home-Windows-stands for tft. Which screen type to choose: IPS or TFT? Is an IPS or TFT display better? The best smartphones with AMOLED matrices

stands for tft. Which screen type to choose: IPS or TFT? Is an IPS or TFT display better? The best smartphones with AMOLED matrices

It should be noted right away that each technology has enough fans, and therefore fierce disputes on the Internet do not subside for a moment. This mainly concerns the topic “AMOLED vs IPS”, since TN matrices stand somewhat apart and do not claim to be the “coolest technology” laurels. After reviewing several reviews, we nevertheless made up our opinion, which we will share with you.

Comparison of IPS and TN matrices

The fact that screens created using TN technology have not disappeared from the market indicates that they are still in demand. Their main advantage is the price, since the cost of TN displays is on average 20-50% lower than that of equivalent IPS devices. Second competitive advantage called low response time: modern TN-matrix screens have a response time of the order of 1 ms, while IPS monitors have a characteristic of 5 - 8 ms. However, the latter is quite enough to display movies and even 3D games with large quantity dynamic scenes, and therefore you can ignore this parameter as long as it is in the specified range.

Tablet Asus MeMO Pad ME172V with TN screen

In contrast to the above, IPS screens show more high contrast, as well as the brightness of the picture and, most importantly, excellent viewing angles. In addition, the thickness of devices with IPS matrices is slightly lower than that of TN opponents, which is sometimes true for smartphones and tablets. Another advantage is the best quality images when direct sunlight hits the IPS screen, which is again important for wearable devices. Agree, constantly covering the smartphone screen with your hand in order to at least see something on the street is not very convenient, and therefore phones with TN-screens are gradually disappearing into oblivion.

Conclusion: Screens with TN matrices are suitable for the corporate sector, as well as for monitors and tablets of not too demanding customers who do not mind saving. For owners of smartphones and those who are not constrained by funds, it is worth choosing devices equipped with IPS screens.

Comparison of AMOLED and TN

People who do not delve into screen technology too much sometimes refer to displays with TN matrices as TFT. They ask sellers questions like: “What better AMOLED or TFT? ”, Forcing the latter to smile forcedly and explain the materiel to curious customers. We will assume that there are no such people among our readers, and therefore we will move on to the topic of the title.

Ramos W30 tablet with ISP screen

In general, it is difficult to compare these two technologies, since devices made with their use are designed for different categories of customers. AMOLED is primarily a tribute to fashion and a step towards innovation. Customers Considering AMOLED Display Expect to Purchase modern device with top-end features and only secondarily study the price tag and make a decision. On the contrary, buyers of equipment with a TN screen are looking for the maximum for their money, and the budget here is the primary factor when buying. According to the characteristics, AMOLED is closer to IPS, and therefore the conclusions for comparison suggest themselves appropriate.

Conclusion: Insofar as AMOLED displays even more expensive than IPS, you should hardly look at them when choosing a budget or mid-budget option. If your goal is a device with high level image quality, then you are straight to the next subheading.

Comparison of AMOLED and IPS

So we got to the main question of the article: "What is better AMOLED or IPS?". And, of course, in order to draw a conclusion, one must consider the strengths and weaknesses every technology.

viewing angles. Both technologies have excellent viewing angles, and smartphone-tablet owners vying to say that their AMOLED / IPS screen is definitely better. There really are no big differences, however, users and experts note that at large viewing angles difference IPS from AMOLED screens, it manifests itself in a bluish or greenish tint of the image in the latter.

Energy saving. The fact is that here it is necessary to say about one feature of these two technologies. Screens with IPS matrices produce the best white color among competitors, while AMOLED displays are leaders in displaying black colors (by the way, because of this they are called even more contrast). If the AMOLED screen has to display white colors frequently, for example when using a browser, then its power consumption increases by about 5 times.

hybrid tablet Samsung ATIV Smart PC with AMOLED screen

Image clarity. Most AMOLED displays use a PenTile subpixel arrangement. Although the developers claim that this does not affect the image, however, many users, when compared, call the picture of IPS screens clearer. On the other hand, maybe they are just suspicious?

Screen thickness. Here the advantage of AMOLED displays is undeniable. The absence of a separate backlight layer makes such screens really thinner.

Brightness and contrast. These characteristics of AMOLED screens are indeed higher than those of competitors. On the other hand, quite a few people find them oversaturated and tiring on the eyes, especially with prolonged use. It seems that this item remains a matter of taste for each individual user.

Screen burn-in. This item concerns mainly organic displays. The sad fact is that when a static image is displayed for a long time, its “traces” remain on the screen. So, for example, “images” of permanently displayed icons appear on the screens of smartphones.

Response time. AMOLED screens are said to have slower response times than IPS screens. In practice, this difference is insignificant and is suitable only for marketing techniques.

Conclusion: Let the fans of AMOLED technology throw tomatoes at me (that is, the author), but my subjective opinion leaned in favor of IPS. The technology has more advantages, but the price of devices is still lower. We believe that organic displays will still prove themselves after several years of technology improvement in all its glory, however, so far, their characteristics lose out in the price-quality category.

TFT and IPS matrices: features, advantages and disadvantages

V modern world we regularly come across the displays of phones, tablets, PC monitors and TVs. Technologies for the production of liquid crystal matrices do not stand still, and therefore many people have a question, what is better to choose TFT or IPS?

In order to fully answer this question, it is necessary to carefully understand the differences between both matrices, highlight their features, advantages and disadvantages. Knowing all these subtleties, you can easily choose a device whose display will fully meet your requirements. Our article will help you with this.

TFT matrices

Thin Film Transistor (TFT) is a liquid crystal display manufacturing system based on an active matrix of thin film transistors. When a voltage is applied to such a matrix, the crystals turn towards each other, which leads to the formation of a black color. A power outage gives the opposite result - the crystals form a white color. Changing the applied voltage allows you to form any color on each individual pixel.

The main advantage of TFT displays is the relatively low production cost compared to modern counterparts. In addition, such matrices have excellent brightness and response time. Due to this, distortions when viewing dynamic scenes are invisible. TFT displays are most commonly used in budget TVs and monitors.

Disadvantages of TFT displays:

    • low color rendering. The technology has a limit of 6 bits per channel;
    • the spiral arrangement of the crystals adversely affects the image contrast;
    • image quality is noticeably reduced when the viewing angle is changed;
    • high probability of the appearance of "broken" pixels;
    • relatively low power consumption.

The shortcomings of TFT matrices are most noticeable when working with black. It can be distorted to gray, or vice versa, be too contrasty.

IPS matrices

The IPS matrix is ​​an improved continuation of displays developed using TFT technology. The main difference between these matrices is that in TFT liquid crystals are arranged in a spiral, while in IPS the crystals lie in the same plane parallel to each other. In addition, in the absence of electricity, they do not rotate, which has a positive effect on the display of black.

Advantages of IPS matrices:

  • viewing angles at which image quality does not decrease are increased to 178 degrees;
  • improved color rendering. The amount of data transmitted per channel has been increased to 8 bits;
  • significantly improved contrast;
  • reduced energy consumption;
  • low probability of the appearance of "broken" or burnt out pixels.

The image on the IPS matrix looks more lively and saturated, but this does not mean that this technology is without flaws. Compared to its predecessor, IPS has significantly reduced image brightness. Also, due to the change in the control electrodes, such an indicator as the response time of the matrix has suffered. The last but not the least significant drawback is the relatively high price of devices that use IPS displays. As a rule, they are 10-20% more expensive than similar ones with a TFT matrix.

What to choose: TFT or IPS?

It should be understood that TFT and IPS matrices, despite significant differences in image quality, are very similar technologies. They are both created on the basis of active matrices and use liquid crystals of the same structure. Many modern manufacturers give their preference IPS matrix m. Largely due to the fact that they can compete with plasma matrices and have significant prospects in the future. However, TFT matrices are also evolving. Now on the market you can find TFT-TN and TFT-HD displays. They are practically not inferior in image quality to IPS matrices, but at the same time they have a more affordable cost. But on this moment there are not many devices with such monitors.

If image quality is important to you and you are willing to pay a little extra, then a device with an IPS display is the best choice.

As is usually the case with abbreviations used to denote specifics and technical characteristics, there is confusion and substitution of concepts regarding TFT and IPS. Largely due to unqualified descriptions electronic devices in catalogs, consumers pose the question of choice initially incorrectly. So, the IPS matrix is ​​​​a kind of TFT matrices, so it is impossible to compare these two categories with each other. However, for the Russian consumer, the abbreviation TFT often means TN-TFT technology, and in this case it is already possible to make a choice. So speaking of differences TFT screens and IPS, we will mean TFT screens made using TN and IPS technologies.

TN-TFT- a technology for making a matrix of a liquid crystal (on thin-film transistors) screen, when the crystals, in the absence of voltage, rotate to each other at an angle of 90 degrees in a horizontal plane between two plates. The crystals are arranged in a spiral, and as a result, when the maximum voltage is applied, the crystals turn in such a way that when light passes through them, black pixels are formed. No tension - white.

IPS- technology for the execution of a matrix of a liquid crystal (on thin-film transistors) screen, when the crystals are arranged parallel to each other along a single plane of the screen, and not spirally. In the absence of voltage, liquid crystal molecules do not rotate.

In practice, the most important difference between an IPS matrix and a TN-TFT matrix is ​​the increased level of contrast due to the almost perfect black display. The picture is clearer.

The color rendering quality of TN-TFT matrices leaves much to be desired. Each pixel in this case can have its own hue, different from the others, resulting in distorted colors. IPS already treats the image much more carefully.

On the left is a tablet with a TN-TFT matrix. On the right - a tablet with an IPS matrix

The response speed of TN-TFT is slightly higher than that of other matrices. IPS takes time to rotate the entire array of parallel crystals. Thus, when performing tasks where drawing speed is important, it is much more profitable to use TN matrices. On the other hand, in everyday use, a person does not notice the difference in response time.

Monitors and displays based on IPS matrices are much more energy intensive. This is due to the high level of voltage required to rotate the array of crystals. Because the tasks of saving energy in mobile and portable devices meets more TN-TFT technology.

IPS-based screens have wide viewing angles, that is, they do not distort or invert colors if the view falls at an angle. Unlike TN, IPS viewing angles are 178 degrees both vertically and horizontally.

Another difference that is important for the end user is the price. TN-TFT is by far the cheapest and most mass-produced matrix option, so it is used in budget electronics models.

Findings site

  1. IPS screens are less responsive and have longer response times.
  2. IPS screens provide better color reproduction and contrast.
  3. The viewing angles of IPS screens are much larger.
  4. IPS screens require more power.
  5. IPS screens are more expensive.

Before the mass distribution of smartphones, when buying phones, we evaluated them mainly by design and only occasionally paid attention to functionality. Times have changed: now all smartphones have approximately the same capabilities, and when looking only at the front panel, one gadget can hardly be distinguished from another. Came to the fore specifications devices, and the most important among them for many is the screen. We will tell you what lies behind the terms TFT, TN, IPS, PLS, and help you choose a smartphone with desired characteristics screen.

Matrix types

V modern smartphones Three technologies for the production of matrices are mainly used: two are based on liquid crystals - TN + film and IPS, and the third - AMOLED - on organic light emitting diodes. But before we start, it is worth talking about the acronym TFT, which is the source of many misconceptions. TFT (thin-film transistor) are thin-film transistors that are used to control the operation of each sub-pixel of modern screens. TFT technology is used in all the types of screens listed above, including AMOLED, so if somewhere it is said about comparing TFT and IPS, then this is a fundamentally wrong question.

Most TFT matrices use amorphous silicon, but TFT on polycrystalline silicon (LTPS-TFT) has recently been introduced into production. The main advantages of the new technology are the reduction in power consumption and the size of transistors, which makes it possible to achieve high values pixel density (more than 500 ppi). OnePlus One became one of the first smartphones with an IPS display and a LTPS-TFT matrix.

Smartphone OnePlus One

Now that we have dealt with TFT, let's go directly to the types of matrices. Despite the wide variety of LCD varieties, they all have the same basic principle work: the current applied to the molecules of liquid crystals sets the angle of light polarization (it affects the brightness of the subpixel). The polarized light then passes through a light filter and is colored in the color of the corresponding subpixel. The first to appear in smartphones were the simplest and cheapest TN + film matrices, the name of which is often abbreviated to TN. They have small viewing angles (no more than 60 degrees when deviated from the vertical), and even with small inclinations, the image on screens with such matrices is inverted. Other disadvantages of TN matrices include low contrast and low accuracy color reproduction. To date, such screens are used only in the cheapest smartphones, and the vast majority of new gadgets have more advanced displays.

The most common technology in mobile gadgets now is IPS technology, sometimes referred to as SFT. IPS-matrices appeared 20 years ago and since then have been produced in various modifications, the number of which is close to two dozen. Nevertheless, it is worth highlighting among them those that are the most technologically advanced and are actively used at the moment: AH-IPS from LG and PLS from Samsung, which are very similar in their properties, which even was the reason for litigation between manufacturers . Modern IPS modifications have wide viewing angles that are close to 180 degrees, realistic color reproduction and provide the ability to create displays with a high pixel density. Unfortunately, gadget manufacturers almost never report the exact type of IPS matrices, although the differences will be visible when using a smartphone. naked eye. Cheaper IPS matrices are characterized by fading of the picture when the screen is tilted, as well as low color accuracy: the image can be either too “acidic” or, on the contrary, “faded”.

As for power consumption, in liquid crystal displays it is mainly determined by the power of the backlight elements (LEDs are used in smartphones for this purpose), so the consumption of TN + film and IPS matrices can be considered approximately the same at the same brightness level.

Matrices created on the basis of organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) are completely different from LCDs. In them, the subpixels themselves, which are subminiature organic light-emitting diodes, serve as a light source. Since there is no need for external illumination, such screens can be made thinner than liquid crystal. Smartphones use a variety OLED technology- AMOLED which uses active TFT matrix to control subpixels. This is what allows AMOLEDs to display colors, while conventional OLED panels can only be monochrome. AMOLED matrices provide the deepest blacks, since it only requires completely turning off the LEDs to “display” it. Compared to LCDs, these matrices have lower power consumption, especially when using dark themes, in which the black areas of the screen do not consume power at all. Other salient feature AMOLED - too saturated colors. At the dawn of their appearance, such matrices really had an implausible color reproduction, and although such “childhood sores” are long gone, most smartphones with such screens still have a built-in saturation setting that allows you to bring the image on AMOLED closer in perception to IPS screens.

Another limitation of AMOLED screens used to be the unequal life of LEDs. different colors. After a couple of years of using a smartphone, this could lead to sub-pixel burnout and afterimage of some interface elements, primarily on the notification panel. But, as in the case of color reproduction, this problem is long gone, and modern organic LEDs are designed for at least three years of continuous operation.

let's sum up summary. The most high-quality and brightest image at the moment is provided by AMOLED matrices: even Apple is rumored to use such displays in one of the next iPhones. But it should be taken into account that all latest developments Samsung, as the main manufacturer of such panels, keeps for itself, and sells "last year's" matrices to other manufacturers. Therefore, when choosing a smartphone not from Samsung, you should look towards high-quality IPS screens. But in no case should you choose gadgets with TN + film displays - today this technology is already considered obsolete.

The perception of the image on the screen can be influenced not only by the technology of the matrix, but also by the pattern of subpixels. However, with LCDs, everything is quite simple: in them, each RGB pixel consists of three elongated subpixels, which, depending on the modification of the technology, can be in the form of a rectangle or a “tick”.

Everything is more interesting in AMOLED screens. Since in such matrices the subpixels themselves are the light sources, and the human eye is more sensitive to pure green light than to pure red or blue, using the same pattern in AMOLED as in IPS would degrade color reproduction and make the picture unrealistic. An attempt to solve this problem was the first version of the PenTile technology, which used two types of pixels: RG (red-green) and BG (blue-green), consisting of two subpixels of the corresponding colors. Moreover, if the red and blue subpixels had a shape close to squares, then the green ones looked more like strongly elongated rectangles. The disadvantages of this pattern were "dirty" white color, jagged edges at the junction different colors, and at low ppi - a clearly visible grid of the subpixel substrate, appearing due to too long distance between them. In addition, the resolution indicated in the characteristics of such devices was “dishonest”: if an IPS HD matrix has 2,764,800 subpixels, then an AMOLED HD matrix has only 1,843,200, which led to a visible difference in the clarity of IPS and AMOLED matrices with the naked eye. seemingly the same pixel density. Last flagship smartphone with such AMOLED matrices she became samsung galaxy S III.

In smartpad Galaxy Note II South Korean company made an attempt to abandon PenTile: the screen of the device had full-fledged RBG pixels, albeit with an unusual arrangement of subpixels. However, for unclear reasons, Samsung subsequently abandoned such a pattern - perhaps the manufacturer faced the problem of further increasing ppi.

In their modern Samsung screens returned to RG-BG pixels using a new pattern type called Diamond PenTile. New technology allowed to make the white color more natural, and as for the jagged edges (for example, individual red subpixels were clearly visible around a white object on a black background), this problem was solved even easier - by increasing the ppi to such an extent that the bumps were no longer noticeable. Diamond PenTile is used in all Samsung flagships beginning with Galaxy models S4.

At the end of this section, it is worth mentioning another picture of AMOLED matrices - PenTile RGBW, which is obtained by adding a fourth, white, to the three main subpixels. Until the advent of Diamond PenTile, this pattern was the only recipe for a clean white color, but it never became widespread - one of the last mobile gadgets with PenTile RGBW became Galaxy tablet Note 10.1 2014. AMOLED matrices with RGBW pixels are now used in TVs because they do not require a high ppi. To be fair, we also mention that RGBW pixels can also be used in LCDs, but we are not aware of examples of the use of such matrices in smartphones.

Unlike AMOLED, high-quality IPS matrices have never experienced quality problems associated with sub-pixel patterns. However, Diamond PenTile technology, together with high pixel density, allowed AMOLED to catch up and overtake IPS. Therefore, if you choose gadgets meticulously, you should not buy a smartphone with AMOLED screen, which has a pixel density of less than 300 ppi. With more high density no defects will be visible.

Design features

The variety of displays of modern mobile gadgets does not end with imaging technologies alone. One of the first things that manufacturers took up was the air gap between the projection-capacitive sensor and the display itself. This is how the OGS technology appeared, combining the sensor and the matrix in one glass package in the form of a sandwich. This gave a significant leap in image quality: increased maximum brightness and viewing angles, color reproduction has been improved. Of course, the thickness of the entire package has also been reduced, allowing for more thin smartphones. Alas, the technology also has drawbacks: now, if you break the glass, it is almost impossible to change it separately from the display. But the quality advantages still turned out to be more important, and now non-OGS screens can only be found in the cheapest devices.

popular in Lately steel and experiments with the shape of glass. And they began not recently, but at least in 2011: HTC Sensation had a glass concave in the center, which, according to the manufacturer, was supposed to protect the screen from scratches. But for quality new level such glasses came out with the advent of "2.5D screens" with glass curved at the edges, which creates the feeling of an "infinite" screen and makes the edges of smartphones smoother. Such glasses are actively used in their gadgets Apple company and they have become more and more popular lately.

A logical step in the same direction was the bending of not only the glass, but also the display itself, which was made possible by using polymer substrates instead of glass ones. Here the palm, of course, belongs to Samsung with its Galaxy smartphone Note Edge, in which one of the side faces of the screen was curved.

Another way was proposed by LG, which managed to bend not only the display, but the entire smartphone along its short side. However, LG G Flex and its successor did not gain popularity, after which the manufacturer abandoned the further production of such devices.

Also, some companies are trying to improve human interaction with the screen, working on it. sensory part. For example, some devices are equipped with sensors with hypersensitivity, which allow you to work with them even with gloves, and other screens get an inductive substrate to support styluses. The first technology is actively used by Samsung and Microsoft ( former Nokia), and the second - Samsung, Microsoft and Apple.

The future of screens

Do not think that modern displays in smartphones have reached the highest point of their development: technology still has room to grow. One of the most promising are displays on quantum dots(QLED). A quantum dot is a microscopic piece of a semiconductor in which quantum effects. Simplified, the radiation process looks like this: the effect of a weak electric current causes the quantum dot electrons to change energy, emitting light in the process. The frequency of the emitted light depends on the size and material of the dots, so that almost any color in the visible range can be achieved. Scientists promise that QLED matrices will have better color reproduction, contrast, higher brightness and lower power consumption. Partially, quantum dot screen technology is used in Sony TV screens, and prototypes are available from LG and Philips, but there is no talk about the mass use of such displays in TVs or smartphones.

It is also highly likely that in the near future we will see in smartphones not just curved, but also fully flexible displays. Moreover, prototypes of such AMOLED matrices that are almost ready for mass production have been around for a couple of years. The limitation is the electronics of the smartphone, which is still impossible to make flexible. On the other side, large companies can change the very concept of a smartphone by releasing something like the gadget shown in the photo below - we can only wait, because the development of technology is happening right before our eyes.

When choosing a monitor, TV or phone, the buyer often faces a choice of screen type. Which one do you prefer: IPS or TFT? The reason for this confusion was the constant improvement of display technology.

All monitors with TFT technology can be divided into three main types:

  1. TN + Film.
  2. PVA/MVA.

That is, TFT technology is active matrix liquid crystal display, and IPS is one of the varieties of this matrix. And the comparison of these two categories is not possible, since practically they are one and the same. But if you nevertheless understand in more detail what a display with a TFT matrix is, then a comparison can be made, but not between screens, but between their manufacturing technologies: IPS and TFT-TN.

General concept of TFT

TFT (Thin Film Transistor) translates as thin film transistor. The LCD display with TFT technology is based on an active matrix. This technology involves a spiral arrangement of crystals, which, under high voltage, rotate in such a way that the screen turns black. And in the absence of voltage high power we see White screen. Displays with this technology output only dark gray instead of perfect black. Therefore, TFT displays are popular mainly in the manufacture of cheaper models.

Description of IPS

LCD matrix technology IPS screen(In-Plane Switching) implies parallel arrangement of crystals over the entire plane of the monitor. There are no spirals here. And therefore, the crystals do not rotate under conditions of strong stress. In other words, IPS technology is nothing but improved TFT. It renders black color much better, thereby improving the degree of contrast and brightness of the image. That is why this technology is more expensive than TFT, and is used in more expensive models.

Main differences between TN-TFT and IPS

Wanting to sell as many products as possible, sales managers mislead people that TFT and IPS are completely different types screens. Marketing specialists do not provide exhaustive information about technologies, and this allows them to pass off an existing development as a newly appeared one.

Looking at IPS and TFT, we see that it's practically the same. The only difference is that the monitor with IPS technology are a more recent development than TN-TFT. But despite this, a number of differences between these categories can still be distinguished:

  1. Increased contrast. The way black is displayed directly affects the contrast of the image. If you tilt the screen with TFT technology without IPS, then it will be almost impossible to read anything. And all due to the fact that the screen becomes dark when tilted. If we consider the IPS matrix, then, due to the fact that the black color is transmitted perfectly by the crystals, the image is quite clear.
  2. Color reproduction and the number of shades displayed. Matrix TN-TFT not in the best way conveys colors. And all due to the fact that each pixel has its own shade and this leads to color distortion. The screen with IPS technology transmits the image much more carefully.
  3. Response delay. One of the advantages of TN-TFT screens over IPS is the high-speed response. And all because it takes a lot of time to rotate many parallel crystals IPS. From this we conclude that where the drawing speed has great importance, it is better to use a screen with a TN matrix. Displays with IPS technology are slower, but Everyday life this is not noticeable. And reveal this difference can only be applied by specially designed technological tests. As a rule, it is better to give preference to displays with an IPS matrix.
  4. Viewing angle. Thanks to its wide viewing angle, the IPS screen does not distort images even when viewed at an angle of 178 degrees. What does this value of the viewing angle can be both vertically and horizontally.
  5. Energy intensity. Displays with IPS technology, unlike TN-TFT, require more power. This is due to the fact that in order to rotate the parallel crystals, a large voltage is needed. As a result, the battery goes more load than when using a TFT matrix. If you need a device with a small power consumption, then TFT technology would be ideal.
  6. Price policy. Most budget models electronics use displays based on TN-TFT technology, since this type of matrix is ​​the most inexpensive. To date, monitors with an IPS matrix, although they are more expensive, are used in almost all modern electronic models. This gradually leads to the fact that the IPS matrix is ​​​​practically replacing equipment with TN-TFT technology.

Results

Based on the foregoing, the following conclusion can be drawn.

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