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Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level
Though it has an extra white sub-pixel, the 42M2N89 isn’t as bright as other OLEDs I’ve tested. But it is bright enough. Like every OLED, it gets brighter as the average picture level decreases. I used 25% window patterns for this test. Peak output in the default Standard picture mode is just under 200 nits for a window and 135 nits for a full white field.
Black levels are just within my meter’s ability to measure as the screen isn’t completely blanked like other OLEDs. Visually there is no difference, but I recorded a super-low 0.007-nit result. That resulted in a 27,726.9:1 contrast ratio. While that may sound like a negative when compared to the other OLEDs, there is actually no visible difference in practice.
After Calibration to 200 nits
Since 193 nits is the 42M2N89’s peak output level, and I couldn’t calibrate it, the second set of results is the same – 0.007 nits black and 27,726.9:1 contrast.
The ANSI result is much higher because the 100% parts of the checkerboard pattern are smaller than a 25% window. They measured around 210 nits average, so the intra-image contrast ratio is higher. Don’t be swayed by the other panel’s infinite contrast and zero black levels. In practice, they don’t look any better than the 42M2N89. It’s just that my instruments are unable to measure their black luminance.
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