Which Display Type is Best for a Smartwatch? Here’s the Answer!

Are you in the market for a new smartwatch but unsure which type of display to choose? 

The display is one of the most important features of any smartwatch, as it’s the window to all the information and apps you need to stay connected and on top of your game. 

But with so many different types of displays available, it can be tough to choose the right one. 

Fear not! In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each display type, from the classic LCD to the ultra-modern AMOLED, and help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle. 

So, let’s strap on our smartwatches and get ready to discover which display reigns supreme.

The short answer, you should go for an AMOLED display as it offers more vibrant colours and deep blacks for a better viewing experience.

Which Display Type is Best for Smartwatch?

Since there are various types of displays in smartwatches, to keep it simple, I’ll explain the three most common types of displays: AMOLED, LCD, and TFT LCD.

1. AMOLED Display

AMOLED stands for “Active Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode.” It’s a type of display technology used in many smartwatches and smartphones. 

I won’t delve too deeply into this technology, but due to its great advantages, such as vibrant colors and an always-on mode, it has become the most preferred type of display in smartwatches.

However, they are expensive, which is why smartwatches with AMOLED displays are pricier compared to other displays.

But nowadays, smartwatch brands are doing a great job in reducing the prices of these display types. 

As a result, we can now find some good AMOLED smartwatches even within a budget range of 2000.

An AMOLED display is a special kind of screen that offers some cool advantages and a few disadvantages.

Let’s start with the pros, the good things about AMOLED displays:

• Bright and Vibrant Colors: AMOLED displays can show really bright and beautiful colors. It means that the pictures and icons on your smartwatch screen will look really pretty and eye-catching.

• Always-on Display: One of the fantastic benefits of owning an AMOLED smartwatch is the ability to keep the display on for as long as you desire. Unlike other display types that require frequent activation or have limited screen-on times, AMOLED technology allows you to enjoy an always-on display experience.

• Deep Blacks: AMOLED displays can turn off individual pixels to create true blacks. This makes the colours and images on the screen look more realistic and helps save battery power because black pixels don’t need any energy to be lit up.

• High Contrast: The contrast is the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of the screen. AMOLED displays have high contrast, which means you can easily see things even in bright sunlight or dark rooms.

• Energy Efficient: AMOLED displays can be more energy-efficient compared to other types of displays because they only light up the pixels that need to be shown. So, it helps your smartwatch’s battery last longer.

Now let’s talk about the cons, the not-so-good things about AMOLED displays:

• Burn-In: If the same image is displayed on an AMOLED screen for a very long time, it can leave a faint, permanent mark on the screen. This is called “burn-in.” It’s not very common, but it’s something to be aware of.

• Expensive: AMOLED displays can be more expensive to produce compared to other types of displays. This might make the smartwatch a bit more expensive for you to buy.

• Lifespan: The lifespan of AMOLED displays can be slightly shorter than other display types. Over time, the screen’s brightness may decrease a little. But don’t worry, it takes a lot of use for this to happen, and it’s not a problem you’ll face quickly.

So, those are the main things to know about AMOLED displays in smartwatches. 

They have bright colors, deep blacks, and high contrast, but there’s a small risk of burn-in, they can be a bit more expensive, and their lifespan may not be as long as other displays. 

But overall, they are really cool and make your smartwatch look awesome.

And personally, I always prefer an AMOLED display despite it being a bit expensive, as it provides me with the best display quality I desire.

2. LCD Display

LCD stands for “Liquid Crystal Display.” It’s another type of display technology used in many smartwatches, smartphones, and even computer screens.

LCD displays are among the most common types found in smartwatches, and importantly, they are also the most affordable option available.

Their affordability makes them accessible to a wider range of consumers, allowing more people to experience the convenience and functionality of a smartwatch.

While LCD displays come with several advantages, they also have their share of disadvantages.

Let’s start with the pros, the good things about LCD displays:

• Higher brightness: LCD displays are generally known for their brightness, making them particularly well-suited for outdoor usage. When exposed to direct sunlight, LCD screens often provide better visibility compared to other display technologies.

• No Burn-In: Unlike AMOLED displays, LCD displays don’t suffer from burn-in issues. You can display the same image on an LCD screen for a long time, and it won’t leave a permanent mark on the screen.

• Affordable: LCD displays are often more affordable to produce compared to AMOLED displays. This can make smartwatches with LCD screens more budget-friendly.

• Longer Lifespan: LCD displays tend to have a longer lifespan compared to AMOLED displays. They can maintain their brightness and performance for a longer time, so you won’t have to worry about the screen losing its quality quickly.

Now, let’s talk about the cons, the not-so-good things about LCD displays:

• Limited Contrast: LCD displays generally have a lower contrast compared to AMOLED displays. The difference between the brightest and darkest parts of the screen might not be as noticeable. This can make it slightly harder to see the screen in very bright or very dark environments.

• Backlight: LCD displays require a backlight to illuminate the screen. This means that the whole screen is lit up, even the black parts. As a result, LCD displays can’t produce true blacks like AMOLED displays can. It may also consume slightly more energy since the backlight is always on.

So, those are the main things to know about LCD displays in smartwatches. 

They offer higher brightness outdoors, no burn-in risk, are often more affordable, and have a longer lifespan. However, they may have limited contrast and require a backlight. 

LCD displays are also great and have their own advantages, making smartwatches look really cool too.

That’s why I highly recommend considering LCD displays in smartwatches, especially for individuals facing budget constraints. 

By opting for an LCD display, you can enjoy the benefits of a reliable and bright screen without having to break the bank.

3. TFT LCD Display

TFT stands for “Thin Film Transistor,” and it is a type of LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) technology. 

It is commonly used in low-budget smartwatches and has their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Let’s dive into the pros, the good things about TFT LCD displays:

• Good Image Quality: TFT LCD displays can offer good image quality with sharp and vibrant colors. You can see clear pictures, icons, and text on the screen of your smartwatch.

• Wide Viewing Angles: TFT LCD displays have relatively wide viewing angles, which means you can see the screen clearly even if you look at it from different angles. So, whether you’re looking at your watch straight on or from the side, the display will still be visible.

• Affordable: TFT LCD displays are generally more affordable to produce compared to other display technologies. This can make smartwatches with TFT LCD screens more budget-friendly for users.

• Energy Efficient: TFT LCD displays can be energy efficient, especially when compared to older display technologies like CRT. They consume less power, helping to conserve battery life in your smartwatch.

Now, let’s talk about the cons, the not-so-good things about TFT LCD displays:

• Limited Contrast: TFT LCD displays tend to have a limited contrast ratio, which means the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of the screen may not be as noticeable. This can affect the depth and richness of colors displayed.

• Backlight Requirement: Like other LCD displays, TFT LCD screens require a backlight to illuminate the display. This means that the entire screen is lit up, even the black parts. As a result, they cannot produce true blacks like AMOLED displays can.

• Narrower Color Gamut: TFT LCD displays may have a narrower color gamut compared to other display technologies like AMOLED. This means they may not be able to reproduce all colors as accurately or vividly.

So, those are the main things to know about TFT LCD displays in smartwatches. 

Despite these limitations, TFT LCD displays remain a popular choice for low-budget smartwatches due to their cost-effectiveness and satisfactory performance. 

They offer an affordable option for individuals who desire basic smartwatch functionalities without compromising too much on display quality.

The Bottom Line

To sum it up, the type of display you choose for your smartwatch depends on your personal preferences and needs. 

If you want the best display quality and don’t mind spending a bit more, then an AMOLED display is the way to go. However, if you’re on a budget and want a reliable and bright screen, then an LCD display is a good choice. 

And if you’re looking for an even more affordable option, then a TFT LCD display can still provide you with satisfactory performance. 

Overall, each display type has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and it’s up to you to decide which one suits your needs the best.