The television industry is poised for a significant technological transition in 2026, moving beyond the incremental refinements that characterized much of 2025. While that year solidified the excellence of models like the Samsung S95F OLED and introduced the first wave of massive RGB MiniLED sets, the coming year promises to democratize and refine this next-generation display technology. The spotlight at CES 2026 and throughout the year will shine brightly on RGB MiniLED (and its variant marketing names like Micro RGB and True RGB), as major manufacturers pivot their flagship strategies to embrace its potential for unprecedented brightness, color volume, and contrast. This shift represents a concerted effort to combine the infinite contrast of OLED with the blistering peak brightness of traditional LED-LCD, aiming to create a new pinnacle for premium home cinema. From LG’s long-awaited entry to Samsung’s broader portfolio and Sony’s meticulous implementation, 2026 is set to be the year RGB MiniLED transitions from a niche, statement product to a mainstream contender.
LG Enters the Arena with Micro RGB evo
LG, a dominant force in OLED, is making a strategic entry into the high-end LED market with its Micro RGB evo series (expected model MRGB95). Significantly, LG is targeting more living-room-friendly sizes—75, 86, and 100 inches—contrasting with the colossal 115-inch+ screens that debuted the technology. This suggests a focus on practical adoption. The sets will be powered by LG’s new α11 AI Processor Gen 3, promising enhanced AI upscaling and processing. A major claimed advantage is full coverage of demanding color spaces like BT.2020, DCI-P3, and Adobe RGB, which could set a new benchmark for color accuracy and fidelity in consumer televisions. However, early specifications indicate a relatively modest dimming zone count compared to competitors, which may impact its ability to match the absolute contrast control of rivals with more granular backlight arrays. LG’s foray will test whether its processing prowess and color science can compensate in a highly competitive new segment.
Samsung Expands Micro RGB with a Focus on Accessibility
Building on the foundation of its 2025 MR95F, Samsung plans a dramatic expansion of its Micro RGB lineup in 2026, introducing models as small as 55 inches. This is a critical move to bring the technology down from its stratospheric $30,000 price point and into direct competition with high-end OLED and conventional Mini-LED TVs. The expanded size range will allow consumers to choose the technology without requiring a dedicated home theater. Samsung promises these new models will also achieve full BT.2020 coverage and will integrate an updated AI processor. A notable addition is support for Eclipsa Audio, the open-source spatial audio format co-developed by Samsung and Google, positioning these TVs as hubs for next-generation immersive sound. This aggressive scaling indicates Samsung’s confidence in Micro RGB as its future flagship LED technology, aiming to offer a compelling brightness and color volume alternative to its own QD-OLED panels.
Sony’s Meticulous Approach: The True RGB Debut
Sony, renowned for its superior video processing and color calibration, is preparing its entrance into the arena with its “True RGB” branded technology. Trademarks and industry rumors suggest models like the Bravia 10, Bravia 9 II, and Bravia 7 II, spanning sizes from 50 to 115 inches. Sony’s implementation is highly anticipated, as the company’s strength has never been in being first to market but in refining technology to achieve reference-level performance. Expectations are for the combination of custom-engineered LED modules with Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR to deliver exceptional motion handling, upscaling, and real-time image optimization. Running on Google TV, these sets will likely emphasize seamless integration with the Android ecosystem. Sony’s entry will serve as a key benchmark, testing whether meticulous engineering and superior processing can deliver a perceptible advantage in a field where raw specs like dimming zone counts often dominate the conversation.
The OLED Counterpoint: Samsung’s Next-Generation S99H
Even as RGB MiniLED garners attention, OLED technology continues to evolve. Samsung is rumored to be preparing a new flagship OLED model, potentially called the S99H, to succeed the acclaimed S95F. Details remain scarce, but it is expected to inherit the quantum dot color enhancement and anti-reflective layers of its predecessor while introducing generational improvements in brightness and processing. Support for the Eclipsa Audio format is also anticipated. The existence of a new OLED flagship alongside an expanding Micro RGB portfolio highlights a bifurcated high-end strategy: Micro RGB for maximum luminance and impact in brighter rooms, and OLED for infinite contrast and pixel-perfect control in dedicated viewing environments. This competition between the two technologies at the peak of the market will drive innovation across the board, giving consumers more distinct and high-performing choices than ever before.
