The screens of OLED televisions have self-illuminating pixels made up of millions of microscopic organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Each pixel can shine precisely in the desired color and any intensity from deep black (deactivated pixels) to maximum brightness. The result: particularly colorful and high-contrast images. In addition, OLED screens are extremely flat at just a few millimetres.
- Our place 1: LG Electronics OLED55G19LA
- Our 2nd place: LG Electronics OLED65G19LA
- Our 3rd place: LG Electronics OLED77Z19LA
- Brilliant images: OLED televisions in comparison
- The best OLED TVs in the test
- OLED: That's behind the abbreviation
- UHD or 4K?
- Before you buy: tips for the best OLED TV
- The best OLED TVs in comparison
Our place 1: LG Electronics OLED55G19LA
The LG OLED G1 (tested size 65 inches) is one of the best televisions that can be got for money and good words. In the test, it showed outstanding image quality, the new screen generation OLED-Evo has noticeably increased in brightness and displays skin tones even more naturally than its already very good predecessor. Thanks to lightning-fast image processing and HDMI inputs of the latest version 2.1, which process 4K images with up to 120 Hertz, the LG OLED G1 is also ideal for game consoles. In addition, the flat design of the TV with a hidden wall bracket can be placed on the scales, but the sound is still surprisingly good. The G1 does not lack comfort anyway, with all the important streaming apps.
Our 2nd place: LG Electronics OLED65G19LA
The LG OLED 65G19LA is one of the best televisions that can be got for money and good words. In the test, it showed outstanding image quality, the new screen generation OLED Evo has increased noticeably in brightness and displays skin tones even more naturally than its already very good predecessor. Thanks to lightning-fast image processing and HDMI inputs of the latest version 2.1, which process 4K images with up to 120 Hertz, the LG OLED G1 is also ideal for game consoles. In addition, the TV can put its flat design with a hidden wall bracket in the balance, the sound is still astonishingly good. The G1 does not lack comfort anyway, with all the important streaming apps, AirPlay and other networking options plus a good search function including voice input, it is also one of the smartest televisions.
Our 3rd place: LG Electronics OLED77Z19LA
Is the LG OLED 77Z19LA (short: OLED Z1) now the best television in the world? If it’s all about image quality, then definitely. Some competitors are brighter or ahead in another individual discipline, but none shows such homogeneous and artifact-free, so lifelike images. When it comes to sound, others are better, even if the Z1 is not bad there. In terms of equipment and extras, current top devices are very similar; the LG OLED Z1 cannot develop any advantages in spite of the comfortable full equipment. All in all, there is no better TV than the LG OLED Z1.
Brilliant images: OLED televisions in comparison
Point by point to the perfect picture: OLED screens are currently the most brilliant star in the television sky. With the technology, individual pixels shine out of themselves, background lighting is not necessary – so extremely thin screens are possible. LG, Panasonic, Philips and Sony offer OLED televisions with UHD resolution from around 2,000 euros, the market prices are often below that.
The best OLED TVs in the test
So that OLED televisions can fully develop their effect, size is (also) important. That is why Philips, Panasonic and Co. usually only offer their models in 55 inches, 65 inches or even larger – this corresponds to a screen diagonal of almost 140 or 163 centimeters and more. What else to look out for when comparing the best OLED TVs:
- Design: Flat, flatter, OLED – the televisions undercut each other in their flatness. The best models are just three millimeters thick and cover the entire screen. For this purpose, loudspeakers are attached to the rear or underside, for example, or they are completely outsourced. Note that some OLED TVs are only suitable for wall mounting.
- Image quality: The OLED televisions deliver images in 4K or Ultra HD. With at least 3840×2160 pixels, that’s four times more than conventional HD TVs can manage. It is also crucial that the HDR image standard is supported. Good to know: Like all televisions, OLED TVs automatically convert films and series in HD to 4K – usually in excellent quality.
- Sound: Depending on the arrangement of the speakers or if they come as an extra soundbar, the sound quality of the TV sets can differ from one another.
- Operation: There are differences in the user guidance of the menus on the television. The manufacturers use different operating systems such as Android or web OS. The app selection for streaming services varies accordingly. It is controlled by remote control and, if required, often also by voice.
- Additional equipment: Devices from Philips come with Ambilight, for example. The wall behind the TV is illuminated in color to match the TV picture.
- Connections: The current OLED TVs have HDMI connections, which UHD creates with at least 60 frames per second. Other useful connections are USB sockets as well as a LAN connection and an SD card slot.
- Smart TV: OLED TVs are smart TVs, which means that they can be connected to the Internet and offer HbbTV content. There are some differences in the available apps.
By the way: TV in 3D is now obsolete. There were or are still a few older OLED TVs with 3D functionality. In the best and latest models from LG, Panasonic and Co., however, this is not done.
OLED: That’s behind the abbreviation
OLED stands for “Organic Light Emmiting Diode”. The carbon-based diodes are so tiny that each pixel on a screen is made up of individual OLEDs. Depending on requirements, they shine out of themselves or not at all – this creates a particularly deep black on the television. In contrast, there are classic LCD or LED screens: With a “liquid crystal display”, LEDs generate white light that illuminates the screen from behind. Colors and especially black are not displayed quite as perfectly as with an OLED television, the devices are also a bit thicker, but currently mostly available at a lower price.The abbreviation HDR is often used in connection with OLED TV sets. This stands for high dynamic range. Images should be able to be displayed with a higher contrast and a larger color spectrum. HDR shows its effect particularly in difficult lighting conditions, such as direct sunlight.
UHD or 4K?
The abbreviations UHD and 4K are often used synonymously in OLED TVs, but there is a small difference: UHD or Ultra HD creates an image resolution of 3840×2160 pixels, 4K with 4096×2160 pixels even more. However, 4K is actually the standard for digital cinema enjoyment; this resolution does not exist on televisions.
Before you buy: tips for the best OLED TV
The brilliant picture and sound quality of OLED televisions has its price. Even the cheaper models in 55 inches and with basic equipment usually cost over 1,000 euros and there are virtually no upper limits. But the investment can be worthwhile: TV broadcasters, streaming providers and manufacturers of Blu-rays are bringing more and more content in 4K onto the market, and pure HD content is also benefiting from the latest technology. Before you buy an OLED television, however, there are a few things that may be worth considering:
Where do I want to put the TV?
The very flat and light OLED TVs are perfect for mounting directly on the wall. If you want to place the device on a sideboard or a TV bench, choose a model that can also be set up – not all devices from Philips and Co. are built accordingly.
How much space do i have?
OLED televisions are large – 55-inch or 65-inch screen sizes are common. A distance of around two meters between the TV set and the sofa is sufficient to enjoy the full television experience – but the wall or sideboard must also offer a correspondingly large amount of space.
How do I receive the TV signal?
As a rule, all new models support the various types of reception, such as satellite and antenna. Only those who receive television via DVB-T (2) should check again whether this type of reception is really supported.
How much money do I want to spend?
In terms of image quality, there is hardly any difference (noticeable to the layperson) with the current OLED TVs. The individual fine-tuning of brightness and contrasts can be done on the device anyway if necessary. The price screw can be turned down, for example, if you opt for the smaller 55-inch OLED TV without additional equipment such as Ambilight. Also worth considering in order to save money: change the electricity provider.
The best OLED TVs in comparison
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