QLED, Mini LED and NanoCell TVs are LED-backlit LCD televisions that use quantum dots, finer backlight control or filtered colour layers for brighter, more saturated pictures. The range suits buyers who want a step up from a basic LED TV, in sizes from 43 inch to 85 inch. Leading brands include LG, Xiaomi, Sharp, Samsung and Philips.
How to choose a QLED, Mini LED or NanoCell TV
Panel technology. QLED adds a quantum dot layer for stronger colour and brightness. Mini LED uses many small backlight LEDs, which allows more precise dimming and deeper blacks. NanoCell is LG's name for its colour-filtering LCD panels. Our range also includes Neo QLED, which is Samsung's Mini LED version of QLED, and some OLED models, where every pixel produces its own light.
Screen size. Sizes in our range run from 43 inch (108 cm) through 50, 55, 65 and 75 inch up to 85 inch (2.16 m). For a sofa two to three metres from the screen, 55 to 65 inch is a sensible starting point. Choose 75 inch or larger only if you have the viewing distance and wall space.
Smart TV platform. The sets here run Titan OS, Tizen, VIDAA, webOS or Google TV. Check that the streaming and catch-up apps you use are available on that system, because the platform decides how the TV feels to use every day.
Connections and sound. Many models in our range have three HDMI ports and some have four, which matters if you connect a console, a set-top box and a soundbar. Gamers should look for HDMI 2.1 and 120 Hz support in the specification. Built-in speakers are typically rated between 10 W and 30 W RMS, with 20 W listed on many sets. A soundbar is still worth considering for films.
Energy class and wall mounting. Energy classes in our range run from D to G for standard dynamic range, so compare them if running costs matter. For wall brackets, check the mounting interface: 200 x 200 mm and 400 x 300 mm are the patterns listed most often, and larger screens use wider ones such as 400 x 400 mm or 600 x 400 mm.
QLED, Mini LED and NanoCell brands we carry
Our range has over 50 models from the following manufacturers.
- LG: the largest group in our range, known for its webOS platform, its OLED panels and its own NanoCell LCD branding.
- Xiaomi: makes smart TVs built around Google TV, with easy pairing to its other connected-home devices.
- Samsung: sells QLED and Neo QLED (Mini LED) models on its Tizen system.
- Philips: known for Ambilight, the backlighting that projects colour onto the wall behind the TV, and for sets running Titan OS.
- Hisense: offers Mini LED models under its ULED branding and uses the VIDAA platform on many of its TVs.
Also in our range: Sharp, TCL and Blaupunkt.
QLED, Mini LED and NanoCell TV FAQ
What is the difference between QLED and Mini LED?
QLED describes the quantum dot layer that improves colour and brightness, while Mini LED describes the backlight. A TV can combine both, as Samsung's Neo QLED models do. Mini LED backlights use many more tiny LEDs, so they can dim areas of the screen more precisely and show deeper blacks.
Is a QLED TV better than an OLED TV?
Neither is better in every situation. QLED and Mini LED TVs generally reach higher brightness, which helps in a sunny living room. OLED lights each pixel individually, so it produces deeper blacks and is often preferred for dark-room film watching.
What size QLED TV should I buy?
For most living rooms, 55 to 65 inch is a good size when you sit two to three metres away. Smaller rooms or bedrooms suit 43 or 50 inch, and 75 or 85 inch screens need more distance and a wall or stand that can carry them. Measure the space first and check the mounting pattern if you plan to use a bracket.
How many HDMI ports do I need on a TV?
Three HDMI ports cover most households, and many sets in our range offer exactly that. Count the devices you will connect, such as a console, a streaming box and a soundbar, then add one spare. If you play games at 120 Hz, check that the port you use supports HDMI 2.1.
