Typically, there’s a fair amount of variety between each brand’s new TVs: In 2025, LG’s highlight was an expansion of its best-in-class OLED TVs, TCL worked hard on mini-LED, and Samsung’s claim to fame was a Neo QLED version of The Frame. Of course, there will be no shortage of new OLEDs and QLEDs in 2026. But the sudden rush into the RGB TV market is the most notable plot point.
Year of RGB TV and inevitable OLED x Mini-LED collaboration
For most of 2020, new TVs announced at CES mostly fell into one of two categories: fancy new OLED or fancy new mini-LED. TV innovation at CES this year finally strayed away from those two buzzwords, although they both went so that RGB TVs could play.
Did you know that the bulbs in most QLED or Mini LED TV backlights are only emitting white or blue light? Of course, this is not visible to the viewer. It’s actually the layer of quantum dot crystals on top that is reflecting white or blue light into all the colors you see on a TV screen. RGB TVs work a little differently on the backend. “RGB” refers to the thousands of microscopic red, green and blue LEDs illuminating the TV – these actual red, green and blue light sources are said to cover 100 percent of the color gamut (or the full possible spectrum of visible colors) and extend the TV’s color accuracy.
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Each of those red, green and blue LEDs are individually controlled like OLED pixels, providing far greater precision than even the most densely packed mini LED dimming zones. Therefore, Micro RGB TVs shouldn’t suffer from mediocre contrast and imperfect black levels like many non-OLED TVs, as well as achieve higher peak brightness than OLED.
Remember that the main trend here is the RGB technology itself – the term “Micro RGB” is just the marketing name that Samsung and LG are using. As of now, Hisense is going with “RGB Mini-LED” while Sony is rumored to have “True RGB” ready. We expect other top TV brands to also reveal their own versions of RGB at CES 2026 (TCL launched two RGB TVs in China in September 2025 that could make their US debut at CES.) Regardless of the nomenclature, as long as RGB is involved, just think “the most colorful TV you’ve ever seen.”
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Big TVs are getting bigger, small TVs are getting better
Brands will likely load the 85- to 100-inch (or larger) end of the spectrum with their 2026 flagship TVs, while TVs closer to the 100-inch mark were more common in previous years. Samsung’s CES TV lineup, much of which was leaked in early December, shows off a new 98-inch version of The Frame. What’s even stranger is that LG’s 2026 Micro RGB line is apparently only available in 75, 86, and 100 inches.
75 inch TV is difficult to guess the youngest Option, given that 65 inches has always been a dominant size in the TV market. Mashable currently recommends a 65-inch TV as the best size for most people, but will it soon be considered “small”?
But you won’t be left in the dust if your living room or bedroom requires a smaller TV footprint. We’re seeing a growing trend of smaller TVs, a trend currently demonstrated with the 32-inch and 43-inch versions of Samsung’s The Frame or the 42-inch and 48-inch versions of LG’s flagship C5 OLED TV. So far, Samsung has confirmed that it’s expanding its premium Micro RGB technology to a 55-inch model in 2026, and it wouldn’t be surprising if other brands also offer a similarly versatile size. Ahead of CES, Hisense recently released the S5 DecoTV, a 32-inch QLED TV that’s much more affordable than the smallest The Frame TV.
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The above Samsung TV leak also points to some more affordable OLED TVs on the horizon, including a 55-inch S85H model that will reportedly cost around $1,000. This will be slightly cheaper than the current selling price on the 42-inch version of Samsung’s premium S90F OLED.
This is a prime example of the classic trickle down TV technology we’ve seen with QLED and mini-LED over the past few years. Both of these began as innovative high-end TV technologies found only in the most expensive categories. But as QLED and mini-LED panels gradually became easier and cheaper to manufacture, the technology was modified over time to bring about more budget-friendly forms. 2026 could be the year OLED TVs get a taste of true accessibility, as Samsung likely isn’t the only brand taking a more budget-friendly take on OLED.
The new Art TV has Frame Pro shaking in the boot
It looks like Samsung is taking a break from The Frame at CES 2026 after announcing The Frame Pro at CES a year ago. Naturally, LG is taking the opportunity to move forward with (finally) its first version of an art TV. Announced on December 30, the LG Gallery TV will feature the hallmark glare reduction finish that differentiates Art TVs from regular TVs, as well as the expected ambient light sensors. It will feature LG’s MiniLED technology and full-array local dimming – a major blow to The Frame Pro’s edge-lit mini-LED lighting. The full selection of artwork will require a $5/month LG Gallery+ subscription, which matches the monthly price of the Samsung Art Store.
This isn’t the only Frame Pro competitor we might meet this year. The TCL Nxtvision A400 Pro, another new art TV with local dimming zones instead of edge lighting, is already available in China, and may be officially announced for the US at CES. Will Hisense also bring a new CanvasTV?
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