Mini LED, MicroLED and QD-OLED: the three technologies are used by Samsung Electronics. At CES 2023, the Korean manufacturer gave us a great demonstration of its progress, with the new ranges to come.
We just walked out of the event First Look from Samsung at CES 2023, where we learned about the new range of televisions that will debut on the market in the coming months and which is 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 has arrived, and the development of futuristic MicroLED technology has leaped forward.
Neo QLED which gets new functions
Samsung’s Neo QLED is Mini LED with Quantum Dots. Quick reminder, these are the first LCD televisions using Mini LED technology for backlighting. A particularly exciting development since it improves the contrast ratio with record brightness. Still far from equaling the OLED on the contrast, it is clear that the Neo QLED is improving.
The 2023 Neo QLED lineup consists of 4K and 8K models with Mini LED backlights. The first technical characteristics do not evoke any major upheavals in this area. Indeed, there is talk of better 14-bit light intensity control, and technologies such as Shape Adaptive Light Control and Real Depth Enhancer Pro. The first is a local dimming feature without dimming effects. blooming (with non-uniform luminosity in certain areas, which evokes the appearance of clouds), the second makes it possible to create a greater detachment of the foreground and the background, with the aim of improving the sensation of image depth.
The Neural Quantum processor is enriched this year with a new feature called Auto HDR Remastering, which converts SDR content to HDR using an AI-based algorithm. On 8K models, there are 60 neural networks built into the processor dedicated to scaling (upscaling) from Full HD and 4K content to native 8K definition.
Six OLED models at Samsung
The second generation QD-OLED is here. The main novelty concerns the arrival of the 77-inch diagonal which joins 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.
Three screen sizes, but six models. Why ? Samsung’s 2023 OLED models will exist in pairs: the S90C and the S95C. The first replaces the S95B series, keeping the same design, but adding the 77-inch diagonal.
The S95C series introduces a design comparable to that of the Neo QLED range and in particular that of the 8K model. The screen is therefore extremely thin, we are talking about 0.7 centimeters thick. The module with the connectors can then be associated with the foot, or be offset to be able to stick the screen to the wall.
On the S95C series, the brightness will be much higher, we have thus mentioned a peak in brightness above 2000 nits. Samsung Electronics has not yet mentioned the prices in France. However, we were told that the Korean manufacturer plans to lower the price of the S90C series. Moreover, the price difference between an S90C and S95C model will be around 500 euros.
These new QD-OLEDs handle a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz and are also compatible with FreeSync Premium Pro as well as Nvidia G-Sync. LG Electronics therefore finds itself with a major competitor. LG Electronics still has a much wider range of diagonals, with 42 inches, 48 inches… up to 97 inches.
Finally, Samsung notified us that they have used a new anti-reflective filter, which could alleviate one of the OLED’s problems. Even if it seems to be the case at first glance, impossible to be 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… in the more or less distant future. Why does this technology fascinate technophiles? In summary, it is self-emissive like OLED (the pixels produce their own light), the brightness peak is very high (one of the weak points of OLED), there is no reflection, the response time is less than a microsecond, and finally the resistance and the lifespan are important.
At CES 2023, the most important novelty, at least from a purely technological point of view, is the arrival of a very wide range of televisions in MicroLED technology. Samsung introduced the new generation of MicroLED displays with sizes ranging from just 50 inches up to 140 inches.
To be precise, in 2023 Samsung intends to release models with a diagonal of 50, 63, 76, 89, 101, 114 and 140 inches on the market. The new cutouts in 50 and 63 inches are completely new and represent a very important advance for this technology.
The new MicroLEDs are the result of the new production process which sees the integration of MicroLED chips on a TFT substrate and a new chip transfer technology that works across entire rows and allows for faster panel assembly. At the moment, we still have no price indications for these screens. Samsung is confident of being able to market the new models within the year… but count around 1,000 for 1 inch. This gives you an idea of the salty prices of the MicroLED.
These MicroLED screens are still amazing. It’s simple, the viewing angles are just perfect. It is all the more impressive that, unlike OLED, we do not suffer from any reflection here. At the moment no technical characteristics are known such as brightness, consumption or supported functions.
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