Tests show newer OLED TVs can still experience significant burn-in because they're much brighter, proving that you can't have your cake and eat it

Recent tests on OLED TVs from 2020 to 2023 reveal that increased brightness may not be the solution to burn-in issues, despite advancements in panel technology. RTings' long-term study found that the newer OLED models are 28% brighter than their 2017 counterparts in a 10% SDR window test, and an astounding 52% brighter in sustained full-screen SDR conditions.

Despite these improvements, the 2023 OLED TVs still experienced noticeable burn-in after 10,500 hours of non-stop CNN viewing, a worst-case scenario test that mimics 10 years of constant screen exposure.

Interestingly, the study suggests that reducing the brightness settings on newer OLED TVs could potentially extend the burn-in-free lifespan, as the higher brightness levels generate more cumulative stress on the display. However, this approach may not be practical for the majority of users who consume content with mixed brightness levels.

The study concludes that for most users, burn-in remains an unlikely issue when viewing diverse content. Nonetheless, adjusting the brightness could be a viable option for those with static-heavy SDR workloads.

While this news may disappoint those desiring the brightest OLED screens possible, RTings emphasizes that the trade-off between brightness and burn-in resistance cannot be reconciled at present. Manufacturers are offering extended warranties to compensate for this limitation, but users should still take precautions to prolong their OLED TVs' lifespans.

With advancements in OLED technology rapidly evolving, it remains to be seen whether anti-burn-in measures will improve in the future. The question remains: how bright is your TV really needed to be?