• What is the difference between IPS and TFT screen types? Comparison of smartphone matrices. What is the difference between TN, IPS, AMOLED technologies

    Before the mass adoption of smartphones, when buying phones, we evaluated them mainly by design and only occasionally paid attention to functionality. Times have changed: now all smartphones have approximately the same capabilities, and when looking only at the front panel, one gadget can hardly be distinguished from another. The technical characteristics of devices have come to the fore, and the most important among them for many is the screen. We will tell you what lies behind the terms TFT, TN, IPS, PLS, and help you choose a smartphone with the desired screen characteristics.

    Types of matrices

    Modern smartphones mainly use three matrix production technologies: two are based on liquid crystals - TN+film and IPS, and the third - AMOLED - based on organic light-emitting diodes. But before we begin, it’s worth talking about the acronym TFT, which is the source of many misconceptions. TFT (thin-film transistor) are thin-film transistors that are used to control the operation of each subpixel of modern screens. TFT technology is used in all of the above types of screens, including AMOLED, therefore, if somewhere they talk about comparing TFT and IPS, then this is a fundamentally incorrect formulation of the question.

    Most TFTs use amorphous silicon, but recently polycrystalline silicon TFTs (LTPS-TFTs) have been introduced into production. The main advantages of the new technology are reduction in power consumption and transistor sizes, which allows achieving high pixel densities (more than 500 ppi). One of the first smartphones with an IPS display and LTPS-TFT matrix was OnePlus One.

    OnePlus One smartphone

    Now that we have dealt with TFT, let's move directly to the types of matrices. Despite the wide variety of LCD varieties, they all have the same basic operating principle: the current applied to the liquid crystal molecules sets the polarization angle of the light (it affects the brightness of the subpixel). The polarized light then passes through the filter and is colored to match the color of the corresponding subpixel. The first to appear in smartphones were the simplest and cheapest TN+film matrices, the name of which is often abbreviated to TN. They have small viewing angles (no more than 60 degrees when deviating from the vertical), and even with slight tilts the image on screens with such matrices is inverted. Other disadvantages of TN matrices include low contrast and low color accuracy. Today, such screens are used only in the cheapest smartphones, and the vast majority of new gadgets already have more advanced displays.

    The most common technology in mobile gadgets now is IPS technology, sometimes referred to as SFT. IPS matrices appeared 20 years ago and since then have been produced in various modifications, the number of which is approaching two dozen. However, it is worth highlighting among them those that are the most technologically advanced and are actively used at the moment: AH-IPS from LG and PLS from Samsung, which are very similar in their properties, which was even the reason for litigation between manufacturers . Modern modifications of IPS have wide viewing angles that are close to 180 degrees, realistic color reproduction and provide the ability to create displays with high pixel density. Unfortunately, gadget manufacturers almost never report the exact type of IPS matrix, although when using a smartphone, the differences will be visible to the naked eye. Cheaper IPS matrices are characterized by fading of the image when the screen is tilted, as well as low color accuracy: the image can be either too “acidic” or, on the contrary, “faded”.

    As for energy consumption, in liquid crystal displays it is mostly determined by the power of the backlight elements (in smartphones LEDs are used for these purposes), so the consumption of TN+film and IPS matrices can be considered approximately the same at the same brightness level.

    Matrixes created on the basis of organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) are completely different from LCDs. In them, the light source is the subpixels themselves, which are subminiature organic light-emitting diodes. Since there is no need for external backlighting, such screens can be made thinner than LCD ones. Smartphones use a type of OLED technology - AMOLED, which uses an active TFT matrix to control subpixels. This is what allows AMOLED to display colors, whereas regular OLED panels can only be monochrome. AMOLED matrices provide the deepest blacks, since to “display” them you only need to turn off the LEDs completely. Compared to LCDs, such matrices have lower power consumption, especially when using dark themes, in which the black areas of the screen do not consume energy at all. Another characteristic feature of AMOLED is that colors are too saturated. At the dawn of their appearance, such matrices really had implausible color rendering, and although such “childhood sores” are long in the past, most smartphones with such screens still have a built-in saturation adjustment, which allows the image on AMOLED to be closer in perception to IPS screens.

    Another limitation of AMOLED screens used to be the uneven lifespan of LEDs of different colors. After a couple of years of using the smartphone, this could lead to subpixel burnout and residual images of some interface elements, primarily in the notification panel. But, as in the case of color rendering, this problem is a thing of the past, and modern organic LEDs are designed for at least three years of continuous operation.

    Let's summarize briefly. The highest quality and brightest images at the moment are provided by AMOLED matrices: even Apple, according to rumors, will use such displays in one of the next iPhones. But it’s worth considering that Samsung, as the main manufacturer of such panels, keeps all the latest developments for itself, and sells “last year’s” matrices to other manufacturers. Therefore, when choosing a non-Samsung smartphone, you should look towards high-quality IPS screens. But under no circumstances should you choose gadgets with TN+film displays - today this technology is already considered outdated.

    The perception of the image on the screen can be influenced not only by the technology of the matrix, but also by the pattern of subpixels. However, with LCDs everything is quite simple: each RGB pixel in them consists of three elongated subpixels, which, depending on the modification of the technology, can be shaped like a rectangle or a “check mark”.

    Everything is more interesting in AMOLED screens. Since in such matrices the light sources are the subpixels themselves, and the human eye is more sensitive to pure green light than to pure red or blue, using the same pattern in AMOLED as in IPS would degrade color reproduction and make the picture unrealistic. An attempt to solve this problem was the first version of PenTile technology, which used two types of pixels: RG (red-green) and BG (blue-green), consisting of two subpixels of corresponding colors. Moreover, if the red and blue subpixels had a shape close to squares, then the green ones looked more like highly elongated rectangles. The disadvantages of this design were the “dirty” white color, jagged edges at the junction of different colors, and at low ppi - a clearly visible grid of subpixels, appearing due to too much distance between them. In addition, the resolution indicated in the characteristics of such devices was “dishonest”: if the IPS HD matrix has 2,764,800 subpixels, then the AMOLED HD matrix has only 1,843,200, which led to a difference in the clarity of IPS and AMOLED matrices visible to the naked eye. seemingly the same pixel density. The last flagship smartphone with such an AMOLED matrix was the Samsung Galaxy S III.

    In the Galaxy Note II smartpad, the South Korean company made an attempt to abandon PenTile: the device’s screen had full-fledged RBG pixels, albeit with an unusual arrangement of subpixels. However, for unclear reasons, Samsung subsequently abandoned such a design - perhaps the manufacturer was faced with the problem of further increasing ppi.

    In its modern screens, Samsung has returned to RG-BG pixels using a new type of pattern called Diamond PenTile. The new technology made it possible to make the white color more natural, and as for jagged edges (for example, individual red subpixels were clearly visible around a white object on a black background), this problem was solved even more simply - by increasing the ppi to such an extent that the irregularities were no longer noticeable . Diamond PenTile is used in all Samsung flagships starting with the Galaxy S4.

    At the end of this section, it is worth mentioning one more pattern of AMOLED matrices - PenTile RGBW, which is obtained by adding a fourth, white, subpixel to the three main subpixels. Before Diamond PenTile, this design was the only recipe for clean white, but it never became widespread - one of the last mobile gadgets with PenTile RGBW was the Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 tablet. Now AMOLED matrices with RGBW pixels are used in TVs, since they do not require a high ppi. To be fair, we also mention that RGBW pixels can also be used in LCDs, but we are not aware of examples of the use of such matrices in smartphones.

    Unlike AMOLED, high-quality IPS matrices have never experienced quality problems associated with subpixel patterns. However, Diamond PenTile technology, coupled with high pixel density, has allowed AMOLED to catch up and overtake IPS. Therefore, if you choose gadgets pickily, you should not buy a smartphone with an AMOLED screen that has a pixel density of less than 300 ppi. At a higher density, no defects will be noticeable.

    Design features

    The variety of displays on modern mobile gadgets does not end with imaging technologies alone. One of the first things that manufacturers took on was the air gap between the projected capacitive sensor and the display itself. This is how OGS technology was born, combining the sensor and matrix into one glass package in the form of a sandwich. This gave a significant leap in image quality: the maximum brightness and viewing angles increased, and color rendition was improved. Of course, the thickness of the entire package has also been reduced, allowing for thinner smartphones. Alas, the technology also has disadvantages: now, if you break the glass, it is almost impossible to change it separately from the display. But the quality advantages turned out to be more important, and now non-OGS screens can only be found in the cheapest devices.

    Experiments with glass shapes have also become popular recently. And they started not recently, but at least in 2011: HTC Sensation had glass concave in the center, which, according to the manufacturer, was supposed to protect the screen from scratches. But such glass reached a qualitatively new level with the advent of “2.5D screens” with glass curved at the edges, which creates the feeling of an “infinite” screen and makes the edges of smartphones smoother. Apple actively uses such glass in its gadgets, and lately they have become more and more popular.

    A logical step in the same direction was the bending of not only the glass, but also the display itself, which became possible when using polymer substrates instead of glass. Here the palm, of course, belongs to Samsung with its Galaxy Note Edge smartphone, in which one of the side edges of the screen was curved.

    Another method was proposed by LG, which managed to bend not only the display, but also the entire smartphone along its short side. However, the LG G Flex and its successor did not gain popularity, after which the manufacturer abandoned further production of such devices.

    Also, some companies are trying to improve human interaction with the screen by working on its touch part. For example, some devices are equipped with highly sensitive sensors that allow you to operate them even with gloves, while other screens receive an inductive substrate to support styluses. The first technology is actively used by Samsung and Microsoft (formerly Nokia), and the second by Samsung, Microsoft and Apple.

    The future of screens

    Don’t think that modern displays in smartphones have reached the highest point of their development: technology still has room to grow. One of the most promising are quantum dot displays (QLEDs). A quantum dot is a microscopic piece of semiconductor in which quantum effects begin to play a significant role. In a simplified way, the radiation process looks like this: exposure to a weak electric current causes the electrons of quantum dots to change energy, emitting light. The frequency of the emitted light depends on the size and material of the dots, making it possible to achieve almost any color in the visible range. Scientists promise that QLED matrices will have better color rendering, contrast, higher brightness and low power consumption. Quantum dot screen technology is partially used in Sony TV screens, and LG and Philips have prototypes, but there is no talk of mass use of such displays in TVs or smartphones yet.

    It is also highly likely that in the near future we will see not just curved, but also completely flexible displays in smartphones. Moreover, prototypes of such AMOLED matrices almost ready for mass production have existed for a couple of years. The limitation is the electronics of the smartphone, which cannot yet be made flexible. On the other hand, large companies can change the very concept of a smartphone by releasing something like the gadget shown in the photo below - we can only wait, because the development of technology is happening right before our eyes.

    This matrix manufacturing technology has already firmly entered the modern world. She has enough competitors.

    But in order to understand which technology is better, you need to understand what IPS matrices are and why they are better.

    The name “IPS” itself stands for In-Plan-Switching, which can be literally translated as "intra-site switching".

    Simply put, this technology allows you to display a picture on a monitor with a more active matrix.

    IPS matrices mean a type of liquid crystal screen. This type was discovered by Hitachi and NEC as a result of research in 1996.

    At the moment, LG has also taken up improving this technology. We developed this technology as an alternative to TN+film LCD displays.

    Quite a lot of manufacturers use equipment with this type of display manufacturing technology, since it can significantly improve color rendition and image quality.

    The operation of liquid crystal screens is based on polarization.

    Typically, the light we see is not polarized. This means that its waves lie in many different planes.

    There are substances that can bend light into one plane, and such substances are called polarizers.

    Light will not be able to pass through two polarizers whose planes are located 90 degrees relative to each other.

    When another substance is placed between them, capable of changing the vector of incidence of light to the required angle, then we will be able to control the brightness.

    The simplest LCD screen matrix contains the following parts:

    • Backlight lamp, mostly mercury;
    • Reflectors and polymer light guides, which in the system provide uniform illumination;
    • Polarizer filter;
    • Glass plate substrate with contacts applied to it;
    • Liquid crystals;
    • Another polarizer;
    • Covering glass substrate with contacts.

    In addition to the standard filter, the color matrices have a built-in color filter. Each pixel consists of dots of three colors, collected in cells - red, blue and green.

    Each of the cells is either on or off, thereby forming shades and colors. If you turn on all the cells at the same time, it will give white color.

    Matrices can be divided into passive and active. Passives are otherwise called simple.

    In them, control is pixel-by-pixel, which means from cell to cell.

    When manufacturing liquid crystal screens using this technology, a problem often arises that as the diagonal increases, the lengths of the conductors that transmit current to the pixels automatically increase.

    This problem is expressed in the fact that if the conductors are too long, during the transfer of changes to the last pixel, the first one will already be discharged and turn off.

    Also, due to the long length, the tension deteriorates.

    This problem was solved by the creation of active matrices. The main technology was TFT (Thin Film Transistor).

    This technology makes it possible to control pixels individually, which significantly reduces the response time of the matrix.

    Thus, it became possible to create monitors and televisions with the largest diagonals.

    The transistors are located separately and do not depend on each other. Each pixel cell has its own transistor.

    To prevent the cell from losing charge, a capacitor is connected to the pixels, which acts as a capacitance buffer.

    Thanks to this, the reaction time is significantly reduced.

    Types of IPS matrices

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    For all the time that this technology has existed, many types of IPS matrices have been created. They were improved for clearer and higher-quality image transmission.

    Today there are 7 types of matrices:

    1 S-IPS (Super IPS) – This type was created in 1998. It has significantly increased image contrast and reduced response time.

    2 AS-IPS (Advanced Super IPS) – This technology was discovered in 2002. It has increased brightness and further increased contrast, due to which the quality of image transmission has significantly improved.

    3 H-IPS (Horizontal IPS) – This type was created in 2007. In it, the developers optimized the transmission of white color, and also further increased the contrast. This improvement made it possible to make pictures with more naturalness. Photo editors were most pleased with this improvement, since many details became more visible when editing photo elements.

    4 E-IPS (Enhanced-IPS) - This type was developed in 2009. The innovation has reduced response time and improved transparency. Also, such matrices have lower power consumption. This is achieved by installing low-power and inexpensive backlight paws in them. Accordingly, image quality is slightly reduced due to lower power consumption.

    5 P-IPS (Professional IPS) – In 2010, a newer type of IPS was released. The number of colors and shades was significantly increased, making the image even more colorful and detailed. This type of matrix is ​​used in more professional equipment, so it is more expensive.

    6 S-IPS II (Super IPS II) – An improved version of the first type. It was developed immediately after P-IPS.

    7 AH-IPS (Advanced High IPS) - Today, this is the best type of IPS matrix, which was developed back in 2011. It has greatly improved the naturalness, brightness and clarity of the transmitted image. At the moment, this type is the main one in the manufacture of modern technology with displays.

    Types of backlighting for IPS matrices

    Absolutely any matrix has a built-in backlight. In IPS, the main types of backlighting are fluorescent lamps and LED backlighting (light emitting diode).

    Fluorescent is a more outdated type of lighting. Today it is quite rare to find her. This type of lighting began to disappear from the market in 2010.

    LED backlighting is found in 90% of matrices. It improves color reproduction and brightness of screens.

    When choosing a matrix, you should undoubtedly give preference to screens and monitors with this type of backlight.

    It will also increase the contrast and clarity of the image on the screen and prevent your eyes from getting tired when working on a computer or tablet for a long time.

    Advantages and Disadvantages of IPS

    This type of matrix has a large number of advantages.

    The main one is improved color rendering and brightness.

    You can also note the increased viewing angles, thanks to which the image will be clearly visible from any angle.

    Another integral advantage is that the pixels are very clearly visible on this type of matrix.

    Users note that the black color on the IPS matrix is ​​blacker.

    Other colors are more saturated on the screen.

    Among the disadvantages, one can note the high cost.

    Despite the fact that the technology has been on the market for quite some time, its cost is still high.

    This is due to higher performance, as well as the high cost of raw materials.

    Another disadvantage is low performance. While for TN matrices the image switching time is 1 ms, for IPS this figure is 8-10 ms.

    Users also noted high inertia, which slightly slows down the frame rate when watching movies in 3D format.

    Comparison of IPS and TFT displays

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    TFT displays are a type of LCD display that uses an active matrix controlled by thin film transistors. She enhances every pixel, improves performance and contrast.

    The most advanced creation is considered to be TFT IPS (IPS is a type of TFT), this is manifested in the fact that the liquid crystals in it are arranged in parallel, when current passes through them, they slenderly and quickly turn in the other direction.

    The viewing angle of such displays reaches 180 degrees, and the picture has high contrast and good color rendition.

    The latest models of iPhones and iPads have chosen the IPS version, but the number of pixels per specific unit of area.

    This may be an indication of which of these options is more worthwhile, reliable and has the potential for development.

    TVs with IPS

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    The screen diagonal of this TV is 40”. It is also equipped with an IPS matrix.

    The screen is thin and the design is very high quality. Resolution 1920x1080 pixels.

    The backlight is LED. Since the matrix is ​​installed with IPS technology, the viewing angles are corresponding – 178 degrees.

    This model has the same diagonal as the previous one – 40”.

    Equipped with an IPS matrix, which is illuminated using strip-type LED backlighting.

    The resolution of this TV is standard – 1920x1080 pixels. Viewing angles correspond to the standard matrix type and are 178 degrees.

    LG 32LF510U

    Since LG has been improving IPS matrix technology in recent years, they undoubtedly supply their own equipment with this type of matrix.

    This TV model has a diagonal of 32” and a resolution of 1366x768 pixels. However, this does not affect the image quality in any way.

    The viewing angles, like all devices with an IPS matrix, are 178 degrees.

    TOP 10 Best Ultrabooks on the Market | Current rating 2019

    The screen of this laptop model has a diagonal of 14” with a built-in IPS matrix.

    The matte finish of the Acer SWIFT 3 screen does not reflect when exposed to direct light.

    The viewing angle is 178 degrees, which is the standard for this type of matrix. Resolution - 1920x1080 pixels.

    This laptop model has an IPS matrix with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels or 3840x2160 pixels (depending on the modification). Screen diagonal 15.6“.

    The viewing angle is standard for IPS 178 degrees.

    IPS or TFT - which is better to choose? More recently, I was faced with the need to give a person a reasonable answer to this question when buying a tablet. Knowing for sure what was already on everyone’s lips, I was ready to immediately give an answer. But still, I decided to study this topic a little in order to support what was said with compelling arguments. I had to dig through the information a little and even... To understand the situation, I’ll say right away that we were talking about buying a reliable used tablet. As it turned out, this also contributes to the final decision regarding what is better - an IPS or TFT matrix. Even if you need to buy a new tablet or smartphone, the information below will also be relevant and useful. So, let's begin our short review.

    A little about the technologies used to produce IPS screens

    Although most modern displays use liquid crystals, each case may use slightly different technologies, resulting in differences in the performance of the final product. Terminology used throughout may vary. Therefore, in order not to be misled regarding TFT or IPS monitors, the following should be noted.

    First and foremost, let's separate the weeds from the chaff: IPS technology is no different than TFT. It is TFT – or rather, one of its implementations. On the other hand, "our" person called TFT understands TFT-TN.

    Thus, the comparison is made between two representatives of TFT matrices: IPS or TN. Regarding the technologies used:

    • TFT (we understand that we are talking about TFT-TN). Liquid crystal display (thin film transistors). The crystals are arranged spirally in the matrix body between two plates. The formation of an image occurs due to the rotation of the crystal molecules. If there is no voltage, their horizontal rotation angle is 90 degrees, and they are white. At the maximum applied voltage, the rotation is carried out at an angle at which, when light passes through the crystal, it turns black. So, depending on the voltage applied to the crystals, they change their color.
    • IPS (actually TFT-IPS). The same crystals, only their location is parallel to each other. When there is no voltage, the crystal molecules are not rotated.

    Now let's move on to the main question: ? Which display should you choose?

    IPS or TFT - which is better? Differences between screens in image quality

    The key features of any monitor, display, IPS or TFT screen are, first of all, determined by the quality of the picture display. In turn, quality can be broken down into indicators such as contrast and viewing angle.

    When it comes to the IPS matrix, it significantly outperforms TFT in terms of image contrast. This is achieved by almost perfect reproduction of black crystals. Namely, the display of black directly affects such an indicator as contrast. In TFT displays, individual pixels (when displaying black and other colors) may have a slightly “own” tint, which leads to distortions in the color of the image.

    An important factor influencing the choice of mobile device screen is the viewing angle. This indicator is especially important if the device is to be used together with others, for example, showing a photo of a recent trip to the sea. With a viewing angle of 178 degrees from any side, the IPS matrix undoubtedly wins, allowing several of your friends or colleagues to enjoy the image without distortion. This is also important to consider when purchasing a particular device.

    Responsive speed of IPS and TFT display

    The apparent advantage of a TFT display over an IPS screen is its high response speed. Here he has no competitors. At the same time, the IPS matrix needs more time to rotate an array of crystals that are located in parallel.

    This fact leads to the obvious conclusion that in devices whose purpose is critical to display speed, it is still better to use TFT. On the other hand, when it comes to everyday use (as a tool for studying, communicating via the Internet and other tasks), this difference is practically invisible to the human eye, and is revealed only through the use of special technical tests. Therefore, when choosing a screen type, in most cases, preference should be given to an IPS matrix.

    Which matrix needs more power - IPS or TFT?

    There are other differences that we continue to list. How is the energy consumed in batteries of screens made using different technologies? There are obvious differences. The energy consumption of IPS is actually higher. Not only more time, but also more voltage is required to rotate the crystals of this type of matrix. The logical conclusion is an increased load on the battery. Therefore, when purchasing used devices, when it is obvious that the battery is no longer new, this fact must be carefully weighed. If you purchase a new phone, tablet or smartphone, and its use involves a long stay out of reach of the mains, it is better to focus on high-quality TFT matrices.

    Cost of devices with different types of displays

    The cost of IPS screens is always higher. You can pay attention to this by filtering out devices with this type of matrix in any online store. It should be said that IPS is used in almost all modern devices, gradually replacing TFT. At the same time, if you only need the equipment to make a call, what's the point of paying extra for a screen whose benefits won't be used? Moreover, if this increases the overall energy consumption of a smartphone or tablet.

    TFT or IPS - which is better? Which matrix should I choose?

    So, if you need a modern, high-quality tablet with which you can not only work, but also comfortably show high-quality photos to friends, definitely choose only devices with an IPS matrix. When paying attention to the manufacturers' markings, do not forget that TFT includes both TN and IPS matrices. But this is not all of their types. Knowing which of these two types of matrices is better - TFT or IPS, and wanting to buy a tablet, smartphone or phone, contact any of the trusted online stores (Rozetka, Eldorado, Citrus and others) that provide a full range of these products, with the ability to filter according to the most significant parameters.

    By the way, a person who bought a tablet with an IPS matrix, which was delivered to him from Poland, was satisfied with it and constantly admires the comfort of using the device even on a sunny day. Facts, they say, are stubborn things.

    When choosing a monitor, TV or phone, the buyer is often faced with choosing the type of screen. Which one should you prefer: IPS or TFT? The reason for this confusion is the constant improvement of display technology.

    All monitors with TFT technology can be divided into three main types:

    1. TN+Film.
    2. PVA/MVA.

    That is, TFT technology is active matrix liquid crystal display, and IPS is one of the varieties of this matrix. And a comparison of these two categories is not possible, since practically they are the same thing. But if you still understand in more detail what a display with a TFT matrix is, then a comparison can be made, but not between screens, but between their manufacturing technologies: IPS and TFT-TN.

    General concept of TFT

    TFT (Thin Film Transistor) translates as thin film transistor. The LCD display with TFT technology is based on an active matrix. This technology involves a spiral arrangement of crystals, which, under conditions of high voltage, rotate in such a way that the screen turns black. And in the absence of high power voltage, we see a white screen. Displays with this technology output only dark gray color instead of perfect black. Therefore, TFT displays are popular mainly in the manufacture of cheaper models.

    Description of IPS

    IPS (In-Plane Switching) LCD screen matrix technology implies parallel arrangement of crystals along the entire plane of the monitor. There are no spirals here. And therefore the crystals do not rotate under conditions of strong stress. In other words, IPS technology is nothing more than an improved TFT. It conveys black color much better, thereby improving the degree of contrast and brightness of the image. This is why this technology costs more than TFT and is used in more expensive models.

    Main differences between TN-TFT and IPS

    Wanting to sell as many products as possible, sales managers mislead people into thinking that TFT and IPS are completely different types of screens. Marketing specialists do not provide comprehensive information about technologies, and this allows them to pass off an existing development as something that has just appeared.

    Looking at IPS and TFT, we see that it's practically the same thing. The only difference is that monitors with IPS technology are a more recent development compared to TN-TFT. But despite this, it is still possible to distinguish a number of differences between these categories:

    1. Increased contrast. The way black is displayed directly affects the contrast of the image. If you tilt a screen with TFT technology without IPS, it will be almost impossible to read anything. And all because the screen becomes dark when tilted. If we consider the IPS matrix, then, due to the fact that the black color is transmitted perfectly by the crystals, the image is quite clear.
    2. Color rendering and number of shades displayed. The TN-TFT matrix does not reproduce colors well. And all due to the fact that each pixel has its own shade and this leads to color distortion. A screen with IPS technology transmits images much more carefully.
    3. Response delay. One of the advantages of TN-TFT screens over IPS is high-speed response. And all because it takes a lot of time to rotate many parallel IPS crystals. From this we conclude that where drawing speed is of great importance, it is better to use a screen with a TN matrix. Displays with IPS technology are slower, but this is not noticeable in everyday life. And this difference can only be identified by using technological tests specially designed for this. As a rule, it is better to give preference to displays with an IPS matrix.
    4. Viewing angle. Thanks to the wide viewing angle, the IPS screen does not distort images, even when viewed from an angle of 178 degrees. Moreover, this value of the viewing angle can be both vertical and horizontal.
    5. Energy intensity. Displays with IPS technology, unlike TN-TFT, require more energy. This is due to the fact that in order to rotate parallel crystals, a large voltage is needed. As a result, more load is placed on the battery than when using a TFT matrix. If you need a device with low power consumption, then TFT technology will be an ideal option.
    6. Pricing policy. Most budget electronics models use displays based on TN-TFT technology, since this type of matrix is ​​the most inexpensive. Today, monitors with an IPS matrix, although they are more expensive, are used in almost all modern electronic models. This gradually leads to the fact that the IPS matrix is ​​practically replacing equipment with TN-TFT technology.

    Results

    Based on all of the above, we can draw the following conclusion.

    As is usually the case with abbreviations used to denote specifics and technical characteristics, there is confusion and substitution of concepts in relation to TFT and IPS. Largely due to unqualified descriptions of electronic devices in catalogs, consumers initially pose the question of choice incorrectly. So, the IPS matrix is ​​a type of TFT matrix, so it is impossible to compare these two categories with each other. However, for Russian consumers, the abbreviation TFT often means TN-TFT technology, and in this case a choice can already be made. So, when talking about the differences between TFT and IPS screens, we will mean TFT screens made using TN and IPS technologies.

    TN-TFT- technology for making a matrix of a liquid crystal (thin-film transistor) screen, when the crystals, in the absence of voltage, are rotated to each other at an angle of 90 degrees in the horizontal plane between two plates. The crystals are arranged in a spiral, and as a result, when the maximum voltage is applied, the crystals rotate in such a way that black pixels are formed when light passes through them. Without tension - white.

    IPS- technology for making a matrix of a liquid crystal (thin-film transistor) screen, when the crystals are located parallel to each other along a single plane of the screen, and not spirally. In the absence of voltage, the liquid crystal molecules do not rotate.

    In practice, the most important difference between an IPS matrix and a TN-TFT matrix is ​​the increased level of contrast due to almost perfect black color display. The picture turns out clearer.

    The color rendering quality of TN-TFT matrices leaves much to be desired. Each pixel in this case may have its own shade, different from the others, resulting in distorted colors. IPS already treats images much more carefully.

    On the left is a tablet with a TN-TFT matrix. On the right is a tablet with an IPS matrix

    The response speed of TN-TFT is slightly higher than that of other matrices. IPS takes time to rotate the entire parallel die array. Thus, when performing tasks where drawing speed is important, it is much more profitable to use TN matrices. On the other hand, in everyday use a person does not notice the difference in response time.

    Monitors and displays based on IPS matrices are much more energy-intensive. This is due to the high level of voltage required to rotate the crystal array. Therefore, TN-TFT technology is more suitable for energy saving tasks in mobile and portable devices.

    IPS-based screens have wide viewing angles, meaning they do not distort or invert colors when viewed at an angle. Unlike TN, IPS viewing angles are 178 degrees both vertically and horizontally.

    Another difference that is important for the end consumer is the price. TN-TFT today is the cheapest and most widespread version of the matrix, which is why it is used in budget electronics models.

    Conclusions website

    1. IPS screens are less responsive and have longer response times.
    2. IPS screens provide better color reproduction and contrast.
    3. The viewing angles of IPS screens are significantly greater.
    4. IPS screens require more power.
    5. IPS screens are more expensive.
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