After we introduced Spectrum OLED, many customers asked us to distinguish between the OLED and IPS technology used in Spectrum 4K 144Hz. We hope that this article can shed some light on those technologies.

The technology behind 

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) and IPS (In-Plane Switching) are two technologies that are commonly used in displays, including those found in smartphones, TVs, and computer monitors. While both technologies have their own set of benefits, they work in different ways and have some key differences that may make one more suitable for certain applications than the other.

Illustrations on the difference between OLED and LCD

Image Source: Orienteddisplay.com

OLED technology is based on the use of organic materials that emit light when an electric current is applied. Each pixel in an OLED display is made up of an organic material that can be turned on or off independently, and can also be dimmed to different levels of brightness. 

IPS technology is a type of LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) technology that uses a backlight to illuminate the pixels on the screen. The backlight is typically positioned behind the LCD panel and is typically made up of LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps. The pixels in an IPS display are made up of liquid crystals that modulate the amount of light that passes through them. 

The modules of the IPS panels used on Spectrum 4K 144Hz monitors

Main differences

1. Contrast ratios and black levels

One of the main differences between OLED and IPS is how they produce and emit light.

Each pixel in an OLED display can be turned on or off independently and completely when displaying black or dark content. As a result, this allows OLED displays to produce lifelike colors, true black and excellent contrast ratios.

In contrast, IPS displays are not able to turn individual pixels on or off completely, which can result in less contrast and deep blacks compared to OLED displays.

Image source: Xiaomiui.net

2. Viewing angles

Another difference between OLED and IPS is their viewing angles.

OLED displays have excellent viewing angles, as the organic materials used to produce light are equally effective at all angles. This means that OLED displays maintain consistent color and brightness no matter what angle you view them from.

Meanwhile, IPS displays have more limited viewing angles, with colors and brightness tending to shift when viewed from certain angles.

3. Response times and refresh rates 

OLED displays generally have faster response times and higher refresh rates than IPS displays do. 

With independently functioning pixels, OLED displays can respond very quickly to changes in the image being displayed, resulting in fast response times and high refresh rates. In contrast, IPS panels have slower response times and lower refresh rates compared to OLED displays due to using a backlight to illuminate the pixels on the screen.

Overall, the fast response times and high refresh rates of OLED displays make them well-suited for fast-paced content, such as gaming and sports, as they can display motion smoothly without motion blur or ghosting. 

4. Durability

In terms of durability, OLED displays may have a slightly shorter lifespan than IPS displays due to the organic materials used in their construction. The organic materials which are used in OLED can degrade over time due to the intense heat and light produced by the display. This can result in a phenomenon known as "burn-in," where certain areas of the display appear to be permanently faded or discolored.

In contrast, the backlight used in IPS displays is typically positioned behind the LCD panel and is typically made up of LED lamps. These lamps have a longer lifespan compared to the organic materials used in OLED displays, which can contribute to the longer lifespan of IPS displays.

So, which technology is better?

It ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the specific application. If you prioritize true black levels, excellent contrast, and wide viewing angles, Spectrum OLED is the way to go. If you prefer a display with good overall performance and a long lifespan, an IPS display may be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your individual needs and priorities.

However, it's also important to note that the seemingly disadvantages of OLED and IPS displays can vastly vary depending on a number of factors, including the quality of the materials used, the manufacturing process, and how the display is used. Both technologies have come a long way in recent years and can now offer very long lifespans when used properly.

Specifically, if you decide to get Spectrum OLED, you're covered by a 2-year burn-in warranty. That will help give you peace of mind in case you have any worries regarding its durabilities.

Whereas, in complement to the IPS panel used in Spectrum 4K 144Hz, we apply a unique glossy coating on top of the IPS panel with the purpose of increasing black levels, creating sharper details and more clear text. 

 Spectrum 4K 144Hz with glossy coatings