Mini-LED, MicroLED and QD-OLED: The three technologies are used at Samsung Electronics. At CES 2023, the Korean manufacturer has shown us a great demonstration of its progress with the upcoming new ranges.
The new 77-inch QD-OLED // Source: Frandroid
We’ve just come from Samsung’s First Look event at CES 2023, where we learned about the new range of TVs set to launch in the coming months, which are divided into three main product lines. In short, the development of Neo-QLED models with MiniLED technology continues, Samsung Display’s second generation QD-OLED is here, and the development of futuristic MicroLED technology is off to a good start.
Neo QLED, which gets new features
Samsung’s Neo QLED is a mini LED with quantum dots. Quick reminder, these are the first LCD TVs to feature mini-LED backlight technology. A particularly exciting development because it improves the contrast ratio with record brightness. Still a long way from matching OLED contrast, it’s clear that the Neo QLED is improving.
The 2023 Neo QLED range consists of 4K and 8K models with mini-LED backlighting. The first technical characteristics do not allow for major upheavals in this area. In fact, there’s talk of better 14-bit light intensity control and technologies like Shape Adaptive Light Control and Real Depth Enhancer Pro. The first is a local dimming function without blooming effects (with uneven brightness in certain areas that evokes the appearance of clouds), the second allows greater separation of the foreground and background planes with the aim of improving the sense of depth in the images.
The Neural Quantum processor is enriched this year with a new feature called Auto HDR Remastering, which converts SDR content to HDR using an algorithm based on artificial intelligence. 8K models have 60 neural networks built into the processor dedicated to upscaling Full HD and 4K content to native 8K resolution.
Six OLED models at Samsung
The second generation QD-OLED is here. The main novelty concerns the arrival of the 77-inch diagonal, joining the 55 and 65 inches. It’s still QD-OLED, based on an emissive blue OLED layer with a Quantum Dot layer to convert blue to red and green.
The 65 inch (S90C) in QD-OLED, in a classic design // Source: Frandroid
Three screen sizes, but six models. Why ? Samsung’s 2023 OLED models will come in pairs: the S90C and the S95C. The first replaces the S95B series, keeping the same design but adding the 77-inch diagonal.
The 77-inch QD OLED // Source: Frandroid
The S95C series introduces a design that is comparable to that of the Neo QLED range and in particular to the design of the 8K model. So the screen is extremely thin, we’re talking about a thickness of about 0.7 centimeters. The module with the connectors can then be connected to the stand or moved to be able to glue the screen to the wall.
This S95C QD-OLED is extremely thin // Source: Frandroid
For the S95C series, the brightness will be much higher, so we mentioned a brightness peak above 2000 nits. Samsung Electronics has not yet announced the prices in France. However, we have been informed that the Korean manufacturer plans to lower the price of the S90C series. In addition, the price difference between an S90C and an S95C model is around 500 euros.
The box with the connectors is deported on the S95C // Source: Frandroid
These new QD-OLEDs handle a maximum refresh rate of 144 Hz and are also compatible with FreeSync Premium Pro as well as Nvidia G-Sync. LG Electronics therefore faces a major competitor. LG Electronics still has a much wider range of diagonals, with 42 inches, 48 inches… up to 97 inches.
Finally, Samsung informed us that they’ve used a new anti-reflective filter that might mitigate one of the issues with the OLED. Even if it seems so at first glance, one cannot say for sure under the conditions of a Samsung event.
The MicroLED from 50 to 140 inches
The Micro LED, we talk to you about it regularly. This is the technology that will replace OLED… more or less in the distant future. Why does this technology fascinate tech enthusiasts? In summary, like OLED, it is self-emissive (the pixels generate their own light), the peak brightness is very high (one of the weak points of OLED), there is no reflection, the response is less than a microsecond and finally the resistance and lifetime are important.
LE 50 inch in MicroLED // Source. Frandroid
The main novelty at CES 2023, at least from a purely technological point of view, is the arrival of a very wide range of TVs in MicroLED technology. Samsung has indeed introduced the new generation of MicroLED screens with sizes ranging from just 50 inches up to 140 inches.
MicroLED // Source. Frandroid
More specifically, Samsung wants to launch models with a diagonal of 50, 63, 76, 89, 101, 114 and 140 inches in 2023. The new cutouts in 50 and 63 inches are completely new and represent a very important advance for this technology.
MicroLED // Source. Frandroid
The new MicroLEDs are the result of the new production process that envisages the integration of MicroLED chips on a TFT substrate and a new chip transfer technology that works across entire rows and enables faster panel assembly. At the moment we don’t have any pricing information for these screens. Samsung is confident of launching the new models later in the year… but around 1,000 are counted for 1 inch. This gives you an idea of the MicroLED’s salty prices.
Those MicroLED screens are still amazing. It’s easy, the viewing angles are just perfect. It is all the more impressive that we do not suffer any reflection here, in contrast to OLED. Technical properties such as brightness, consumption or supported functions are not yet known.
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Find all the novelties of CES 2023