For all the new technologies that have come our way in recent times, it’s worth taking a minute to consider an old battle going on between two display types. Two display types that can be found across monitors, TVs, mobile phones, cameras and pretty much any other device that has a screen.

In one corner is LED (light-emitting diode). It’s the most common type of display on the market, however, it might be unfamiliar because there’s slight labelling confusion with LCD (liquid crystal display).

For display purposes the two are the same, and if you see a TV or smartphone that states it has an ‘LED’ screen, it’s an LCD. The LED part just refers to the lighting source, not the display itself.

In the other corner is OLED (organic light-emitting diode), used in high-end flagship phones as well as TVs

Is OLED that much better than a good LCD display? We reveal how the two display technologies differ, what they’re good for, and how they work.

1. Picture Quality: OLED displays generally offer better picture quality with deep blacks, high contrast ratios, and vibrant colors. Each pixel in an OLED display produces its own light, allowing for more precise control and better color accuracy. LED LCD displays rely on a backlight, which can result in slightly less accurate colors and limited contrast ratios.

2. Energy Efficiency: OLED displays are more energy-efficient than LED LCD displays. Since OLED pixels produce their own light, they can be individually turned off, resulting in deep blacks and lower power consumption for black-colored content. LED LCD displays require a constant backlight, leading to higher power consumption.

3. Viewing Angles: OLED displays have superior viewing angles, as they produce light directly from the pixels. This means that images on an OLED screen will look consistent and vibrant from almost any angle. LED LCD displays may experience color shifting or loss of image quality when viewed from extreme angles.

4. Lifespan: LED LCD displays generally have a longer lifespan compared to OLED displays. OLED panels degrade over time, particularly the blue organic compounds, which can result in slight color shifts and reduced brightness. LED LCD displays, on the other hand, can be more durable and have a longer overall lifespan.

5. Price: OLED displays are typically more expensive than LED LCD displays. The cost of manufacturing OLED panels is higher, making OLED devices generally pricier in the market. LED LCD technology has become more affordable and is commonly found in a wider range of devices.

 

In conclusion, OLED displays offer superior picture quality, energy efficiency, and wide viewing angles, but they are generally more expensive and have a shorter lifespan compared to LED LCD displays. LED LCD displays are more affordable, have longer lifespans, but offer slightly inferior picture quality. The best display tech for you depends on your priorities and budget.