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AMOLED vs OLED: 7 Must-Know Facts
- The first OLED television was the Sony XEL-1, which was released in 2007.
- The first OLED device was built in 1987 by Ching Wan Tang at the Eastman Kodak Company.
- AMOLED display appeared on Nokia N85 in 2008.
- One of the most popular investors in AMOLED technology is Samsung SDI.
- The new Samsung S series feature Super AMOLED displays.
- Super AMOLED is Samsung’s marketing term for its version of display that features an integrated touchscreen digitizer.
- AMOLED displays have a refresh rate of less than 1 millisecond.
The smartphone market is growing and there are more brands competing than ever. To stay relevant in this fast-paced industry, manufacturers have to come up with new smart features that will set their devices apart from the rest.
One of the features manufacturers use to make their products stand out is the device’s display technology. And, with smartphones getting bigger and brighter displays, it’s now necessary for phones to have high-resolution screens to show off photos, videos, and other visuals in high clarity.
These high-resolution displays can also make text appear crisper than on standard screens. And finally, adding color to your device gives you the option to personalize the appearance of your phone.
If you’ve been looking for a new smartphone or TV, then you’ve probably noticed something about their screens; there’s a split between those that use traditional LCD panels and those with AMOLED or OLED screens. These have grown in popularity because of their advantages over regular LCDs.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at the main differences between AMOLED and OLED displays. Read on to find out what makes them different.
AMOLED vs OLED: Side-by-Side Comparison
OLED | AMOLED | |
---|---|---|
What it is | It is used to create digital displays on devices such as smartphones, televisions, and computer monitors | A type of OLED display technology that provides more vibrant and vivid colors compared to regular OLED devices |
Name | Organic Light-Emitting Diode | Active Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode |
Year Developed | 1987 | 2006 |
Popular Devices | LG C2 | Samsung Galaxy S22 |
Flexibility | Limited flexibility | Highly flexible |
Power Consumption | Consumes more power than AMOLED devices | Consumes less power than OLED devices |
Cost | Often cheaper than AMOLED | More expensive than OLED |
AMOLED vs OLED: What’s the Difference?

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AMOLED is a type of OLED display technology. However, it is not the only OLED technology in existence. They both come from the same idea of making pixels out of organic material, but AMOLED displays are uniquely designed to be more energy efficient. Here are some of the differences between the two displays.
Technology
In an OLED display, thin layers of the organic component emit light when current flows through them. In contrast, an AMOLED display comprises an additional layer of Thin Film Transistors (TFTs), which increases the flexibility of light emission from the OLEDs.
Each pixel on an AMOLED display produces light. In addition, storage capacitors are used to maintain pixel states in an AMOLED display. It is essential to know that AMOLED technology varies among manufacturers. What’s more, its technology allows it to be more flexible, displaying more vibrant and brighter colors than regular OLED devices, while consuming less power.
Price
Another difference between AMOLED and OLED displays is their price difference. Devices that use AMOLED display technology are often more expensive. For instance, smartphones with AMOLED displays tend to cost more than smartphones with LCD or regular OLED displays.
There is also a difference in the cost of production. AMOLED displays are often more expensive to produce. In fact, the high cost of producing AMOLED displays is one of the reasons why devices with AMOLED displays are more expensive than the ones with OLED displays.
Energy Consumption

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AMOLED displays consume less power than OLED displays. This is due to the way that AMOLED pixels are designed. Each AMOLED pixel has its capacitor and a custom transistor which helps it to use power more efficiently, making AMOLED displays more energy efficient overall.
AMOLED technology has also been standardized by various standards organizations, and it is now a common technology across the world. Many companies manufacture AMOLED display devices to meet regulatory requirements and comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
Display
AMOLED displays produce brighter and more dynamic colors for better visual effects. They’re also thinner than regular OLED devices. By contrast, OLED displays produce duller and darker colors, which makes AMOLED displays the best in terms of color brightness and contrast.
AMOLED displays are also more flexible than OLED displays. There is also no display size constraint for AMOLED displays. Even though consumers get better and brighter images from AMOLED displays, the devices that use them tend to cost more than others.
Also, there are some drawbacks to AMOLED displays, such as the infamous burn-in problem. Regular OLED displays also have their cons. They often have dark spots after a long period of usage because the organic materials used to build them have a limited lifetime.
AMOLED vs OLED: Which One Is Better?
When it comes to smartphones, there are many important factors to consider. The display is one of the most important factors. If you are thinking of getting a new device with a screen, then it is advisable to buy a device that has an AMOLED display.
Even though devices with AMOLED displays are more expensive than the ones with OLED displays, they offer brighter, crisper, and more vivid colors, which will help you enjoy a unique and exceptional visual experience.
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