Best OLED Display for Gaming Revealed

Purchasing my first OLED TV, the LG E8 55-inch model back in 2019, was a pivotal moment, especially as it became the perfect companion during our unexpected isolation period. At the time, I had a basic understanding of OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology, knowing it used self-lit pixels to achieve infinite contrast, unlike the backlit LCD displays. However, diving into games like Final Fantasy XV and The Last of Us Part II truly brought the technology to life, enveloping me in a nostalgic, dream-like experience. My journey with OLED didn't end there; a few years later, I upgraded to the LG C2 65-inch TV. Since then, I've delved deep into the world of OLED displays, learning that not all are created equal. In fact, the technology itself varies significantly across different types, with WOLED, QD-OLED, and AMOLED being the three key variants you should know about.

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

The journey of OLED technology spans decades, with companies like Kodak and Mitsubishi pioneering early versions. It was LG, however, that brought OLED into the mainstream with its TVs in the early 2010s.

LG's version of OLED, known as WOLED (White OLED), leverages a white OLED layer paired with an RGBW color filter. This approach tackles the issue of differing deterioration rates of red, green, and blue emitters, which can accelerate burn-in. However, using color filters on a white light source can lead to uneven brightness and reduced color volume. High-end WOLEDs attempt to mitigate this with Micro Lens Array technology, enhancing light focus on each pixel.

In 2022, Samsung introduced QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED), utilizing a blue OLED layer and quantum dot color converters. This method absorbs and converts light into red or green without losing the intensity of the backlight, resulting in brighter and more vibrant displays.

AMOLED, on the other hand, stands apart with its use of a thin-film transistor (TFT) layer, enabling faster pixel activation but at the cost of the iconic "infinite" contrast ratio of OLED.

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

Choosing the right OLED technology for gaming hinges on your specific needs and preferences. For a straightforward recommendation, QD-OLED leads the pack, yet WOLED and AMOLED have their niches.

AMOLED is predominantly found in smartphones and laptops, prized for its flexibility and high refresh rates, though it struggles with lower peak brightness in direct sunlight. This technology is less common in TVs due to cost.

For gaming monitors and TVs, you're choosing between WOLED (often simply marketed as OLED) and QD-OLED. WOLED offers exceptional brightness, particularly in whites, but its RGBW filter can dim color vibrancy. QD-OLED, conversely, delivers superior overall brightness and color thanks to its quantum dot technology.

My personal setup highlights a key difference: my WOLED TV in the living room handles glare well, maintaining true blacks even under bright conditions. In contrast, my QD-OLED monitor on the desk shows a purplish tint in similar lighting due to the absence of a polarizing layer. While QD-OLED generally provides better color and brightness, WOLED might be preferable in highly reflective environments. Ultimately, the quality often depends on the specific model and its specs, where higher investments typically yield better visual experiences.

The Future of OLED Is PHOLED

Beyond WOLED, QD-OLED, and AMOLED, the future of OLED technology looks promising with PHOLED (Phosphorescent OLED). This technology uses phosphorescent materials, achieving 100% luminous efficiency compared to the 25% of fluorescent materials. However, the challenge has been the short lifespan of blue PHOLEDs, which LG claims to have overcome, announcing readiness for mass production under the moniker "Dream OLED." While PHOLED TVs aren't imminent, we'll soon see this technology in smartphones and tablets, offering brighter displays with lower power consumption.