In the realm of technology, opting for this advancement results in reduced response times and narrower viewing angles, making it less prevalent compared to IPS. Additionally, these displays generally carry a slightly higher price tag than IPS panels. Thus, if contrast is a priority for you, be prepared to shell out more.
Mini-LED: Embracing Local Dimming at a Smaller Scale
Traditionally, the backlights of most LCD screens uniformly illuminate the entire display. Nevertheless, television manufacturers sought to enhance contrast by implementing local dimming. The challenge arose from developing a system of backlights that could be independently controlled and scaled down for smaller screens.
This is where Mini-LEDs step in. These miniature LEDs, smaller than standard LED backlights (approximately 200 microns), enable display makers to densely pack more units into a smaller area. This results in thousands of local dimming zones on laptop and tablet screens. While technically a backlight technology, Mini-LED can be paired with various types of LCD panels to elevate contrast and black levels. A related technology, “Micro LED,” exists where pixels double as their own backlight; however, this is currently confined to exceedingly large (and exorbitantly priced) displays.
OLED: Delivering Unmatched Black Levels
Organic light emitting diodes (OLED) present one of the few alternatives to liquid crystal displays. These panels utilize pixels that emit light individually, eliminating the need for a traditional backlight. This individual light emission ensures there is no light bleed in darker areas of the image. The black levels achieved by OLED displays are virtually infinite, as inactive pixels mimic a turned-off display.
As OLED panels operate devoid of backlights, they excel in generating high-contrast visuals and accurately reproducing colors. However, they are more susceptible to burn-in compared to LCDs. These panels are manufactured by a select few companies, with the majority being produced by LG. While OLED panels carry a higher price than standard LCDs, prices have gradually become more reasonable over the years. Opting for OLED is recommended for users seeking top-tier picture quality, albeit at a premium compared to equivalent LCD displays.
QD OLED and WOLED: Amplifying OLED Brightness
Quantum dot OLEDs (QD-OLED) represent Samsung’s recent foray into the display market. Despite OLEDs emitting their own light, filters are required to produce red, green, and blue wavelengths. Traditional OLEDs employ a white subpixel for light emission, intensifying brightness from each pixel.
QD-OLED, akin to other quantum dot displays, leverages blue OLEDs as a source of light, which subsequently interacts with quantum dots to generate the necessary red and green light for full-color imaging. This integration combines the advantages of OLED technology (no separate backlight, high-contrast visuals) with the benefits of quantum dots (minimal light loss through filters, enhanced control over color accuracy).
Recent displays incorporating QD-OLED rank among the most visually stunning panels assessed by WIRED. Notably, devices like the Samsung S95C received high praise for its flawless black levels, vivid colors, and expansive viewing angles.
WOLED employs a similar strategy to boost brightness, featuring an additional white OLED layer. This technology is utilized in premium LG models like the new C4 to achieve peak brightness exceeding 1000 nits.
Given the novelty of QD-OLED and WOLED panels, displays equipped with these technologies might command a higher price point at present. Nevertheless, it will be challenging to find monitors offering superior image quality without these advancements.
