How to Choose a TV: OLED, QLED, Size and Specs Explained

The TV, audio and video department includes televisions from compact 32 inch sets to screens of 83 inches, with the two panel families most often found at the upper end being OLED and QLED. The specification sheet is long and some of it is marketing language, so this guide sorts out which numbers affect what you see, how to match screen size to a room, and which trade-offs are real.

OLED and QLED in plain terms

An OLED panel is self-emissive: each pixel produces its own light and can switch off completely. The result is true black and very high contrast between neighbouring pixels, which shows well in a darkened room. The usual trade-offs are lower peak brightness than the brightest LED models, and a theoretical risk of permanent image retention if a static image, such as a channel logo or a game interface, is displayed for very long periods at high brightness. Modern sets include pixel-shifting and other protective routines that reduce the risk.

QLED is a marketing term for an LED-backlit LCD that adds a quantum dot layer to improve colour range and brightness. Because the backlight is separate from the pixels, black levels depend on how the backlight is controlled. Models with local dimming divide the backlight into zones and dim the ones behind dark areas. More zones generally give better contrast, though bright objects on dark backgrounds can show a faint halo. QLED sets reach high brightness, which suits bright living rooms with large windows.

Size and viewing distance

Screen size is the diagonal measured in inches, and 1 inch is 2.54 cm. A common rule of thumb is to sit at a distance of about 1.2 to 1.6 times the screen diagonal for a 4K picture, so a 55 inch set (about 140 cm) suits a distance of roughly 1.7 to 2.2 metres. A 65 inch model works well at around 2 to 2.6 metres, and an 83 inch screen needs more space or a viewer who likes an immersive picture. Measure the wall, the unit it will stand on, and the sofa distance before choosing, and add the width of the stand feet if the TV will sit on furniture. Remember that screen size is a diagonal, so the physical width of a 65 inch TV is about 145 cm.

Resolution

Most sets from about 43 inches upward are 4K, also called Ultra HD, at 3840 by 2160 pixels. Small 32 inch sets are often 1080p or even 720p, which is adequate at that size and distance. Some very large premium models offer 8K, but 8K content is scarce and the extra detail is hard to see at normal distances. Upscaling, the processing that fills a lower-resolution picture to the screen, varies in quality between models, so it matters if you watch a lot of standard-definition broadcasts.

Numbers on the specification sheet

• Refresh rate (Hz): 50 or 60 Hz is enough for films and broadcasts. 100 or 120 Hz gives smoother motion in sport and is needed for games at 120 frames per second.
• Peak brightness (nits): a measure of how bright highlights get. Higher values help HDR content and bright rooms. Compare values only if they are measured in the same way, because manufacturers use different test patterns.
• HDR formats: HDR10 is the baseline. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision add scene-by-scene information, and HLG is used by some broadcasters. A set supporting more formats plays more content to its potential.
• Local dimming zones: relevant to LED-backlit sets. A figure is meaningful only when the dimming type is full array rather than edge lit.
• Contrast ratio: native contrast is useful, but dynamic contrast figures are produced by processing and are not comparable.

Ports and connections

Count the HDMI inputs against the devices you own: console, set-top box, soundbar, streaming stick. For modern consoles and graphics cards look for HDMI 2.1, which supports 4K at 120 Hz and variable refresh rate. One HDMI port often has eARC, which sends high-quality audio, including Dolby Atmos, to a soundbar or receiver. Check the digital tuner too: DVB-T2 and DVB-C are common in Europe, while satellite reception needs DVB-S2. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth and USB are standard but worth confirming.

Sound and smart features

Thin panels leave little room for speakers, so built-in sound is usually modest even on expensive models. If you care about dialogue clarity and bass, plan for a soundbar and make sure the eARC port is available. The smart platform affects daily use: check that the streaming services you use have apps, and how long the manufacturer says software updates will continue. Voice control, screen mirroring and a game mode with low input lag are further points.

Mounting and placement

Check the VESA mount pattern, the hole spacing on the back given in millimetres, if you plan to use a wall bracket. Wall mounting requires a suitable bracket for the weight and wall type. Reflections from windows affect picture quality as much as panel choice, so a glossy OLED may be less comfortable than a matte-finish LED set in a bright space.

Pre-purchase checklist

• Measure the viewing distance and choose a diagonal to match.
• Decide on room brightness: dark room suggests OLED, bright room suggests a bright LED-backlit set.
• Count HDMI ports and check for HDMI 2.1 and eARC if you game or use a soundbar.
• Confirm the refresh rate suits your viewing, 100 or 120 Hz for sport and games.
• Check the tuner type for your broadcast source.
• Check the VESA pattern or stand width against your furniture.
• Confirm that your streaming apps are supported.