Top OLED Display Technologies for Gaming Unveiled

My first OLED TV purchase, the LG E8 55-inch in 2019, was a game-changer during lockdown. It was the ultimate escape. Initially, I didn’t fully grasp OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology. Unlike LCDs with backlights, OLED uses self-lit pixels for infinite contrast. Playing Final Fantasy XV and battling through The Last of Us Part II felt like reliving a vivid, nostalgic dream. That experience hooked me, and the LG E8 was just the start.

Years later, I upgraded to the LG C2 65-inch TV and tested numerous devices with OLED displays. I learned not all OLEDs are the same—different technologies power them. Curious about OLED types? There are many, but three matter most for gaming: WOLED, QD-OLED, and AMOLED.

WOLED, QD-OLED, and AMOLED: How They Function

OLED technology has evolved for decades, with pioneers like Kodak and Mitsubishi experimenting early on. LG’s OLED TVs in the early 2010s brought it to the masses.

LG’s version, WOLED (White OLED), dominates its lineup, though the term rarely appears in marketing. Unlike traditional OLED, which uses self-lit pixels for stunning contrast and vibrant colors, WOLED tackles a key issue: uneven deterioration of red, green, and blue emitters, which worsens burn-in. WOLED uses a white OLED layer with an RGBW color filter. Picture self-lit pixels emitting pure white light, filtered into colors. The catch? Color filters cause uneven brightness and lower color volume. Advanced WOLEDs use Micro Lens Array technology, packing thousands of microlenses per pixel to boost light focus.

In 2022, Samsung introduced QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED), a game-changer. Instead of a white OLED layer, it uses a blue one paired with quantum dot color converters. Unlike RGBW filters, quantum dots absorb light, converting blue into red or green without losing brightness, resulting in richer colors.

AMOLED, meanwhile, stands apart. Similar to WOLED, it includes a thin-film transistor (TFT) layer for faster pixel activation. This speed comes at a cost, slightly reducing OLED’s signature infinite contrast.

WOLED, QD-OLED, and AMOLED: Best for Gaming?

Choosing the right OLED for gaming depends on your setup and preferences. Simply put, QD-OLED often leads the pack, but WOLED and AMOLED have their place.

AMOLED is mostly found in smartphones and laptops, not TVs, due to its high cost. Its flexibility suits foldable devices, offering high refresh rates and wide viewing angles. However, its lower brightness struggles in direct sunlight, and for smaller screens, the OLED type is rarely a choice—you get what the device offers.

For gaming monitors and TVs, you choose between WOLED (branded as OLED) and QD-OLED. WOLED shines bright with whites, but its RGBW filter dims other colors. QD-OLED, with quantum dots absorbing light, delivers bolder colors and consistent brightness across the spectrum.

Yet, WOLED has an edge in bright environments. My OLED TV, placed opposite windows, handles glare well, keeping dark areas truly black. My QD-OLED monitor, however, shows a purplish tint in glare because Samsung skipped the polarizing layer to boost brightness.

For color and brightness, QD-OLED excels. In reflective spaces, WOLED is less distracting. Ultimately, quality depends on specs—higher budgets yield better displays, regardless of type.

But QD-OLED and WOLED may soon face competition.

PHOLED: The Future of OLED

Among OLED variants, PHOLED (Phosphorescent OLED) stands out. Unlike fluorescent materials, phosphorescent ones convert energy to light with 100% luminous efficiency, compared to 25% for fluorescence. This promises brighter displays with lower power use. The challenge? Blue PHOLED’s short lifespan made it impractical.

Recently, LG announced a breakthrough in blue PHOLED, dubbing it “Dream OLED.” Ready for mass production, it offers unmatched efficiency. While PHOLED TVs are still years away, expect to see this tech in smartphones and tablets soon.