Samsung’s OLED TVs outsold its Neo QLED (mini-LED) TVs for the first time in 2024, marking a significant shift in consumer preference. This change suggests that when price parity exists, OLED technology is the favored choice among buyers.
Samsung’s OLED Sales Surpass Mini-LED for the First Time
According to a report by The Elec (via FlatpanelsHD), Samsung sold 1.44 million OLED TVs in 2024, compared to 1.4 million Neo QLED TVs. This marks the first time Samsung’s OLEDs have outsold its mini-LED range since the company re-entered the OLED market in 2022.
A closer look at the trends highlights a steady decline in Samsung’s mini-LED sales:
- 2022: 2.3 million units sold (peak sales)
- 2023: 1.7 million units sold
- 2024: 1.4 million units sold
In contrast, research firm Omdia reported that OLED TV sales increased from 1 million units in 2023 to 1.44 million in 2024.
Why Are OLED Sales Increasing While Mini-LED Sales Decline?
1. Price Parity Between OLED and Mini-LED
Unlike competitors such as LG, Sony, and Panasonic, Samsung prices its mini-LED TVs similarly to its OLED models. This pricing strategy plays a crucial role in consumer choices.
For example, at the time of writing:
- Samsung S90D OLED (65-inch): $1,499 / £1,299 / AU$4,295
- Samsung QN90D Mini-LED (65-inch): $1,499 / £1,199 / AU$3,995
Since OLED is often perceived as the superior panel technology, buyers tend to favor it when both options are available at the same price.
2. Increasing Competition in the Mini-LED Segment
Samsung also faces stiff competition from brands like Hisense and TCL, which offer mini-LED TVs with competitive features at lower prices. Notably:
- Hisense U8N and TCL QM851G received critical acclaim in 2024 for their impressive performance at a fraction of the cost of Samsung’s mini-LED TVs.
- TCL even overtook LG in premium TV sales in 2024, thanks to its ability to deliver affordable, high-quality mini-LED TVs.
3. Changing Consumer Perception of Display Technology
Samsung previously championed QLED and mini-LED technology over OLED. However, with the introduction of QD-OLED in 2022 (starting with the Samsung S95B), consumer interest in OLED has surged. Despite Samsung continuing to market mini-LED as superior, sales numbers suggest that buyers overwhelmingly prefer OLED when given a choice at the same price point.
What to Expect in 2025?
While OLED is currently the preferred choice, the trend may shift in 2025, depending on Samsung’s pricing strategy and technological advancements. Possible scenarios include:
- Samsung is lowering mini-LED prices to make them more competitive.
- Advancements in mini-LED technology (such as improved brightness and contrast) make them a more attractive alternative.
- OLED production costs are decreasing, leading to even better affordability for consumers.
With competition intensifying and consumer preferences evolving, Samsung’s future TV lineup will likely reflect strategic adjustments in pricing and technology. However, OLED has emerged as the clear winner when price is no longer a differentiating factor.
