Should I Get an OLED Laptop? Here’s the Bright and Clear Answer

Lately, all the rage in tech seems to be OLED displays. They’ve made their way to a plethora of devices, from TVs to mobile phones — and for good reason — these screens are an exciting evolution in display technology. But with their premium price tags, you’re probably wondering — are OLED laptops worth it?

Let’s examine what makes OLED screens unique, their drawbacks, and whether they’re the right choice for you.

What is OLED?

You’re probably familiar with light-emitting diodes, or LEDs; they’re used in practically everything nowadays — home lights, small devices, cars, and so much more. With their energy-efficient, low-heat capability to produce light, it’s no wonder they’ve become so popular.

OLED is another, more advanced type of LED, which stands for organic light-emitting diode. Unlike a traditional LED or liquid crystal display (LCD), which relies on backlighting that filters through a colored overlay, each pixel in an OLED display generates its own light.

Here’s how it works: OLED panels use organic compounds that light up when electricity flows through them. This allows for precise control over each pixel — meaning some can be turned off completely to produce deep blacks, while others shine brightly to create vibrant, engaging colors.

The benefits of OLED technology are numerous, including:

• An Infinite Contrast Ratio: True blacks and exceptional brightness create an immersive visual experience.
• Vivid Color Gamut: OLED panels cover a wide range of colors with impressive color accuracy — so whatever you’re watching can be closer to the producer’s intent.
• Thinner, Lighter Displays: OLED displays tend to be thinner because they don’t require a bulky backlight, which makes them sleek, light, and portable — perfect for a laptop display.

OLED Laptop FAQs:

Do Laptops Have OLED Displays?

We’ve hinted at it already, but to answer this frequently asked question directly: yes! Many laptops now feature OLED panels, especially in high-end models. Brands like Dell, ASUS, Lenovo, and more have embraced OLED displays in their premium lineups, offering a range of options for creators, gamers, and even casual users who want exceptional visuals.

Is an OLED Laptop Good for Gaming?

Absolutely! Laptops vs desktops have always been a point of contention among gamers. Still, OLED laptop gaming can offer you an unparalleled visual experience — especially if the laptop contains a powerful, desktop-grade graphics card like Nvidia’s RTX 4060 that can handle the fast refresh rates of modern OLED screens.

However, battery life is a factor to consider. While OLED screens are typically incredibly energy efficient, their higher price point means that their corresponding high-end hardware tends to consume more power, which might lead to shorter runtimes than LED or LCD laptops with less power-hungry components. If you primarily game while plugged in or just need to snag a quick League of Legends match or two while out and about, this trade-off might not matter.

OLED Laptop Burn-In: Is it a Concern?

One concern with OLED technology is the potential for burn-in, which occurs when a static image remains on the screen for an extended period, leaving a ghost-like imprint. This was a common phenomenon with plasma screens when they were the latest, greatest thing, but the idea of burn-in mostly disappeared during the LCD phase of screen tech. Alas, OLED screens have resurrected this issue.

But how real of a concern is burn-in on OLED panels? Admittedly, when comparing traditional LED vs OLED laptops, LEDs are less prone to burn in. However, manufacturers have mostly circumvented this issue in newer OLED panels thanks to innovations like pixel shift technology, which shifts the displayed image by a few pixels every couple of minutes, and image cleaning cycles that occur when the device is off.

However, if you use your OLED display for tasks with static UI elements—like spreadsheets or stock tickers—you may want to periodically change your screen layout to avoid issues.

LED vs LCD vs OLED Laptop Price Points

Price isn’t always the primary consideration when shopping for a new laptop. After all, you want something of high quality that lasts for a long time. Still, money matters — so let’s talk price point:

Cheapest — LCD: Liquid crystal displays tend to be the most affordable of the three options and are also the least likely to suffer from burn-in. However, they typically showcase the lowest contrast — blacks are often washed out, and the color gamut may not be as wide as an LED or OLED screen. Still, they are a solid option if you want something budget-friendly.

Mid-Grade LED: Standard LED displays often balance affordability and performance. They generally feature excellent color accuracy, brightness, and response time, and are less susceptible to burn-in than OLEDs. They also typically last longer than their LCD counterparts. Still, due to their backlit nature, their black levels are not typically as deep as one might prefer.

High-End — OLED: Generally, OLEDs elevate all of the advantages of traditional LED displays. They tend to feature rich colors, deep blacks, bright highlights, excellent viewing angles, and quick response times. However, they’re typically the most expensive of these three display options. But if you’re a hardcore gamer, entertainment enthusiast, or creator who wants to see their content at its best, OLED could be the perfect option.

So, are OLED Laptops Worth It?

We certainly believe so! Whether you’re dealing with a failing laptop, looking for a performance upgrade, or craving one of the best visual experiences on the market, a gaming laptop with OLED is an incredible option.

Looking for a laptop with stunning visuals? Stop by your nearest Rent-A-Center today, or check out our lineup of OLED laptops online to find the perfect fit for work or play!