# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Panel Types

QLED vs. TN

Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.

Comparing:
QLED
TN

QLED, despite its OLED-like name, is not a self-emissive technology -- it's a conventional LED-backlit LCD panel with a quantum-dot film added between the backlight and the LCD layer to produce more precise color. Samsung introduced it in 2017; it still requires a backlight and has the same blooming limitations as other backlit LCDs.

View full QLED spec sheet →

TN (Twisted Nematic) is the fastest and cheapest common LCD panel type, with response times as low as 1ms -- traded off against narrow, asymmetric viewing angles and noticeable color shift when viewed from above or below.

View full TN spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

12 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Underlying Technology
LED-backlit LCD (typically VA) + quantum-dot color-conversion film
Self-Emissive
No -- requires a backlight, same as any other LCD
Introduced
CES 2017 (Samsung)
Not To Be Confused With
OLED (self-emissive, no backlight)
Contrast Ratio
1,000 : 1 (Static)
Viewing Angle
170° Horizontal / 160° Vertical (Severe vertical shift)
Response Time (GtG)
0.5–1 ms (Ultra-fast)
Color Gamut Coverage
90–95% sRGB / 70–75% DCI-P3
Peak Brightness
300–400 nits
Burn-in Risk
None (Immune)
Backlight / Emissive Type
Transmissive Edge LED
Black Level / Minimum Luminance
Moderate (0.2–0.4 nits)