Best OLED Display for Gaming Revealed

Purchasing my first OLED TV, the LG E8 55-inch model back in 2019, just before the global lockdown, turned out to be the perfect decision for my isolation period. Initially, I was only vaguely familiar with OLED technology, knowing that it uses self-lit pixels for infinite contrast, unlike the backlit LCD displays. However, after diving into the visually stunning worlds of Final Fantasy XV and The Last of Us Part II, I truly understood the immersive experience OLED could provide. It felt like stepping into a nostalgic fever dream in real-time. Naturally, my journey with OLED didn't stop there.

Years later, I upgraded to the LG C2 65-inch TV and have since explored numerous devices with OLED displays. This experience taught me that not all OLED screens are created equal, and not all even utilize the same technology. You might be curious about the types of OLEDs available. 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 evolving for decades, with pioneers 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). While LG doesn't market it as such—preferring to simply brand it as OLED—WOLED uses a pure white OLED layer combined with an RGBW color filter. This approach tackles the issue of burn-in, which is more pronounced in standard OLEDs due to the differing deterioration rates of red, green, and blue emitters. However, WOLED's use of a white OLED layer and color filters can lead to imbalanced brightness and reduced color volume. Higher-end WOLEDs mitigate this with Micro Lens Array technology, which enhances light focus.

In 2022, Samsung introduced QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED), which uses a blue OLED layer and a quantum dot layer to convert blue light into red and green. Unlike the RGBW filter in WOLED, quantum dots absorb and convert light without loss, resulting in brighter and more vibrant colors.

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

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

Choosing the right OLED technology for gaming depends on specific needs and preferences. For a straightforward recommendation, QD-OLED stands out as the best option. However, there are scenarios where WOLED or AMOLED might be more suitable.

AMOLED displays are predominantly found in smartphones and laptops, offering flexibility, high refresh rates, and excellent viewing angles. They are less common in TVs due to cost but are ideal for smaller, portable devices. However, they struggle in direct sunlight due to lower peak brightness.

For gaming monitors and TVs, you'll typically choose between WOLED and QD-OLED. WOLEDs can achieve high brightness levels, particularly with whites, but suffer from color brightness loss due to the RGBW filter. QD-OLEDs, however, offer superior color and brightness because quantum dots efficiently convert light without loss.

In environments with significant glare, WOLED displays maintain better black levels and are less distracting than QD-OLEDs, which can exhibit a purplish tint due to the absence of a polarizing layer. Ultimately, the quality of the display depends heavily on specific model specifications and budget; generally, higher-priced models offer better performance.

Looking ahead, the future of OLED technology may include PHOLED (Phosphorescent OLED). LG has recently announced breakthroughs in blue PHOLED, paving the way for "Dream OLED" displays. PHOLED promises 100% luminous efficiency, outstripping the 25% efficiency of current fluorescent OLEDs, leading to brighter and more energy-efficient displays. While PHOLED TVs are not imminent, we can expect to see this technology in smartphones and tablets soon.