LCD vs OLED:Which one is more suitable for you?
If you are designing a display application or considering what type of TV to buy, you may need to choose between LCD or OLED. LCD and OLED each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a comparison of the factors between the two to help you make your choice.
What is LCD, What is OLED?
Liquid crystal display (LCD) and Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) are the two main technologies used in today's display screens. They form the backbone of contemporary screen technology and are used in everything from mobile phones to tablets to TVs. Let's take a look at the differences between the two.
The difference between LCDs and OLEDs are how the images are produced. LCD displays use a backlight to illuminate liquid crystals to display images. These liquid crystals control the amount of light that passes through them, which determines the color and brightness of the pixel. OLED displays, on the other hand, are made of organic materials that emit light when an electric current is passed through them. Each pixel in an OLED display generates its own light, so there is no need for a separate backlight.
What are the main differences between LCDs and OLEDs?
- Contrast Ratio and Black Levels
- Brightness
- Color Accuracy and Saturation
- Viewing Angles
- Lifespan and Burn-In
- Cost Analysis
- Energy Efficiency
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.
Brightness:
OLEDs may be brighter on a per-pixel basis, but LCDs are brighter on the entire screen. Brightness mainly affects your usage scenario.
One of the main differences between OLED and LCD is that LCDs include LED backlights, while OLEDs do not. In terms of per-pixel brightness, OLED displays tend to have an advantage because each pixel emits light individually. This means that OLEDs can achieve higher brightness at the pixel level because they don't rely on a separate backlight source. However, if you consider the overall brightness of the entire screen, LCDs usually have the upper hand. This is because LCDs use a constant backlight to illuminate the entire display area, resulting in an overall brighter image. This also means that LCDs may have more "wasted" light because the backlight will always illuminate the entire display even if only a few pixels need to be lit.
Color Accuracy and Saturation:
Both LCD and OLED 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.
Viewing Angles:
Viewing angle is another important aspect of display quality. Viewing angle refers to the range of angles at which the screen can be viewed without degrading image quality. OLED screens have near-perfect viewing angles because each pixel emits its own light. This means that the display is much thinner than an LCD display, and the pixels are closer to the display surface, giving it an inherently wider viewing angle. However, LCD screens can suffer from a loss of color accuracy and contrast when viewed at sharp angles.
The image on an OLED display maintains its quality and readability from almost any angle. This is not the case with most common LCD displays.
When you tilt an LCD display or view it from different angles, you will often notice that the image distorts or loses color. However, many LCD screens today use technology that compensates for this, specifically In-Plane Switching (IPS).
LCD screens with IPS technology are brighter than standard LCD screens and have viewing angles comparable to OLED screens.
Lifespan and Burn-In:
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.
| OLED | LCD | |
| Contrast | Best | Good |
| Brightness | Good | Best |
| Color Accuracy and Saturation | Best | Good |
| Viewing angle | Best | Good |
| Black level | Best | Good |
| Resolution | Best | Best |
| Refresh rate | Best | Best |
| Lifespan and Burn-in | Good | Best |
| Energy consumption | Best | Best |
| Price | Good | Best |
LCD Vs OLED Display: Which One To Choose?
There’s a lot to consider when deciding on a display type for your application, so we hope this guide made the choice easier for you.
Use LCDs For:
We recommend LCDs for larger display applications and projects that require the most cost-effective solution.
Use OLEDs For:
For a display application requiring the best colors, contrast, and viewing angles – especially for small and lightweight wearable devices – we would suggest an OLED display.
Frequently Asked Questions: LCD Vs OLED
Q: What is the primary difference between OLED and LCD displays?
A: The primary difference lies in how they create and emit light. OLED displays consist of pixels that emit their own light, whereas LCD displays use a backlight to shine through liquid crystals to produce an image.
Q: Which has a better contrast ratio, OLED or LCD?
A: OLED displays typically have a superior contrast ratio because they can achieve true black by turning off individual pixels.
Q: What about color accuracy and saturation?
A: Both OLED and LCD can offer impressive color accuracy and saturation. However, due to the ability to control light emission at the pixel level, OLEDs generally have a slight advantage.
Q: Which display technology is more susceptible to burn-in?
A: OLED displays are more susceptible to burn-in, especially when static images are displayed for extended periods.
Q: Which one consumes more energy, OLED or LCD?
A: It depends on the content displayed. LCD displays are generally more energy-efficient with bright or white images, while OLEDs are more efficient when displaying dark or black images.
Q: What’s the lifespan of OLED and LCD displays?
A: LCD displays generally have a longer lifespan due to their inorganic components. The organic materials in OLED displays can degrade over time, reducing the screen’s lifespan.
Q: Which display type is more cost-effective?
A: LCDs are typically more affordable than OLEDs. However, the overall cost-effectiveness can depend on specific use-cases and individual requirements.
Q: Which is better for gaming, LCD or OLED?
A: OLED is generally preferred for gaming due to faster response times and superior contrast ratios.
Q: Which is preferred for home appliances, industrial devices, military, marine, and medical devices?
A: LCD displays have been the traditional choice for home appliances and industrial devices due to their lower cost and resistance to burn-in. For military, marine, and medical applications, the decision could depend on the specific requirements of the situation.
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