OLED vs. LED: Which Display Tech Is Better for Computer Monitors?
Long ago, computer monitors either use liquid crystal display (LCD) or cathode ray tube (CRT) technology. LCD desktop displays draw less power and have a thinner or lighter design, while CRT monitors are the opposite: big, heavy, and use relatively large amounts of power.
While these display technologies have served many people and businesses, they have now been outwitted by two next-generation screen displays: light-emitting diode (LED) and organic light-emitting diode OLED.
Join us as we dig deep into their differences and find out which works better for computer monitors.
OLED and LED Computer Display Comparison
Brightness
Both screen displays have exceptional brightness; they can look good in a sunny room, moderate indoor lighting situations and even dark rooms. However, there are varying arguments on what type provides full-screen brightness better.
LED: This type of technology utilises a backlight to illuminate individual pixel acts and produce vivid colour. It gives manufacturers a better colour range — brighter bright images and darker dark images.
OLED: On the contrary, OLED doesn’t use an active backlight. Each pixel is illuminated independently and functions as its light source.
Winner: OLED
Black Level
Black level is basically how dark a computer monitor can get. The ability of electronic display devices to produce deep, dark blacks is arguably one of the most important factors in achieving excellent picture quality.
LED: Since LED employs a backlight, it can’t block out the light entirely. It can only display dark grey as the darkest colour.
OLED: This technology delivers true, consistent and deep black levels, thanks to its ability to turn pixels off.
Winner: OLED
Contrast Ratio
Contrast ratio is the difference between the brightest and the darkest a screen display can be. This aspect plays a pivotal role in the overall picture quality. Here, one technology delivers an exceptional contrast ratio than the other.
LED: Such display tech has a lower contrast ratio because of its inability to display bright colours and dark black levels.
OLED: On the other hand, OLED computer screens have infinite contrast ratio. They can produce images with greater apparent brightness and darkness, as well as lifelike colours with an exceptionally wide gamut.
Winner: OLED
Response Time
Response time and refresh rates are other important variables when buying a computer monitor or flat panel display. They have something to do with how much time it takes for a pixel to states. They’re crucial in reducing motion blur, the tendency to blur during fast-moving scenes.
LED: Some LED displays hit the market with a starting refresh rate of 120 hertz, while others claim to have 240 hertz. Also, response times on modern LEDs have improved because of black frame insertion.
OLED: OLED computer monitors likewise use black frame insertion, a technique to improve motion or resolution or reduce motion blur.
Winner: Tie (with exceptions)
Viewing Angle
Viewing angle holds equal importance as well; it determines how wide a display can be viewed without experiencing colour distortion. For instance, when a laptop’s lid is half-closed or laid down, the aforesaid colour distortion starts to become visible, and the display will usually appear dimmer.
LED: This is the problem with most LED computer displays. A website, image, video or other files that are viewed from the dead centre or off sides may appear blurry.
OLED: Unlike LED, OLED computer monitors have excellent viewing angles. There’s only a little space behind the screen for the light to diffract, allowing images to look the same even from extreme angles.
Winner: OLED
Energy consumption
The energy consumption on these display technologies varies depending on two factors: screen brightness, and backlight setting. The former applies to light-emitting diode screen displays, while the latter applies to organic light-emitting diode computer monitors.
LED: LED’s power consumption depends on the backlight setting. The lower the backlight, the lower the power consumption. A basic LED panel display has a low backlight, thus drawing less power than OLED.
OLED: Since OLED’s energy consumption correlates to screen brightness, OLED displays tend to be less energy-efficient. The only way to conserve energy on them is to reduce their brightness. However, doing so means reducing their contrast ratio, which is not ideal.
Winner: LED
Which is More Worth It?
OLED and LED monitors have their own strong and weak points. It’s only up to the people on which they prefer more. But if the above buying factors are considered, going for OLED panel displays is a clever decision.
However, their good value entails a reasonable price. OLED monitors are quite expensive given that they’re just relatively new in the market.
