CompTIA A+ | Mobile Display Types

LCD

Liquid Crystal Display. Needs backlight to produce an image.

TN (Twisted Nematic)

LCD type with the fastest response time and lowest cost, but the worst color and viewing angles.

ISP (In-Plane Switching)

LCD type with the best color accuracy and viewing angles. More expensive, slower response.

VA (Vertical Alignment)

LCD type in between TN and IPS. Known for good contrast and deep blacks.

OLED

Each pixel makes its own light, so no backlight is needed. True blacks and thin, but can suffer burn-in.

Mini-LED

LCD with thousands of tiny LEDs as the backlight. Better contrast and brightness than standard LCD.

CCFL vs LED backlight

CCFL is older, needs an inverter, and uses more power. LED is modern, thinner, and more efficient.

Which display type doesn’t need a backlight?

OLED

A graphic designer needs accurate colors and wide viewing angles. Which LCD type?

IPS

A gamer wants the fastest response time on a budget. Which LCD type?

TN

A user wants a screen with true blacks. Which display type?

OLED