Welcome to Kimeery's blog, where we'll introduce you to the five different categories of screen quality that can be broadly categorised into two main families: LCDs and OLEDs. Within these two main categories, there are a number of sub-categories that offer a range of qualities and features, including InCell screens, soft OLEDs and hard OLEDs.
To begin with, let's delve into the LCD screen. It consists of four essential layers: the outer glass layer, a touch-sensitive layer, the display layer, and a backlight layer that illuminates the screen. The inclusion of the backlight layer is a defining feature of LCD technology, as it relies on this layer to produce visible images through the interplay of light and color.
In contrast, an OLED screen operates on a different principle. It is designed with fewer layers—specifically, only three. An OLED display comprises the glass layer, the touch-sensitive layer, and a combined display and backlight layer. This integration allows OLED screens to be thinner and more versatile, as they do not require a separate backlight to function. Instead, each pixel in an OLED display emits its own light, enabling deeper blacks and more vibrant colors than traditional LCD screens.
Backlighting:
- OLED: No backlighting is necessary as each individual pixel generates its own light. This characteristic results in deeper blacks and enhanced contrast levels.
- LCD: Relies on backlighting to illuminate the display, which can lead to less pronounced black tones and constrained contrast.
Contrast and Color Reproduction:
- OLED: Delivers superior contrast by managing pixels independently, yielding vibrant colors and richer black tones.
- LCD: The dependence on backlighting can result in less vivid colors and shallower blacks.
Flexibility and Thinness:
- OLED: Capable of being made flexible and can be formed into curved or exceedingly thin shapes, contributing to a slimmer design. Both Hard OLED and Soft OLED options are available for iPhone displays.
- LCD: Generally less flexible and tends to be thicker than OLED screens.
Viewing Angles:
- OLED: Exhibits excellent viewing angles, maintaining consistent brightness and color fidelity, no matter the viewing position.
- LCD: The viewing angles can be limited, with possible color distortions at extreme angles. Wide viewing angles are essential for displays that might not be seen directly, ensuring that image quality remains unaffected regardless of the observer's viewpoint.
Power Consumption:
- OLED: Uses less energy when displaying dark images because black pixels are completely turned off.
- LCD: Consumes a constant amount of energy due to continuous backlighting, regardless of the content displayed.
Lifespan:
- OLED: Lifespan can vary based on usage; prolonged display of static images may lead to faster degradation compared to screens that show dynamic content.
- LCD: Typically has a longer lifespan (around 7 years) and is less prone to issues such as burn-in.
Price:
- OLED: More expensive to produce due to complex manufacturing processes and materials, leading to higher initial costs.
- LCD: Generally cheaper to manufacture, resulting in lower initial pricing for LCD screens.
By understanding these differences, you can better appreciate the technological advancements in screen technology and make informed choices regarding the type of display that best suits your needs or preferences. Whether you favor the classic reliability of LCD or the superior visual experience offered by OLED, our detailed comparisons will ensure that you're well-informed about your options.