What matrixes are in Xiaomi TVs: a complete guide by type, comparison and choice

Choosing a Xiaomi TV is always a compromise between price, screen size and picture quality. But if diagonal and resolution are more or less clear, there is often confusion with the matrix, its type depends on contrast, viewing angles, color reproduction and even comfort in the dark. In this article, we will understand what matrixes Xiaomi uses in their models, how to distinguish them and which to choose for different scenarios, from the theater at home to game consoles.

Many people mistakenly think that all TVs of the brand are equipped with the same screens, but this is not true. The Mi TV range includes both budget models with VA-matrixes and premium devices with OLED and QLED. Even within the same series (for example, Mi TV Q2), there may be different types of panels depending on the region of sale or year of release. We analyzed technical specifications, user reviews and data from service centers to compile an up-to-date guide.

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Types of matrixes in Xiaomi TVs: VA, IPS, OLED and QLED

To date, Xiaomi TVs use four main types of matrixes, each of which has its own characteristics:

• 📺 VA (Vertical Alignment is the most common in budget and mid-budget models, with high contrast but weak viewing angles.
• 🖥️ IPS (In-Plane Switching is less common, mainly in models for offices or public spaces; it is better at transmitting colors at an angle, but loses. VA contrastingly.
• 💡 OLED — It is used in premium series (e.g. Mi). TV Master OLED). Self-luminous pixels provide perfect black and instant response.
• 🌈 QLED — improved VA/IPS with quantum dots for a wider color gamut. Used in flagships (Mi) TV Q2/Q2 Pro).

VA-Matrices dominate Xiaomi's lineup due to the balance of price and quality, providing black depth (up to 3000:1 static contrast in top models), which is critical for watching movies in a dark room.° The colors start to flush out, and the contrast drops, and you can see that if you're watching TV in a big company, sitting in the middle of the room.

IPS-matrixes in Xiaomi TVs are rare, mostly in models for commercial use (for example, Mi TV 4A Horizon Edition for hotels), their main advantage is a stable picture at any viewing angle (up to 178 °), but the contrast is usually less than 1000:1, which makes black look gray.

How to find out what matrix is in your Xiaomi TV

There are a number of ways to determine the type of matrix, from looking at specifications to visual tests, and we'll start with the most reliable method.

1. Check the model on the official website. Go to your TV page on mi.com, look for the "Specifications" section and see the Panel Type line. Note that for some regions (for example, India), the data may differ from the European versions.
2. Use the service menu. On the remote, click sequentially Menu → Settings → All Settings → Device Preferences → About → Status. Some models list a panel manufacturer (e.g., BOE or CSOT) from which you can determine the type of matrix.
3. Visual angle test: Turn on a monochromatic image (like a black background) and look at it from the side, and if the color is brighter, it's VA, if it's stable, it's IPS or OLED.

If none of the methods worked, use the database of panels on the site. RTINGS. Type a TV model into a search, and it usually lists the exact type of matrix and its manufacturer. TV P1 55" that'll be." VA-panel BOE direct-lit LED.

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To quickly check viewing angles, include videos with color gradients on YouTube (such as the "LCD Panel Test"), which will help you see how colors change as you change the viewing angle.

Important: In some models (for example, Mi TV 4S), the type of matrix may depend on the batch. Thus, early versions were equipped with VA, and later versions with IPS. If you buy a TV from hand, be sure to check this point with the seller.

Xiaomi Matrix Comparison: Which to Choose for Movies, Games and Office

The choice of matrix depends on how you plan to use the TV, and we have a table of recommendations for different scenarios:

For game consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X) VA-matrixes are best suited because of high contrast and low input lag. However, if you play in a bright room, pay attention to QLED - it is less glare. For movies, OLED is ideal, but only if you watch content in a dark room. In a brightly lit living room, OLED can lose even a budget VA due to low peak brightness (usually up to 800 nits versus 1200 nits in QLED).

If you need a TV for an office or kitchen where people are watching from different angles, it is better to choose a TV set. IPS. Despite the mediocre contrast, these arrays provide a comfortable viewing experience even from the side. TV 4A 32"s" IPS-The panel will be appropriate in the kitchen, where the viewing angle is more important than the depth of black.

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For HDR-content (Netflix, Disney)+, 4K Blu-ray) priority QLED and OLED. VA-Matrices in Xiaomi budget models often do not support full-fledged HDR Due to low brightness (less than 400 nits).

Xiaomi Matrix Problems: What You Need to Know Before Buying

Each type of matrix has not only advantages, but also characteristic disadvantages.

• ⚠️ VA-The Dirty Screen Effect (Dirty Screen Effect, DSE) — uneven backlighting, visible on monochromatic backgrounds (for example, in the console menu), especially relevant for models with side lighting (Mi). TV 4S).
• ⚠️ IPS-Matrices: Gray black and lighting of angles ("jamming" effect) when viewed in a dark room. In cheap models, you can see "clouding" - light spots on the corners.
• ⚠️ OLED-Matrices: Risk of static elements burning out (channel logos, game indicators). TV Master OLED There is protection against burnout, but it reduces the brightness through 2-3 year of intensive use.
• ⚠️ QLED-Matrix: Higher price with similar VA In terms of budgetary QLED (Like Mi. TV Q1E) Quantum dots may not give a noticeable advantage over VA.

One of the most common complaints about VA-Xiaomi's matrix is a very uneven lighting system. TV P1 55" users often notice brighter corners of the screen, which is striking when viewing dark scenes. The problem is with using sidelights (Edge-Lit) instead of full direct (Direct). LED). The latter is found only in top models such as the Mi. TV Q2 Pro.

⚠️ WARNING: If you buy a Xiaomi TV to watch sports broadcasts, avoid OLED-models with a refresh rate of 60 Hz. Fast movements (for example, a football) will look blurry. VA or QLED with 120 Hz (e.g. Mi) TV Q2 120Hz).

Another potential problem is color shifts in the IPS-In the matrices. In the Xiaomi Mi models TV 4A s IPS-Some users complain about the greenish shade of white, due to imperfect calibration in the factory, and you can manually correct the situation through the color profile settings (Settings). → Display & Sound → Picture → Color Temperature).

Matrixes in popular Xiaomi models: analysis by series

To make the choice easier, we analyzed the most popular Xiaomi TV series and indicated which arrays are used. Note that in some lines the type of panel may differ depending on the diagonal.

The Mi TV P1 series is one of the most balanced in terms of price/quality. It uses VA-matrixes from the manufacturers of BOE or CSOT with Direct LED backlit in large diagonals (65" and 75"). This provides good uniformity of backlighting, but in 55-inch versions can meet Edge-Lit, which leads to a "dirty screen." Contrast in this series reaches 4000:1, which is great for movies.

Mi TV Q2 and Q2 Pro is positioned as flagship models with support QLED. It is important to understand that in the basic version Q2 commonplace VA-a matrix with quantum dots, whereas Q2 Pro is equipped with a full-fledged QLED-A panel with improved color reproduction (up to 90% DCI-P3). The difference is especially noticeable when viewing HDR-In the Pro version, the colors look more saturated, and the brightness is higher by 200-300 nits.

Mi TV Master OLED — single-series OLED-matrix LGD. This is where the technology is used. W-OLED, This model has two significant disadvantages: first, the peak brightness of only 800 nits (versus 1200 nits). QLED), And second, the risk of burnout from prolonged display of static elements. Xiaomi tries to combat this with the Pixel Refresh feature, but it reduces the brightness of the screen by 10-15% after 2-3 years of use.

How to extend the life of the matrix of the Xiaomi TV: tips for care

The life of the matrix depends not only on its type, but also on the operating conditions. By following a few simple rules, you can significantly extend the life of the screen:

Turn off the TV at night (especially for the benefit of the OLED).|

Avoid static images for longer than 2 hours (logos, pauses in games).|

Set the brightness not above 70% for OLED (on the menu: Settings → Display → Brightness).|

Use the "Energy Saving" mode for VA/IPS (reduces backlight heating).|

Regularly update the firmware (backlit bugs are fixed).

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For OLED-It is critical to avoid displaying static items for long periods of time. For example, if you often watch news channels with a permanent logo in the corner, turn on Logo Luminance Adjustment (in the Settings menu). → Picture → OLED Care. It automatically reduces the brightness of static areas, and it is also recommended to start the Pixel Refresh process every 6 months (also on the menu), which restores the uniformity of the backlight.

Owners. VA- and IPS-In the budget models of Xiaomi (for example, Mi) you should pay attention to overheating. TV 4A) The cooling system is often inadequate, leading to backlight degradation. To avoid this, do not place the TV in closed niches and ensure a gap of at least 10 cm at the back for ventilation. If the TV is too hot (the body is hot to the touch), reduce the brightness to 60% and turn off the Dynamic Contrast feature.

⚠️ Attention: If on screen VA-When you see a Xiaomi TV, you get vertical bars when you watch dark scenes, which can be a sign of a matrix or a backlight driver malfunction, and in this case, don't try to fix the problem yourself, just go to the service center. Independent disassembly of the TV will lead to loss of warranty.

For QLED-The main danger of the matrices is the burning of quantum dots at high brightness. To avoid this, do not use Vivid or Dynamic mode all the time. The optimal profile is Movie or Standard with a brightness of less than 80%. Also avoid direct sunlight on the screen: UV light accelerates the degradation of quantum dots.

Frequent questions about Xiaomi Matrixes (FAQ)