STACK #259 May 2026

TECH FEATURE

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NEW TV TECH CHECK

Introducing RGB Mini LED

2026 brings RGB Mini LED displays, representing a big leap forward for how aTV looks. RGB Mini LED isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a whole new and smart way of lighting up yourTV. Words Scott Hocking

What about Micro RGB? Micro RGB – used in some 2026 Samsung TVs – takes things further by using even smaller, more densely packed RGB LEDs for finer light control. This can improve colour precision, contrast, and detail even further, pushing LED performance closer to OLED-like accuracy while maintaining high brightness. Why is it a game changer for TVs in 2026? This is the closest LED backlighting has ever come to OLED-level colour performance, but with the brightness Mini LED is renowned for. That means much better viewing in bright living rooms, less glare during daytime viewing, and more cinematic impact for movie nights. You get the best of both worlds – stunning colour accuracy and serious brightness, without the usual trade-offs. Moreover, when settling in for a movie, RGB Mini LED TVs create a picture that’s more accurate to the colour grading intended by the filmmaker, making them a great fit for movie buffs and home theatre setups.

the image. RGB Mini LED flips this approach, using tiny red, green, and blue LEDs to generate colour directly at the source. Using white light and colour filters can limit colour accuracy and efficiency, so RGB Mini LED removes that step. By controlling red, green, and blue light independently at a pixel level, it can deliver more precise colours, improved contrast, and better energy efficiency by reducing wasted light. You’ll notice a brighter, more vibrant picture with richer colours

What is RGB Mini LED, and how is it different from regular Mini LED? Traditional Mini LED TVs use a white backlight behind the panel, with colour filters creating

and deeper blacks compared with regular Mini LED backlighting. Highlights will stand out more clearly, while blooming and washed-out areas are significantly reduced, so everything from sunsets to shadow detail looks a lot more natural and lifelike.

How to tell a QLED from a QNED, OLED, and ULED QLED (Quantum Dot LED) QLED TVs use quantum dots to boost colour and brightness in an LED OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) OLED panels don’t need backlighting, as

QNED (Quantum NanoCell LED) LG’s QNED TVs combine Mini LED backlighting, quantum dots, and NanoCell filtering for improved colour accuracy and contrast. They are brighter than standard LED and can boost HDR content with strong colours, making them a great option for rooms with lots of natural light.

ULED (Ultra LED) Hisense’s ULED is an enhanced LED system combining local dimming, quantum dots, and motion tech. Newer models often use Mini LED for better contrast and brightness. They are a good pick for budget conscious buyers wanting strong all-round performance.

each pixel self-lights and can turn off completely, delivering perfect blacks and incredible contrast, making them the go-to for premium TV displays. They also offer wide viewing angles and smooth motion. Samsung’s QD-OLED models add quantum dots for even brighter, richer colour.

panel. They deliver vivid colours, high brightness, and top performance in well-lit rooms. Samsung’s Neo QLED TVs add Mini LED backlighting for tighter light control, improving contrast and reducing glare.

MAY 2026

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