improving the viewing experience and offering practical benefits to consumers.
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As we look toward the future, the ongoing developments in OLED technology promise exciting changes for consumers. The potential transition to four-stack OLED could redefine what premium displays are capable of, offering better performance and longevity.
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