Since 19th century, there has been significant innovations in the display technologies. From the CRT, LCD, LED and to OLED – every technology offers unique benefits, features and limitation.
In many instance, people tend to confuse OLED and LED display technologies. Although there are similarities between OLED and LED displays, it is important to understand the differences. It will help you determine the most suitable type of display for your application.
What is OLED?
Officially known as organic light emitting diodes, this is a type of display that utilizes organic materials that release light when exposed to electric current. This technology does not require a backlight; instead, each pixel produces its own light.
What is LED?
This display technology relies on back-light light-emitting diodes manufactured from inorganic material. The technology uses synthetic semiconductors that are better adapted at generating light than the traditional display that relied on fluorescent backlights.
Differences Between OLED and LED Displays
There are numerous differences between OLED and LED, which make them suitable for varying applications. The main difference between the two types of displays includes:
Structural Differences
· Thickness
When it comes to thickness, OLED displays have a more compact design with its thickness ranging between 0.1–2.5 mm. The compact design is enabled due to its simple design, which involves layered organic structures that do not require a backlight, which requires more space.
On the other hand, LED displays rely on the use of backlights and diffusion layers, which occupy a larger space, making the LED display thicker. These units typically have a thickness ranging from 5–15 mm.
· Weight
Given its compact and simple design, the OLED displays weigh less, with the average weight ranging between 7–19g. The overall size of the OLED plays a key role in its final weight, with larger units weighing more.
The additional backlight incorporated into this design, along with the diffusion layers, makes the LED display relatively heavier, with its average weight falling above 37g. Despite the noticeable increase in weight, these units are still lighter compared to more traditional displays.
· Design
The OLED displays feature a compact design that is highly flexible. The screens can be bent and folded, which allows these screens to have curved designs.
The LED, on the other hand, which incorporates glass and backlights, has a more rigid design, with most units being the traditional flat screens.
Image Quality
· Black Levels and Contrast
For absolute black, the OLED is the better display, as the technology allows the pixels to turn off the light completely, creating a perfect black, which increases the level of contrast.
The LED, on the other hand, relies on a backlight that remains on even when the pixel darkens, resulting in a lighter shade of black and giving it a greyish hue. This lack of a perfect black also lowers the display’s resolution.
· Brightness and HDR Performance
When it comes to brightness, LED, which relies on a backlight, offers elevated brightness levels, making it ideal for outdoor use, which experiences bright light from the sun. With an average of above 3000 nits, this display is suitable for HDR even in brightly lit environments.
OLED may experience challenges with High Dynamic Range in brightly lit environments. The average brightness for OLED units typically falls between 1000-2000 nits, which is better suited for small highlights.
· Color Reproduction
The organic light-emitting diodes with the red, green, and blue dies offer pure colors, wide gamuts, as well as an elevated saturation, allowing them to produce better color.
On the other hand, LED relies on vibrant dots to produce vibrant colors, with its downside being off-axis, the color trails off in accuracy, impacting color consistency.
· Viewing Angles
With individual organic diodes that light up a display that uses OLED technology affords you get color and contrast consistency despite extreme viewing angles.
The LED variation relies on a back light, which is limited in terms of area of coverage, and as such, angles above 30-45 degrees will result in a drop in brightness and color clarity.
· Motion Handling and Response Time
For the fastest response time, you should select the OLED displays that feature a response time of under 0.1ms. This minimized response time eliminates blurring, making it suitable for fast motion pictures such as games.
LED displays often experience minor smearing as a result of a slightly delayed response time, which falls between 2-8ms, depending on the type of display you have. You can counter this problem by getting units equipped with elevated refresh rates.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
OLED operates using individual diodes, which light up when exposed to electric current, and in order to create black, they simply turn off, which saves over 90% of energy. You can also save 20- 55% when using it for applications such as scrolling or gaming compared to other displays.
For large screens and applications that require a lot of white, the LED displays consume a lot less power as they rely on a backlight. Therefore, when it comes to efficiency, this variation is more efficient when it comes to white heavy.
Environmental Considerations
OLED relies on organic compounds, which undergo deterioration at a much faster rate, lowering the durability of the displays and their sustainability for the environment. The manufacturing process also results in the release of toxic compounds, which his detrimental to the environment.
LEDs rely on inorganic semiconductors, which can easily be recycled, making them sustainable for the environment. These diodes also last longer, allowing you to use them for a longer duration, resulting in less waste.
Durability and Degradation
· Lifespan and Degradation Mechanisms
With OLED displays, you are looking at a lifespan ranging between 20,000–100,000 hours. The blue subpixels in these displays are the first to degrade as they experience elevated instability when subjected to electrical stress.
LEDs offer you a longer service life, ranging between 30,000–100,000 hours and above. An increased lifespan is largely due to the inorganic pixels used, which degrade at a much slower pace, allowing the display to remain functional for longer.
· Burn‑In and Image Retention
OLED displays are more susceptible to burn-in from overexposure to static images, which results in brightness that is not uniform. Temporary retention quickly fades away when the image changes; however, prolonged exposure will cause permanent image retention.
LED eliminates burn-in as it relieves the backlight, which does not directly impact the light-emitting diodes. This is what makes it ideal for signs and billboards.
Cost
OLED displays cost more compared to similar LED products as they cost more to manufacture. For budget-friendly options, LED displays offer more affordable units given their lower cost of production.
Production Complexity and Manufacturing Yield
OLED is produced under precise conditions, which include specialized equipment and an ultra-clean manufacturing room. Its average yield ranges between 70-90% and below 50% for large displays.
LED production takes place under less strict requirements, relying on established photolithography, allowing for mass production. It has also achieved over 95% yields
FAQS
When should OLED displays be used?
For applications requiring wide viewing angles, infinite contrast, perfect blacks, and fast response times, the OLED is the most suitable display.
When should LED displays be used?
For bright environments, LED displays are more suitable. They are also a cost-effective option with elevated durability.
What are the similarities between OLED and LED displays
- Both displays produce full color images in addition to elevated efficiency when compared to older technology
- Both deliver HDR, high resolution, and a compact build
- They are both energy efficient
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