OLED, AMOLED and even Super AMOLED screens fade over time. If the same pixels are highlighted on the screen for a long time, they will fade and this will be clearly visible. Typically, virtual navigation buttons, high bar icons and a clock are printed. Display cases of smartphones displayed in the store suffer the most from this problem. They are turned on almost around the clock, stand on the stands for weeks or months and all the time show the same demo content, which remains forever on the matrix.
What is the reason for this problem?
The crux of the problem is a key feature of OLED technology. The matrix consists of LEDs of three colors (blue, red and green), and different types of diodes have their own service life. Blue subpixels are less bright, so they draw more current to maintain color balance than red and green subpixels. Because of this, the service life of blue diodes decreases, over time they shine dimmer, and the color rendition of the screen goes into red and green shades.
Burnout occurs where blue or white is heavily used. Black does not use pixel backlighting, so it does not cause fading. Burnt pixels become dark and visible on the screen. The lighter the image, the better you can see them.
Is there a solution?
Manufacturers have not come up with an adequate solution to this problem, they either ignore it altogether, or use crutches, providing for periodic displacement of the static elements of the operating system interface by a few pixels. Users do not notice this misalignment, but it avoids overheating of the subpixels and slows down the degradation of subpixels. The matrixes of some Samsung smartphones use PenTile technology: blue LEDs are larger and glow brightly enough with less current, which increases their service life.
How to avoid burnout?
Burnout occurs most quickly on a bright screen, so you shouldn't turn the brightness slider to the maximum unnecessarily.
Do not leave your smartphone turned on with a static image for a long time.
Use a dark, or better black, theme in your apps and keyboard.
If your smartphone supports themes, change them from time to time.
Change the wallpaper and the arrangement of the icons on the Home screen occasionally.
Do not use your smartphone as an electronic clock. There are applications that allow you to display time on the screen, and a few hours of work in this mode is enough for the pixels under the numbers to burn out.
Can the screen with faded pixels be repaired?
The diodes are not restored, so it will not be possible to remove the burnout from the screen. Some people advise leaving the screen in the sun for a couple of hours. After such a procedure, the burned-out pixels may not be visible, but not because they recovered, but because the other subpixels also darkened. If the smartphone is uncomfortable to use due to traces on the screen, it makes sense to take it to the workshop and ask to replace the matrix or do it yourself.
By 2018, the rivalry between screen technologies boiled down to only two decent options left on the market. TN matrices have been replaced, VA in mobile devices have not been used, and something new has not yet been invented. Therefore, the competition has developed between IPS and AMOLED. It is worth recalling here that IPS, LCD LTPS, PLS, SFT are the same as OLED, Super AMOLED, P-OLED, etc. are just varieties of LED technology.
On the topic of which is better, IPS or AMOLED,. But technologies do not stand still, so in 2018 it will not be superfluous to make adjustments and make analysis taking into account today's realities. After all, both types of matrices are constantly being improved, getting rid of some shortcomings, or these disadvantages become less significant.
Which is better for a smartphone, IPS or AMOLED, now let's try to find out. To do this, we will weigh all the pros and cons of each of the technologies in order to identify the absolute leader based on the preponderance of the strengths or, taking into account the specifics, to decide which is better in specific conditions.
Pros and cons of IPS displays
The development and improvement of IPS displays has been going on for two decades, and during this time the technology has managed to acquire a number of advantages.
Advantages of IPS matrices
IPS panels are the best among all types of LCD panels due to a number of advantages.
- Availability... Over the years, the technology has been massively mastered by many companies, making the mass production of IPS screens inexpensive. The cost of a screen for a smartphone with FullHD resolution now starts at around $ 10. Thanks to their low price, these screens make smartphones more affordable.
- Color rendering... A well-calibrated IPS screen reproduces colors with maximum fidelity. That is why professional monitors for designers, graphic artists, photographers, etc. are produced on IPS matrices. They have the widest color gamut so you can get realistic object colors on screen.
- Fixed power consumption... Liquid crystals that form a picture on an IPS screen consume almost no current, the main consumer is backlight diodes. Therefore, the power consumption is independent of the image on the display and is determined by the backlight level. Due to the fixed power consumption, IPS screens provide approximately the same autonomy when watching movies, surfing the web, writing communication, etc.
- Durability... Liquid crystals are almost unaffected by the aging process and wear and tear, so in terms of reliability, IPS is better than AMOLED. Backlight LEDs can degrade, but the service life of such LEDs is very long (tens of thousands of hours), so even after 5 years the screen almost does not lose its brightness.
Disadvantages of IPS matrices
Despite the significant advantages, IPS also has disadvantages. These disadvantages are fundamental, therefore, they cannot be eliminated by improving technology.
- Black purity problem... Liquid crystals that display black do not block 100% of the light from the backlight. But since the backlight of the IPS screen is common for the entire matrix, its brightness does not decrease, the panel remains backlit, as a result the black color is not very deep.
- Low contrast... The contrast level of LCD matrices (about 1: 1000) is acceptable for a comfortable perception of the picture, but according to this indicator AMOLED is better than IPS. Due to the fact that the black is not very deep, the difference between the brightest and the darkest pixel in such screens is noticeably less than that of LED matrices.
- Long response time... The pixel response speed of IPS panels is low, about ten milliseconds. This is enough for normal perception of the picture when reading or watching video, but not enough for VR content and other demanding tasks.
Pros and cons of AMOLED displays
OLED technology is based on the use of an array of miniature LEDs located on a matrix. They are independent, so they offer a number of advantages over IPS, but they are also not without drawbacks.
Benefits of AMOLED matrices
AMOLED technology is newer than IPS, and its creators have taken care of eliminating the disadvantages inherent in LCD displays.
- Split Pixel Glow... In AMOLED screens, each pixel is itself a light source and is controlled by the system independently of the others. When displaying black, it does not glow, and when displaying mixed shades, it can produce increased brightness. Due to this, AMOLED screens demonstrate better contrast and black depth.
- Almost instant reaction... The pixel response speed on the LED matrix is orders of magnitude higher than that of IPS. Such panels are capable of displaying a dynamic picture with a high frame rate, making it smoother. This ability is a plus in games and when interacting with VR.
- Reduced energy consumption when showing dark tones... Each pixel of the AMOLED matrix glows independently. The lighter its color, the brighter the pixel, therefore, when displaying dark tones, such screens consume less energy than IPS. But in the process of displaying a white AMOLED panel, the battery consumption is similar, or even greater than that of IPS.
- Small thickness... Since AMOLED matrices do not have a layer that scatters backlight light onto liquid crystals, such displays are thinner. This allows you to reduce the size of the smartphone, while maintaining its reliability and without sacrificing battery capacity. In addition, in the future, it is possible to create flexible (and not only curved) AMOLED matrices. This is not possible for IPS.
Disadvantages of AMOLED matrices
AMOLED-matrices are also characterized by shortcomings, and there is only one culprit for most of the troubles. These are blue LEDs. The development of their production is more difficult, and in terms of quality they are inferior to green and red.
- Blue or PWM... When choosing a smartphone with an AMOLED screen, you have to choose between pulse width control of brightness and blueness of light tones. This is due to the fact that with continuous light, blue subpixels are perceived more strongly than red and green ones. This can be fixed by using PWM dimming, but then another drawback pops up. At maximum screen brightness, there is no PWM or the adjustment frequency reaches about 250 Hz. This indicator is on the border of perception and almost does not affect the eyes. But with a decrease in the backlight level, the PWM frequency also decreases, as a result, at low flicker levels with a frequency of about 60 Hz, it can lead to eye fatigue.
- Burnout blue... There is also a problem with the blue LEDs. Their lifespan is shorter than green and reds, so color distortion may occur over time. The screen turns yellow, the white balance shifts towards warm tones, the overall color rendition deteriorates.
- Memory effect... Since miniature LEDs are prone to fading, areas on the screen that displayed a bright, static picture (such as a clock or a light-colored network indicator) can lose brightness over time. As a result, even if the element is not displayed, the silhouette of this element is visible in these places.
- PenTile... The PenTile structure is not a fundamental disadvantage of all AMOLED panels, but it is characteristic of most of them so far. With this structure, the matrix contains an unequal number of red, green and blue subpixels (Samsung has half the number of blue ones, while LG has twice as many). The main motive for using PenTile is the desire to compensate for the disadvantages of blue LEDs. However, a side effect of this solution is a decrease in the clarity of the picture, especially noticeable in VR headsets.
Taking into account all the features of both types of matrices, it can be noted that IPS with high resolution is better if you are interested in VR and need maximum picture clarity. Indeed, in AMOLED, PenTile hinders the comfortable perception of virtual reality, and the PWM of the backlight so far neutralizes the instantaneous reaction speed. Also, IPS is better if you have to work more with light colors (web surfing, instant messengers).
AMOLED screens are the future, but the technology isn't perfect yet. However, you can safely buy a smartphone with an LED screen, especially if it is a flagship. Brightness, contrast, deep blacks and energy savings in dark tones can overcome all the disadvantages of OLED.
It's easy to see that phones with AMOLED screens are more expensive than their IPS counterparts. What is the reason for the higher cost? Can an AMOLED display be immediately distinguished from other types of screens? Why are such LCD panels rarely found outside of South Korean Samsung's products? The answers to all these questions are in this material.
AMOLED stands for Active Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode. This means that this matrix is built on the basis of organic light-emitting diodes, while it is active. Each pixel here glows independently, as a result of which a separate backlit layer is not required - this reduces the thickness of the panel and also reduces power consumption.
Almost any AMOLED screen has the following structure:
- Upper layer - cathode;
- Below is the organic layer with LEDs- there is no air gap;
- Placed even lower thin film transistor array dealing with diode control;
- Followed by anode layer;
- It all lies on a backing made of silicone, metal or some other material.
AMOLED screen structure
The order of the LED subpixels in AMOLED displays can be different. Samsung has been using PenTile for a long time - a checkerboard pattern (in the middle - blue, on the sides - two green ones, behind them - two red ones). It is this position of the subpixels that has the most positive effect on power consumption.
PenTile - the subpixel order used by Samsung
AMOLED vs Super AMOLED: which is better?
Samsung smartphones use screens made using Super AMOLED technology. What are the main differences between such displays? Initially, the "Super" prefix meant no air gap - it was the South Korean company that managed to get rid of it in 2010. But now ordinary AMOLED screens made by other companies can boast of this. Consequently, Super AMOLED is now a marketing feature of the South Korean manufacturer. That is, you can put an equal sign between AMOLED and Super AMOLED.
It should be noted that it is Samsung that produces the largest number of AMOLED panels. South Koreans have already learned how to bend their creations in every possible way (it is much easier to do this without a separate backlit layer). Rest assured, all smartphones with AMOLED displays with curved edges are manufactured using South Korean matrices. Apple is going to open its own plant for the production of OLED screens, but this will not happen until 2020.
The main advantages of AMOLED panels
The physical properties of matrices consisting of organic light-emitting diodes are such that the screen can have tiny thickness... In particular, this is especially important for smartwatches and fitness bracelets, the physical dimensions of which should not be large.
But the most important plus of any OLED screen (including its AMOLED variations) is low power consumption... Each pixel of such a display glows independently. It turns out that the greatest power consumption will be at the moment when the entire screen displays an even white color. And if some areas are supposed to display dark colors, then they glow noticeably dimmer, and therefore the battery consumption is reduced.
The darker the picture displayed on the display, the less power is consumed.
High contrast- another undoubted advantage of such screens. This is explained by the same ability of pixels to glow on their own. For example, under the IPS-panel, there is a substrate of LEDs that illuminate black colors as well. This does not happen here.
Contrast differences are immediately noticeable
Also, due to this, the picture on the AMOLED screen clearly visible even in bright sunlight... IPS technology allows you to see something on the display on a clear day only by turning down the brightness of the backlight, which leads to a sharp increase in power consumption.
AMOLED phones
As already mentioned above, only Samsung is on the hook with OLEDs. But this does not mean that this manufacturer does not sell their screens to someone else. In particular, a 6-inch AMOLED panel is included in the popular smartphone OnePlus 5T... This screen has a resolution of 2160 x 1080 pixels and the width of the side bezels is kept to a minimum.
The screen created on the basis of organic light-emitting diodes has and Meizu Pro 7... This device is much more compact - the diagonal of the display installed here is only 5.2 inches, and the resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels. A distinctive feature of the device is the presence of a second screen located on the back, directly below the dual camera. AMOLED technology was also used in its creation.
As for South Korean smartphones, it makes no sense to single out specific models. For a long time, even relatively inexpensive Samsung devices have been receiving AMOLED displays. The only exceptions are super-budget models that are sold for 4000-5000 rubles.
Conclusion
AMOLED screens are the future, it is undoubtedly. Such displays do not have serious drawbacks, giving an image with better color rendering and maximum viewing angles, while consuming very little power. The only problem is the higher cost of such panels. It leads to a percentage of production, which is far from a record. It is also possible to mention not the highest rates of production - alas, but Samsung alone is extremely difficult to satisfy the demands of the smartphone market.
In this article, we will find details about the structure of AMOLED screens, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the differences between Super AMOLED and Super AMOLED Plus technologies.
AMOLED panels have become the new standard in the world of screen technology. Increasingly, such displays are used in flagship smartphones, other mobile devices, monitors and even televisions.
The technology was first used in the Samsung S8300 Ultra Touch mobile phone in 2009, but now it is being used by other manufacturers as well. So, last year, the Chinese brand OnePlus introduced its own development Optic AMOLED in the flagships OnePlus 3 and.
What is an AMOLED panel?
AMOLED stands for Active Matrix OLED. The peculiarity of this type of display is that each pixel is illuminated by a separate diode, so no additional backlight or liquid crystals are required.
The first is the cathode layer. Organic LEDs act as light-emitting elements, and an active matrix of thin-film transistors is used to control them. They determine the amperage that flows through each diode, hence the brightness and color of the pixel. Then the anode layer passes. Next is the substrate, which can be made of various materials such as silicone, metal, etc.
In AMOLED panels, the subpixels are arranged according to the PenTile scheme developed by Candice Brown Elliott. Each pixel contains five subpixels, which are staggered in color: two red, two green, and one blue in the center. This arrangement provides a high brightness display without increasing power consumption. In 2008, Samsung Electronics took over the technology and began using it in its products.
Super AMOLED
In 2010, Samsung introduced an improved version of the panel called Super AMOLED. Its main difference was the absence of an air gap between the sensor and the screen itself. This increased the brightness and clarity of the image, improved readability in bright sunlight and reduced the thickness of the display.
In early 2011, another improved version was released - Super AMOLED Plus. Unlike its predecessor, it uses the RGB color model instead of PenTile, which provides increased picture clarity.
Benefits of AMOLED displays
One of the main advantages of AMOLED is that the power consumption of the display directly depends on the brightness of the image. Thus, the screen requires less power to display dark tones. This results in deeper blacks as the black pixels are not illuminated at all. Samsung has leveraged the same advantage with Always On Display, which allows you to display the time, date and notifications on the lock screen without noticeable battery drain.
These displays provide a wider viewing angle (about 180 degrees) both vertically and horizontally. At the same time, brightness, contrast and color saturation are preserved.
AMOLED panels are thinner to fit into a slimmer and more elegant body. Also, the freed up space inside the case can be used for other important components, for example, a larger battery.
In addition, AMOLED screens have a wider color gamut, faster response times and higher contrast.
Disadvantages of AMOLED
As mentioned earlier, power consumption in AMOLED panels directly depends on the brightness of the picture. This means that more energy is required when displaying light tones.
Another weakness is the unreliable connections inside the shield. Even with the slightest damage or crack, the display can be completely damaged. With a slight depressurization, the screen begins to fade gradually and stops showing after about two days.
With constant use in bright colors, the lifespan of such a panel will be noticeably reduced. Moreover, subpixels of different colors burn out at different rates, as a result of which the color rendition is disturbed. In addition, the maximum brightness of AMOLED displays remains lower compared to LCDs.
For a long time, one of the drawbacks was the high cost of production, which means that repairs, if necessary, were more expensive for users. However, with the advancement of technology, making AMOLED panels becomes cheaper.
Output
There is a lot of debate about the advantages and disadvantages of AMOLED panels. But it cannot be denied that such displays are the technology of the future, as more and more mobile manufacturers are beginning to move to a new standard, invest in its development, or even produce their own versions of OLED screens.
If you are lucky enough to own a smartphone or other mobile device with an AMOLED display, we can advise you to stick to a dark design for your home screen and interface. This will reduce the energy consumption of the screen and extend the life of the display. When doing this, be careful and remember that even with minor damage, the screen may fail completely.
Which technology is better - IPS or Amoled? Let's talk about the advantages and disadvantages of screens. How to make the right choice?
There was a time when the Samsung company loudly announced its Amoled technology, calling it almost the pinnacle in the production of matrices. Initially, Amoled screens were used in TVs, then the technology was inherited by the brand's smartphones.
AMOLED displays are not liked for an unnatural picture, excessively high contrast, saturated colors.
At this moment, IPS screens with their clarity and natural picture appear on the market. Which is better - IPS or Amoled, and which display is right for you.
Advantages and disadvantages of IPS and AMOLED
Both technologies have a lot of them, it is a fact. Let's start with Amoled.
AMOLED – Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode... The technology provides maximum screen brightness and high image contrast, excellent glare suppression in bright daylight / sunlight / lamp light. At the same time, the screen itself consumes little energy, since the pixels are activated only at the right time, while in IPS, all the pixels are constantly active when the screen is turned on.
Disadvantages of Amoled:
- The high cost of production, which significantly increases the price of a smartphone;
- High vulnerability to mechanical damage;
- Fading of colors is observed over time.
What is IPS? Here, too, everything is very ambiguous. In-Plane Switching technology was created as an ideological successor of TFT - a frankly outdated technology that does not give a juicy picture, or good responsiveness, or wide viewing angles.
Having got rid of these shortcomings, IPS has become a real godsend. The picture is clear, dynamic, deep and rich. But most importantly, the colors have become truly realistic. Amoled, with its oversaturated color palette, loses a lot in this regard. Although, this is also a matter of taste. The picture is clear, the viewing angles are excellent - everything is gorgeous.
Disadvantages of IPS:
- Active energy consumption;
- Smartphones with IPS screens are slightly thicker than their Amoled counterparts;
- IPS requires more powerful backlighting;
- Slow matrix response (only the most picky users will be able to tell the difference);
- Pixel grid visibility.
AMOLED vs IPS - which one to choose?
If you are faced with a choice - to buy a smartphone with an IPS or Amoled screen, start from exactly how you will use it and what you generally expect from the screen. Want natural colors and generally good color reproduction? Choose IPS. Do you want the battery to last longer, and the picture to please with saturation and depth? Amoled for you.
At the same time, everyone should remember that you are not buying a TV, but a smartphone. The average user may not notice much difference between these technologies. And, perhaps, the best advice in choosing is to just look what you like best visually. Well, if you buy a phone for several years, then it's better to take it with an IPS-matrix. The faded colors on Amoled are clearly not to your liking. Although, again, you may not even notice them.
