Viewing Angles in Displays: A Comparison

September 30, 2021

Introduction

When it comes to displays, we often focus on specs like resolution, screen size, and color accuracy. But what about viewing angles? How much do they matter, and how do different display technologies compare? In this article, we'll take a look at LCD, LED, OLED, and QLED displays and explore their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to viewing angles.

Understanding Viewing Angles

First, let's define some terms. Viewing angle refers to the maximum angle at which a user can view the screen without experiencing a significant loss of picture quality. When you view a display from an angle, the brightness and contrast of the image can change, and colors can shift.

The viewing angle is usually specified in degrees, and it can vary depending on the technology used in the display. The larger the viewing angle, the more flexible the viewing experience, allowing more people to gather around the screen and still see a clear image.

LCD Displays

Liquid crystal displays (LCD) are one of the most common types of displays on the market, found in everything from computer monitors to smartphones. LCD displays use a backlight behind the screen to illuminate the pixels.

LCD displays have a limited viewing angle, typically around 160 degrees horizontally and vertically. As you move perpendicular to the screen, the image becomes increasingly distorted, with a loss of contrast and color accuracy.

LED Displays

Light-emitting diode (LED) displays are similar to LCD displays but use LEDs instead of a single backlight to illuminate pixels. LED displays have a wider viewing angle than LCD displays, typically around 170-175 degrees horizontally and vertically.

OLED Displays

Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays use organic materials to emit light and create images. OLED displays have a wide viewing angle, with little to no color distortion or loss of brightness or contrast even when viewed from extreme angles. OLED displays have a viewing angle of 180 degrees horizontally and vertically.

QLED Displays

Quantum Dot LED (QLED) displays use quantum dots to produce vibrant images. They have a wider viewing angle than LCD displays, typically around 178 degrees horizontally and vertically. Since QLED displays use LED technology, their performance is similar to LED displays.

Conclusion

When it comes to viewing angles, OLED displays are the clear winners. They offer a wide angle and maintain image quality with little distortion or color shift. However, OLED displays are still relatively expensive and might not be suitable for everyone's budget.

For those on a budget, LED and QLED displays are both good options, with viewing angles that are generally sufficient for most users.

Now that you know more about viewing angles, you can make an informed decision when shopping for a new display. The Flare Compare team hopes that this information was helpful.

References


© 2023 Flare Compare