Simply put, mini-LED is a more efficient and more effective way of backlighting an LCD screen. Officially a diode no bigger than 0.2mm can be classed as ‘mini’ – but this is the consumer electronics industry we’re dealing with here, and you can expect the word ‘mini’ to be used quite loosely. The basic principle, though, is that smaller LED diodes allow for more LED diodes.Fitting more, and smaller, LED diodes behind the LCD pixels means images can be brighter. It means backlighting control can be more targeted and precise. It should allow for better control, which ought to mean less backlight bleed and stronger contrasts.

Why does Mini-LED matter?

Let’s start with what makes mini-LED special. By using more, smaller LEDs to illuminate the screen, a TV can have finer control over its highlights and shadows, for potentially better contrast and image quality, especially with HDR shows, movies, and games.

The following are the advantages:

• Improves the capabilities and applications of LED-backlit LCD when compared to other backlighting schemes.• Can rival the deep blacks or high contrast ratios of OLED and microLED displays while offering superior brightness and outdoor visibility.• It is a cost-effective alternative to microLED display technology. A Mini-LED IPS LCD can rival both OLEDs and microLEDs minus cost.

Below are the disadvantages:

• It is more expensive to manufacture than traditional LED-backlit LCD panels.• Manufacturers of LED chips need to increase their production capacity to keep up with upcoming demands.