How to Choose a Smartphone Screen? Understand the Differences Between OLED, LCD, and AMOLED to Say Goodbye to Decision Fatigue!

When purchasing a smartphone, the screen is often one of the most important components for consumers. Faced with a dazzling array of screen types and technical specifications on the market, many people feel confused: which screen is more suitable for me? Today, we will delve into the secrets of smartphone screens to help you make an informed choice.

1. Basic Types of Smartphone Screens

Smartphone screens are mainly divided into two categories: LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode). These two types of screens have significant differences in principles, performance, and user experience.

LCD Screen

Principle: LCD screens do not emit light by themselves and require a backlight layer to provide light, displaying images by controlling whether light passes through liquid crystal molecules.
Advantages: Mature technology, lower cost, accurate color reproduction, and long lifespan.
Disadvantages: Cannot achieve pure black display (as the backlight layer is always on), lower contrast, and higher power consumption.

OLED Screen

Principle: Each pixel of an OLED screen can emit light independently, eliminating the need for a backlight layer.
Advantages: Extremely high contrast (black can be completely turned off), vibrant colors, fast response time, lighter and thinner, and flexible.
Disadvantages: Risk of burn-in (static images displayed for long periods may cause pixel aging), and higher cost.

2. Subtypes of OLED: AMOLED and Super AMOLED

OLED screens also have more specific types, the most common being AMOLED and Super AMOLED.

AMOLED

Features: Active Matrix OLED, where each pixel is controlled by an independent TFT (Thin Film Transistor), resulting in finer display effects.
Advantages: High color saturation, strong contrast, suitable for displaying dynamic content.

Super AMOLED

Features: Samsung’s patented technology integrates the touch layer into the display layer, reducing screen thickness.
Advantages: More sensitive touch, clearer display, and lower power consumption.

3. Screen Parameter Analysis: Resolution, Refresh Rate, and Color Gamut

In addition to screen type, screen parameters are also key to selection. Here are several core parameters:

Resolution

Definition: The number of pixels on the screen, commonly found in 720P, 1080P, 2K, 4K, etc.
Recommendation: 1080P (FHD) is the mainstream choice, while 2K and above are suitable for users with extremely high image quality requirements.

Refresh Rate

Definition: The number of times the screen refreshes per second, measured in Hz. Common rates include 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz.
Recommendation: A high refresh rate (such as 120Hz) can provide a smoother scrolling and gaming experience, but it will increase power consumption.

Color Gamut and Color Accuracy

Color Gamut: The range of colors that the screen can display, with common standards including sRGB and DCI-P3.
Color Accuracy: The accuracy of color display, represented by the ΔE value, the smaller the better.
Recommendation: Ordinary users should focus on sRGB coverage, while professional users (such as designers) need to pay attention to DCI-P3 and ΔE values.

4. Eye Protection Technologies: DC Dimming and PWM Dimming

The dimming method of the screen has a significant impact on eye health.

DC Dimming

Principle: Controls brightness by adjusting the current size.
Advantages: Flicker-free, more friendly to the eyes.
Disadvantages: May cause uneven colors at low brightness.

PWM Dimming

Principle: Controls brightness by rapidly turning the screen on and off.
Advantages: More stable display effects at low brightness.
Disadvantages: Flicker may cause eye fatigue (especially in sensitive individuals).

5. How to Choose a Screen Based on Needs?

Daily Use

Recommendation: LCD or standard OLED screen, 1080P resolution, 60Hz refresh rate.
Reason: High cost-performance ratio and good battery life.

Gamers

Recommendation: High refresh rate (120Hz and above) OLED screen, such as AMOLED.
Reason: Fast response time and smooth visuals.

Audio-Visual Enthusiasts

Recommendation: 2K resolution, high color gamut (DCI-P3) OLED screen.
Reason: Vivid colors and high contrast.

Eye Care Needs

Recommendation: LCD screens supporting DC dimming or OLED screens with low-frequency PWM dimming.
Reason: Reduce flicker damage to the eyes.

6. Future Trends: Foldable Screens and Micro LED

Foldable Screens

Currently dominated by OLED, its bendable characteristics make it the preferred choice for foldable screens.
Advantages: Flexible screen size, combining portability with large screen benefits.

Micro LED

Emerging technology that combines the advantages of LCD and OLED.
Advantages: High brightness, long lifespan, no burn-in issues, but extremely high cost.

Conclusion

When choosing a smartphone screen, it is essential to consider the type, parameters, and personal needs comprehensively. LCD is suitable for users with limited budgets or those who prioritize eye care, while OLED is ideal for users pursuing image quality and experience. In the future, with technological advancements, foldable screens and Micro LED may become mainstream. We hope this article helps you find the smartphone screen that best suits you!