Rtings.com Test: Modern OLED TVs Are Still Susceptible to Burn-in

Modern OLED TVs are still susceptible to burn-in, according to Rtings.com testing, but increased brightness and efficiency offer new opportunities to preserve panel life.

A comprehensive longevity test conducted by Rtings.com reveals that current OLED televisions have a similar sensitivity to burn-in as 2017 model panels. As a result of 10,000 hours of simulated news channel broadcasting, it was observed that new generation devices also experienced image retention.

However, modern OLED panels can achieve much higher brightness levels than previous generations and offer significant gains in energy efficiency. These technical improvements can help users preserve panel life by allowing them to use their devices at lower brightness settings.

Huge Increase in Brightness and Efficiency

The testing process covers OLED models from different years from 2017 to 2023 and is based on real-world scenarios where devices are operated at maximum SDR brightness settings. The data obtained shows that 2023 model OLED televisions offer 28% higher sustainable brightness than 2017 models.

In full-screen brightness tests, 2023 panels reach more than twice the brightness value of 2017 models. This performance increase does not have a negative impact on energy consumption; On the contrary, 2023 models provide approximately 27% higher energy efficiency than their 2017 counterparts.

While a 2017 model OLED TV consumes 130W of power for 100 nits of brightness, a 2023 model device consumes only 95W at the same brightness level. This proves that modern televisions can deliver higher performance with less energy.

New Strategies for Users

Test results remind us that due to the nature of OLED panels, organic pixels will continue to wear out over time and the risk of burning is not completely eliminated. However, its high brightness capacity gives users the chance to reduce the stress on the panel by allowing them to use their devices at lower brightness settings instead of operating them at maximum level.

LCD panels still outperform OLED models in terms of brightness, thanks to their backlighting technology. However, advances in OLED technology make it possible for current flagship models to be used easily even in sunny rooms.

Experts emphasize that users should not disable the internal panel protection features on their televisions. The intelligent management systems offered by modern OLED televisions protect the pixels, making the problem of burn-in largely unimportant in daily use. In your opinion, is it more important to increase brightness in OLED televisions or to protect technologies that will extend panel life?