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OLED vs LCD and PWM flicker

Originally published on 6/8/2024

We know the new iPad (with M4 chip) use the latest OLED display, which is a big upgrade from the previous mini-LED display. OLED is known for its high contrast and no backlight. So LCD is dead? Not really.

OLED

Pros of OLED:

  • Superior Contrast and Black Levels: OLED displays can turn off individual pixels, resulting in real blak color.
  • Color Accuracy and Viewing Angles: They offer stunning color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
  • Per-pixel Lighting: Each pixel can be controlled individually, which can save power and improve battery life.

Cons of OLED:

  • Burn-in: OLED displays can suffer from burn-in, especially when displaying static images for a long time.
  • Cost: Typycally more expensive than LCD.

LCD

Pros of LCD:

  • Affordability: LCD displays are generally cheaper than OLED.
  • No Burn-in: There's no burn-in risk with LCD.
  • Brightness: LCDs can get brighter than OLEDs.

Cons of LCD:

  • Lower Contrast: LCD displays usually have lower contrast ratios than OLED.
  • Backlight: LCDs require a backlight, which can cause light bleed and uniformity issues.
  • Limited Viewing Angles: LCDs have limited viewing angles compared to OLEDs.
  • Variable Color Accuracy: Color performance may vary accross different models and viewing conditions.

PWM Flicker

Both LCD and OLED displays can use PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to control brightness. There's just on and off, no in-between. To achive lower brightness, the display will turn on and off rapidly. (Increasing the off time will reduce the brightness.)This can cause flicker, which can be noticeable to some people and cause eye strain or headaches.

Many OLEDs use PWM for dimming, particularly at lower brightness levels. PWM is also used in some LCDs, especially in cheaper models, but some high-end LCDs offer DC dimming options that don't flicker. Choosing an LCD with DC dimming can help reduce eye strain.

The choice between OLED and LCD displays largely depends on personal sensitivity to flicker and specific usage patterns. If you're working at a design studio, you might prefer an OLED display for its color accuracy and contrast. If you need to watch it for a long time, you might prefer an LCD display with DC dimming or eye-care features.

The most important, testing the display in person is the best way to determine if it's right for you.

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