Displays can be a confusing thing to many people out there, especially with different abbreviations such as LCD and OLED. But do not worry, as this article will serve as a navigator for you! Let’s familiarize ourselves with the most typical types of displays, their advantages, and drawbacks, and why you should choose one over another.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
LCDs have been in use for decades now and are relatively cheaper than their counterparts. It employs a backlight to light up crystals that determine the course of the light to produce the picture. LCDs are currently the most commonly used kind of display in TVs, computer monitors, and mobile devices.
Pros: Low energy consumption, low cost, long durability, easily accessible both in various dimensions and display resolutions.
Cons: Lower contrast ratios compared to OLEDs, slightly thicker displays, restricted viewing angles, and varied response time in certain models.
Price: Overall, the most cost-effective type, with primary notebooks starting at $300 USD and superior screens going up to $1000 USD. 4K LCD TVs can start as low as $500 and go up to $2000 USD depending on screen size and additional features.
OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)
Today, the OLED display has become one of the most popular devices mainly due to its ability to provide high-quality images. OLED displays consist of tiny pixels that illuminate themselves and as a result, have a high contrast ratio and wide viewing angles. OLEDs are commonly implemented in expensive mobile devices, advanced TVs, and monitors.
Pros: Very dark blacks, high contrast, good off-axis performance, sleek and portable, better response time.
Cons: More expensive than LCDs, prone to burn-in (a permanent image on a screen), and have a shorter lifespan than LCDs.
Price: This is high-end technology and expect to pay a lot more for OLED with flagship smartphones costing $1500 USD and high-end TVs $3000 USD and above. Currently, the cost of OLED monitors starts from $1000 and can go up to $2000 USD.
Choosing the Right Panel for You
But which one is the best? It depends on the need of an individual as well as their budget. LCDs are still great for everyday use, especially if you’re on a tight budget. They perform best in conditions with high illumination and have long durability. However, if the image quality and viewing experience are of importance, then OLEDs cannot be outdone. Their deep blacks and vibrant colors give the viewers an almost cinematic experience. OLED displays are ideal for dark environments and are excellent for movies, gaming, and professional graphic design.
Exploring Other Display Technologies
The world of displays is always in the process of development, so there are more choices then just LCD vs. OLED debate
QLED (Quantum Dot): A competitor to OLEDs, QLEDs incorporate a backlight containing a layer of quantum dots for superior color rendering and luminance. They might be the future! QLEDs, introduced by companies such as Samsung, are the improvement of the basic LCD technology through the introducing of a quantum dot layer. This leads to improved color reproduction, higher luminance, and lower power consumption than regular LCD panels. QLEDs also do not have the burn-in issue that is observed in OLEDs.
E Ink: This technology is applicable in eReaders. E Ink displays are reflective which makes them resemble paper and can be easily read under sunlight. Perfect for bookworms! Instead, E Ink displays work on an entirely different principle. They focus more on content rather than graphical interface and design hence are suitable for eReaders. This technology employs reflecting features similar to the paper and performs well in the areas of high light, perfect for readers who prefer to read books in the open air or areas with lots of light. E Ink also has low power consumption, making eReaders last for weeks with a single charge.
There’s also the refresh rate, which is an important factor to consider, especially for gamers and those sensitive to motion. The refresh rate means the frequency at which the displayed image on the screen is updated. Higher refresh rate equals to less movement blur which makes it very appropriate for fast-moving content. The basic refresh rates range between 60Hz and 120Hz, while high-end gaming monitors can support up to 240Hz.
Choosing Your Perfect Display
In conclusion, the best display is the one that will meet your needs most appropriately. You should also think about your budget, your time spent in front of the television, and values before choosing your option. Depending on the intended use, gamers might prefer a monitor that offers a high refresh rate for smooth image rendering while graphic artists may opt for a monitor with accurate color reproduction and high pixel density. While a typical user might not need more than an adequate display of an LCD type, others might want the deep blacks and colors an OLED TV might provide. Now that you know the advantages and downsides of various display technologies, it is easier to decide and select the right display for you.