Modern devices are equipped with screens of various configurations. The main ones at the moment are liquid crystal displays , but different technologies can be used for them, in particular we are talking about TFT and IPS, which differ in a number of parameters, although they are descendants of one invention.
Now there are a huge number of terms that refer to certain technologies hiding under the abbreviations. For example, many could hear or read about IPS or TFT, but few people understand what the difference between them really is. This is due to a lack of information in electronic catalogs. That is why it is worth understanding these concepts and deciding whether TFT or IPS is better.
Terminology
To determine what will be better or worse in each case, you need to find out what functions and tasks each type of matrix is responsible for . IPS in fact is a TFT, or rather its kind, in the manufacture of which a certain technology was used - TN-TFT. These technologies should be considered in more detail.
Differences
TFT (TN) is one of the methods for manufacturing matrixes of liquid crystal screens, that is, thin-film transistor screens in which elements are arranged in a spiral between a pair of plates. If there is no voltage supply, they will be rotated to each other at a right angle in the horizontal plane. The maximum voltage forces the crystals to rotate so that the light passing through them leads to the formation of black pixels, and in the absence of voltage - white.
If we consider IPS or TFT, then the difference from the first from the second is that the matrix is made on the basis described earlier, however, the crystals in it are not located spirally, but parallel to a single plane of the screen and to each other. Unlike TFT, crystals in this case do not rotate in the absence of voltage.
How do we see this?
If you look at the IPS or TFT screen, then visually the difference between them is in contrast, which is ensured by an almost perfect black color transmission. On the first screen, the image will look sharper. But the color rendering quality in the case of using the TN-TFT matrix can not be called good. In this case, each pixel has its own hue, different from the others. Because of this, the colors are greatly distorted. However, such a matrix also has a virtue: it is characterized by the highest response rate among all existing at the moment. The IPS screen requires a certain amount of time, during which all parallel crystals will complete a full turn. However, the human eye hardly captures the difference in response time.
Important Features
If we talk about what is better in operation: IPS or TFT, then it is worth noting that the former are more energy-intensive. This is due to the fact that turning crystals requires a considerable amount of energy. That is why, if the manufacturer is faced with the task of making his device energy efficient, it usually uses a TN-TFT matrix.
If you choose a TFT or IPS screen, then it is worth noting the wider viewing angles of the second, namely 178 degrees in both planes, it is very convenient for the user. Other types of matrices have been unable to provide this. And another significant difference between these two technologies is the cost of products based on them. TFT-matrices are currently the cheapest solution that is used in most budget models, and IPS is at a higher level, but it is not the top one either.
Display IPS or TFT to choose?
The first technology allows you to get the highest quality, clear image, but it takes more time to rotate the crystals used. This affects the response time and other parameters, in particular the battery discharge rate. The color rendering of TN matrices is much lower, but their response time is minimal. The crystals here are arranged in a spiral.
In fact, one can easily note the incredible chasm as screens working on the basis of these two technologies. This also concerns the cost. TN technology remains on the market solely because of the price, but it is not able to provide a juicy and vibrant picture.
IPS is a very successful continuation in the development of TFT displays. A high level of contrast and fairly large viewing angles are additional advantages of this technology. For example, in TN-based monitors, sometimes the black color itself changes its hue. However, the high energy consumption of IPS-based devices forces many manufacturers to resort to alternative technologies or to lower this indicator. Most often, matrices of this type are found in wired monitors that do not work on battery power, which eliminates the need for the device to be so volatile. However, developments are ongoing in this area.