OLED stands for “organic light emitting diode” and is a relatively new technology. As its name implies, an OLED screen has a unique panel consisting of an organic substance that glows with no need for a backlight. Each pixel emits its own light and can be controlled individually. This is the most significant feature of OLED technology.

While standard backlit panels dim the backlights to increase contrast and black levels, an OLED display can turn off individual pixels in black areas completely. This capability creates superior contrast and 100% black levels.

Basics of LCD, LED, and OLED

The most common display type used in consumer electronics is the LCD (liquid-crystal display) panel. It’s lit by a backlight panel consisting of white cathodes. Using a white backlight is a cost-effective way to make a display. However, it has some downsides such as limited color gamut (color range), resulting in more muted pictures.

To increase the image quality, manufacturers started using RGB LEDs to backlight LCD panels. That’s how LED (light-emitting diode) displays were born. In a nutshell, an LED is basically an LCD with an RGB backlight that creates deeper colors.

OLEDs take it a step further to enable emissive displays. Each pixel is controlled individually and emits its own light. This is unlike LCDs in which the light comes from a backlighting unit. OLED displays feature great image quality — bright colors, fast motion and, most importantly, very high contrast. This is most notable in its “real” black color, which cannot be achieved in LCDs due to the backlighting. The simple OLED design also means that it is relatively easy to produce flexible and transparent displays.

What to Consider When Looking for an OLED Display

 

Picture Quality and Color Performance

OLED screens perform better in dark rooms because they can produce true blacks. OLED is a clear winner in HDR (high dynamic range) readiness due to its uniformity and black picture performance. In terms of brightness, OLED can reach a peak level of 1,000 nits. Unlike other technologies, OLED monitors have a self-emissive panel, so they perform very well when viewed from side angles.

Response Time and Gaming Performance

If you plan to use your monitor primarily for console gaming, then response time will affect your overall gaming experience. OLED offers an instantaneous pixel response time for minimal motion blur in fast-paced games. They also support FreeSync technology, which reduces visuals issues such as screen lag and ghosting. If you demand the best gaming monitor on the market, then you should consider OLED as your first choice.