A bitter rivalry within the tech world…but which is better?
Here at MWBIS we are bombarded with suggestions for new content from our readers across the world. This week we decided to tackle one of our most suggested topics in recent memory…
Which is better? An IPS panel or an OLED panel?
This debate has been raging for as long as we can remember and is a constant source of debate within the every-changing world of computer monitor technology. Questions are often thrown around…
Which has better viewing angles?
Which has the superior contrast ratio?
What on earth is quantum dot technology?
We found ourselves struggling to find any in-depth content to help us solve this ongoing issue and so we have put together the ultimate guide to settle the debate once and for all..
IPS displays
Before fancy terms such as liquid crystals and image burn were talked about the world was dominated by LCD panels and LCD displays. They have been around since the 80s but were built using a TN display which resulted in poor color reproduction and narrow viewing angles.
What is an IPS display?
An IPS panel refers to one with In Plane Switching which is used with a liquid crystal display (LCD) to create dynamic colours and visual saturation.
Since their introduction, IPS LCD screens have become increasingly popular as people discover the benefits gained when using this display technology.
When compared to the traditional TN and VA panels the IPS technology is far superior and continues to remain a strong competitor in the world of computer monitors.
Types of IPS monitors
There are many types of IPS panels including S-IPS, H-IPS, E-IPS, P-IPS, and PLS (Plane-to-line switching). These versions of IPS are all fairly similar and thus are collectively referred to as “IPS-type” panels with them all claiming to provide ultra wide viewing angles and deep color palettes.
While the introduction of the IPS LCD panel was an incredible innovation, an IPS display has recently dropped in popularity due to the emergence of a new innovative technology…OLED displays…
OLED displays
OLED is the young new player in the scene of monitor technology that has been disrupting the world of LCD TV s.
However, with new innovation comes new problems and OLED displays have been the source of new issues such as image burn and retention.
With this in mind lets dig deeper into exactly what an OLED display is and why you should consider switching to OLED panels…
What is an OLED display?
An OLED display refers to one using an organic light emitting diode.
What this basically means is that instead of relying on a backlight such as with an IPS screen monitor, the OLED display creates its own light allowing for an infinite contrast ratio more in-depth range of colors, a high contrast ratio, overall image quality and picture quality across your entire screen.
This means an OLED screen emits light with dark pixels without making your monitors backlight bleed while also allowing for individual pixels to achieve maximum brightness.
Types of OLED TVs and monitors
There are several variations of OLED technology. These are Passive-Matrix OLED, Active-Matrix OLED, Transparent OLED, Top-emitting OLED, Foldable OLED and White OLED.
Unlike with IPS monitors, where the multiple variations are fairly similar, OLED types tend to be quite different with each one specialising in a certain screen type or configuration.
A Passive-Matrix OLED display is used on smaller screens such as phones and small tablets whereas an Active-Matrix OLED display is most commonly used in large screen OLED TVs, computer monitors and electronic signs.
It is therefore important when comparing OLED displays to consider which device you’ll be using it for.
The final breakdown
IPS Displays
Price
The introduction of IPS LCD TVs was revolutionary and due to the age of the technology it is very affordable monitors using an IPS panel type.
Quality
A monitor using in plane switching (IPS) benefits from wide viewing angles and can emit a brighter light than an OLED display. When deciding between OLED TVs vs IPS LCD vs VA panels the ultimate deciding factor is the quality of the image these display technologies can produce.
An LED TV using IPS screens is far better in quality than a standard LED TV using a VA panel.
However, LED TVs with IPS vs OLED is a whole different story with QLED TVs and monitors providing a significantly better image quality without the presence of local dimming.
User experience
The topic of OLED vs IPS revolves around the price and the image quality produced but one must also consider that the use of static elements in an IPS monitor results in a poorer static image when vs OLED.
However, when vs OLED, an IPS LCD display cannot provide the same quality of viewing angles and is reliant on local dimming as a means of emitting dark pixels.
This process of local dimming is not ideal to the customer especially if the LED or LCD device requires full array local dimming as this requires immense power consumption.
Final thoughts
IPS vs OLED is a battle of price and image quality and in the future it is clear OLED panels will become the new norm for modern computer monitors as OLED vs other screen technology is clearly higher quality.
Despite this, IPS vs VA highlights how important IPS technology is for ultra wide viewing angles and thus IPS monitors are more than suitable for many modern gamers and computer users needs.
OLED Displays
Price
OLED monitors and OLED displays remain fairly expensive when compared to traditional devices however in recent years you’ll find that buying a newer OLED TV has become cheaper and slightly more affordable for the average user.
They are still far more expensive when compared to a traditional LCD screen or a VA panel but from 2019 onwards OLED devices have become more and more accessible.
Quality
In terms of quality there is nothing quite like OLED panels. When watching movies or gaming you experience a much better contrast ratio than LED TVS or VA Displays.
The OLED screens possibility to emit light without backlight bleeding makes it one of the most premium features modern luxury TVs offer.
Furthermore, OLED is made using materials that allow them to manufacture good colour accuracy however this does result in a higher rate of power consumption.
User experience
The integration of a backlight into the display is what makes OLED screens thinner as opposed to IPS TVs which are noticeably thicker. This combines well with the screens vertical alignment allowing OLED display panels to offer low input lag.
One issue is that OLED monitors can be susceptible to an image burn in if used for an extended time which is where the image is retained by the pixels for long after the device is turned off.
This discolouration is thus referred to as an image burn in and is one of the major negatives for OLED when comparing IPS vs OLED.
Final thoughts
OLED vs IPS is a heated topic for the superior display technology in todays market. An OLED TV is able to produce its own light thus allowing for an incredible viewing experience despite the increased power consumption.
However when discussing OLED vs IPS vs VA panels it is important to consider the price difference and the potential value for money both an IPS LCD TV and an OLED TV can offer you.
Our verdict
The topic of OLED vs IPS panels is tricky as it really depends on your budget. In terms of price, OLED vs IPSs LCD displays is not really a competition. An IPS LCD screen is significantly cheaper than an OLED TV but the image quality of OLED vs other monitors is clearly superior.
We recommend users on a tight monitor budget consider purchasing an IPS LCD screen as IPS displays continue to remain affordable when compared to an OLED panel. With a decent graphics card there should be minimal low input lag.
For those not satisfied with an IPS LCD monitor and who have a larger budget, an OLED panel is what we recommend. OLED displays are far superior than an IPS LCD Tv due to in-built backlight which provides a unique premium quality viewing experience.
While burn in can occur the benefits associated with the in-built backlight outweigh the issues associated with image burn in.