Get ready for a mind-blowing journey into the future of television! The year 2026 promises to be a game-changer for display technology, and we're here to uncover the real gems that will revolutionize your viewing experience.
While the TV category at CES often showcases flashy prototypes, from massive video walls to transparent screens, we must ask: Will these futuristic concepts ever become mainstream? Or will they end up on the 'worst gadgets' list? Only time will tell.
In the past, we've witnessed some wild innovations, like battery-powered TVs that stick to walls and OLEDs that roll up like hidden treasures. But amidst these bizarre creations, our focus remains on the practical advancements that truly matter to consumers.
Picture quality is king, and that's where the real magic happens.
Enter the mini-LED revolution. Two standout TVs from 2025, the Hisense QD7 and TCL QM9, showcase the power of mini-LED technology. These models, representing opposite ends of the market spectrum, have raised the bar for picture quality. The Hisense QD7, in particular, has set a new standard for budget TVs with its exceptional mini-LED backlight.
Mini-LED is an evolution of traditional LCD backlight technology, utilizing thousands of tiny light-emitting diodes to enhance picture quality. The 2019 TCL 8-Series was one of the first mini-LED TVs to hit the market, and this innovative technology has since become more accessible.
The impact of mini-LED backlights is nothing short of remarkable. In 2025, TCL introduced 'Halo control' technology, reducing LCD bloom and resulting in stunningly bright LCD TVs. The QM9K, the brightest TV reviewed last year, showcased the full potential of this upgrade, offering exceptional brightness and contrast.
But here's where it gets controversial...
The brightest TVs of 2025 were also the most impractical for lab testing, primarily due to their massive size, exceeding 100 inches diagonally. These behemoths included the Hisense 116UX TV and the Samsung Micro RGB TV. The secret to their success lies in micro RGB backlights, distinct from MicroLED displays. These backlights, composed of red, green, and blue micro-LEDs, eliminate the need for color filters and produce brighter screens.
At CES 2026, we'll witness a wide range of TVs incorporating this technology, from 55-inch models and up, at prices that won't break the bank.
And this is the part most people miss...
While OLED has traditionally offered superior contrast compared to LED, that gap is narrowing. Although OLED's black levels remain unmatched, the technology has made significant strides in brightness. The LG G5, for instance, was the brightest OLED TV tested this year, outshining many LCD models.
To compete with the rising mini-LED threat, OLED manufacturers must make their technology more appealing to a broader audience. This means brighter panels across the board, starting with entry-level models. While doubling the number of panels is costly, there are other adjustments, such as voltage tweaks and improved filters, that can enhance OLED's performance.
Other factors to consider include advancements like Dolby Vision 2 and Samsung HDR10 Plus Advanced, which will enhance the brightness and HDR capabilities of TVs announced at CES. Despite the lack of pricing information at the event, the cutting-edge technology showcased will eventually filter down to budget models, offering improved picture quality at lower costs.
Tariffs and inflation have been wild cards for tech products in 2025, and their impact on 2026 prices remains uncertain. However, the real benefits to consumers will be the focus of our coverage at CES 2026, which starts on January 6th. I'm excited to explore the latest advancements and share my insights on the future of television with you all.
