TCL has filed a lawsuit against Samsung in the US District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that Samsung falsely labels its M-series TVs as Mini LED. The complaint claims that the M70H, M80H, and M90H models are rebranded entry-level Crystal UHD TVs that lack full array local dimming (FALD) technology.
According to the lawsuit, Samsung's M-series TVs use software-based dimming rather than hardware-based local dimming. TCL asserts that these models contain LEDs measuring 0.5 mm, which contradicts the industry-accepted definition of Mini LEDs as being between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm. The M-series backlights consist of two aluminum strips rather than an array.
Samsung’s M-series TVs are priced between $300 for a 43-inch model and $2,300 for a 100-inch model. While Samsung uses the term Supreme Mini LED Dimming for these sets, product documentation notes that this feature is software-based. Samsung has stated it intends to defend against the lawsuit.
Industry experts, including analysts from Counterpoint Research and Yole Intelligence, suggest that FALD is a mandatory feature for Mini LED technology. Testing by RTINGS found the Samsung M80H had a contrast ratio of 6,440:1, while the Samsung Neo QLED QN80H, which uses individually addressable dimming zones, reached 80,000:1.
The dispute highlights the lack of standardized definitions for marketing terms like Mini LED in the television industry. Manufacturers currently define these technologies independently, leading to potential consumer confusion. Experts note that there is no regulatory authority to enforce specific standards for these display labels.
