In the color display, TFT LCD is still the main and mature technology, however, the pursuit of applications forces AMOLED technology to continue growing in the market.
In new product development, there is a debate over whether AMOLED is worth replacing the TFT LCD given the investment revolves around its cost, features, performance, and application suitability.
This article explores what AMOLED is, and whether upgrading the displays with AMOLED is worth it in various applications.
What is AMOLED?
AMOLED stands for Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode. It’s a type of OLED display that uses an active matrix to control the light emitted by organic materials. The active matrix integrates thin-film transistors (TFTs) to switch individual pixels on and off, enabling faster response times and higher efficiency.
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While AMOLED is a type of OLED, the terms are often confused. Let’s clarify the differences:
OLED
The origin of OLED is not new, the research and development has come a long way since 1987.
The basic organic light-emitting diode technology, also called PMOLED, is primarily used in small displays. Given their lower power consumption and efficiency for displaying simple text and icons, they are adopted for small screens in simple imaging devices, such as PDAs and MP3 players.
AMOLED
A more advanced form of OLED with an active matrix layer for pixel control can provide more vivid color in higher contrast, NTSC% compared to the main color display technology, TFT LCD.
They are widely used in high-end consumer devices, which require high resolution and refresh rate, such as smartphones in the Samsung Galaxy series and iPhone Pro series, new-generation smartwatches of GARMIN, game screens, VR/AR devices, etc.
OLED vs.AMOLED
| Feature | OLED | AMOLED |
| Pixel Control | Passive Matrix | Active Matrix |
| Resolution | Moderate | High |
| Refresh Rate | Lower | Higher |
| Power Efficiency | Lower | Higher (dynamic pixel control) |
| Applications | Entry-level or small devices | Premium devices and innovations |
Application Upgrade: IPS LCD to AMOLED
Why the devices are trendy to be upgraded from IPS LCD to AMOLED?
Why Upgrade?
High Contrast and Wide Color Gamut
You’ve probably heard that AMOLED displays have “pure blacks” while TFT LCD does not because AMOLED can turn off pixels to eliminate light, while LCD screens need to block light through the liquid crystal modulator, so that black is not truly black but a dark gray. For example, the contrast ratio of our 1.75-inch AMOLED module is 20000:1, while 1.85-inch TFT LCD is 1200:1.
It also has a 100% color gamut, while TFT LCD is normal at 70%-80%, hence, the colors stand out.
Thin and Flexible Design
Due to the lack of a backlight layer, AMOLED displays are thinner and lighter than traditional LCDs. Their flexibility enables unique designs like curved screens and foldable devices, which are highly appealing in premium smartphones, smartwatches, and other innovative gadgets.
Energy Efficiency
AMOLED displays consume less power, especially when displaying darker colors or black. This feature is crucial for devices like smartphones and smartwatches where battery life is a priority.
Wide Viewing Angles
The technology ensures minimal color distortion and brightness loss, even at extreme viewing angles, providing a superior visual experience compared to traditional LCDs.
Fast Response Time
AMOLED displays provide much faster refresh rates and response times, making them ideal for gaming, video playback, and other high-motion applications. This minimizes motion blur and enhances clarity.
This table comparison highlights why AMOLED is often favored for high-end and innovative devices and the drawbacks you also need to consider if it is suitable for your projects.
| Feature | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Technology | Uses a backlight to illuminate liquid crystals and polarizers to display images. | Uses self-emissive organic diodes where each pixel generates its own light. |
| Black Levels | Cannot achieve true black due to the constant backlight. | Capable of true black as individual pixels can turn off completely. |
| Contrast Ratio | Moderate contrast ratio due to backlighting. | Infinite contrast ratio as a result of self-emissive pixels. |
| Thickness | Thicker and heavier due to the backlight layer. | Thinner and lighter as no backlight is needed. |
| Power Consumption | Higher power usage as the backlight remains on even for black pixels. | Lower power usage, especially for darker images, as black pixels consume no energy. |
| Viewing Angles | Good, but colors may wash out slightly at extreme angles. | Excellent with minimal color shifting at any angle. |
| Brightness | Generally brighter, better suited for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. | Slightly less bright but improving with advancements in technology. |
| Lifespan | Longer lifespan as it does not degrade as quickly over time. | Shorter lifespan due to organic materials degrading over time (e.g., blue pixel aging). |
| Cost | More affordable due to mature production techniques and widespread adoption. | Higher production costs, though decreasing with advancements in technology. |
| Applications | Common in monitors, TVs, and budget smartphones. | Used in premium smartphones, smartwatches, and devices requiring superior visual quality. |
Application Areas: What Terminal Are AMOLEDs Mainly Used for?
AMOLED delivers an appealing experience from visual to performance. Therefore, its mainstream application market is where consumers pursue more extreme performance and are willing to pay a higher price for a better experience.
Smartwatches
AMOLED provides superior outdoor readability and vibrant colors, even under direct sunlight.
Such as Garmin has embraced AMOLED displays in its premium sports watches, which offer better contrast and power efficiency compared to IPS LCD.
Smartphones (OLED Phones)
Smartphones with AMOLED screens, such as Samsung Galaxy and iPhones, deliver unparalleled visual experiences.
Features like deep blacks and vivid colors enhance multimedia consumption and gaming.
Flexible and Foldable Devices
Due to its inherent flexibility, AMOLED is a preferred choice for foldable smartphones, rollable TVs, and innovative product designs that require bending or curving displays.
Like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, showcases AMOLED’s adaptability to curved and flexible designs.
Laptops and Notebooks
Some premium ultrabooks and gaming laptops include AMOLED panels to provide rich color reproduction and immersive visual experiences for professionals and gamers.
Hesitation
Of course, some people may wonder whether it is costly to upgrade to AMOLED.
The cost of AMOLED is higher than that of traditional IPS LCD, mainly because of its complex production process and low yield, especially for high-resolution and small-pixel pitch displays. In contrast, the traditional LCD process is very mature and the production cost is relatively low.
However, with the gradual maturity of AMOLED technology and the expansion of production scale, manufacturers have invested more resources in manufacturing, testing, and filtering, thereby improving the yield rate.
Now the production line of small-size AMOLEDs, such as 1.43-inch and 1.75-inch round AMOLEDs, has lowered the cost of mass production compared to previous years. Their price is affordable and compared with related-size TFT LCDs.
For applications demanding high visual fidelity, slim form factors, and energy efficiency, AMOLED is worthy.
For everyday devices where cost efficiency is a key factor, IPS LCD or traditional OLED is sufficient.
Any questions or requirements on the AMOLED displays, contact us for further discussion.
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