Mini LED: Advantages and Disadvantages Explained

This article explores the benefits and drawbacks of Mini LED technology, along with a basic introduction to what Mini LED is.

What is Mini LED?

Introduction: The concept of Mini LED was first proposed by Epistar, referring to LEDs with a size of approximately 100 micrometers. It’s also sometimes referred to as a “sub-millimeter light emitting diode.” Mini LED offers a notable improvement over traditional LED backlights.

A Mini LED display employs an LED backlight to provide the primary source of brightness. This light then passes through an LCD matrix and a set of color filters to ultimately deliver the image we see on the screen. Mini LED-based TVs utilize thousands of LEDs to power their backlights, made possible by the drastic reduction in LED size.

Conventional LEDs are used for lighting and as backlight modules for display screens. Mini LEDs, however, are specifically used for backlight applications in displays, offering power saving capabilities, thinner designs, HDR (High Dynamic Range) display capabilities, and the possibility of notch-shaped display designs. You’ll find them in smartphones, automotive displays, TVs, and gaming notebooks.

Benefits or Advantages of Mini LED

Here are the key benefits and advantages of Mini LED technology:

• Easier Mass Production: Achieving mass production of Mini LEDs is significantly easier compared to Micro LEDs.
• Reusing Existing Equipment: All existing equipment can be reused for mass production, reducing the need for new investments.
• Economical: Mini LED technology is relatively economical, thanks to its huge potential in LCD display screens.
• Cost-Effective vs. OLED: The cost of a Mini LED backlight is about 70% to 80% of an OLED TV panel.
• Higher Yield Rate: Mini LED offers a higher yield rate compared to Micro LED, leading to less waste during manufacturing.
• High Dynamic Range (HDR): Mini LED is capable of delivering a high dynamic range, resulting in a more vibrant and realistic picture.
• Smaller Size: Mini LEDs are significantly smaller in size than traditional LEDs.
• Greater Control Over Local Dimming: Mini LED displays offer greater control over local dimming, allowing portions of the screen to appear completely black, enhancing contrast.
• Improved Picture Quality: Mini LED technology delivers better contrast, brightness, and black levels compared to traditional LED backlights.
• Thin Design and Power Saving: Mini LED products are not only power-saving but also as thin as OLED products.

Drawbacks or Disadvantages of Mini LED

Despite the advantages, Mini LED technology also has some drawbacks:

• Large LED Count: Mini LED backlights use a large number of LEDs, typically around 18,000 to 20,000. For example, a 65-inch LCD panel with such a backlight will consume a significant portion of LED chip manufacturers’ production capacity.
• Higher Cost: Mini LED technology is more expensive compared to normal LED types. Its cost is approximately 20% higher than an LCD panel.