Industry experts are warning Kenyan consumers to exercise caution when purchasing televisions marketed as “QLED.” Investigations reveal that many products bearing the QLED label in the market may not feature the key technology that defines true QLED displays: quantum dots.
Quantum dots are semiconductor particles that emit precise colours when illuminated. Their use enables televisions to achieve superior brightness, 100% colour volume, and highly accurate, vivid colour reproduction compared to standard LED TVs. Without quantum dots, a TV cannot legitimately be classified as QLED.
Despite this, there is currently no regulatory standard governing the use of the term “QLED.” This loophole allows some manufacturers to label conventional LED TVs as QLED, even if the essential quantum dot technology is absent. Such practices are contributing to misleading marketing and confusion among buyers.
“Quantum dots are the heart of QLED technology. Without them, a TV cannot legitimately be called QLED,” said Sam Odhiambo, Head of Consumer Electronics Business at Samsung Electronics East Africa. “Kenyans should take caution and look closely at what they are purchasing,” he added.
Issues with Some “QLED” TVs in Kenya
According to industry observations:
- Some TVs advertised as “QLED” rely solely on standard white LED backlights or conventional LED panels.
- These models tend to deliver lower brightness levels, less vivid colours, and poorer overall colour accuracy compared to genuine QLEDs.
- Consumers may end up paying premium prices for products that lack the technological advantages promised by true QLED systems.
“There are serious concerns about transparency and value for money,” noted Odhiambo. “Some brands are selling conventional displays under the guise of QLED at price points similar to real QLED products.”
Additionally, there is no public verification from several brands operating in Kenya regarding whether their so-called QLED TVs are cadmium-free. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal traditionally used in some display manufacturing processes. Its presence or absence has implications for environmental safety and consumer health.
Importance of Quantum Dots in Display Technology
The global significance of quantum dots was underscored in 2023 when the Nobel Prize in Chemistry recognized their discovery and synthesis. Genuine QLED TVs use green and red quantum dots layered over blue LED backlights to achieve over one billion shades of colour and superior brightness — often up to 2,000 nits.
Samsung, one of the early pioneers of quantum dot displays, began developing the technology in 2001. It introduced the world’s first cadmium-free quantum dot TVs in 2015, emphasizing environmental responsibility alongside performance.
Samsung’s QLED models feature:
- 100% colour volume certification.
- Brightness levels significantly above conventional LED TVs.
- Durable quantum dot films designed for longevity without burn-in issues.
- Displays that are free from cadmium.
However, consumers should note that not every product labeled “QLED” guarantees these specifications.
Expert Advice: How to Identify True QLED TVs
Professor Doh Chang Lee from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology explained:
“To be considered a true quantum dot TV, the product must use quantum dots to create or convert colour. It is not enough to merely brand a product as QLED without the underlying quantum dot technology.”
Given the widespread misuse of the term, industry experts advise consumers to:
- Verify product specifications carefully.
- Seek proof or independent certification of quantum dot usage.
- Be wary of unusually low-priced “QLED” TVs.
- Prioritize brands with a clear record of technological integrity and transparent practices.
Final Thoughts
As televisions continue to serve as the centerpiece of modern home entertainment, Kenyan buyers are urged to look beyond marketing labels. A name alone does not guarantee cutting-edge quality.
Consumers are encouraged to focus on tangible specifications and to purchase from brands that demonstrate a long-standing commitment to innovation and transparency.
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