Overview
- An accelerated RTINGS longevity test found dead pixels creeping in from the screen edges on 14 of 16 WOLED TVs made between 2020 and 2023 after 18,000 hours of run time, roughly a decade of typical use.
- Panels built on LG Display’s earlier WBC design showed the most severe edge rot while newer WBE (deuterium-doped) panels performed better but still showed damage in most samples.
- Samsung Display’s QD-OLED samples in the test had no dead pixels and only showed burn-in, indicating the edge-rot pattern may be specific to LG’s WOLED construction.
- RTINGS and outside experts say the likely cause is tiny flaws in the panel’s thin protective seal that let moisture in, but that theory is not yet proven and RTINGS has slightly lowered WOLED reliability scores while it tests newer Tandem panels.
- Owners and buyers of older or used LG WOLED TVs are advised to inspect screen edges with a full-screen solid color, note that LG says only a small number of units under prolonged heat or humidity may be affected, and check that U.S. five-year limited panel coverage applies only to G, Z, and M series with labor costs after year one.