In 2026, smart TVs are expected to undergo major changes that significantly distance them from what they were just a year earlier. Numerous technological innovations were presented at the CES 2026 fair, but it was the announcements made by television manufacturers that attracted the most attention. The new generation of televisions brings better quality panels, significantly more powerful processors and functions that turn televisions into much more than just a screen for movies and series.
Of course, not every new model introduces revolutionary technology. Mini LED TVs have been around since 2019, but in 2026 they reach a significantly higher level of maximum brightness and color accuracy. One of the most anticipated models is the LG X11L SQD-Mini LED, which shows that proven technology can remain relevant. Still, if you’re interested in what’s really changing the market, these are the key papers to follow.
Micro RGB technology
Classic LED TVs use white or blue LEDs that illuminate the LCD panel, while the colors are formed by filtering the light. Samsung and LG are now introducing Micro RGB technology, which uses extremely tiny red, green and blue LEDs for direct backlighting.
This approach allows for significantly more accurate color reproduction and a more vivid image thanks to pixel-level color control. Although it seems like a logical step, this technology has become possible only now, because it requires extremely complex controllers and advanced AI processing that manages colors and lighting in real time.
Samsung presented the first Micro RGB TV in August 2025, while LG further improves this technology with Micro RGB evo panels. Hisense is also developing similar solutions. Samsung is planning models from 55 to even 130 inches, making Micro RGB more accessible to a wider audience.
A big advance in OLED technology
OLED panels have been considered superior to classic LED screens for years due to their perfect black color and high contrast. However, there is still room for improvement, so manufacturers apply different approaches.
Samsung is advancing QD-OLED technology, where a quantum-dot layer that produces blue light is used, which achieves higher maximum brightness and a wider color volume compared to classic WOLED panels. The Samsung S95H model, as the flagship of the 2026 offer, brings a wide range of colors and stable image quality regardless of the viewing angle.
LG is going the other way. The G6 and C6 series use a four-layer Tandem WOLED panel, which increases brightness, improves black levels and reduces reflections. LG claims that their Hyper Radiant Color Technology enables almost four times the maximum brightness compared to older OLED generations.
“Wallpaper” TVs and ultra-thin design
As picture quality reaches new levels, the trend of televisions that visually blend into the space is also logical. LG OLED evo W6 is an example of the so-called “wallpaper” TV, with an extremely thin case and almost invisible edges. With no visible cables, the TV looks like part of the wall or a piece of art on the wall.
Ultra-thin design will be an important trend during 2026, not only for living rooms but also for outdoor use. Sylvox presented a Frameless Outdoor TV with IP56 protection, resistant to water and dust, intended for terraces and yards, but with a design that fits into contemporary exteriors.
Deep integration of artificial intelligence
The most widespread change in 2026 will be AI processing built directly into televisions. LG, Hisense and other manufacturers have shown TVs with dedicated AI processors that improve image scaling, motion processing, HDR tone mapping and sound and color optimization in real time.
The Google TV platform gets additional features with Gemini AI, enabling more natural voice interaction and smarter content recommendations.
Samsung goes the furthest with the Vision AI concept. This technology becomes a central part of the new models, integrating voice assistants, content recommendations and connecting to the SmartThings ecosystem, so that user habits are unified across all Samsung devices.
Advanced built-in streaming platforms
Although external devices like Fire TV Stick and Roku have long been the standard, smart TVs in 2026 increasingly offer fully functional and fast streaming solutions without the need to purchase additional equipment.
Roku TVs with their own operating system simplify navigation and speed up the operation of applications, while Google TV with AI functions further improves the user experience. With significantly more powerful processors, modern smart TVs in 2026 will run applications faster, more stably and without lags, making additional devices unnecessary, writes BGR.