A new type of quantum dot technology that can be utilised with both LCD and OLED TVs is believed to be nearing readiness. It promises to dramatically improve colour accuracy, and it could appear as early as next year in the flagship televisions of prominent brands.
The emergence of so-called “perovskite quantum dots” or P-QD was first reported by FlatpanelsHD, which said that the technology could well rival the new generation of Micro RGB TVs that feature RGB LED backlights, enhancing colour reproduction well beyond what today’s most powerful Mini-LED TVs can achieve.
As previously discussed by HDTVTest’s Vincent Teoh, Micro RGB TVs from brands such as Samsung and Hisense offer some of the purest colour reproduction yet seen. But the new generation of perovskite quantum dots are said to deliver more than 95% of the Rec.2020 colour gamut when displaying HDR content. If that’s really true, it would mean they’re able to match the performance of RGB LED backlights.
P-QD represents the third generation of quantum dots, and it’s believed that TCL may be one of the first companies to pioneer the technology. It’s said to provide a dramatic improvement in colour accuracy over both first- and second-generation quantum dots. The technology was originally based on a material called cadmium, but it was later found to be dangerously toxic and has been banned in many countries. As a result, TV manufacturers switched to indium quantum dots, but these are less effective than cadmium, providing only around 75% coverage of the Rec.2020 colour palette.
So there’s a lot of room for improvement, and if P-QD really does achieve greater than 95% coverage of the Rec.2020 gamut, it would surpass the capabilities of today’s best QD-OLED TVs, which can hit around 85%-90%, and Micro RGB, which is said to “approach” 95%. The effect would be absolutely noticeable and most likely a very impressive sight indeed. So it’s certainly something to look forward to.
TCL has not confirmed that it’s developing perovskite quantum dots, but there have been lots of rumours that suggest the technology could make its debut on the forthcoming TCL X11, which has already been announced as the company’s 2026 flagship model. TCL has referred to the technology as “Super Quantum Dot”, has promised it will achieve almost 100% Rec.2020 colour, and says it’s positioning the X11 ahead of its first Micro RGB televisions.
It’s said that TCL has been working with a Chinese company called Zhijing Nanotech to develop its Super Quantum Dot tech, and that relationship reportedly dates back to 2020, which is certainly long enough to think it may be ready for prime time.
It’s believed that Samsung Display is also working on perovskite quantum dots, but it’s not clear how much progress it has made – hence, it’s not clear when we’ll see the tech coming to that company’s iconic Neo QLED televisions.
On the other hand, there is more encouraging news courtesy of a South Korean firm called SN Display, which has recently been recognized by the organisers of CES 2026 as an “Honoree” for its work on “perovskite colour conversion film”. It’s not inconceivable that SN Display may end up working with Samsung Display, LG Display and other brands to commercialise its tale on P-QD technology.
