As CES 2025 comes to a close, there are a few key insights into the world of TVs, including brighter OLEDs, like the LG G5, larger screens, like Hisense’s massive 136-inch And 163-inch micro-LED TVs, as well as the introduction of new technologies such as Samsung’s 8K TV with an RGB micro-LED backlight.
One market, however, looks set to be just as competitive, if not more so, than it will be in 2025; and those are mini LED TVs. Some of the best TVs on the market are mini LED TVs. Highlights from 2024 included the Samsung QN90D, Hisense U8N and the groundbreaking Sony Bravia 9, but there were so many more models that were among the best mini-LED TVs.
2025 looks set to be another big year for mini LED TVs, with some exciting tech innovations being introduced at CES. Mini LED TVs from Samsung, Hisense, TCL and Panasonic have been confirmed – and Sony hasn’t even announced its sets yet!
The state of mini-LED in 2025
Samsung unveiled its 2025 mini-LED TV lineup and the most notable news was the introduction of Glare Free technology on the Samsung QN90F and QN990F, its 2025 flagship 4K and 8K models. The glare-reducing technology (a matte screen) was first introduced in 2024 on the Samsung S95D, one of the best OLED TVs in the world.
We were impressed with the effectiveness of the Glare Free technology on the S95D, so adding it to the QN90F – which we expect will have high brightness levels and great motion processing like its predecessor, the QN90D – will probably going to be one of the best. TVs for sports. This is one for sports fans to keep an eye on.
One of the other big reveals at CES was the introduction of Hisense’s RGB mini-LED backlit TV, the 116-inch UX. Hisense says the new technology will offer bolder, more vibrant colors and a peak brightness of 10,000 nits, while also being 10% more energy efficient. We’ve seen the 116UX in person and it’s as lively as promised.
This is likely to be a super-premium TV, with the 110-inch UXN with a standard mini-LED backlight retailing for a hefty $15,000 / £20,000 (about AU$24,000), so you can expect the 116UX will be even more expensive, but are still an exciting new technology.
TCL also unveiled a new type of mini LED backlight, demonstrating more precise backlight control and higher brightness up to a stunning 50% increase in its 2025 mini LED TV series, without affecting the dark areas of the picture to endanger.
Panasonic introduced the W95B to its 2025 TV range, while LG announced two mini-LED sets, the QNED99 and QNED92, to its 2025 QNED TV range. While these didn’t quite have the same standout innovations as the above sets, they will they’re still packed with excellent gaming features and upgraded processors that once again promise higher brightness and better contrast.
These are just some of the mini LED TV models we can expect in 2025. We’re waiting for Sony’s 2025 lineup, which could include the successor to the brilliant Sony Bravia 9. The Bravia 9 is a mini-LED TV with OLED-rivaling contrast and black levels, so could Sony go a step further?
We’re also still waiting for Hisense’s latest ULED series, which follows on from last year’s Hisense U8N, U7N and U6N, and these, along with TCL’s other sets, will certainly form the backbone of the mid-range and budget mini LED sets in 2025.
The battle rages on and we are spoiled for choice
While these brands are looking for supremacy in the mini LED space, we are the real winners. These brands want to make their TVs faster, brighter, more colorful and more detailed than ever before – and they’ll try to offer the best prices they can to entice us to choose a mini-LED over an OLED.
Brands are also starting to invest in larger screens through their lineups, with Hisense’s 116-inch UX, Samsung’s 115-inch QN90F and the TCL 98-inch QM6K being just some of the larger mini-LED sets on offer. While these screens will exceed most people’s budget, does this mean we could see a price drop for smaller sizes? Hisense will likely offer this, but we’ll keep an eye on prices as they’re revealed in the coming months. Plus, we can all still dream of a cinema-sized screen and having that option always gives me a thumbs up.
It’s also great to see so many technical innovations coming through for mini LED TVs too. A common problem with mini LED TVs is backlight bleed (where light surrounds brighter objects on a darker background, creating a halo effect), but if these new innovations can reduce this problem altogether, it will only mean better TVs for us.
Higher brightness, both peak and full screen, is always a theme with new mini LED TVs. Although the numbers reach eye-watering heights of over 10,000 nits, this means more striking photos and fewer reflections for those of us with bright rooms. Another positive point thanks to the spirit of competition.
2025 will be the most hotly contested year for mini LED TVs in years and I can’t wait to find out who will come out on top. Luckily for us, it looks like we’re spoiled for choice.