Samsung QLED TV Teardown Reveals Technology That Proves ‘Real’ Value

Samsung QLED TV Teardown 

Reveals Technology That Proves ‘Real’ Value

[PRESS RELEASE]

Samsung Electronics has been leading display innovation for years — most notably by pioneering the company’s first commercialization of cadmium-free quantum dot materials. This groundbreaking technology has since become the cornerstone of achieving precise color reproduction and exceptional picture quality. Touted as the next-generation material, it has also drawn attention not just in the TV industry, but also in other sectors like medical devices and solar cells.

With the introduction of QLED TVs, Samsung has redefined the television landscape, integrating this innovative quantum dot technology into its products. By leveraging the properties of these ultra-fine quantum dots, QLED displays achieve a broader color gamut and higher brightness, elevating picture quality to levels that traditional LED TVs cannot match.

▲ Samsung QLED TVs offer best-in-industry picture quality, audio performance, AI features and connectivity.

What sets Samsung QLED TVs apart from conventional LED TVs? Samsung Newsroom had the opportunity to meet with researchers Kevin Cha and Jang Nae-won from the Visual Display Business and disassemble a Samsung QLED TV to reveal the secrets behind its stunning performance — literally behind the screen.

1. Operating Module: The Brain of TV

1) Rear Cover

▲ The back panel protects internal components, prevents overheating, supports audio and provides convenient connectivity.

The back panel of a TV serves more than just a structural frame; it protects internal components and effectively manages heat. It houses speakers for audio support and facilitates easy device connections, improving the overall user experience.

2) Main PCB (Printed Circuit Board)

▲ The main PCB handles the TV’s essential functions.

The main PCB acts as the brain of the TV, overseeing functions such as power supply, remote control reception and SmartThings connectivity. This critical component controls the entire system, ensuring the television operates smoothly.

3) TV Tuner

▲ The TV tuner receives broadcast signals for display on the screen.

The TV tuner is responsible for receiving and converting broadcast signals for display on the screen. The rise of streaming services and increased use of external device connections has led many users to prefer smart monitors without tuners. However, by definition, a “television” must include this component.

4) AI Processor

▲ The AI Processor manages AI features like picture and audio optimization.

At the heart of the Samsung QLED TV is the Q4 AI Processor chip. This advanced component manages AI functionalities such as picture and audio optimization and AI assistants. By automatically adjusting both image and sound based on the surrounding environment, the AI processor makes the viewing experience more immersive.

5) Speakers

▲ The speaker deliver immersive sound.

Speakers are more than simple output devices. With high-resolution audio and a room-filling sense of space, Samsung QLED TV speakers greatly enhance the viewing experience.

2. Panel

1) Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Layer and Color Filter

 

▲The liquid crystal layer and color filter control light, while the board attached to the bottom of this module controls light at the pixel level to create images.

The panel’s structure comprises several intriguing components. The liquid crystal layer and color filter are essential parts of the panel’s basic structure. The liquid crystal layer controls light passage, while the color filter separates colors and creates images at a pixel level. The PCB, which is attached to the panel, precisely controls each pixel, fine-tuning the image.

2) Optical Sheet

▲ The optical sheet concentrates light from the backlight to enhance brightness.

The optical sheet concentrates light from the backlight, ensuring a brighter and more uniform image across the display. By gathering light, it elevates the general brightness of the display.

3) QD (Quantum Dot) Layer

▲ The QD layer utilizes real quantum dots.

The next step reveals the QD layer — perhaps the most important core component of Samsung QLED TVs. The layer actually utilizes quantum dot materials to convert light sources. This ensures more precise and vibrant colors than conventional technologies, resulting in lifelike visuals. The QD materials in this layer are certified No-Cadmium, enabling safer quantum dot TVs that do not contain harmful substances.

4) Diffuser Plate

▲ The diffuser plate spreads light evenly across the panel.

This diffuser plate scatters light emitted from the backlight and spreads it evenly across the panel to eliminate excessively bright spots and maintain natural illumination.

5) Blue LED Backlight

▲ Each image shows the differences between the Samsung QLED TV (left) and a conventional LCD TV (right).

Samsung QLED TVs use a bright and efficient blue LED backlight. When paired with the QD layer, this backlight produces highly pure colors and achieves greater light efficiency than traditional white LEDs in standard LCD TVs, leading to enhanced overall luminance.

3. Three Key Requirements for a Real Quantum Dot TV

▲ There are three key requirements for a real quantum dot TV.

To qualify as a real quantum dot TV, three conditions must be met: the presence of a QD layer, sufficient quantum dot concentration and a blue backlight. Once a TV meets all three conditions, it can be considered a real quantum dot TV.

Samsung QLED TVs are the only models in the world to satisfy these criteria, earning the ‘Real Quantum Dot Display’ certification from TÜV Rheinland, a prominent international certification body based in Germany. This recognition underscores the excellence of Samsung’s QLED technology.

4. Striking Difference Between QLED and LCD

▲ Each picture shows the difference between the Samsung QLED TV (left) and conventional LCD TV (right).

The differences between Samsung QLED and traditional LCD TVs are evident even to the naked eye but especially striking when measured with professional tools.

▲ Samsung QLED TV Color Spectrum Graph

For Samsung QLED TVs, the wavelengths of red, green and blue colors exhibit narrow bandwidths and distinct peaks in their emission spectrum, resulting in meticulous color representation. Viewers can see natural visuals and exceptional picture quality with rich, deep colors.

▲ Conventional LCD TV Color Spectrum Graph

In contrast, LCD TVs without QD layers display generally lower peaks, a wider bandwidth in green as well as multiple peaks in red, hindering accurate color reproduction. To compensate, these TVs often require multiple layers for color correction, ultimately reducing light efficiency.

The in-depth teardown reveals that Samsung QLED TVs are built with sophisticated technology that goes beyond basic explanations. Every component that manages light works in harmony, culminating in breathtaking image quality. The QD layer, in particular, significantly enhances the richness and vibrancy of colors. The intricate technology behind these displays makes a substantial difference in overall picture quality.

At IFA 2025, Samsung Electronics showcased its technological prowess by establishing a “Real QLED Zone,” promoting the concept of “Buy Real, Not Fake.” Samsung QLED TVs represent the pinnacle of cutting-edge technology, pushing the boundaries of premium viewing experiences. With Samsung’s QLED TVs, viewers can truly appreciate the remarkable difference that quantum dot technology delivers.

For more information, please visit: https://news.samsung.com/my/

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

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