QLED vs ULED TVs: What's the Difference and Which Should You Buy?

What Are QLED and ULED TVs?

QLED and ULED are premium LED TV technologies that use advanced components to deliver better brightness, colour accuracy, and picture quality than standard LED TVs. Both technologies are built on an LCD panel with LED backlighting, but they add an extra layer of engineering to improve the quality of the light before it reaches your eyes.

Understanding the difference between QLED and ULED helps you compare models across brands and make a more informed decision when investing in a premium TV.

What Is QLED?

QLED stands for Quantum Light Emitting Diode. QLED TVs use a layer of quantum dots (nanoscale semiconductor particles) between the LED backlight and the LCD panel. When LED light passes through the quantum dot layer, it converts into a more precise, purer light spectrum. The result is significantly wider colour coverage, higher peak brightness, and more vibrant, accurate colours compared to a standard LED TV.

QLED technology is used by multiple TV brands and is broadly available across mid-range and premium TV lines. Browse our range of QLED TVs to compare available models.

What Is ULED?

ULED stands for Ultra LED and is a proprietary technology developed by Hisense. Rather than a single enhancement, ULED is a combination of multiple technologies working together: quantum dot colour enhancement, full-array local dimming with a high number of dimming zones, high refresh rate panels, and advanced image processing. The combination of these features is designed to deliver picture quality that competes with premium QLED and OLED TVs.

Hisense ULED TVs are generally well regarded for delivering strong performance at competitive price points in the Australian market. Browse our range of ULED TVs to compare models and specifications.

QLED vs. ULED: Key Differences

Colour Performance

Both QLED and ULED use quantum dot technology to achieve wide colour gamut coverage. Most models in both categories cover over 90 percent of the DCI-P3 colour space, which is the standard used for cinema content. In practice, colour performance between comparable models in both categories is excellent and will satisfy the vast majority of viewers.

Brightness

Both QLED and ULED TVs are capable of high peak brightness, typically between 600 and 2,000 nits depending on the model. High brightness is important for viewing in bright rooms and for getting the full benefit of HDR content. Premium models in both categories can deliver very high brightness that performs well even in well-lit Australian living rooms.

Local Dimming

Full-array local dimming divides the LED backlight into independently controlled zones that can be brightened or dimmed based on the content on screen. More dimming zones means better contrast, more precise highlights, and deeper blacks. Both QLED and ULED premium models offer full-array local dimming with varying numbers of zones. Check the specifications of the specific model you're considering for the number of dimming zones.

HDR Support

Both QLED and ULED TVs support multiple HDR formats. Look for support for HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision as a minimum on mid-range and premium models. These formats are used by major Australian streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, and Stan.

Refresh Rate

Mid-range and premium QLED and ULED models typically offer 100 Hz or 120 Hz native panel refresh rates, which deliver smooth motion for sport, gaming, and fast-action content.

Smart TV Platform

QLED TVs use various smart TV platforms depending on the brand. Hisense ULED TVs use the Vidaa platform, which supports all major Australian streaming services including Netflix, Stan, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and ABC iview, as well as Google Assistant integration.

Which Should You Choose?

Both QLED and ULED technologies deliver excellent picture quality well above what a standard LED TV can achieve. The right choice depends primarily on your budget, preferred brand, and the specific model specifications rather than the technology label alone.

• If you value colour accuracy and brightness for a bright living room: Both QLED and ULED premium models deliver strong brightness. Compare specific models on peak brightness and local dimming zone count.
• If budget is a priority: Hisense ULED TVs have a strong reputation for delivering competitive performance at accessible price points in Australia.
• If you are a gamer: Look for HDMI 2.1 support, a 120 Hz panel, and low input lag (under 10 ms in game mode) regardless of whether the TV is QLED or ULED.

What to Expect at Different Price Points

Entry-Level QLED/ULED (Under $1,200)

Entry-level models deliver quantum dot colour enhancement and improved brightness over standard LED TVs. Expect 4K resolution, HDR10 support, and 60 to 100 Hz panels. Local dimming may be limited to edge-lit rather than full-array.

Mid-Range ($1,200 to $2,500)

Mid-range QLED and ULED models deliver full-array local dimming, 100 Hz panels, wide colour gamut, Dolby Vision, and strong smart TV features. This is where the picture quality advantage over standard LED TVs becomes most noticeable in everyday viewing.

Premium ($2,500 and Above)

Premium models offer maximum brightness, high local dimming zone counts, 120 Hz panels with HDMI 2.1 for gaming, and the best colour accuracy available in LED-based TV technology. Worth the investment for a dedicated home cinema or anyone who demands the best picture quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is QLED better than OLED?

QLED and OLED have different strengths. OLED TVs produce perfect blacks and infinite contrast because each pixel produces its own light and can switch off completely. QLED TVs achieve higher peak brightness, which is better in bright rooms and for HDR highlights. OLED is generally preferred for dark room cinema viewing, while QLED suits bright living rooms. ULED aims to combine high brightness with improved contrast through advanced local dimming.

Do QLED and ULED TVs need special cables?

For 4K at 60 Hz, a standard High Speed HDMI cable is sufficient. For 4K at 120 Hz (required for next-generation gaming), you need an Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cable. Most modern TVs come with at least one HDMI cable in the box, but check the specification of the included cable if gaming performance is important to you.

Are QLED and ULED TVs worth the premium over standard LED?

For screen sizes of 55 inches and above in a living room, yes. The improvements in colour, brightness, and HDR performance are genuinely visible in everyday use. For smaller screens or secondary room TVs, a quality standard LED TV delivers excellent results at a lower price point.

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