QLED vs OLED Bravia 9 vs Sony A95L Off Angle.
Choosing the best 55-inch TV often boils down to a choice between OLED and mini-LED technology. This article addresses two key questions: “What’s the best 55-inch TV, regardless of technology?” and “Is OLED or mini-LED the better technology for a 55-inch screen?” Let’s dive in.
Top Contenders in the 55-Inch Arena
In the mini-LED category, the Sony Bravia 9 stands out as a top performer. While it comes with a premium price tag, its picture quality is undeniable. For budget-conscious buyers, exploring our comprehensive buying guides can reveal excellent alternatives.
The OLED landscape is more competitive, with Sony, Samsung, LG, and Panasonic all vying for the top spot. However, considering the technology itself might offer a clearer path to choosing the best 55-inch TV.
OLED vs. Mini-LED: A 55-Inch Showdown
Objectively, OLED emerges as the winner for 55-inch TVs, especially regarding HDR performance and overall picture quality. OLEDs deliver exceptional contrast and those deep, inky blacks that significantly enhance the viewing experience. Because human eyes are highly sensitive to contrast, OLEDs often have a visual edge in side-by-side comparisons.
Navigating OLED Options: Price and Availability
Sansui’s 55-inch OLED with Google TV offers an attractive entry point at $799. This model provides excellent value, especially for those comfortable with a few minor compromises for the sake of affordability. Our video provides a more in-depth look at this model.
Stepping up in price, LG’s C4 and C5 (2024 and 2025 models) and Samsung’s S90D and S90F (also 2024 and 2025) offer compelling choices. Shopping around in May often yields significant savings on the previous year’s models, with minimal differences in performance.
For the absolute best in OLED technology, consider LG’s G4 or G5, Panasonic’s Z95A, or Samsung’s S95D or S95F. Note that Samsung’s offerings feature anti-reflection screens, which have garnered mixed reviews.
Prioritizing Screen Size: A95L vs. Bravia 8 Mark II
Sony Bravia 8 Mark II
If a 77-inch screen is a priority for your home theater, the Sony A95L remains a strong contender, even against the newer Bravia 8 Mark II, which maxes out at 65 inches. Sony’s image processing technology often surpasses competitors by years, ensuring the A95L delivers a stunning picture even compared to newer models.
A scene from The Greatest Showman on a Sony A95L QD-OLED.
The A95L consistently impresses with its visual performance. If limited to a 55-inch OLED from Sony, the A95L offers significant cost savings compared to the Bravia 8 Mark II without sacrificing much in terms of picture quality.
Samsung S95D vs. LG G4: A Tough Choice
lg g4 vs samsung s95d
Choosing between the Samsung S95D and LG G4 often depends on viewing conditions. The S95D’s matte coating reduces reflections, making it ideal for brightly lit rooms. For darker environments, personal preference reigns supreme. Both TVs deliver exceptional performance. We have a video comparing the reflection handling of these two models.
OLED Burn-In: A Lingering Concern?
Example of screen burn-in on an OLED TV.
Technological advancements continue to mitigate the risk of burn-in on OLED TVs. Features like Samsung’s Pixel Shift and LG’s Screen Shift and Logo Luminance Adjustment help prevent static elements from permanently etching onto the screen. LG even offers a five-year warranty on the G4, covering panel replacement for the entire period and parts and labor for the first three years, offering added peace of mind. With these advancements, the risk of burn-in is significantly reduced, even with content containing static elements.
iPhone 17 Air: Battery Life Expectations
iPhone 17 Air dummy hands on
Early indications suggest the iPhone 17 Air’s battery life might be shorter than its predecessors. Apple reportedly expects 60-70% of users to achieve a full day’s usage, down from 80-90% for the iPhone 16 series. The upcoming release of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, another thin phone, will provide further real-world data on battery life expectations for this type of device.
The Resurgence of Physical Keyboards
Someone gaming with the Clicks for Moto Razr+ 2024
Clicks offers physical keyboard cases for various phones, including iPhones and Motorola Razr foldable phones. Their latest models provide a refined typing experience, bridging the gap between physical keyboards and modern smartphones.
Achieving a Desktop Experience on Your Phone
Samsung DeX mode.
Samsung DeX and Motorola Ready For currently provide desktop-like experiences on phones. Google is also developing “Desktop Mode” for Android, potentially requiring a Pixel smartphone. While still in beta, it promises a DeX-style interface controlled by a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. For now, Samsung DeX remains the most polished option for a desktop experience on a mobile device.
