Nanocell vs OLED: Which Display Technology Should You Choose?

If you‘re shopping for a new TV, two display technologies you‘ll likely encounter are LG‘s Nanocell and OLED screens. But what exactly sets these two apart? I‘ll compare Nanocell and OLED displays head-to-head so you can determine the best fit.

The Technology Behind Nanocell and OLED

First, let‘s quickly break down what each technology is and how it works to produce an image on-screen:

Nanocell

Nanocell is LG‘s proprietary term for an LED-LCD display that uses nanoparticles to absorb excess light wavelengths. This helps create purer, more accurate colors on screen.

Nanocell TVs still require LED backlights to illuminate the liquid crystal display (LCD) layer from behind. The nanoparticles then filter this light to enhance color reproduction.

OLED

OLED stands for organic light emitting diode. In an OLED display, each individual pixel produces its own light. This eliminates the need for a separate backlight as in LCD TVs.

When an OLED pixel needs to display black, it can turn completely off. This allows OLED to produce "perfect" blacks and achieve essentially infinite contrast ratios.

Nanocell vs OLED Key Image Quality Differences

With the technology explained, how do Nanocell and OLED TVs compare in real-world image performance? Here are some of the most important differences:

As you can see, OLED generally matches or outperforms Nanocell across the board when it comes to picture quality.

However, Nanocell TVs still offer impressive color and contrast compared to standard LED-LCDs. So while they can‘t quite match OLED‘s near-perfect image quality, Nanocell delivers excellent performance for the price.

Pricing: Nanocell TVs Cost Less than OLED

Since they require less complex manufacturing, Nanocell TV prices are generally hundreds to even thousands less than equally-sized OLED sets:

• 65-inch LG Nanocell 4K TV: $1,100
• 65-inch LG OLED 4K TV: $1,900

So if keeping costs down is important, Nanocell provides an affordable path to premium picture quality compared to standard LED TVs. Just don‘t expect its image to equal more expensive OLED.

Key Benefits and Drawbacks

Here are some additional key strengths and weaknesses of each display technology:

Nanocell Benefits

• Very affordable for the picture quality
• High brightness great for well-lit rooms
• Not susceptible to OLED burn-in risk

Nanocell Drawbacks

• Contrast and black levels can‘t match OLED
• More color and brightness fade over time than OLED

OLED Benefits

• Best-in-class contrast and image detail
• Pitch black blacks
• Wider viewing angles than Nanocell

OLED Drawbacks

• Much more expensive than Nanocell
• Potential for permanent burn-in with static images
• Peak brightness lower than top LED TVs

As you can see, both technologies bring different advantages to the table. Your own needs and room setup should dictate which benefits matter most.

Ideal Use Cases

With their pros, cons and prices in mind, here are the best applications for Nanocell vs OLED:

Nanocell Works Best For

• Bright, sunlit viewing environments
• Budget-focused shoppers who still want excellent picture
• Displaying live TV with lots of static logos and graphics

OLED Works Best For

• Home theater enthusiasts wanting the absolute best image quality
• Movie buffs and gamers
• Viewing in dedicated dark or dim home theaters

So OLED certainly outmatches Nanocell in overall picture fidelity. But you‘ll have to pay a steep premium for those perfect blacks and vibrant highlights.

Side-By-Side Specs

Here‘s a head-to-head look at how LG‘s own 65-inch Nanocell and OLED models measure up on paper:

The specs make it clear Nanocell isn‘t far behind OLED in some areas. But key metrics like the infinite contrast ratio, faster response time and perfect blacks set OLED apart.

Expert and User Reviews Agree: OLED Is Superior

Both professional TV reviewers and everyday users widely agree that OLED technology offers a noticeable jump in picture quality:

User reviews echo this sentiment. On a popular retailer site, LG OLED TVs average a 4.8 out of 5 star rating while Nanocell models sit at 4.6 stars.

Reviewers praise OLED for stunning contrast and color that makes images pop from the screen. Some report the improvement over Nanocell is subtle, while many find OLED to be a sizable upgrade.

The Risk of OLED Burn-In Persists

One concern that still mars OLED reputation is the risk of burn-in. This is when a static image element like a bright logo or status bar gets permanently etched onto the screen:

However, burn-in odds have dropped with recent OLED generations. Proper care like pixel-refreshers, screen savers and simply not displaying the same static content endlessly greatly minimizes dangers. Still, it remains a possible OLED drawback compared to the burn-in immune Nanocell.

Nanocell Is More Power Efficient

Since they don‘t require complex pixel-level backlight control, Nanocell TVs typically use less energy than comparably sized OLED models.

Exact power consumption will vary by model. But you can expect Nanocell technology to provide 10-25% greater efficiency over OLED displays. This makes them an eco-friendly choice if electricity costs are a concern.

Estimated Lifespans Are Comparable

How long can you expect either display technology to reasonably last before image degradation sets in?

Nanocell TVs should provide a typical lifespan of 50,000 to 60,000 hours. That translates to:

• 5-6 years at 10 hours of daily use
• 9-11 years for more moderate 5 hours per day

And thanks to recent longevity improvements, modern OLEDs deliver similar expected averages of 50,000+ hours as well.

Either technology should provide many years of excellent performance under normal use. But OLED does carry a higher risk of premature failure should burn-in occur.

The Future Looks Bright for Both Displays

Moving forward, you can expect steady enhancements across both Nanocell and OLED technologies:

• Improved color, brightness and contrast from new Nanocell formulations
• Increased OLED panel sizes, peak brightness and burn-in resistance

Mini-LED backlit LCDs also aim to challenge OLED‘s supremacy while retaining Nanocell‘s affordability. And microLED TVs may one day overtake them both.

But in the near term, neither Nanocell nor OLED displays show any signs of disappearing. Expect them to continue vying for TV buyer dollars with their own unique strengths.

While OLED ultimately triumphs in picture quality, is its premium price and higher burn-in risk worth paying over? Or does Nanocell provide everything most viewers need in an affordable package?

If budget is no concern, OLED remains the crystal clear winner. Its self-illuminating pixels and infinite blacks take image fidelity to another level. No other consumer display technology can match its point-for-point superiority over Nanocell right now.

If value matters more, Nanocell TVs bring tremendous colors, clarity and contrast at reasonable prices. Unless you scrutinize screens side-by-side, their picture deficiencies compared to OLED rarely leap out. For most sporting events, news and casual TV watching, Nanocell satisfies beautifully.

Ultimately, both technologies will please. But your own finances and priorities should guide you to the right display between top-tier OLED and outstanding Nanocell offerings.

I hope breaking down their pros, cons and ideal applications here helps clarify that buying decision. Enjoy your new TV once you decide on the perfect model for your needs!