If you’re planning on buying a good TV in 2026, you are probably faced with one of the biggest dilemmas in years: Do you buy a budget MiniLED TV right now, or wait a few months for OLED to get even cheaper? MiniLED models have never been more affordable. At the same time, OLED panel prices are collapsing, and entry level OLEDTVs have also become more accessible. So here’s a breakdown of everything you should consider.

The 2026 Price Reality

For the first time in years, OLED is no longer the “luxury only” option. In 2026, solid 55-inch MiniLED TVs sit comfortably in the $500–700 range, while premium MiniLED models stretch toward $1,000. That used to undercut OLED by a massive margin.

But this is not the case anymore. OLED TVs are now starting around $599, which is near all-time lows, thanks to major manufacturing cost reductions. The cost to produce a 65-inch OLED panel has dropped from roughly $1,000 in 2020 to under $500 by 2025-26. That shift alone is reshaping the mid-range TV market. In simple terms, the price gap between MiniLED and OLED has nearly disappeared.

The Game Changed in OLED Panels

The biggest disruption in 2026 isn’t just pricing, it’s the new OLED SE panels. Launching in Spring 2026, this cost-optimized OLED panel removes the polarizer layer to reduce production costs while still delivering around 1,000 nits of peak brightness and 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage. That’s more than enough for cinematic viewing and HDR content. So you can expect to see this panel in models like the LG B6 and the Samsung S85H.

This isn’t a stripped-down OLED. It’s essentially a smarter, cheaper OLED, which changes the buying equation dramatically. If you can wait a few months, these models may undercut many mid-range MiniLEDs while delivering true OLED performance.

Real-World Reliability: Burn in and Long Term Use

Budget MiniLED TVs offer a compelling package right now. These are often brighter panels than most OLEDs at the same price point, more affordable than top OLED counterparts, and offer better longevity. This is especially true for users who are concerned about burn-in, which is basically when static logos or UI elements become permanently visible over long periods. However, recent testing shows major improvements.

Many OLED TVs now last well over 10,000 hours without significant issues when used normally, marking a longer lifespan than typical ownership cycles. Still, if your usage includes long periods with static images (news tickers, desktop mirroring, gaming HUDs), MiniLED might remain the safer choice for worry-free daily use. OLED’s pixel-level control and pixel refresher tech have helped greatly, but the theoretical risk still lingers for some buyers.

Buy Now or Wait?

When deciding, consider your priorities:

Buy a Budget MiniLED TV if:

• You want a bright, vibrant screen today without waiting
• You watch a lot of sports, daytime TV, or HDR content in bright rooms
• You’re worried about OLED burn-in risks
• You don’t want to wait for price drops later

Wait for Cheaper OLED TVs if:

• Contrast, black levels, and cinematic picture quality matter most
• You want wide viewing angles for a larger family or living room
• You’re willing to time purchases with sales or panel price drops in 2026
• Your budget can stretch a bit for an OLED TV with better picture fidelity

The Takeaway

Budget MiniLED TVs are a solid choice in 2026, delivering bright, colorful images and strong performance right now. But OLED’s advantage in contrast, black depth, and cinematic picture is becoming more accessible as prices fall and newer, cheaper models arrive. If you need a TV right now, a MiniLED will satisfy most users beautifully. If you want the best possible picture and can time your purchase, waiting a few months for an affordable OLED could deliver more long-term value.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

Don’t miss a thing! Join our Telegram community for instant updates and grab our free daily newsletter for the best tech stories!

The post Should You Grab a MiniLED TV or Wait for Budget OLED TVs? appeared first on Gizmochina.