Modern mobile technology uses a wide variety of display types. However, the most commonly used technologies today are TFT and IPS. How are they different, what are the strengths and weaknesses of both types? Let's try to figure it out.
To begin with, what is TFT technology and what is IPS technology? The abbreviation TFT stands for display technology using thin film transistors. These transistors are used as a control element in several types of displays, including TN and organic AMOLED.
IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology arose as a development of TN LCD technology and was intended to correct some of its shortcomings (poor color rendition, limited viewing angles). By the end of the nineties, IPS displays seriously surpassed traditional TN displays in this indicator.
Here the first surprise awaits us: if you think about it, IPS is also TFT, only slightly improved. However, as a rule, by TFT we usually mean TN-TFT technology, but this is already a reason for comparisons.
If we compare modern TN and IPS matrices, we can briefly summarize the advantages of both technologies.
Why IPS is better than TN-TFT
- Improved color rendering. This is especially true for black color: in TN-TFT, due to the spiral arrangement of microcrystals, they cannot be completely drowned out, so only dark gray can be achieved. IPS displays show black color adequately.
- Viewing angles. Even if you look at the IPS display from an acute angle from the side, the colors on it will not be distorted.
- Increased power of devices with IPS. This has nothing to do with the merits of the technology itself. It’s just that in devices that install relatively expensive IPS displays, it makes sense to install other components that are more expensive. High Quality and power.
Why TN-TFT is better than IPS
- Price. The technology for producing TN displays is quite cheap, so TN matrices do not make devices too expensive.
- Response speed. One of the main problems with IPS displays has always been slow response. Now the developers have achieved acceptable values, but regular TN is still superior to IPS.
- Reduced energy consumption. Advantages IPS requires much more power than modest TN-TFT screens.
It is important to note that not all devices have TFT screens that compete with IPS. For example, in tablets that are positioned as readers, the competitor is an e-ink display. And if you value your eyes, you shouldn’t mess with TFT at all. At the same time, on regular phones or inexpensive smartphones, from which you are not going to read books or use the Internet for a long time, TFT screens are quite acceptable.
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As is usually the case with abbreviations used to denote specifics and technicalities. characteristics, in relation to TFT and IPS there is confusion and substitution of concepts. Largely thanks to unqualified descriptions electronic devices In catalogues, consumers pose the question of choice initially incorrectly. So, the IPS matrix is a type TFT matrices, so it is impossible to compare these two categories with each other. However, for domestic consumers, the abbreviation TFT often stands for TN-TFT technology, and in this case a choice can already be made. So, when talking about the differences between TFT and IPS screens, I will mean TFT screens made using TN and IPS technologies.
TN-TFT is a 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 is a 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.
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 high level 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.
To summarize, we can note the following differences between these two technologies:
- IPS screens are less responsive and have longer response times.
- IPS screens provide better color reproduction and contrast.
- Viewing Angles IPS screens significantly more.
- IPS screens require more power.
- IPS screens are more expensive.
Based on all of the above, you can now consciously make a choice for yourself and your needs.
I hope this article was helpful to you.
The liquid crystal effect was discovered in 1888. A liquid crystal is a fluid substance with a crystalline structure. Liquid crystals have unique optical properties, which is why they are used in the manufacture of matrices for LCD monitors.
Matrix- this is the main part of the LCD monitor, which directly forms the image on the screen. The image quality of any LCD monitor primarily depends on the matrix built into it.
LCD - liquid crystal display (LCD).
Matrices based on liquid crystals are used not only in computer monitors, they are widely used in various electronic devices, such as: televisions, photo and video cameras, tablets, scanners, smartphones, telephones, car navigators, e-books, players, watches, thermometers and others.
Texture of LCD (LCD) matrix
TFT matrices
TFT matrix- matrix based on thin-film transistors.
Different electronic devices use different types of TFT matrices. Computer LCD (LCD) monitors, including laptop, tablet and smartphone screens, are usually equipped with TFT matrices following types: TN, VA, MVA, PVA, IPS, PLS. All of them are controlled by thin film transistors (TFT) and differ from each other in fundamental technological solutions.
TFT - thin film transistor.
Each pixel on the screen is controlled by three transistors corresponding to the primary RGB colors (red, green and blue). If only one of these three transistors is turned on, a subpixel is formed. The so-called “broken” pixels appear when these transistors fail. On different types TFT matrices defective pixels look different, for example, on TN matrices they glow, forming white dots, and on IPS matrices they glow black.
TN and TN + film
TN-TFT- technology for making an LCD (LCD) matrix, when the crystals, in the absence of voltage, are rotated to each other at an angle of 90° 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.
The color rendering quality of TN-TFT matrices is quite mediocre. On such matrices, the pixels have a non-uniform glow, as a result of which colors are distorted. This is especially noticeable when the viewing angle changes (especially vertically). On the other hand, TN + film (Twisted Nematic + film) matrices, or simply TN, are the fastest in response and cheapest to produce.
LCD monitors equipped with TN matrices are excellent for working with text documents, watching movies and computer games. Also, TN matrices are most often used in mobile and portable devices due to their low energy consumption.
VA/MVA/PVA
Technology V.A.(short for vertical alignment) was developed by Fujitsu. When the voltage is turned off, the liquid crystals of the VA matrix are aligned perpendicular to the second filter, that is, they do not transmit light. When voltage is applied, the crystals rotate 90° and a light dot appears on the screen.
The successor to VA technology is technology MVA(Multi-domain Vertical Alignment), also developed by Fujitsu as a compromise between TN and IPS technologies. Horizontal and vertical viewing angles for MVA matrices are 160° (at modern models monitors up to 176-178°), and thanks to the use of acceleration technologies (RTC), these matrices are not far behind TN+Film in response time. They significantly exceed the characteristics of the latter in terms of color depth and accuracy of their reproduction.
The advantages of MVA technology are the deep black color (when viewed perpendicularly) and the absence of both helical crystal structure and double magnetic field. Disadvantages of MVA compared to S-IPS: loss of details in shadows when viewed perpendicularly, dependence of the color balance of the image on the viewing angle.
Analogues of MVA are technologies:
- PVA(Patterned Vertical Alignment) from Samsung.
- Super PVA from Sony-Samsung (S-LCD).
- Super MVA from CMO.
- ASV(Advanced Super View), also called ASVA (Axially Symmetric Vertical Alignment) from Sharp
Matrices type *VA (MVA - Multi-domain Vertical Alignment, PVA- Patterned Vertical Alignment and their varieties) are characterized by high contrast and fairly good color rendition.
MVA/PVA matrices are considered a compromise between TN and IPS, both in cost and consumer properties.
IPS
Classic type matrices IPS(In-Plane Switching) are currently practically not found on sale. They were replaced by various modifications of IPS matrices. All of them, in comparison with other types of matrices, produce best color rendition and have viewing angles of 178° horizontally and vertically without visible color distortion as the viewing angle decreases. Simply put, the picture on such a monitor does not fade if you look at it from the right, left, above or below.
IPS technology was developed by Hitachi in 1996 primarily to eliminate these two problems - small viewing angles and poor color quality.
IPS is a 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 (like TN). 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.
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. 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 on IPS matrices, as a rule, are labeled “PRO” (professional) and cost a little more than others. They are preferred by artists and graphic designers. Many manufacturers mobile devices equip their gadgets with IPS screens. Eg, Iphone display 4 is a liquid crystal display (LCD), driven by thin film transistors (TFT), and in it the liquid crystals rotate in the display plane (IPS).
Several technologies with improved characteristics have been developed based on IPS:
- S-IPS(Super-IPS) - was developed in 1998 as an improved technology of standard IPS. Has improved contrast and faster response time (using Overdrive technology) than the original matrix. Currently out of print.
- AS-IPS(Advanced Super-IPS) - Was developed in 2002. Compared to S-IPS matrix, the contrast and transparency of the matrix itself has been improved, which improves brightness.
- H-IPS(Horizontal IPS) - Appeared in 2007. An even greater contrast and a more visually uniform screen surface have been achieved (white color optimization). Also, Advanced True Wide Polarizer technology based on NEC polarizing film has additionally appeared to achieve wider viewing angles and eliminate flare when viewed at an angle. Used in professional work with graphics.
- e-IPS(Enhanced IPS) (a variation of H-IPS) - 2009. It has a wider aperture to increase light transmission when the pixels are fully open, which allows the use of backlights that are cheaper to produce and have lower power consumption. The diagonal viewing angle has been improved, the response time has been reduced to 5 ms. Monitors based on E-IPS matrices have a standard color gamut.
- S-IPS II- similar in characteristics to E-IPS. Slightly less glow effect. In fact, it is not a derivative of H-IPS, but is considered a separate offshoot.
- P-IPS(Professional IPS) (a variation of H-IPS) - Developed in 2010. Provides 1.07 billion colors (30-bit color depth). More possible subpixel orientations (1024 versus 256) and better true color depth. Monitors on P-IPS matrices have an expanded color gamut.
- AH-IPS(Advanced High Performance IPS) - 2011. Improved color rendering, increased resolution and PPI, increased brightness and reduced power consumption.
PLS
PLS matrix(Plane-to-Line Switching) was developed by Samsung as an alternative to IPS and was first demonstrated in December 2010. PLS technology is based on matrix construction principles similar to IPS. PLS matrices have more advantageous characteristics in the ability to place pixels more densely, in high light transmittance and brightness, as well as slightly lower power consumption than IPS. But PLS also has significant disadvantages. The lowest contrast among LCD matrices and a color gamut of no more than sRGB.
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
- IPS screens are less responsive and have longer response times.
- IPS screens provide better color reproduction and contrast.
- The viewing angles of IPS screens are significantly greater.
- IPS screens require more power.
- IPS screens are more expensive.