OLED Monitors: Bright Futures, But Still Some Shady Areas?

One of the authors of the Hardware Unboxed and Monitor Unboxed channels purchased an OLED monitor and now reports on the burn-in process every three months. A recent video on the channel shows the state of the monitor after 21 months of use. This concerns the MSI MPG 321URX model based on the QD-OLED panel. As can be seen, burn-in is present, noticeable, though often only if you look closely. In the past three months, the situation hasn’t changed much except for one important aspect: brightness has started to decrease.

If the first signs of burn-in appeared only six months after purchase, brightness has only started to fall now. So far, it’s slight: from 243 to 238 cd/m². How quickly it will continue to decline is unclear. It can also be noted that in the first year, the white temperature decreased, but in the second year, it has hardly changed.

The author roughly repeats his conclusion from the previous review. If you use the monitor primarily for games and video viewing, burn-in probably shouldn’t be feared for at least three years, if not longer. In his case, he does not spare the monitor and uses it for five to eight hours a day, every day, precisely for work.

Latest Developments in OLED Technology

In recent times, OLED technology has seen various advancements aimed at reducing burn-in rates. Companies like Samsung are investing heavily in enhancing QD-OLED panels, focusing on longer-lasting brightness and better energy efficiency. These improvements are crucial for users concerned about the longevity of their displays.

Additionally, expert opinions often highlight that while OLED monitors offer unparalleled display quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks, the issue of burn-in remains a significant consideration for long-term use. Manufacturers are actively working on solutions such as better pixel refresh policies and advanced algorithms designed to minimize static image retention.

Consumer Insights and Expectations

Latest consumer reports indicate a growing demand for OLED monitors, especially among gamers and video editors who prioritize color accuracy and contrast ratios. However, the same reports caution users to be aware of the potential for image persistence over time, nudging manufacturers to speed up innovations in this area.

Overall, while OLED offers substantial benefits, it’s essential for consumers to weigh these against the possibility of burn-in, particularly when choosing a monitor for prolonged or intensive use.