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TCL QLED vs Mini LED vs OLED: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?
In a world of increasingly dazzling TV displays, the terms QLED, Mini LED, and OLED can feel more like buzzwords than buying guides. But the truth is, each technology represents a distinct approach to image quality, with strengths that cater to different viewers, rooms, and price points.
TCL is pushing premium tech into affordable territory, offering some of the best examples of QLED and Mini LED implementation in 2025. OLED, while not yet available in TCL’s consumer lineup, is still worth comparing to understand what you might be trading off. So what are the differences, and which display tech makes the most sense for your next upgrade?
Let’s break it down.
The Basics: How Each Tech Works
QLED is TCL’s most accessible display technology. Short for Quantum Dot LED, it’s fundamentally an LED-backlit LCD TV with a layer of quantum dots that boost color brightness and volume. These dots glow when hit by light, helping TCL’s Q6 and Q7 series produce wider color gamuts and brighter highlights compared to traditional LEDs. But QLED is not self-emissive, meaning black levels and contrast rely on backlight control.
Mini LED takes this concept further by drastically increasing the number of backlight zones, sometimes into the thousands. TCL pioneered this in 2019 and now leads the pack in mass-market Mini LED TVs, especially in the QM7K, QM8K, and flagship X11K series. These sets offer ultra-high brightness (up to 5,000+ nits in some models), better local dimming, and more precise light control across the screen, bringing them closer to OLED-like contrast without the downsides of organic pixel aging.
OLED, meanwhile, is entirely different. Each pixel emits its own light, so it can shut off completely for true blacks and infinite contrast. The downside? Burn-in risk from static content, lower peak brightness (especially in full-screen scenes), and a price premium in larger sizes. TCL is still developing its first consumer OLED TVs, likely for late 2025 or beyond, but for now, you’ll need to turn to brands like LG or Sony if OLED is your target.
Picture Quality Breakdown
Let’s talk about brightness. If you’re planning to watch TV in a bright room or just want your HDR highlights to be eye-searingly intense, TCL’s Mini LED models are unmatched. The QM8K series can hit 2,000 to 2,500 nits, while the X11K boasts up to 6,500 nits. OLEDs, even the newest ones, typically top out around 1,000 to 1,500 nits in highlights. In full-screen brightness, they’re even dimmer. QLED sits in the middle, not as bright as Mini LED, but easily hitting 600 to 1,000 nits on midrange models like the TCL Q7.
Contrast? OLED wins. No blooming. No grayish blacks. Just pure, inky darkness. But TCL’s Mini LED sets come close, especially in real-world use. The thousands of dimming zones in the QM8K and X11K allow for excellent black levels with minimal haloing, even if not technically perfect. Standard QLED sets without Mini LED tech (like the Q6) do fine in bright rooms, but their black levels suffer in dim lighting, especially without local dimming.
Color volume and saturation are also strong suits for both TCL’s QLED and Mini LED lines. Quantum dot layers allow these TVs to hit nearly 100 percent DCI-P3 coverage and retain color saturation at higher brightness levels, something OLEDs can struggle with. But OLED takes the edge in color accuracy, especially in darker scenes, and offers more consistent picture quality from wide viewing angles.
Speaking of angles, OLED is the clear winner if you have a wide couch or side seating. TCL’s QLED and Mini LED sets, which use VA LCD panels, tend to lose contrast and shift colors off-axis. That said, TCL has introduced wide-viewing VA tech in some 2025 models (like the C9K series) to improve this, but it still can’t fully match OLED’s uniformity.
Gaming and Motion Performance
For gamers, both OLED and TCL’s Mini LED models are excellent choices. OLED offers near-instantaneous pixel response times (around 0.1ms), which eliminates ghosting and motion blur entirely. But TCL’s QM8K and Q7 series support up to 144Hz refresh rates, VRR, ALLM, and extremely low input lag (around 6 to 10ms), making them top-tier gaming displays too.
Here’s where LCD-based tech wins: burn-in. OLEDs can degrade when static elements like HUDs or logos are left onscreen for long periods. TCL’s QLED and Mini LED TVs have no such risk. If you’re gaming for hours on end or watching news channels with constant tickers, that’s worth considering.
Durability and Power Use
When it comes to long-term durability, QLED and Mini LED win again. The inorganic LEDs used in TCL’s backlights last for tens of thousands of hours without visible degradation or risk of image retention. OLEDs, while much improved in lifespan, can still experience slow pixel wear, especially the blue subpixels, which can lead to uneven brightness over many years.
Power consumption depends heavily on content. OLEDs are very efficient when showing dark content (since black pixels are off), but they can draw more power in bright scenes. Mini LED TVs use more energy when pumping out their extreme brightness levels, but local dimming helps cut power draw during darker scenes. In mixed usage, the differences tend to even out.
TCL’s 2025 Lineup: What Can You Actually Buy?
If you’re in the market today, OLED isn’t part of TCL’s product catalog yet. What you do get is a robust lineup of QLED and Mini LED models at multiple price points. The Q6 is your affordable, wide-color option, great for casual TV watching. The Q7 steps up with 120Hz panels, local dimming, and better HDR chops.
For a premium viewing experience, the QM7K and QM8K Mini LED models are TCL’s best current offerings. They boast high brightness, deep blacks, and all the modern gaming and HDR features you’d want. The flagship X11K, with 14,000 dimming zones and absurd peak brightness.
Which Should You Choose?
If you want the best cinematic picture in a dark room and don’t mind paying a bit more or buying from another brand, OLED is still king. If you want an excellent all-rounder with insane brightness and no burn-in risk, TCL’s Mini LED TVs (especially the QM8K) are the sweet spot. For budget buyers or bright-room viewers, TCL’s QLED TVs offer solid performance and color for the price.
At the end of the day, it’s not about which display tech is best; it’s about which one fits your room, your budget, and your viewing habits. And that’s where TCL’s diverse lineup gives you more control than ever.
You must also check out our other article, where we explained TCL’s Inkjet-Printed OLED technology in detail.
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RayNeo Air 3s Pro vs RayNeo Air 3s: What’s the Difference?
RayNeo is back with an upgraded version of its popular wearable display glasses, the Air 3s Pro. And while it may look like a twin to the original Air 3s, make no mistake, there are meaningful upgrades here, particularly for those who care about brightness, display fidelity, and immersive sound. But is it enough to justify an upgrade? We tested both side by side to find out what really separates the Pro from the non-Pro.
Same Shape, Slightly Sharper Identity
At first glance, the Air 3s Pro doesn’t scream new generation. The industrial design is nearly identical to the standard Air 3s, right down to the 76g weight and FlexiFit hinge system. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, the original was already one of the lightest and most comfortable AR video glasses available.
However, subtle design tweaks stand out. The Pro version opts for a uniform matte black finish, ditching the silver-accented frame found on some Air 3s models. It’s a cleaner, more minimalist look that feels better suited for mainstream appeal.
In the hand and on the face, both glasses feel equally balanced. The clamping force has been slightly reduced on the Pro, and RayNeo includes additional nose pads for finer comfort tuning. The Pro still floats slightly off the face, allowing ambient light to seep in from the bottom, a known tradeoff. That said, a separately sold lens shade accessory is expected to fix that, at least partially.
Display: The Biggest Reason to Go Pro
Here’s where the real differentiation begins. The Air 3s Pro jumps from 650 nits to a staggering 1200 nits of brightness. This isn’t just a spec bump, it directly improves contrast, visibility in bright environments, and overall display punchiness.
Both models use RayNeo’s in-house HueView micro-OLED technology with 200,000:1 contrast and 98 percent DCI-P3 coverage, but the Pro steps up to HueView 2.0, a tandem OLED structure that improves clarity, transmission efficiency, and reduces glare by 15 percent. Dark scenes sparkle more, highlights pop, and overall immersion improves, especially in rooms with bright ambient light.
They share the same 201-inch virtual screen size at 6 meters, 60Hz default refresh rate with 120Hz support, and large 14×7 mm EyeBox. Color modes include six presets on both: Standard, Game, Movie, Eye-Protection, Professional, and Vision Boost. Color temperature is 7500K for the Pro, slightly cooler than the Air 2s or Air 2.
Audio and Immersion: More Theater, Less Leakage
The Pro adds spatial audio support to the same dual opposing acoustic chamber speaker system used in the 3s. This makes a meaningful difference when watching action films or gaming. Audio feels more three-dimensional, and Whisper Mode 2.0 continues to minimize sound leakage impressively.
Overall tuning has been improved on the Pro. Voices sound cleaner, stereo separation feels more accurate, and spatial positioning adapts better to head movement. It’s not audiophile-grade, but it definitely elevates the theater experience over the Air 3s.
Portability: Hard Shell vs Soft Case
Ironically, the original Air 3s feels more travel-friendly thanks to its rigid zipper case with a molded interior and cable pocket. The Air 3s Pro ships with a sleeker fabric case that looks more like a high-end sunglasses pouch, but it’s flimsier and less structured.
Cable storage also differs. The older case has a dedicated internal compartment, while the Pro case requires you to squeeze the cable in manually. If you’re tossing your glasses into a bag, the Air 3s case feels more secure and durable. The Pro case wins on aesthetics, but not practicality.
Compatibility: No Surprises, Just Plug and Play
Both models support a wide range of devices via USB-C DisplayPort, including Android phones, iPhones (with adapter), tablets, laptops, the Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, Steam Deck, and PS5 or Xbox (via HDMI adapter). You’ll need RayNeo’s optional JoyDock for Switch compatibility, and both models support it equally.
Whether you’re streaming content, playing games, or extending your desktop, the plug-and-play experience is identical between the two. Both also support prescription lens inserts and 20-step brightness adjustment.
Pricing: Surprisingly, Pro Is Cheaper For Now
In a twist, the Air 3s Pro launches at just $249 during early access, which undercuts the original Air 3s launch price of $269. That price includes all the upgrades: 1200 nits brightness, spatial audio, improved display optics, better comfort tuning, and full platform compatibility.
RayNeo also plans to offer trade-in options, referral rewards, and creator incentives, making the Pro an even more accessible upgrade path for returning users.
Verdict: The Pro Is the Real Flagship
If you’re buying into wearable displays for the first time, the Air 3s Pro is the model to get. It fixes core complaints from the Air 3s, mainly brightness and immersion, without adding bulk or sacrificing compatibility. The improved sound profile, refined visuals, and clever new display modes make the Pro feel more mature and versatile.
That said, if you already own the Air 3s and don’t care about outdoor usage or spatial audio, you’re still holding onto a solid piece of hardware. But if you’re curious about what the next step in wearable display tech looks like or just want the best possible experience right now, the Air 3s Pro is absolutely worth it.
Buy Now From RayNeo Official Website
In related news, TCL reports a 176% surge in Mini LED TV shipments with profit growth in H1 2025, while the TCL 60 Ultra Nxtpaper surfaces online revealing full specifications and images.
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Who Owns TCL? Breaking Down the Brand, Subsidiaries & Global Strategy
TCL has grown from a regional electronics player in China to one of the top global brands in televisions and smart appliances, but who really owns this sprawling empire, and what exactly does TCL control? The answer is a lot more layered than it might seem.
Public, But With Roots in the State
TCL Technology Group Corporation, the backbone of the TCL brand, is publicly traded on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange under the ticker 000100. But it didn’t start out that way. Founded in 1981 as a state-owned enterprise, TCL has since morphed into a hybrid of public and partially state-backed ownership, with no single majority stakeholder in control.
Founder Li Dongsheng, who remains chairman and has held the CEO role at various times, owns around 3.3% of TCL Technology. Government-linked investment entities such as Huizhou SASAC and Wuhan Optics Valley each hold 2 to 3%, while the majority, over 87%, is publicly held by retail and institutional investors. This mix means TCL operates like a market-driven firm with state influence, a structure that’s common among China’s largest industrial players.
Restructuring the House: The Rise of TCL Holdings
In 2019, TCL underwent a corporate split to sharpen its focus. It spun off its consumer electronics and appliances division into a new entity, TCL Industries Holdings (also known as TCL Holdings), which now oversees TCL Electronics, the TV and smart device arm. Meanwhile, TCL Technology retained control of high-tech ventures like display panel production (via CSOT) and solar energy (via TCL Zhonghuan).
Despite the split, TCL Technology and TCL Industries are closely intertwined. For example, TCL Electronics continues sourcing panels from CSOT, ensuring tight vertical integration in its TV business.
Subsidiaries, Subsidiaries Everywhere
TCL’s structure is a web of subsidiaries that span consumer electronics, component manufacturing, and even renewable energy.
TCL Electronics Holdings (HKEX: 1070) is the most visible face of the brand, making smart TVs, soundbars, and smartphones. It’s also the engine behind TCL’s climb to the number two global spot in TV shipments. TCL Communication, once known for BlackBerry and Alcatel phones, has been folded into this unit.
China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT) sits at the heart of TCL’s display ambitions. It builds LCD, Mini-LED, and OLED panels, not just for TCL TVs but also for other brands. It’s a wholly owned part of TCL Technology and a key reason the company can compete with global giants on price.
TCL Smart Home (formerly Homa) covers air conditioners, fridges, and washing machines. It’s already among the world’s top four AC brands and the leading refrigerator exporter in China. And it’s backed by smart integrations and large-scale factories in China.
TCL Zhonghuan, acquired in 2020, pushes TCL into solar energy. It produces monocrystalline silicon wafers for solar panels and is quickly becoming central to TCL’s push into renewables and semiconductors.
Other subsidiaries include Tonly Electronics (audio, IoT devices), TCL Environmental Technology (e-waste and recycling), and TCL Financial Services, which collectively round out the group’s diverse portfolio.
Global Strategy: Localized, Scaled, and Brand-Driven
TCL’s expansion outside China has been fast and aggressive. It now operates in over 160 countries and has regional headquarters across six global business zones. The company has set up 20 manufacturing bases, including plants in Mexico, Vietnam, and Poland, to dodge tariffs, shorten supply chains, and serve local markets efficiently.
TCL also invests heavily in global R&D, with over 40 research centers worldwide focusing on AI, display tech, and smart home systems. In North America, TCL’s partnership with Roku turned it into one of the best-selling TV brands in the U.S. In Europe and India, it’s pushing smart appliances and affordable smartphones. And globally, TCL is promoting its own smart TV OS, Lingkong UI, to reduce reliance on Google and Roku.
The brand strategy? Mass-market affordability wrapped in next-gen features. Whether it’s budget-friendly Mini-LED TVs or the paper-like NXTPAPER phone displays, TCL’s message is clear: tech doesn’t have to be expensive.
Bottom Line
TCL’s ownership is split between founder Li Dongsheng, state-backed funds, and a wide public float. But in practical terms, the brand is steered by a mix of private ambition and state alignment. Through subsidiaries like CSOT, TCL Electronics, and TCL Zhonghuan, the company balances consumer-facing innovation with serious upstream tech investment.
It’s not a traditional tech giant like Samsung or LG, but it’s gaining ground fast. And if TCL continues executing its global strategy, it may not be long before this hybrid-owned Chinese conglomerate becomes a household name far beyond the TV aisle.
In related news, TCL CSOT sets its sights on dominating the esports display market, stepping beyond its role as a panel supplier. Also, we recently explored TCL NXTPAPER technology and how it compares to AMOLED and IPS in terms of eye comfort.
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TCL NXTPAPER Explained: Is It Better for Your Eyes Than AMOLED or IPS?
In a world dominated by glossy OLEDs and hyper-saturated AMOLEDs, TCL‘s NXTPAPER display technology offers something refreshingly different. It doesn’t aim to dazzle you with 2000-nit brightness or 144Hz refresh rates. Instead, it focuses on something most display makers have long neglected in the race to one-up each other: your eyes.
Originally introduced in 2021, NXTPAPER has quietly matured into one of the most human-centered innovations in mobile and tablet displays. It’s designed to reduce eye strain, minimize glare, and replicate the experience of reading or writing on real paper. But this isn’t just another matte LCD screen or a glorified e-ink hybrid. NXTPAPER blends hardware and software to create a next-gen viewing experience, one that’s been rigorously certified by TÜV Rheinland for visual comfort.
What Is NXTPAPER?
NXTPAPER is TCL’s proprietary display technology that mimics the comfort and clarity of paper, but it’s not an e-ink screen. It’s a full-color, full-motion LCD panel enhanced with a sophisticated multi-layer optical filter system. These layers reduce blue light exposure and eliminate glare without relying on third-party software filters or additional screen protectors.
Think of it as a matte screen that’s baked into the display itself. It delivers paper-like smoothness while still supporting videos, games, and rich color content. It’s especially useful for reading-heavy tasks like document editing, web browsing, and long eBook sessions. In devices like the TCL NXTPAPER 11 tablet and NXTPAPER 40 smartphone, the difference in comfort is immediately noticeable.
How It Works
Most standard LCDs transmit light from a backlight through a handful of layers: diffuser, polarizer, liquid crystals, and color filters. NXTPAPER adds several additional nano-layers that do three critical things: filter out harmful blue light, scatter reflections, and mimic the behavior of natural light.
Unlike OLED, which modulates brightness per pixel and can contribute to long-term image retention and eye fatigue, NXTPAPER uses a consistent backlit LCD architecture. It’s flicker-free in any lighting scenario, thanks to built-in DC dimming that regulates brightness without relying on high-frequency PWM (pulse width modulation), a common culprit behind eye discomfort in modern OLED displays.
Circularly Polarized Light and CPL Advantage
NXTPAPER also integrates Circularly Polarized Light (CPL) technology to mimic the way light behaves in nature. It reflects and refracts light more naturally, which makes reading on NXTPAPER screens feel less artificial than on traditional panels. You’re not just looking at a screen that reduces blue light, you’re experiencing a fundamentally different way of visual presentation.
NXTPAPER Key and Max Ink Mode
TCL is now doubling down on usability. The NXTPAPER Key allows users to instantly toggle between standard display mode and a reading-optimized experience. The Max Ink Mode, particularly in smartphones, enhances readability by offering deeper contrast and a more eBook-like feel, making it a practical feature for both casual reading and professional document work.
Eye Care Assistant and Smart Night Features
Beyond the display itself, TCL has built a broader wellness ecosystem around NXTPAPER. The built-in Eye Care Assistant uses AI-driven reminders and ambient light detection to encourage users to take breaks. It can gently nudge you when it’s time to look away, a small but thoughtful addition that aligns with ophthalmologist recommendations for screen use.
For nighttime use, NXTPAPER devices offer a low-intensity flashlight capped at just 10 to 30 lux, far less than the typical 90 lux of standard phone flashlights. This keeps late-night tasks like reading or checking messages more eye-friendly and far less disturbing to others nearby.
The screen also features automatic night mode support. It intelligently adjusts the display’s color temperature based on ambient light to ensure your eyes remain comfortable in low-light conditions, reducing abrupt strain during evening use.
Anti-Glare and True-to-Life Colors
The NXTPAPER display incorporates a matte nano-etched layer that cuts reflections and ambient glare. This allows users to read or watch videos outdoors without that mirror-like effect found on most glossy smartphones and tablets.
Crucially, TCL’s solution filters blue light at the hardware level. Unlike conventional low-blue-light modes that introduce an ugly yellow tint, NXTPAPER maintains vibrant, accurate color reproduction. Whether you’re watching a video or editing a photo, what you see remains true to life.
Adaptive Color Temperature and Paper-Like Texture
Another smart addition is TCL’s AI-optimized display engine that adjusts color temperature dynamically based on the time of day and surrounding light. It’s an adaptive layer that quietly works in the background to maintain visual comfort, similar to Apple’s True Tone but tailored for matte displays.
And if you’re using a stylus or writing on a tablet like the NXTPAPER 11, you’ll notice the screen isn’t just soft on your eyes, it’s tactile. The matte finish provides real texture, mimicking the feel of pen-on-paper while also being resistant to smudges and fingerprints.
NXTPAPER vs AMOLED vs IPS LCD
Let’s be clear, NXTPAPER isn’t built to win display shootouts for contrast ratio or peak brightness. Compared to AMOLED, it can’t deliver the inky blacks or the vivid punchiness that makes HDR content pop. It also isn’t as color-rich or fast-refreshing as flagship OLEDs used in gaming phones or high-end tablets.
IPS LCDs fall somewhere in between. While they’re more affordable and color-accurate than older tech like TN panels, they typically don’t excel at glare reduction or eye comfort. NXTPAPER, though based on LCD, leapfrogs conventional IPS by focusing on usability in real-world environments like classrooms, offices, or public transport.
So yes, NXTPAPER is a compromise, but a practical one. It doesn’t pretend to be a spec king. Instead, it carves out a much-needed niche for readers, students, and screen-heavy professionals who care more about their vision than ultra-vibrant animations.
The Bottom Line
NXTPAPER isn’t trying to replace AMOLED or OLED in flagship phones or TVs. It doesn’t need to. TCL is smartly targeting users who spend hours reading, writing, or studying on screens and don’t want their eyes to pay the price.
It’s the kind of tech that doesn’t scream for attention. But once you’ve used it, especially over a long workday or a reading marathon, going back to a standard panel can feel jarring. NXTPAPER is a reminder that sometimes innovation doesn’t have to be louder, brighter, or faster.
Sometimes it just needs to feel a little more human.
In related news, we recently broke down TCL’s Inkjet-Printed OLED technology and also shared a guide on how to calibrate your TCL TV for the best possible picture quality.