From Micro-OLED to AMOLED: Understanding the Different OLED Display Varieties

OLED displays have revolutionized the world of display technology with their stunning image quality and versatility. OLED displays have become increasingly popular in recent years, from small mobile phone screens to large television panels.

However, not all OLED displays are the same. Different varieties of OLED displays offer unique features and capabilities. Understanding the differences between these OLED varieties is crucial to make an informed decision when choosing a display for your needs.

Understanding OLED Display Technology

Before we dive into the details, let's cover some basics. OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode. It is a technology that utilizes organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is passed through them. OLED displays consist of multiple organic layers sandwiched between two conductors. These organic layers emit light in response to an electrical signal, allowing each pixel to emit its own light. This results in exceptional image quality with deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, wider viewing angles, and faster response times compared to traditional LCD displays.

Types Of OLED Screens:

There are several types of OLED screens available in the market, each with its unique set of features and benefits. Please note that the following list is not final.  

• AMOLED
• PMOLED
• Mini OLED
• Transparent OLED
• Top-emitting OLED
• Foldable OLED
• White OLED
• Soft OLED 
• Hard OLED
• Inverted OLED
• Stacked OLED
• Graded heterojunction

These are the various types of OLED screens we found. Below we will discuss some of the most common and popular display technologies. 

AMOLED (Active Matrix OLED)

AMOLED, which stands for Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode, is a type of OLED display technology that is widely used in various electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. AMOLED displays consist of an active matrix of OLED pixels with an additional layer of thin-film transistors (TFTs) that control the flow of electric current to each pixel. This allows for precise control and faster response times compared to other OLED display variations.

One of the key advantages of AMOLED technology is its ability to emit its own light, meaning each pixel can independently turn on or off. This results in deep blacks and vibrant colors, enhancing the overall visual experience for users. AMOLED displays also offer excellent contrast ratios and high brightness levels, making them suitable for outdoor usage.

PMOLED (Passive Matrix OLED)

PMOLED, which stands for Passive Matrix OLED, is one of the popular types of OLED displays. PMOLED displays use a simple control scheme where each row (or line) in the display is controlled sequentially, one at a time.

PMOLED electronics do not contain a storage capacitor, so the pixels in each line are actually off most of the time. To compensate for this, more voltage is needed to make the pixels brighter, resulting in less efficiency and a lower lifetime for the OLED materials. PMOLED displays are usually small, up to 3 inches in size, and are used to display character data or small icons. They are commonly found in devices such as MP3 players and mobile phone sub-displays.

Micro-OLED

Micro-OLED displays are a revolutionary technology that has taken the world of display screens by storm. There has been a lot of discussion about Micro-OLEDs since Apple launched its Vision Pro. These displays are made up of thousands of tiny organic light-emitting diodes that emit light when an electric current is applied. 

Unlike traditional displays, Micro-OLED displays offer high resolution and miniature size, making them perfect for use in portable devices such as smartwatches, virtual reality (VR) headsets, and augmented reality (AR) glasses. These displays are emissive, meaning that each pixel emits its own light, resulting in vibrant colors, high contrast ratios, and deep blacks. 

Additionally, Micro-OLED displays are energy efficient, with each pixel consuming power only when illuminated, resulting in longer battery life for the devices that use them. With their compact, lightweight design and superior image quality, Micro-OLED displays are the future of display technology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, OLED display technology has significantly transformed the way we experience visuals on our devices. From traditional LCD screens to the various OLED display varieties, manufacturers have been able to provide users with more vibrant, contrast-rich, and immersive displays. By staying informed about OLED display varieties, you can make the best choice for your device and enjoy a top-notch visual experience.