LCD vs LED: Which Display Technology is Right for You?

When you want to buy a screen or display, you come across these two popular options: LED and LCD. They both work differently and offer a distinct experience. It is better to be aware of their differences to make the right choice.

In this article, we will discuss both technologies in detail. We will explain how they work and discuss the differences. We will also share which one is better for various applications.

LCD vs LED: Key Differences

LCD uses CCFL technology, also known as Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp. It is an old technology that uses a fluorescent bulb as a backlight.

In comparison, an LED uses a Light-Emitting Diode, which is responsible for producing the light. LEDs are considered to be more efficient and have better contrast than LCDs.

LCD vs LED: Basic Of LCD

What Does LCD Stand For? How Does It Work?

LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. It is a technology in which a very thin layer of liquid crystals flows in the tubes. They are responsible for producing light by twisting and untwisting when electricity is passed through. The image you see on the LCD screen is a combination of millions of pixels, each representing a tiny part of the screen.

LCD uses fluorescent tubes as a backlight. The liquid crystals are responsible for allowing the light to pass through or blocking it. Each pixel contains tiny color parts, usually RGB, from which the liquid crystals direct the light by twisting and untwisting.

They control the amount of light and send a mixture of them, which you usually see on the screen. Additionally, polarizers and color filters are used to enhance the image further for a clear and perfectly visible image.

What Is An LCD Monitor?

An LCD monitor or TV consists of a backlight that works with the liquid crystal technology to deliver an image. Other than that, multiple electronics are used to control and enhance the pixels. Some manufacturers call it an LED after removing the backlight and installing an LED in its place.

LCD vs LED: Basic Of LED

What Does LED Stand For? How Does It Work?

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, which responds by releasing photons when electricity is passed through. The electrons emit several photons, producing a bright white light. It is similar to the bulb installed at your home.

The working procedure for LEDs is similar to that of LCDs. The difference is only that it contains an LED backlight, which produces energy-efficient and brighter light. After that, they pass through the liquid crystal mechanism, which controls the amount of light and sends it uniformly.

What Is An LED Monitor?

An LED monitor is similar to LCD ones, but sleek in design; they don't have fluorescent tubes. They use LEDs to produce light, and the rest of the process goes similarly to that of LCDs. You will get a more efficient image with these tiny and brighter lights covering all the spots.

However, you will see different LED placements in monitors. The edge-lit LEDs are mounted on the sides of the monitor and spread the light towards the screen.

In this pattern, the dimming is limited. The 2nd placement, called full array, in which LEDs are placed at the back of the monitor to cover the area. This produces deeper black colors with effective dimming. At last, mini LEDs are also placed at the back as a full array. This comprises several tiny LEDs, which give a more enhanced image and better contrast.

LED vs LCD: Which Is Better

LED vs LCD: Which Is Better For TV

The demand for LCD TVs is declining due to their high power consumption and low picture quality. For a living room TV, an LED one would be the best choice for a detailed and brighter image experience while watching movies.

The HDR technology in LED lights makes the brighter areas brighter and the darker areas darker. It gives an immersive experience while watching series, horror/action movies, and shows with your siblings. Moreover, LEDs come with a range of prices, starting from very cheap to premium ones. It would be easier for you to select a budget-friendly and best TV for your living room.

LED vs LCD: Which Is Better For Gaming

Gaming requires high refresh rates and lag-free experiences. It can only be experienced while having a premium quality LED. The smoothness refers to the refresh rate, like 144Hz or 120Hz, which means that the higher the rate, the greater the smoothness.

Gaming also requires high contrast and good brightness for enhanced gameplay. This can only be achieved with HDR LEDs. LEDs also have low response time, which makes the game less blurry and efficient.

LCD Vs LED: Which Is Better For a Phone Screen

Phone screens are highly dependent on the user's requirements. For instance, if a user is satisfied with a little bulkier or low-cost mobile phone, it would be better to purchase an LCD one. But you must remember that it will result in higher battery drainage and provide lower contrast.

On the other hand, if the user is conscious about eye comfort and requires a sleek design phone, LED would be the best option for him. It might be a little expensive, but it gives a smooth experience with long-lasting battery life.

LCD vs LED: Which Is Better For Energy Efficiency

LCDs are mostly obsolete due to their high power consumption and lack of energy management. Each light takes a sufficient amount of power, increasing your monthly electric bills and maintenance costs.

In comparison, LEDs consume minimal power to operate. It is recommended because they do not emit any heat. It is also eco-friendly due to no energy losses and heat dissipation.

LCD vs LED: Which Is For Eye Comfort

LCDs are not generally considered good for eye comfort. They produce a dimmed light that doesn't match your room's brightness, causing severe eye strain and headaches.

In comparison, LEDs are much better and come with flicker-free technology to offer comfort even in low brightness. They both emit blue light that is highly sensitive to human eyes, but LEDs offer night modes and adjustable color temperature to eliminate the discomfort.

OLED vs LED vs LCD: Differences Among Them

If you compare the three of them, OLED takes the lead because it stands in a premium segment. They can provide perfectly black, sleek screens and better display quality even in the dark. It has a self-emissive display in which each LED works independently and offers a better experience.

LCDs are becoming outdated due to technological advancements. They lack the ability to provide the picture quality that people and applications demand.

On the other hand, LEDs stand as affordable and reliable options. It offers balanced contrasts and brightness with high energy efficiency. If you can't afford an OLED, LED would be a great option.

FAQs

1. What is better for the eyes, LED or LCD?

LEDs would be better for the eyes due to its advancement in a no-flicker screen to provide comfort in low brightness. Moreover, it offers adjustable color temperature and night mode for more ease.

2. Is a smart TV LCD or LED?

The term smart TV refers to a TV that has internet connectivity and Android features. However, smart TVs usually have an LED backlight LCD.

3. What are the differences between an LCD vs an LED projector?

LCD and LED projector works with liquid crystal technology, but the difference is in backlighting. An LED projector would be more energy efficient and provide better color contrasts. While LCD projectors consume more power and produce excess heat.

Conclusion

LEDs and LCDs are common display technologies. However, LEDs are one of the most demanding and affordable options for phones, TVs, and gaming. They offer a competitive display with a variety of designs and color outputs. LCDs are also used in a minority, but for specific purposes where quality doesn't matter at all. After learning their differences and comparing their performance, you can easily select the right one for your needs.