what's the difference between LCD and OLED ?

When it comes to choosing a new mobile phone or TV, one of the primary considerations is the type of display technology it has. Two popular display technologies found in many modern electronic devices are Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED). Both technologies offer high-quality images and are popular choices for device manufacturers. In this article, we will explore the differences between LCD and OLED and how they affect the user experience.

What is OLED?

OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode. It is a display technology that uses organic materials to generate light when an electric current is applied. In an OLED display, each pixel is made up of a thin layer of organic material that emits light when an electric current is passed through it. The light generated by each pixel is independent of each other, meaning that each pixel can be turned on or off separately. OLED displays offer excellent color reproduction, high contrast, and deep blacks, making them ideal for watching movies, playing games, and viewing photos.

What is AMOLED?

AMOLED stands for Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode. It is a variation of OLED technology that has an active matrix backplane, which helps to improve the response time of the display. In an AMOLED display, each pixel has an individual transistor that controls its operation, resulting in faster refresh rates and a smoother image quality.

What is LCD?

LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. In an LCD display, a backlight illuminates the pixels, which are made up of a layer of liquid crystals that change their orientation when an electric current is applied. The amount of light that passes through the crystals is controlled by a polarizing filter, creating the color and brightness of each pixel. LCD displays have been around for decades and are widely used in computer monitors, televisions, and mobile phones.

Differences between OLED and LCD

 

Color Reproduction

One of the most significant differences between OLED and LCD displays is color reproduction. OLED displays can create more vivid colors and deep blacks, making images appear more lifelike. On the other hand, the color reproduction of LCD displays is limited by the backlight, resulting in less vibrant colors and reduced contrast levels.

 

Viewing Angles

Another difference between OLED and LCD displays is the viewing angle. OLED displays have a much wider viewing angle than LCD displays, meaning that you can view the screen from more angles without the image quality deteriorating. This makes OLED displays ideal for watching movies or TV shows with friends or family.

 

Response Time

The response time of a display refers to how quickly it can change from one color to another. OLED displays have a response time of under one millisecond, making them ideal for fast-paced games or action movies, where every frame counts. LCD displays have response times ranging from a few milliseconds to tens of milliseconds, depending on the model and manufacturer.

 

Brightness

One of the advantages of LCD displays is their brightness. LCD displays can achieve higher levels of brightness than OLED displays, making them easier to read in bright environments. However, this comes at the cost of lower contrast levels and less vivid colors.

 

Power Consumption

OLED displays consume less power than LCD displays, as they do not require a backlight to function. This can lead to longer battery life on mobile devices and lower energy costs for TVs and monitors.

 

Conclusion

Both OLED and LCD displays have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs. OLED displays are excellent for watching movies, playing games, and viewing photos due to their excellent color reproduction, high contrast, and deep blacks. LCD displays are better for reading text and working in brighter environments due to their superior brightness levels. Ultimately, the choice between OLED and LCD displays comes down to personal preference and the intended use of the device.