Liquid Crystal Display ( LCD ) and Organic Light Emitting Diode ( OLED ) are two prevalent technologies used in display screens today. They form the backbone of contemporary screen technology and are found in everything from mobile phones and tablets to large-screen televisions and computer monitors. However, a debate has emerged in recent years over which is superior: OLED or LCD.
First, let’s take a brief look at how these displays are structured. LCD displays utilize a backlight that shines through liquid crystals to create an image. These crystals control the amount of light that passes through, thereby dictating the color and brightness of the pixels. On the other hand, OLEDs are composed of organic material that emits light when an electric current is applied. Each pixel in an OLED display produces its own light, eliminating the need for a separate backlight.
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.
Color Accuracy and Saturation:Both OLED and LCD 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 angles are another important aspect of display quality. This refers to the range of angles from which the screen can be viewed without degradation of image quality. OLED screens have almost perfect viewing angles because each pixel emits its own light. LCDs, however, can suffer from reduced color accuracy and contrast when viewed from acute angles.
Lifespan and Burn-In:However, 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.
Energy Efficiency:Energy efficiency is another area where LCDs tend to excel. LCD displays generally consume less power than OLEDs when displaying bright images or white backgrounds. However, the tables turn when dark or black images are on the screen as OLEDs consume less power since they can turn off individual pixels.
When comparing OLED and LCD, it’s clear that each has its own strengths and weaknesses. OLED displays provide superior contrast ratios, better color accuracy, and almost perfect viewing angles. However, they can be more susceptible to burn-in, and their lifespan might be shorter than that of LCDs. LCDs, meanwhile, have improved their color performance and are generally more energy-efficient with bright images, with a longer lifespan and less susceptibility to burn-in.
Ultimately, the choice between OLED and LCD depends on the specific use-case and individual preferences. For those seeking the best possible picture quality and aren’t concerned with lifespan or burn-in, OLED may be the better choice. For users looking for a balance between performance, energy efficiency, and durability, an LCD could be the better option.
OLED TVs vs. LED TVs:OLED TVs are well-regarded for their superior color accuracy, deep blacks, and nearly perfect viewing angles. The self-emissive nature of OLEDs allows them to achieve superior contrast ratios, essentially reaching “infinite” contrast. Additionally, OLEDs offer faster refresh rates, resulting in smoother motion, an essential quality for watching fast-paced action or sports broadcasts. However, OLED TVs are typically more expensive than LED TVs. There’s also the potential for burn-in over time, especially if static images are displayed for extended periods.
LED TVs, essentially LCD TVs with LED backlights, are generally more affordable and can reach higher brightness levels than OLEDs. They are also less susceptible to burn-in and have a longer overall lifespan. The main drawbacks are inferior contrast ratios, less accurate color reproduction (especially compared to premium OLEDs), and narrower viewing angles.
Computer Monitors: OLED vs. LCD:For computer monitors, OLED displays provide excellent color reproduction, quick response times, and high contrast ratios. They’re ideal for graphic designers, photographers, and video editors who require accurate color representation. However, the static interface elements (like the taskbar and window borders) can lead to burn-in over time. Additionally, OLED monitors are generally more expensive than their LCD counterparts.
LCD monitors, especially those using LED backlighting, have made considerable strides in performance. They offer decent color accuracy, are much less prone to burn-in, and are typically more affordable. High-end LCD monitors also offer features like high refresh rates and adaptive sync technologies, making them popular for gaming. However, they can’t match OLEDs in terms of contrast ratio and black levels.
Home Appliances, Industrial, Military, Marine, and Medical Devices:In home appliances and industrial devices, LCD displays have traditionally been the preferred choice, primarily due to their lower cost and longer lifespan. Their performance in various lighting conditions and resistance to burn-in makes them suitable for appliances that often display static images.
For military, marine, and medical applications, the choice between OLED and LCD may depend more on specific requirements. OLED displays, with their wide viewing angles and high contrast ratios, can be advantageous in situations that require quick, clear image interpretation. However, in high-brightness environments or situations that demand longevity and durability, LCDs might be preferred.
In the medical field, the superb color accuracy and contrast of OLEDs can be beneficial for accurately interpreting medical images. However, high-end medical monitors often employ specialized LCD technology that can match or exceed the performance of typical commercial OLED displays, albeit at a higher price point.
Ultimately, the decision between OLED and LCD for any given application should consider the unique requirements and constraints of that application. Factors such as cost, viewing angles, color accuracy, brightness, lifespan, and susceptibility to burn-in can all influence the optimal choice.
Here are the key points from the comparison between OLED and LCD, and their specific applications in TVs, computer monitors, and other devices.
OLED vs. LCD:
OLED TVs vs. LED TVs:
Computer Monitors: OLED vs. LCD:
Home Appliances, Industrial, Military, Marine, and Medical Devices:
Below there is a table that outlines some of the most important parameters of OLED and LCD displays and their typical values. Please note that these values can vary significantly depending on the specific model and manufacturer of the display.
If you’re designing a display application or deciding what type of TV to get, you’ll probably have to choose between an OLED or LCD as your display type. OLEDs and LCDs have different strengths and weaknesses you’ll need to consider when choosing the right one for your particular application.
Not sure which one will be best for you? Don’t worry! We’re here to help you figure out the right display for your project or application. In this post we’ll break down the pros and cons of these display types so you can decide which one is right for you.
Related: LCD Screen Types
The difference between LCDs and OLEDs are how the images are produced. LCDs utilize liquid crystals that produce an image when light is passed through the display. OLED displays generate images by applying electricity to organic materials inside the display.
OLED and LCD Main Difference:
On an LCD, the pixels are illuminated by a backlight. On an OLED, there is no backlight; each pixel gets its own illumination.
These different technological approaches to display technology have big impact in some features including contrast, brightness, viewing angles, lifespan, black levels, image burn-in, and price.
Related: Understanding Viewing Angles
Everything from the environment your display will be used in, your budget, to the lighting conditions and the required durability will play a part in this decision.
You’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of each display type to determine which one is right for your application.
Contrast refers to the difference between the lightest and darkest parts of an image. High contrast will produce sharper images and more easily readable text. It’s a crucial quality for high fidelity graphics and images or to make sure that a message on a display is very visible.
By design, most LCDs will have a built-in backlight to make their graphics and images visible. This is the reason you’re still able to see light coming through on images that are meant to be dark on an LCD monitor, display, or television.
OLEDs by comparison, deliver a drastically higher contrast by dynamically managing their individual pixels. When an image on an OLED display uses the color black, the pixel shuts off completely and renders a much higher contrast than that of LCDs.
OLED vs LCD - Who is better at contrast?
For the boldest, sharpest images with high contrast, OLED is better.
Related: OLEDs in Wearable Devices
One of the primary differences between OLEDs and LCDs is that LCDs contain an LED backlight, and OLEDs do not. In terms of individual pixel brightness, OLED displays tend to have an advantage because each pixel illuminates individually. This means OLEDs can have more intense brightness at the pixel level, as they are not relying on a separate backlight source. However, if we consider the overall brightness of the entire screen, LCDs often win. This is because LCDs use a constant backlight that illuminates the entire display area, creating an overall brighter image. This also means that LCDs can have more 'wasted' light, as the backlight is always lighting up the whole display, even if only a few pixels need to be lit.
In summary, whether an LCD or an OLED display is brighter can depend on whether you're looking at the brightness of individual pixels or the brightness of the entire screen. In general, OLEDs may have brighter individual pixels, while LCDs can offer a brighter overall display.
OLEDs are self-illuminating, so they have no backlight. This means LCDs are able to produce brighter images due to their powerful backlights.
Video: Comparing a standard TFT LCD vs an IPS TFT LCD in direct sunlight.
Having a high brightness level is important if your display is going to be used in direct sunlight or somewhere with high ambient brightness. The display's brightness level isn't as important if it’s going to be used indoors or in a low light setting.
OLED vs LCD - Who is better at Brightness?
For a display that can remain visible in bright conditions and even direct sunlight, LCDs are the best solution.
Have you ever looked at a screen from an angle and noticed that the images became washed out or shadowy? The further away you get from the “front and center” view, the worse the image appears to be. This is an example of viewing angles in action – the wider the viewing angle, the better the images on screen will appear as you view them from different vantage points.
Having a wide viewing angle is important for displays that you don’t always view straight on. Wide viewing angles allow the images on screen to stay consistent and retain their quality no matter where the viewer is looking at them from.
Like we mentioned in the previous section, OLED displays have no backlight. This means the display is much thinner than LCD displays and their pixels are much closer to the surface of the display, giving them an inherently wider viewing angle.
Images on OLED displays maintain their quality and readability from nearly any angle. The most common type of LCDs don’t.
You’ll often notice images becoming distorted or losing their colors when tilting an LCD or when you view it from different angles. However, many LCDs now include technology to compensate for this – specifically In-Plane Switching (IPS).
LCDs with IPS are significantly brighter than standard LCDs and offer viewing angles that are on-par with OLEDs.
OLED vs LCD - Who is better at Viewing Angles?
In the case of viewing angles, more modern LCDs are able to compete with OLEDS. But when it comes to the standard version of these display types OLEDs offer the best viewing angles.
LCDs have been on the market much longer than OLEDs, so there is more data to support their longevity. On average LCDs have proven to perform for around 60,000 hours (2,500) days of operation.
With most LCDs you can expect about 7 years of consistent performance. Some dimming of the backlight has been observed but it is not significant to the quality of the display.
OLEDs are a newer technology in the display market, which makes them harder to fully review. Not only does OLED technology continue to improve at a rapid pace, but there also hasn’t been enough time to thoroughly observe their performance.
Current day OLEDs are projected to perform consistently for 100,000 hours when properly maintained. That’s 10 hours a day for 10 years.
You must also consider OLED’s vulnerability to image burn-in. The organic material in these displays can leave a permanent afterimage on the display if a static image is displayed for too long.
So depending on how your OLED is used, this can greatly affect its lifespan. An OLED being used to show static images for long periods of time will not have the same longevity as one displaying dynamic, constantly moving images.
OLED vs LCD - Which one last longer?
There is not yet a clear winner when it comes to lifespans between LCD and OLED displays. Each have their advantages depending on their use-cases. It’s a tie!
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.
We recommend LCDs for larger display applications and projects that require the most cost-effective solution.
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.
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