OLED vs LED vs LCD: Key Differences Explained

This article compares OLED, LED, and LCD technologies, highlighting their key differences. It delves into OLED basics, advantages, disadvantages, and how OLED technology works. It also provides a comparison between LED and LCD display types.

OLED Basics | What is an OLED?

OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode. It’s an electronic device constructed by layering organic thin films between two conductors. When an electrical current is applied, a bright light is emitted. OLEDs operate on the principle of electro-luminescence, where certain materials emit light in response to an electric current.

How OLED Works

As shown in Figure 1, an OLED structure typically consists of a Cathode, Emissive Layer, Conductive Layer, Anode, and a Substrate.

Let’s break down how an OLED works:

• Voltage is applied to the OLED via a battery or power supply.
• This causes current to flow from the cathode to the anode through the organic layers.
• The emissive layer gains electrons, while the conductive layer loses electrons.
• The removal of electrons from the conductive layer leaves “holes.”
• These holes move to the emissive layer and recombine with the electrons.
• As electrons drop into the holes, they release extra energy in the form of light. This is how light emission occurs in an OLED device.

Types of OLED

There are several types of OLEDs, including:

• Passive-matrix
• Active-matrix
• Transparent
• Top-emitting
• Flexible
• White

Advantages and Disadvantages of OLED

Advantages of OLED:

• Thinner, lighter, and more flexible displays
• Brighter and clearer picture quality
• Lower power consumption
• Easier to manufacture in larger sizes
• Wide viewing angle
• Can be printed on various surfaces

Disadvantages of OLED:

• Shorter lifespan compared to other display technologies
• Manufacturing can be complex and expensive
• Susceptibility to damage from water

Tabular Difference between OLED and LED/LCD

The following table highlights the key differences between OLED and LED/LCD displays: