Why is LCD Manufacturer Better?

Published by Steve Litchfield at 16:13 UTC, October 22nd

Want more information on LCD Manufacturer? Feel free to contact us.

As an AMOLED fan for years, it's been fascinating seeing the way technology in the LCD world has caught up in terms of contrast and colours. In fact, judging from my tests and tables below, it seems that the choice of screen technology for smartphones is now pretty clear cut. My advice to go for AMOLED three years ago was sound, but it seems that things are now reversed. This article features the Lumia , 830 and , by the way.

Let's start with the basics and just a little science, here's my definitive guide to the pros and cons of each smartphone technology, as implemented in decent specification smartphones:

• Uses less power when displaying a dark-themed screen
• 'Blacker blacks' possible
• Glance screen has far less 'background' glow at night
• Display can be slightly thinner, since no backlight layer is needed
• Can be made flexible (ok, not relevant for smartphones in their current form, but worth mentioning!)

• Power drain doesn't vary wildly according to displayed content
• More accurate colour balance (including 'whiter whites')
• Higher brightnesses possible
• A full RGB matrix is almost always used, giving crisper results for a given, nominal resolution
• Screen 'burn in' is almost impossible
• Brightness stays constant across many years (dimming would require a decade of regular use)
• Tend to be cheaper to manufacture
• Higher densities/resolutions possible

• Uses dramatically more power when displaying a white-themed screen
• At high resolutions, cost and longevity concerns means that a 'pentile' layout is often used, leading to slightly fuzzy text and a lower than nominal resolution
• In some cases, users have seen 'burn in' of UI elements, due to natural degradation of the organic polymers in the AMOLED pixels
• Brightness can reduce in time (several years)
• Tend to be more expensive to manufacture than LCD
• Limited in pixel density and resolution

• Glance screen has noticeable 'all over' glow when seen in dead of night
• Display has to be slightly thicker, due to the need for a backlight
• Refresh rates can be slower, leading to flickering or tearing in screen elements

* Of note in the table above is that there's no mention of viewing angles - this used to be a 'thing', but I've tested the latest smartphone screens and anything outside budget handsets now effectively has perfect viewing angles, whichever technology is used.

Your eyes don't deceive you, the 'pros' bullet points are greater in number for LCD and the 'cons' less than for AMOLED. Not that bullet points mean everything, which is why I've gone into test images below, to help try and decide on a 'winner'.

LCD screens from five years ago (think Nokia N97, or the first iPhone, or the later Windows Mobile handsets) were somewhat unremarkable and the advent of AMOLED screens in the likes of the Nokia N85 and the Samsung i brought in widespread admiration for colours that 'popped' and blacks that were really 'black'. However, gorgeous colours and high contrast are now possible with LCD screens, as we've seen in many devices, not least the HTC One (M7), the iPhone 4 and 5 and, latterly, the new Windows -powered Lumia 830.

Tests

I've attempted some comparisons, albeit with some huge caveats.

• What you're seeing is what the photographing devices captured. In this case a Nokia 808 PureView with pretty good record for colour accuracy, but it's still a million miles off what the human eye can see and appreciate. 
    
• You're seeing this photographic approximation through your own choice of device and display technology, which will change things round still further!
    
• There are some limitations of digitally photographing a digital image, namely some Moire fringes and other digital artefacts. Just ignore them!

Those caveats aside then, I loaded up the same batch of test images from my OneDrive on the Lumia s (yes, plural!) and 830 (and in one case).

Here are a few examples showing why I'm turning the corner on my view of LCD versus AMOLED. On top/left in each case is the 768p (pentile) AMOLED-screened Lumia (from mid ), on the bottom/right is the 720p (RGB) LCD-screened Lumia 830 (brand new), both set to automatic brightness in their generic Windows 'Settings', though with 'Settings/Display/Brightness adjustment' turned right up on the 830 (it's one of the Lumia-only LCD tweaks, I believe).

See what you think, there are three comparisons to look at:

With the caveats mentioned above, it's hard to tell just from these snaps, so you'll have to trust me when I say that, in the flesh, the 830's 'cheaper' RGB 720p LCD screen produced brighter, crisper and even more saturated colours - much to my surprise.

One thought I had was that my 's display may have dimmed in the year or so that I've had it. So I grabbed my original 'spare' , which has hardly been used at all, and brought up the same screen and settings:

If there had been any degradation in a year, it's very, very slight, I don't think we need to allow for this factor.

The second thing that occurred to me was that the 830's LCD screen seemed brighter and more colourful than the display on the likes of the , a LCD panel from late . So I did the test again, with the on top and the 830 beneath:

As I suspected, it's the Lumia 830's LCD screen that's improved here, this is how fast screen tech is moving forwards. 

I should also add that inside 'Settings/Display' on the 830 there's an additional 'Colour profile' setting - I had this set on 'Standard' throughout, though putting this to 'Vivid' would add even more colour and making the 830 display stand out even more.

Verdict

LCD technology is, even after two decades, still moving forwards, with more even, unobtrusive backlights, better colourss, better viewing angles and lower power consumption. It's rather amazing, and has surprised me greatly in the case of the new Lumia 830 (see here for my full review).

The table at the top of this post and the images below all make the point somewhat forcibly that LCD now has enough advantages over AMOLED that the former should be used whenever possible in new smartphones. (Whatever I used to say five years ago and whatever Samsung continues to proclaim to this day!)

Liquid Crystal Display ( LCD ) and Organic Light Emitting Diode ( OLED ) are two prevalent technologies used in display screens today. They form the backbone of contemporary screen technology and are found in everything from mobile phones and tablets to large-screen televisions and computer monitors. However, a debate has emerged in recent years over which is superior: OLED or LCD.

First, let&#;s take a brief look at how these displays are structured. LCD displays utilize a backlight that shines through liquid crystals to create an image. These crystals control the amount of light that passes through, thereby dictating the color and brightness of the pixels. On the other hand, OLEDs are composed of organic material that emits light when an electric current is applied. Each pixel in an OLED display produces its own light, eliminating the need for a separate backlight.

Contrast Ratio and Black Levels:

When it comes to contrast ratio and black levels, OLED technology outshines LCD. Because each pixel on an OLED screen is independently lit, OLEDs can achieve pure blacks by simply turning off individual pixels. This results in an incredible contrast ratio. In contrast, LCDs, regardless of the backlight technology used, always emit some level of light, even when trying to display black, leading to a lower contrast ratio.

Color Accuracy and Saturation:

Both OLED and LCD can deliver impressive color accuracy and saturation. However, OLEDs typically have a slight edge in this department due to their ability to control light emission at the pixel level. This precise control results in more vibrant colors and deeper blacks. Nevertheless, advancements in LCD technology, particularly in Quantum Dot LCDs (QLEDs), have allowed these displays to come close to matching the color performance of OLEDs.

The company is the world’s best Wholesale TFT LCD supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Global OLED/LCD Supply Chain, OEM ...
Flexible OLED Market - Growth, Share & Size
The Benefits of Using 2.7 inch pm oled services
Fast Delivery 0.75 inch OLED Display SSD1327 ...

Viewing Angles:

Viewing angles are another important aspect of display quality. This refers to the range of angles from which the screen can be viewed without degradation of image quality. OLED screens have almost perfect viewing angles because each pixel emits its own light. LCDs, however, can suffer from reduced color accuracy and contrast when viewed from acute angles.

Lifespan and Burn-In:

However, LCD displays do have an advantage over OLEDs when it comes to lifespan and burn-in. The organic materials in OLED displays can degrade over time, reducing the lifespan of the screen. Moreover, if static images are displayed for extended periods, OLED screens can suffer from burn-in, where ghost images are permanently imprinted on the screen. LCD screens, not relying on organic materials, are less susceptible to these issues.

Energy Efficiency:

Energy efficiency is another area where LCDs tend to excel. LCD displays generally consume less power than OLEDs when displaying bright images or white backgrounds. However, the tables turn when dark or black images are on the screen as OLEDs consume less power since they can turn off individual pixels.

When comparing OLED and LCD, it&#;s clear that each has its own strengths and weaknesses. OLED displays provide superior contrast ratios, better color accuracy, and almost perfect viewing angles. However, they can be more susceptible to burn-in, and their lifespan might be shorter than that of LCDs. LCDs, meanwhile, have improved their color performance and are generally more energy-efficient with bright images, with a longer lifespan and less susceptibility to burn-in.

Ultimately, the choice between OLED and LCD depends on the specific use-case and individual preferences. For those seeking the best possible picture quality and aren&#;t concerned with lifespan or burn-in, OLED may be the better choice. For users looking for a balance between performance, energy efficiency, and durability, an LCD could be the better option.

OLED TVs vs. LED TVs:

OLED TVs are well-regarded for their superior color accuracy, deep blacks, and nearly perfect viewing angles. The self-emissive nature of OLEDs allows them to achieve superior contrast ratios, essentially reaching &#;infinite&#; contrast. Additionally, OLEDs offer faster refresh rates, resulting in smoother motion, an essential quality for watching fast-paced action or sports broadcasts. However, OLED TVs are typically more expensive than LED TVs. There&#;s also the potential for burn-in over time, especially if static images are displayed for extended periods.

LED TVs, essentially LCD TVs with LED backlights, are generally more affordable and can reach higher brightness levels than OLEDs. They are also less susceptible to burn-in and have a longer overall lifespan. The main drawbacks are inferior contrast ratios, less accurate color reproduction (especially compared to premium OLEDs), and narrower viewing angles.

Computer Monitors: OLED vs. LCD:

For computer monitors, OLED displays provide excellent color reproduction, quick response times, and high contrast ratios. They&#;re ideal for graphic designers, photographers, and video editors who require accurate color representation. However, the static interface elements (like the taskbar and window borders) can lead to burn-in over time. Additionally, OLED monitors are generally more expensive than their LCD counterparts.

LCD monitors, especially those using LED backlighting, have made considerable strides in performance. They offer decent color accuracy, are much less prone to burn-in, and are typically more affordable. High-end LCD monitors also offer features like high refresh rates and adaptive sync technologies, making them popular for gaming. However, they can&#;t match OLEDs in terms of contrast ratio and black levels.

Home Appliances, Industrial, Military, Marine, and Medical Devices:

In home appliances and industrial devices, LCD displays have traditionally been the preferred choice, primarily due to their lower cost and longer lifespan. Their performance in various lighting conditions and resistance to burn-in makes them suitable for appliances that often display static images.

For military, marine, and medical applications, the choice between OLED and LCD may depend more on specific requirements. OLED displays, with their wide viewing angles and high contrast ratios, can be advantageous in situations that require quick, clear image interpretation. However, in high-brightness environments or situations that demand longevity and durability, LCDs might be preferred.

In the medical field, the superb color accuracy and contrast of OLEDs can be beneficial for accurately interpreting medical images. However, high-end medical monitors often employ specialized LCD technology that can match or exceed the performance of typical commercial OLED displays, albeit at a higher price point.

Ultimately, the decision between OLED and LCD for any given application should consider the unique requirements and constraints of that application. Factors such as cost, viewing angles, color accuracy, brightness, lifespan, and susceptibility to burn-in can all influence the optimal choice.

Here are the key points from the comparison between OLED and LCD, and their specific applications in TVs, computer monitors, and other devices.

OLED vs. LCD:

• Composition: OLED displays consist of self-lit pixels, while LCD displays use a backlight shining through liquid crystals to create an image.
• Contrast Ratio and Black Levels: OLED displays achieve superior contrast ratios and true blacks, while LCDs always emit some light, even when displaying black.
• Color Accuracy and Saturation: Both OLED and LCD can offer impressive color accuracy and saturation, but OLEDs generally have the edge.
• Viewing Angles: OLED screens provide almost perfect viewing angles, while LCDs can suffer color accuracy and contrast reduction when viewed from sharp angles.
• Lifespan and Burn-In: LCD displays have a longer lifespan and are less susceptible to burn-in compared to OLEDs.
• Energy Efficiency: LCD displays are generally more energy-efficient when displaying bright images, while OLEDs are more efficient with dark or black images.

OLED TVs vs. LED TVs:

• OLED TVs: Offer superior color accuracy, deep blacks, perfect viewing angles, and faster refresh rates but are typically more expensive and susceptible to burn-in.
• LED TVs: More affordable, can achieve higher brightness levels, less prone to burn-in, and have a longer lifespan, but can&#;t match the color accuracy and contrast ratios of OLED TVs.

Computer Monitors: OLED vs. LCD:

• OLED Monitors: Excellent color reproduction, quick response times, and high contrast ratios but more expensive and prone to burn-in from static interface elements.
• LCD Monitors: Decent color accuracy, less prone to burn-in, generally more affordable, and often include high refresh rates and adaptive sync technologies popular for gaming.

Home Appliances, Industrial, Military, Marine, and Medical Devices:

• LCD Displays: Preferred for home appliances and industrial devices due to lower costs, longer lifespan, and resistance to burn-in.
• OLED Displays: Beneficial for military, marine, and medical applications that require quick, clear image interpretation, thanks to their wide viewing angles and high contrast ratios.
• High-end Medical Monitors: Often employ specialized LCD technology that can match or exceed the performance of typical commercial OLED displays.

Below there is a table that outlines some of the most important parameters of OLED and LCD displays and their typical values. Please note that these values can vary significantly depending on the specific model and manufacturer of the display.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Wholesale TFT LCD Displays.