Difference between OLED and IPS Screens: Complete Guide

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between OLED and IPS screens? If yes, then this article is for you. OLED and IPS screens are two popular screen technologies on the market today. They each have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the main differences between OLED and IPS screens that you need to know.

OLED displays are displays that use organic light-emitting diodes as a light source. This screen does not require a backlight layer like an LCD screen, because each pixel can turn on and off itself. This allows OLED screens to produce very dark blacks because inactive pixels are completely dead. In addition, OLED screens also have wider viewing angles, higher contrast, and faster response times than IPS screens.

IPS screens are LCD screens that use in-plane switching technology to regulate the direction of light emitted by the backlight layer. This screen has better color quality, wider viewing angles, and glare resistance than ordinary LCD screens. However, IPS screens also have some disadvantages, such as higher power consumption, less dark blacks, and slower response times than OLED screens.

To more clearly understand the differences between these two screens, let's break them down in more depth.

How OLED Screens Work

OLED displays consist of microscopic organic pixels that are capable of producing their own light when given an electrical signal. Each pixel on an OLED screen has three subpixels capable of producing light in red, green, and blue. When these pixels light up, they create an image with high levels of brightness and contrast. One of the main advantages of OLED displays is their ability to produce deeper blacks and more vivid colors compared to other technologies.

Apart from that, the OLED screen also has a very fast response time. When an electrical signal is applied, pixels can change from off to on in a very short time. This makes OLED screens ideal for applications that require fast image movement, such as games or action films. However, keep in mind that OLED screens tend to be more susceptible to burn-in, where a static image can leave marks on the screen if displayed for too long.

How an IPS Screen Works

IPS screens use different technologies to produce images. In an IPS display, liquid crystals are used to control the light that passes through the screen. When an electrical signal is given, the molecules in the liquid crystal move and regulate the light to produce an image. The main advantage of an IPS screen is its ability to produce accurate and consistent colors from different viewing angles.

IPS screens offer wider viewing angles compared to other technologies. This means the image on an IPS screen will remain clear and consistent even if you view it from extreme angles. However, the disadvantage of this technology is the lower contrast level compared to OLED screens. Despite this, IPS screens are still a good choice for professional purposes such as graphic design or photo editing.

Key Differences between OLED and IPS Screens

Comparison of Color Accuracy and Contrast Ratio

When it comes to color accuracy, OLED screens have a clear advantage. Due to their ability to produce clearer and more vivid colors, OLED displays are often considered better when it comes to accurate color reproduction. In addition, OLED screens also have a higher contrast ratio, which means the difference between black and white will be sharper and clearer.

On the other hand, IPS displays offer accurate and consistent color reproduction from different viewing angles. Even though it is not as bright as an OLED screen, an IPS screen is still capable of producing beautiful colors and sharp details. However, the lower contrast ratio on an IPS screen can make the difference between black and white not as clear as on an OLED screen.

Viewing Angle and Brightness Comparison

Viewing angle is an important factor when choosing a screen. OLED screens offer better viewing angles compared to IPS screens. This means that the image on an OLED screen will remain clear and accurate even when viewed from extreme angles. However, keep in mind that the maximum brightness on OLED screens tends to be lower than on IPS screens.

The IPS screen offers a wide viewing angle, so the image quality will not change even if viewed from different angles. This makes IPS screens very suitable for professional purposes that require color accuracy and consistency. In addition, IPS screens also have a higher brightness level than OLED screens, making them easier to see outdoors or in bright places.

Comparison of Response Time and Refresh Rate

Response time is a measure of how quickly pixels on a screen can change color, while refresh rate is the number of images displayed per second. These two factors influence how smooth and sharp the image appears on the screen. OLED displays have an advantage in terms of response time and refresh rate because the pixels can turn on and off very quickly.

This makes the image move smoother and there is no blurring or ghosting effect. OLED screens are especially suitable for displaying dynamic, high-speed content, such as games or action films, because they can provide a more realistic and immersive visual experience.

On the other hand, IPS screens have lower response speeds than OLED screens. As a result, variable images may appear somewhat blurry or indistinct on an IPS display. However, IPS screens have a higher refresh rate, which means the image can change more quickly within a second. This makes it suitable for applications that require smooth visuals, such as multimedia viewing or video editing.

Comparison of Power Consumption and Screen Life

Low power consumption and long screen life are two things that electronic device users really want. OLED displays offer advantages in this regard compared to IPS displays. The reason is that OLED displays use organic pixels that can turn on and off independently without requiring a backlight. In this way, OLED screens can reduce power consumption and increase device battery life, especially on devices that are often carried everywhere such as smartphones or tablets.

However, OLED screens also have a shorter lifespan compared to IPS screens. The organic pixels in OLED displays tend to degrade over time, which can cause changes in image quality. On the other hand, IPS screens have a longer lifespan and tend to be more durable. This makes it a good choice for devices that are used intensively or for long periods, such as laptops or monitors.

OLED and IPS Screens on Laptops: Advantages and Disadvantages

When it comes to using OLED and IPS screens on laptops, there are several advantages and disadvantages to consider.

The OLED screen on the laptop offers excellent image quality with accurate color reproduction and high contrast. OLED displays also offer fast response times, which makes them ideal for applications that require fast image movement. However, OLED screens tend to be more expensive than IPS screens and are also more susceptible to burn-in. In addition, OLED screens have higher power consumption and shorter lifespan compared to IPS screens.

Laptops with IPS screens have advantages in terms of accurate color reproduction and wide viewing angles. Apart from that, the IPS screen is also more durable and energy efficient. However, IPS screens are less responsive than OLED screens, so the displayed image can look blurry in applications that require fast image movement.

Factors to Consider when Choosing between OLED and IPS Screens

When choosing between OLED and IPS displays, there are several factors to consider:

Intended use: The type of screen you choose will affect the display quality of your device. If you use your device for professional purposes such as graphic design or video editing, you may want an OLED screen that has more vivid colors, higher contrast, and wider viewing angles. However, if you use your device more for entertainment such as watching movies and playing games, you may be able to settle for an IPS screen that has more accurate colors, better brightness, and resistance to burn-in.

Budget: OLED displays tend to be more expensive than IPS displays due to more advanced technology and higher production costs. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider a more affordable IPS screen. However, if you're willing to spend more money to get better picture quality, you may want to opt for an OLED screen.

Desired picture quality: If you want exceptional picture quality, you will probably prefer an OLED screen which has richer colors, deeper blacks, and faster response time. OLED screens can also adjust the brightness of each pixel individually, resulting in sharper and more detailed images. However, if you don't care too much about image quality, you might be able to settle for an IPS screen that has more natural colors, brighter whites, and lower power consumption. IPS screens also have advantages in terms of resistance to burn-in, which is permanent damage to pixels due to displaying static images for a long time.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the basic differences between OLED and IPS displays. Both screen types offer excellent image quality but with significant differences. OLED displays stand out for their accurate color reproduction and high contrast, while IPS displays offer wide viewing angles and color consistency.

When choosing between an OLED and an IPS display, it is important to consider the intended use, budget, desired image quality, and device lifespan. With proper consideration, you can choose a screen that suits your needs and preferences.

So what are you waiting for? Choose the right screen for your device and enjoy an extraordinary visual experience!