Samsung and LG Lead the OLED TV Revolution: A Deep Dive into 2026 Trends
Samsung’s strategic return to OLED televisions, after previously focusing on QLED technology, is paying off. Sales figures for 2025 demonstrate a significant shift, with Samsung selling approximately 2 million OLED TVs – its best result since 2022. This represents a substantial 38% year-over-year increase, outpacing other major players in the market.
Expanding OLED’s Reach: Beyond Premium Models
Samsung isn’t just improving its premium QD-OLED models; it’s broadening its OLED offerings across various price points and screen sizes. The company is increasingly targeting the mid-range market, a segment previously dominated by QLED TVs. This expansion aims to make OLED technology accessible to a wider consumer base.
The Overall OLED Market: Steady Growth and Key Players
The overall OLED TV market is experiencing steady, albeit moderate, growth. Total shipments rose from 6.07 million units in 2024 to 6.43 million units in 2025, a roughly 6% increase. Although not a dramatic surge, it signifies consistent progress and increasing consumer adoption.
LG remains the dominant force in the OLED TV market, selling approximately 3.22 million units in 2025. This leadership is largely attributed to LG’s control over OLED panel production. However, Sony experienced a decline in sales, dropping around 15% to 560,000 units, widening the gap between it and the top two manufacturers.
Gaming Enhancements: A Key Battleground
Samsung is actively courting gamers with features like Nvidia G-SYNC Compatible support, expanding beyond AMD FreeSync Premium/Premium Pro. This focus on synchronization technology aims to deliver a superior gaming experience, positioning OLED TVs as viable alternatives to large-format gaming monitors.
LG’s Strategy: Cost Reduction and Innovative Designs
LG is taking a different approach, prioritizing cost reduction and innovative designs. The introduction of OLED SE (Special Edition) panels, which remove the polarization layer, is a key component of this strategy. This simplification lowers manufacturing costs and increases light transmission, potentially leading to more affordable OLED TVs.
LG is also pushing the boundaries of design with its upcoming “wallpaper” OLED evo W6 televisions, boasting a thickness of around 9mm and a near-seamless integration with walls. These premium models showcase the potential of OLED technology and appeal to consumers seeking a unique aesthetic.
The Rise of MiniLED and the Battle for Market Share
Both Samsung and LG are facing increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers offering MiniLED televisions. This competition is driving innovation and price adjustments across the board. The market is evolving, with manufacturers vying for dominance through a combination of technology, pricing and design.
The Impact of Memory Prices on LCD TVs
Rising memory prices are expected to impact the cost of LCD televisions, potentially making OLEDs more competitive in the budget segment. This dynamic could further accelerate the shift towards OLED technology as consumers weigh the benefits of superior picture quality against price considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is QD-OLED? QD-OLED combines the benefits of Quantum Dot technology with OLED, resulting in improved color accuracy and brightness.
- What is G-SYNC Compatible? It’s a technology that synchronizes the refresh rate of the TV with a compatible Nvidia graphics card, reducing screen tearing and stuttering during gaming.
- What are OLED SE panels? These are simplified OLED panels designed to lower manufacturing costs and increase brightness.
- How does MiniLED compete with OLED? MiniLED offers high brightness and contrast, often at a lower price point than OLED, but typically doesn’t match OLED’s perfect blacks.
Explore More: Televisions
Choosing a modern television requires careful consideration. How much are you willing to invest? What are the starting prices for quality models? What screen size and display type are best for your needs? Read our guide on How to Buy a Television for expert advice.
