Matte vs Glossy Screen Finish

Are you in the market for a new laptop or monitor and debating whether to go for a matte or glossy screen finish? You're not alone. It's a common dilemma, and there's no clear winner. In this blog post, we'll compare the features and benefits of both finishes so that you can make an informed decision.

Glossy Screen Finish

Glossy screens tend to have brighter and more vibrant colors, which can be especially attractive for multimedia-heavy activities like gaming or photography. They also tend to have better contrast ratios, which means they can display deeper black levels and brighter whites, resulting in a more vivid picture.

However, one of the most significant drawbacks of glossy screens is their susceptibility to glare and reflections. If you're working near a window, under a bright light, or outdoors, you'll have to deal with the glare of your own reflection, making it difficult to see what's on the screen. This can cause eye fatigue and reduce productivity.

Matte Screen Finish

Matte screens have a rough and non-reflective surface, making them more resistant to glare and reflections. This makes them an excellent choice if you're working in a brightly lit environment or spend a lot of time outdoors. They are also more forgiving when it comes to fingerprints and smudges, as they tend to show less.

Matte screens also tend to have better viewing angles by reducing the amount of light reflected from the screen's surface. While they don't have the same vibrancy and contrast ratios as glossy screens, they tend to be easier on the eyes, especially during extended use.

Which One is Better?

Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preference and how you plan to use your device. Glossy screens are ideal for multimedia activities, while matte finishes are perfect for more business-focused use.

References

• R. Tanzi and S. Kalra, “LCD Display Technologies and Applications,” IEEE JOHN magazine, vol.22, no.6, pp.9-10, Nov.-Dec. 2012, doi: 10.1109/MCE.2012.6307661
• A. N. van den Brink, W. L. IJsselsteijn, and R. H. Kegel, “Effect of ambient light and screen brightness on outdoor tablet legibility,” Displays, vol.57, pp. 8-16, 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.displa.2019.04.002