At a Glance
- CES 2026 will spotlight the flashiest TV category with prototypes that push boundaries.
- Mini-LED and micro-RGB technologies are moving from flagship to budget models.
- OLED panels are getting brighter, and tariffs may shift pricing.
Why it matters: Improved picture quality and price impacts could reshape the TV market.
CES 2026 will bring a new wave of television technology, from budget mini-LEDs to flagship micro-RGBs and brighter OLEDs. The event also raises questions about how tariffs and supply costs will affect the market.
Mini-LED Breakthrough
The Hisense QD7 and TCL QM9, released in 2025, showcase mini-LED backlights that improve contrast and brightness at lower prices. Mini-LED uses thousands of tiny LEDs to create local dimming zones, offering a noticeable boost over standard LCDs. This trend is expected to continue into 2026 as more manufacturers adopt the technology.
Micro-RGB and OLED Advances
Samsung’s upcoming R95H and LG’s G5 demonstrate micro-RGB and dual-OLED stacks. Micro-RGB uses red, green, and blue micro-LEDs without color filters, enabling higher brightness and wider color gamuts. LG’s G5 layers two OLED panels, pushing brightness beyond previous OLED limits.
- Hisense QD7 (mini-LED, budget)
- TCL QM9 (mini-LED, flagship)
- Samsung R95H (micro-RGB)
- LG G5 (dual-OLED)
- LG C5 ($1,400 OLED, entry-level)
| Technology | Key Feature | Example TV |
|---|---|---|
| Mini-LED | Local dimming | Hisense QD7 |
| Micro-RGB | No color filter | Samsung R95H |
| OLED | Dual-panel brightness | LG G5 |
Price and Market Dynamics
Dolby Vision 2 and Samsung HDR10 Plus Advanced are making TVs brighter, but tariffs on imports have created price volatility. Many of the cutting-edge models are shown without set prices, with final tags expected months later. CES opens on Jan. 6, so consumers will soon see how these developments translate into retail costs.
Key Takeaways
- Mini-LED tech is trickling down from flagship to budget models.
- Micro-RGB and dual-OLED stacks are pushing brightness higher than traditional OLEDs.
- Tariffs and supply costs may keep prices unpredictable until after the show.
CES 2026 promises brighter, better-priced televisions, but the final impact on consumers will depend on how quickly the new technologies spread and how tariffs play out.
