Skip to main content

Types of Monitor Screens Explained: Which One Should You Choose?

 When you're shopping for a monitor, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all the screen types out there. From panel technology to screen shape, each type affects how colors look, how fast the display responds, and even how much the screen costs.

Here’s a complete breakdown of monitor screen types, what they mean, and who they’re best for.

1. TN (Twisted Nematic) Panels

  • Very fast response times (~1ms)

  • Generally the cheapest panel type

  • Poor color accuracy and narrow viewing angles

Best for: Budget or competitive gamers who prioritize speed over visuals.

⚠️ TN was once the fastest panel type, but modern IPS and OLED panels now match or exceed its response times with much better visuals.

2. IPS (In-Plane Switching) Panels

  • Excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles

  • Modern IPS panels now offer 0.5–1ms response times (with overdrive)

  • More expensive than TN, but delivers much better color fidelity

Best for: Designers, creators, and gamers who want a balance of speed and visual quality.

🧠 Look for labels like “Fast IPS,” “Nano IPS,” or “Agile-Splendor IPS” — these indicate high-speed, gaming-ready IPS displays.

3. VA (Vertical Alignment) Panels

  • Balanced performance: strong contrast, decent speed

  • Deeper blacks and higher native contrast than IPS/TN

  • Slower response times (typically 4–8ms)

Best for: Media consumption, casual gaming, and general-purpose use.

4. OLED Panels

  • Self-lit pixels = true blacks & infinite contrast

  • Top-tier color accuracy and viewing angles

  • Extremely fast response time (~0.1ms)

  • ⚠️ Risk of burn-in over time with static content

Best for: High-end gaming, professional visual work, and cinematic experiences.

5. Mini-LED & MicroLED

  • Mini-LED: Smaller LED zones → more local dimming = better contrast than standard LED

  • MicroLED: Pixel-level lighting like OLED, but longer-lasting and no burn-in

Best for: HDR content creation, premium displays, and pro-level workflows.

6. Curved vs Flat Monitors

Flat Monitors

Curved Monitors

Traditional & versatile

Designed for immersion

Better for shared viewing

Best for single-user ultrawide use

Easier to place/mount

More natural viewing on wide screens

Monitor Panel Comparison Table

Panel Type

Color Accuracy

Viewing Angles

Response Time

Best For

TN

Low

Poor

~1ms

Budget/competitive gaming

IPS (modern)

Excellent

Wide

0.5–1ms (Fast IPS)

Creative work, fast gaming

VA

Good

Decent

4–8ms

Media, casual gaming

OLED

Outstanding

Excellent

0.1ms

Premium viewing/gaming

Mini-LED

Great

Great

Varies (depends on backlight control)

HDR content, pro workflows

Final Thoughts

The “best” monitor screen type really depends on what you're doing:

  • For esports and fast-paced gaming: TN or Fast IPS

  • For color-critical work: IPS, OLED, or Mini-LED

  • For movies and rich visuals: VA or OLED

  • For general use: IPS strikes a great balance

  • On a tight budget? TN gives you speed without breaking the bank

Also keep in mind:

  • Modern IPS panels are no longer slow — many are as fast as TN.

  • OLED looks incredible, but you need to manage burn-in risks.

  • Mini-LED and MicroLED are future-proof options, but often come at a premium.

Location: 122, Ground Floor, Block A2, Leisure Commerce Square, Jln PJS 8/9, Ss 10, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NVMe SSD Sizes Explained: What Do 2230, 2242, 2280, and 22110 Mean?

 Upgrading to an NVMe SSD is one of the best ways to speed up your system—but before you buy one, it’s crucial to understand NVMe sizes . Those strange numbers like 2280 or 2230 aren't random—they tell you exactly how big the drive is and whether it’ll fit your laptop, desktop, Steam Deck, or mini PC. Let’s break it all down. Quick Recap: What Is NVMe? NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a high-speed storage interface that connects your SSD directly to your motherboard via PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) . Most NVMe drives come in a small form factor called M.2 , which looks like a stick of gum. But not all M.2 drives are the same size—that’s where the numbers come in. Understanding M.2 NVMe Size Codes M.2 NVMe SSD sizes are typically labeled as a four- or five-digit number , like: 2230 2242 2280 22110 Here’s what that means: First 2 digits = Width in millimeters Remaining digits = Length in millimeters Common M.2 NVMe Sizes ...
Post a Comment
Read more

What Does Refurbished Means in Context of Laptops and Desktops?

     Ever spotted a 'refurbished' laptop deal and wondered if it’s just a fancy word for ‘used’ ? You’re not alone. But the truth might surprise you as it could be the smartest tech investment you make.      Refurbished doesn't mean 'Used' it means 'Restored' . One of the most common misconceptions about refurbished laptops and desktops is that they are simply “used” devices. While it’s true that refurbished computers often had a previous owner, what sets them apart is the restoration process they undergo before being resold.      Refurbished devices are thoroughly inspected, tested, and repaired to ensure all the functions and components are functioning great. Any faulty components are replaced, and the operating system is often reinstalled to give the device a clean slate. In many cases, these devices are certified by authorized refurbishers like us, meaning they meet specific quality standards before hitting the shelves again. ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Our Warranty – Your Peace of Mind

     Worried about buying refurbished? We’ve got you covered.         In our last posts, we talked about what 'refurbished' means and why choosing one can save you money. But we know one big question might still be on your mind :      “What if something goes wrong?”      That’s where our warranty comes in, to give you peace of mind with every purchase.      Why Our Warranty Matters: Confidence in Quality  – Our warranty shows we stand behind our refurbished products. No Risk for You  – If something goes wrong, you’re covered.      We understand that buying a refurbished laptop should come with the same confidence as buying new. That’s why all our refurbished laptops and desktops are backed by a 12-month hardware warranty and 3-months for the battery . This covers key components like the screen, RAM, motherboard, SSD or HDD, speakers, camera or any issues like the products cannot...
Post a Comment
Read more