Answer:
A Quantum Dot display uses a layer of nanoparticles that increases its color gamut and brightness.
An LED-backlit quantum dot display features a Quantum Dot Enhanced Film (QDEF) layer consisting of nanoparticles that are placed between the panel and backlight. The result is improved color gamut and luminance of the display.
These particles can be applied to any LED panel technology, including IPS, TN, and VA, and they can increase the display’s color gamut to cover 95% of the DCI-P3 color space (equivalent to ~125% sRGB), which is essential for a good HDR (High Dynamic Range) viewing experience.
Samsung also applies this technology to OLED displays, which are branded QD-OLED and offer improved image quality.
Samsung is the main producer of LED quantum dot enhanced displays (including both TVs and desktop monitors) that are branded as ‘QLED.’
You may also have seen the term ‘Neo QLED‘ on Samsung’s TVs. These displays combine the QDEF layer with a mini LED backlight for an even brighter image and better local dimming control with more zones.
While Samsung primarily applies quantum dot technology to their VA panels, LG uses the Nano IPS technology to improve the LED backlights of their IPS-panel displays.
Even though Nano IPS displays can have a wider color gamut (135% sRGB and 98% DCI-P3), Samsung’s QLED TVs are more popular as VA panels offer a significantly higher contrast ratio. Nano IPS technology is more popular with desktop monitors.
Nowadays, the widest gamut coverage is achieved by Samsung’s QD-OLED panels (up to 87% Rec.2020), followed by AUO IPS panels paired with quantum dots, such as that of the MSI MPG321UR-QD (up to 85% Rec.2020) and JOLED’s OLED panels, such as that of the LG 27EP950 (up to 81% Rec.2020).
When it comes to high-end TVs though, LG’s WOLED TVs are rivaled by Samsung QD-OLED TVs.
We’ve reviewed several QLED monitors. The most popular displays include:
- Samsung C24FG73 – an affordable 24″ 1080p 144Hz VA curved gaming monitor
- Samsung U28H750 – a 4K TN monitor
- Samsung Odyssey G7 – a fast 1440p 240Hz curved gaming monitor
- ASUS ROG Swift PG27UQ – a high-end 4K 144Hz IPS gaming monitor with G-SYNC Ultimate.
You can visit these reviews to learn more about how the quantum dots affect the image quality of these displays and how they compare to alternatives without this technology.
As far as TVs are concerned, check out our best TV buying guide to see how the QLED and QD-OLED models compare to other LED and OLED TVs.
