IPS vs. OLED: Which Display is Right for Your B2B Project?

Choosing the right display technology is crucial for B2B projects, influencing everything from image quality to long-term reliability. IPS (In-Plane Switching) LCDs and OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays each offer unique advantages and disadvantages. This guide will help you navigate the key differences and make an informed decision.

This Guide Will Answer

• Understand the fundamental technical differences between IPS and OLED.
• Evaluate which technology provides superior image quality and contrast.
• Assess the risk of screen burn-in in B2B applications.
• Determine which technology is brighter and better suited for outdoor use.
• Compare IPS and OLED in terms of power consumption, viewing angles, cost, and lifespan.

Fundamental Technical Differences Between IPS and OLED?

IPS LCDs use a backlight to illuminate liquid crystals, which then filter the light to create images. OLEDs, on the other hand, are emissive displays, meaning each pixel emits its own light. This difference in technology leads to significant variations in their performance characteristics.

In an IPS display, a backlight (typically LED) shines through a layer of liquid crystals. These crystals twist and untwist to block or allow light to pass through color filters, creating the image you see. An OLED display doesn't need a backlight. Instead, each individual pixel is made of an organic material that glows when electricity is applied. This allows OLEDs to turn pixels completely off, achieving true black levels and infinite contrast ratios. This fundamental difference dictates the performance qualities of each technology^[1].

Key Technical Differences

Feature	IPS LCD	OLED
Light Source	Backlight (typically LED)	Emissive (each pixel is a light source)
Black Levels	Limited by backlight leakage; darker grays, not true black	True blacks; pixels can be completely turned off
Contrast Ratio	High (e.g., 1000:1), but finite	Infinite (theoretically), as black pixels emit no light
Viewing Angles	Wide (especially with IPS technology)	Very wide
Response Time	Good; can be improved with overdrive techniques	Very fast; virtually instantaneous
Manufacturing Cost	Generally lower	Generally higher

Practical Tips

• Consider pixel structure: Look for IPS panels that minimize light bleed for better black levels.
• Understand subpixel layout: OLEDs often employ PenTile subpixel layouts. This layout can improve brightness and lifespan, which may also slightly reduce sharpness.
• Look for advanced OLED technologies: Advancements are continuously being made to reduce burn-in and improve OLED lifespan.

Real-World Example: Medical imaging displays often use IPS technology for their accurate color reproduction, which can differentiate fine levels of detail on X-ray and Ultrasound images.^[1]

Learn more about Medical Imaging Display Solutions.

Which Display Offers Better Image Quality and Contrast?

OLED displays generally provide superior image quality and contrast due to their ability to achieve true black levels and infinite contrast ratios. Individual pixels can be turned off completely, resulting in exceptional detail and realism.

The emissive nature of OLED technology results in vibrant colors, outstanding contrast, and exceptional viewing angles. In contrast, IPS LCDs, while offering excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, are limited by backlight leakage, resulting in less convincing black levels and lower contrast ratios. This difference in contrast ratio can significantly impact the perceived image quality, especially in dark environments^[1].

Detailed Image Quality Analysis

Aspect	IPS LCD	OLED
Black Levels	Limited by backlight; appears as dark gray	True blacks; pixels can be completely turned off
Contrast Ratio	High (e.g., 1000:1), but finite	Infinite (theoretically)
Color Accuracy	Excellent; often the choice for color-critical applications	Very Good; subject to calibration drift and individual pixel aging
Viewing Angles	Wide; remains consistent in color/brightness at different angles	Very Wide; exceptional viewing angles with minimal color shift
HDR Performance	Moderate; can be enhanced with local dimming	Superior; perfect blacks enhance HDR content

Tips for choosing Displays

• Calibrate for Color Accuracy: Regardless of the technology, calibrate your display regularly to maintain color accuracy.
• Consider Viewing Environment: In bright environments, high brightness is more critical than absolute black levels.
• Look for Certifications: Look for displays with certifications like DisplayHDR for guaranteed HDR performance.

Real-World Example: High-end retail displays used in showrooms and stores can greatly benefit from the rich color contrast on OLEDs. Making a showroom more impressive, giving designers a higher-end aesthetic.^[1]

Learn how Retail Displays can enhance the buyer UX experience.

Is Screen Burn-In a Serious Risk for B2B Applications?

Screen burn-in, also known as "image retention", is a potential concern with OLED displays, especially in applications where static images are displayed for long periods. However, advancements in OLED technology and careful usage practices can mitigate this risk.

Burn-in occurs when static elements (e.g., logos, menu bars, instrument gauge) on the screen cause the organic material in those pixels to degrade faster than others, creating a ghost image that is permanently visible. While it is mostly considered a consumer electronic problem, for example, a news channel logo in the corner of a screen, this is still a risk if industrial displays are used improperly^{[2],[3],[4],[5],[6]}.

Mitigation Strategies

• Implement pixel shift: Move the image or static elements slightly at regular intervals to distribute wear evenly.
• Use screen savers: Employ screen savers that automatically activate when the display is idle.
• Avoid prolonged static elements: Design user interfaces that minimize static elements or change their positions frequently.
• Choose modern OLED technology: Newer OLED panels incorporate technology that reduces the risk of burn-in.
• Use display management software: Schedule image refresh and power management cycles.

Actionable Tips

• Review Warranty: Evaluate the display warranty, as some warranties cover burn-in for a specific period.
• Test Before Deployment: Test the display in a simulated environment that mimics real-world usage to identify potential issues.
• Monitor Display Health: Regularly check the display's condition and adjust usage practices accordingly.

Real-World Example: In industrial control rooms, where displays often show static data and system readouts, implementing pixel shift and screen savers can reduce the likelihood of burn-in, ensuring the long-term reliability of the monitoring system^[1].

More on Monitor Management

Which Technology is Brighter and Better Suited for Outdoor Use?

IPS LCDs, especially those designed for outdoor use, generally offer higher brightness levels than OLED displays, making them better suited for direct sunlight readability. High brightness, measured in nits (cd/m²), is essential to overcome the effects of ambient light.

Outdoor readability involves battling glare and washing out of images caused by sunlight. While OLEDs have made advancements in brightness, they typically don't reach the same peak brightness levels as specialized IPS LCDs. These outdoor IPS LCDs often incorporate additional technologies like anti-reflective coatings and optical bonding to enhance readability under direct sunlight^[1].

Brightness and Outdoor Performance

Feature	IPS LCD	OLED
Peak Brightness	Higher; can reach 1000+ nits	Lower; typically around 400-800 nits
Anti-Reflective Coatings	Widely used; essential for outdoor applications	Less common; can impact overall image quality
Optical Bonding	Often used; reduces internal reflections	Emerging; can significantly reduce reflections

Tips for Outdoor Displays

• Consider Viewing Angle: Ensure the display maintains good visibility from various angles under sunlight.
• Assess Operating Temperature: Choose displays rated for the expected temperature range.
• Evaluate Environmental Protection: Consider protection against dust, moisture, and other environmental factors.

Real-World Example: For outdoor kiosks and ATMs, IPS LCDs with high brightness and anti-glare coatings are preferred to ensure readability across different weather conditions and times of day.^[1]

Check our Industrial display products.

IPS and OLED: Which is more energy efficient?

OLED and IPS LCDs use power differently. OLEDs can be more energy efficient because they only illuminate sections of the screen that are in use. However, IPS LCDs usually consume less power when displaying mostly bright or white pictures. With a picture that is generally brighter, an OLED will need to power many more pixels to a high power state, consuming more power; IPS LCDs light output is consistent regardless of the colours or patterns displayed on the screen.

LCD panels, particularly those with local dimming capabilities, can adjust the backlight intensity based on the content being displayed. In contrast, OLED panels can turn off individual pixels completely, resulting in near-zero black levels. For images with a high percentage of dark areas, OLEDs can consume significantly less power. However, for content with predominantly bright colors, OLEDs may consume more power than LCDs^[1].

Power Consumption Considerations

Criterion	IPS LCD	OLED
Typical Usage	Moderate and relatively constant	Lower on average with darker content, more with brighter
Peak Brightness	Remains Consistent	Significant increase in power as brightness increases
Local Dimming Support	Reduced power consumption depending on the design and local dimming quality	Not applicable

Managing Consumption

• Adjust Brightness According to the amount of ambient Light: Change brightness on screen in display setting as the screen becomes more washed with light to conserve power.
• Make a Power Management Plan: Power settings allow you to optimize time intervals of the display and/or power off during off times and non-business hours.
• Use Power Efficient Mode: Conserving power might involve reducing contrast or colour, and should be adjusted according to customer preferences.

Real-World Example: For outdoor kiosks and DOOH, power consumption is frequently controlled via smart IoT power distribution. For displays requiring low power from a battery, OLEDs could enhance battery time for applications with regular black backgrounds.

Find out how you can start making power changes for your displays and lower running costs! See how displays are impacting the environment on our homepage!

Viewing Angle and Color Accuracy Performance?

IPS generally offers better viewing performance than older LCD panels for most industrial applications, while OLEDs provide more consistent colour output across wider viewing angles. For applications that demand precise colour accuracy within diverse lighting and varying viewing angles, OLED is generally recommended. Nonetheless, it may be impractical because the colour shift is negligible for smaller screen sizes.

OLED's self-emissive properties ensure consistent luminous output with limited shift. OLED is ideal for applications from graphic design, broadcasting, and critical displays. While high-end IPS panels get close to providing the same, or near the same qualities, they're still a step below OLEDs at consistent colour accuracy^[5].

Viewing Angle and Performance Tips

Criterion	IPS LCD	OLED
Viewing Angles Average	Significant Change	Greater and more consistent colour output throughout
Viewing Angles Range	Average	Outstanding Viewing angle
Colour Consistency	Good	Excellent

Optimizing Colour

• Colour calibration equipment: Calibrating your screen through computer or third party solutions.
• Adjust brightness settings: Adjusting display settings to match your environment.
• Manage lighting to save $: Adjusting room lighting according to ambient settings will decrease screen glare.

Real-World Example: For DOOH, some outdoor kiosks might have limited angles, in that case, choosing the IPS will be effective as it has low colour shift relative to the size of the display.

Find out how you can start making calibrating in your environment to save you money! See how displays are impacting the environment on our homepage!

Which Screen Technology Offers a Longer Lifespan?

IPS LCDs often have a longer estimated lifespan than OLEDs, which degrade faster over time than LED displays. Older LED displays were known for lasting a long time, and that translates well into newer LCD types. Due to the nature of the technology, lighting pixels individually takes a toll. Most IPS LCDs offer a considerably longer lifespan if operated and maintained correctly, in contrast to OLED technologies!

With good lighting settings and regular calibration, users can achieve excellent lifetime usage out of IPS LCDs displays which are designed for indoor applications. Using display with optimized brightness settings on the right ambient level lowers the power on the display, which improves the health and lifespan of displays^[1].

Display Lifespan

Criterion	IPS LCD	OLED
Average Useful Time	30,000 to 60,000 hours	20,000 to 40,000 hours
Degradation Time	Starts slowly	Starts fast
Factors	Brightness optimization, good temperature	Optimization, and content

Helpful Tips

• Run power settings: Managing dimming and optimization features extends life.
• Check room temperature: Prevent overheating in a small environment.
• Replace before it goes out: Replace old devices as it will require more power to run over the expected lifecycle of a device.

Real-World Example: For DOOH and Transportation, for displays that operate over a long haul, and for long hours, replacing an IPS LCD could pose far better opportunities than deploying its counterparts.

Improve your device's lifespan and ROI on displays today!

IPS vs OLED Compared on Cost and Availability for B2B Projects?

IPS LCDs displays are known to be easier to make, and easier to get for most bulk orders, but they may compromise the quality that can be expected from similar OLED applications. Because IPS production is an older manufacturing process, most components that go into IPS LCD production are cheaper and can therefore be sold at a more competitive rate. On the other hand, OLED can do very little to compete due to newer requirements to perform, and its own design.

Overall OLEDs are more expensive and the cost can stack up for both short-term and long-term projects. In addition, the cost is heavily affected by power optimizations, environmental considerations, and longevity^[1].

A Comparison

Criterion	IPS LCD	OLED
Initial Purchase Cost	Lower	Higher
Bulk Supply	Generally Easy To Acquire, but availability varies	Hard, only available from large suppliers
Long run Costs	Optimization and performance management, good for the long ROI.	Great, but more variable

Cost tips

• Buy in off-peak seasons: LCD panels and displays are affected by shipping dates and bulk constraints.
• Plan Projects Early: Supply constraints in the market can lead to projects not getting done, planning is key for both.
• Work With Local Suppliers: Partnering to achieve display purchasing projects is key for the best ROI and cost-to-value metrics with the best performance to boot.

Real-World Example: Supply constraints regularly affect Transportation and Digital displays and so lead times increase by almost 2x with similar problems affecting all levels of government.

Reach out to LMTEK today to find out how we can save money on your supply!

So, How Do I Finalize The Choice For The B2B Project?

Selecting is a complicated but important step for success. Consider key needs along with the type of implementation for your project.

Understanding project needs helps in the process; it involves identifying project needs by understanding a project's constraints. Requirements such as available budget and image quality expectations are key!

Make it Simple!

• Check long and short considerations!: What impact does this have over time? What are the consequences and will the technology continue to be used after purchasing it?
• Always get a demo!: Make testing an active step and play with different models, display conditions for IPS LCD panels and their OLED counterparts.
• Work with LMTEK: LMTEK can navigate and help navigate complexities of testing, and the overall production deployment from A to Z!

Real-World Example: With LCD panels and LCD displays, the best option is always one that offers the greatest balance and meets the project's needs at every stage. This allows the highest return on investment with the least amount of compromise.

Let's work together on how to make the next display deployment a success! Contact us today!