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How to Buy an OLED TV

How to · Tech

How to Buy an OLED TV

Upgrade your living room for the big game without paying for the whole TV upfront.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,300 before anything else
Across the 0% window $86.67/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,300 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

OLED screens are the gold standard for movies and sports because they show true black. They are built to last several years, so we recommend buying a high-end model once rather than replacing a cheaper LED every three seasons. You want the deep contrast for those night games and movie marathons.

Timing matters for your wallet. TV brands show off new models in January and ship them in the spring. This makes the weeks before the big game in February the best time to buy last year's flagship. You get the same high-end tech for hundreds of dollars less than the original sticker price.

This 15-month period is a deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance when the window closes, you will owe interest on whatever is left at the standard rate. Set up an autopay for $87 today so you don't have to think about it later.

The steps

  1. 01

    Target the older model

    Look for the previous year's 'C' or 'G' series models. Manufacturers slash prices in February to clear warehouse space for the new spring lineup. The picture quality between years is usually identical to the naked eye.

  2. 02

    Check your room lighting

    OLEDs have perfect contrast but aren't as bright as some other screens. If your living room has massive windows with direct sun, look for an 'evo' or 'QD-OLED' panel. These handle bright rooms better than standard OLEDs.

  3. 03

    Use the 15-month window

    The Discover it® Cash Back offers 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. If your TV costs $1300, you can pay $86.67 a month to finish the balance before the interest kicks in. It lets you keep your cash while you enjoy the upgrade.

  4. 04

    Skip the store warranty

    Modern screens have built-in software to prevent image retention or burn-in. Most manufacturers provide a solid first-year warranty anyway. You usually don't need to hand over extra cash for a store's protection plan.

  5. 05

    Measure your furniture

    A 65-inch TV is physically wider than a 55-inch stand. Check the distance between the TV's legs before you buy. We don't want your new screen hanging off the edges or wobbling on a small table.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Is OLED worth the extra money?

Yes, if you care about picture quality. The individual pixels turn off completely, which makes colors pop and shadows look realistic in a way standard TVs can't match.

Will the screen burn in?

It is very rare with current tech. The TV uses pixel shifting to keep the image fresh. Just avoid leaving a static news ticker on the screen for twelve hours a day.

Is February better than Black Friday?

For high-end TVs, yes. Black Friday is great for cheap doorbusters, but the best OLED deals often peak right before the Super Bowl.

Do I need a soundbar too?

Most thin TVs have tiny speakers that sound thin. We suggest budgeting a little extra for a soundbar if you want the audio to feel as big as the 4K picture.