If you’re wondering how to buy an OLED TV on Black Friday, there’s a chance you find the sheer number of deals on offer overwhelming. That’s nothing to be ashamed about, as the sale often features numerous models that feel like they offer a similar experience, at least on paper. Having extra contextual information on your side is the key to saving big on a screen that’s actually worthwhile, and we’re here to help you pluck out the best panel offers when the 2023 sale finally kicks off.
You only have to glance at Black Friday OLED TV deals to know that tons of discounted displays are due to show up this November. Same applies to wider Black Friday TV deals, but the market is full to the brim with organic LED options by the likes of LG, Samsung, and Sony. Some are older, others are brand new, and there’s quite a few that are still recent enough to be worth your time and money. That said, there’s more to picking up one of these models than its release date, and taking everything into account before investing is vital.
We’re not saying shopping for an OLED TV is a science, and we will ultimately be on hand this Black Friday to make things as simple as possible. However, not all deals are equal, as what was once considered the best gaming TV could now be considered bog standard. That’s not to say opting for basic doesn’t come with benefits, especially if you’re able to snag an entry-level model for cheap. Simply put, the key to purchasing the right screen is to know exactly what you’re buying and how it compares to alternatives, and we’ve got a handy breakdown of what that actually entails.
Thinking about TV specifics
Keep note of model numbers
We're not asking you to memorise TV mumbo jumbo model numbers, but keeping note of screens that catch your eye is incredibly useful. Not only will it enable you to quickly identify displays, it also helps keep track of its age. For example, you'd rather pick up the 2023 LG OLED C3, you'll be able to distinguish between it and the slightly older OLED C2. Trust us, it's not as easy as you'd think, as they're both very similar in terms of specs and aesthetics.
Carefully consider specs
It's easy to see OLED written on a TV box and assume its contents are cutting edge. However, that term merely refers to the screen's panel type, and the rest of its specs could fail to deliver the experience you require. We don't want to bog you down with technical specifications and jargon, but we've strongly advise checking the following traits before setting your heart on a specific display:
Resolution: 99% of OLED TVs out there should be 4K, but 8K is a thing.
Refresh rate: Faster 120Hz TVs help you harness every frame in competitive games, and you'll feel the difference compared to 60Hz.
Input lag: Just like with refresh rate, lower input lag is going to affect how your controller reactions respond on screen.
Brightness: Compared to traditional LED screens, OLED can lack brightness, and that'll affect your experience when gaming and watching content.
Sometimes, seeing raw specs within a product table isn't incredible helpful contextually. That's precisely why we like to test the latest displays on the market and share our thoughts on each model's abilities and specs within a review. We're not saying you have to go read all of our lovely coverage on the latest TVs, but it will break down why certain specs are good or bad.
New tech on the block
An extension of the above point about knowing your model/s is to consider the newest kids on the OLED TV block this autumn and winter. The two new QD-OLED TVs from Samsung and Sony mark the former's first foray into OLED TVs, and the latter's supreme excellence continuing in it.
If you've always hankered for one of the best OLED TVs but have reservations about burn-in or brightness levels, then the Samsung S95B and Sony A95K are going to be extremely worthy of your consideration. In brief, think about these two screens and that tech as offering the best of both OLED and QLED worlds in one panel.
These two TVs have shaken up the market, and have been met with universal acclaim; these really should be on your radar if you were looking at an OLED (or any premium) TV this year. In fact, such is the impact on the market of these panels this year - gaming, movies, or whatever your primary interest - we think the Black Friday QD-OLED deals will be big and some of the best 'niche' TV deals going.
Don't forget QLEDs
And while you thought you may be all about the OLED, Samsung's (and others) QLED TVs have made great refinements to their tech too. Sometimes, some of the best QLED TVs will give the OLED competition a serious run for their money.
This is specifically the case with top-end QLED models - the likes of Samsung QN90- and QN80-series TVs. They are also very worthy of your consideration when you're looking at putting your new TV in a brightly lit room. If your circumstances have changed or the position of the TV has then a QLED TV will serve you better (using a broad brush) in a room which is filled with natural light.
If you're after another dedicated page to keep by the side of your OLED options then our Black Friday QLED TV deals page is it.
Keep an eye on 'less premium' models
It's always tempting to get caught up in the frenzy of discounts on premium OLED TVs on Black Friday - they are the headline acts of course. However, if you move your gaze slightly lower down the spectrum you'll be able to find some belting deals this Black Friday on some still-excellent OLEDs.
Such TVs include LG's A- and B-series of exquisite panels which, while separate from the premium C and G lines, do offer the same pedigree and picture qualities. Sony's X-range of OELD TVs from the last couple of years are also excellent and offer all the enhancements known to that brand.
Remember these not-top-tier OLED TVs can still be some of the best gaming TVs or the best TVs for PS5 and Xbox Series X, and even have that HDMI 2.1 connection that can make them great value 120Hz 4K TVs.
Sometimes it's these very TVs that make the strongest argument for whether you should buy an OLED TV on Black Friday as they can slip underneath the radar.
Consider timing
Keep track of prices
It always pays to track prices no matter the time of year, but especially during sales season. Knowing the price and the value you're getting is a sure-fire route to knowing whether you should buy an OLED TV on Black Friday or not.
We know that retailers will TVs with hundreds off the MSRP, but using a tracker like CamelCamelCamel for Amazon means you actually see the prices journey over the past and see whether a TV really is at a lowest ever price, or if it's got a higher price than it did last month but it's still listed as a 'deal'.
One good rule is to be ready to commit, regardless of time, should one of this year's models fall to a Black Friday price that the previous iteration fell to. I.e. if the LG C2 falls to whatever price the LG C1 was last Black Friday then it's probably a deal worth jumping on - it might not go any lower.
Should you click buy before Black Friday?
Now we're right into the thick of November, you might feel like you should buy an OLED TV now, as opposed to on Black Friday itself if you see a deal.
If you're happy to potentially pay more to ensure you get your new OLED TV ahead of the crush, and get it sooner too, then there will definitely be some great OLED TV deals from now onwards.
Some retailers have offered Black Friday price guarantees in the past which will guarantee you a refund on the difference should you go early but the product's price does go further down. It's worth keeping an eye out for these promos now.
However, if you're after the lowest possible price going (or lowest potential price - we can't see into the future), you don't mind waiting for deals and stock, and you fancy your chances when it comes to the sales madness, then this can form the basis of a wait and see approach. You may find that this pays off, and you're able to stretch the budget or go for a different model given the sales on the day.
Remember to team price with size
Size matters within the world of TV deals, and there's a huge difference between Black Friday 75-inch TV deals and other screen offers on the market. For the most part, you're going to pay substantially more for an "extra large" screen, which usually covers anything over 55-inches. If you want a huge makeshift cinema screen for your living room, then this investment makes sense. Otherwise, you'll want to check for different size options at retailers, as switching from 65 to 55-inch could save you a substantial chunk.
Today's best deals
Whatever you decide to do, though, it's worth keeping some prices to hand or for reference, so below you'll find a whole bunch of the latest prices on great OLED TVs wherever you are.
Be sure to check out 4K 120Hz TV Black Friday deals if you're in the market for a great gaming screen. We've also got you covered when it comes to Black Friday gaming monitor deals too for those of you who like to hang out at a desk.
