Are you interested in creative arts or are you a creative professional? If yes, then you must have heard about the IPS monitor. Well, there are a lot of similar acronyms such as LCD, TFT, TN, LED, etc. Don’t confuse them all because IPS is a little different. The In-Plane Switching (IPS) monitor is a modification of the TN matrix LCD of the 1980s. We will cover a lot more including a brief history, advantages, and the best IPS monitors in the market as the article unfolds.
The need for designing the IPS monitors arose in the 1980s to cover for the drawbacks of the Twisted Nematic (TN) field effect matrix LCDs. The drawbacks were the poor color reproduction and awkward viewing angle. The IPS is nothing but a superior version of the TN monitor with better colors and angles. As the name indicates, it switches and arranges the particles of the liquid crystal layer between the glass substrates to provide a better angle and enhance the color effects.
What is Super AMOLED Display?
Before moving forward, you should know what AMOLED devices are, as I will compare both of them to describe the advantages. AMOLED is the acronym of Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode. If you hear “Active Matrix OLED,” then it’s the same thing.
It works on the OLED principle, according to which, the pixels light up when electrically stimulated. Several Smartphone companies including Samsung and other small digital cameras and television manufacturers use this technology due to its slim design. I am going to tell you why should you opt for IPS and not AMOLED.
Advantages of IPS Monitors
I have already talked about the fact that IPS monitors covered for the limitations of TN matrix LCDs. To be honest, it is the biggest advantage to introduce the digital world to better technology. Despite the drawbacks, the demand for LCDs was high due to the evolution of the digital technology. Introducing IPS was a breakthrough that expanded the application of LCDs from small display devices to modernized mobile devices and televisions.
Now, let’s move on to the key advantages of IPS monitors.
1. Cheaper to Produce
Let’s talk about the economic benefit first. Yeah, the In-Plane Switching monitors are cheaper to produce than AMOLEDs but more expensive than the former TN panels. The Apple manufactures find it a bonus.
2. Color Filters
When we talk about colors, both AMOLED and IPS have their plus points, and there isn’t one winner. If you need deep black and energetic colors, then AMOLED is the one for you. However, when it comes to white light and daylight visibility, then IPS is a better fit. So if you want to watch a movie in the dark, I suggest you go for an AMOLED screen, and if you wish to use it in sunlight, go for IPS.
The polarized light used in IPS LCDs is passed through horizontal and vertical color filters on each side that control brightness. Also, the blackness and contrasts in IPS monitors might sometimes suffer because when your device is on, the pixels are back-lighted. However, the filters give more natural colors to IPS monitors, while the AMOLED screen gives an over-saturated result sometimes.
3. Sharpness and Clarity
Despite the fact that pixels are backlit, IPS screens display sharp and clear results. The pixels are tightly packed together, and as a result, the pictures on the screen are displayed with clear edges with no errors. This, in turn, increases the response time as well.
4. No Tailing and Lightning
Another limitation that IPS monitors covered for TN LCDs was the lightening and tailing when touched. This made the touch-screen devices handier and easy to use. It provided laptops, computer, televisions, and Smartphones with a better viewing angle by controlling the motion of the liquid crystal layer. It enabled the layer to respond to an electric field that enhanced its viewing angle. However, the viewing angles of AMOLED are considered better than IPS, and again blame is on the backlight.
The 5 Best IPS Monitors
I have prepared for you a list of the best five IPS monitors along with their main features that can ease your buying decision. Since the release of 4k content on YouTube, Netflix, and other streaming services we’ve now good 4k monitors available in the market.
1. AOC i2481FXH 24″ HD IPS Monitor (around $150)
A slim design appeals everyone and especially when it’s available at a reasonable price with amazing internal features. A high estimate comes in your mind when you look at it, but surprisingly, it’s lesser than what you think. The viewing angle is even enhanced due to its slender design. The technical specifications include:
- 20 million to 1 dynamic contrast ratio
- 1080 HD
- 178-degree IPS viewing angle
- 5ms response time,
- Highly accurate 8-bit color depth
- 60Hz refresh rate
- 250 nits brightness
2. HP 24EA 23.8″ HD IPS Monitor ($140)
It has been highly praised due to its color reproduction, anti-glare panel, high contrast ratio, thin form characteristic and amazing IPS viewing angle. Let me warn you here! Despite its sharp brightness and excellent viewing angle of around 140 degrees, it isn’t a gaming monitor. It is also a slender design monitor that makes the viewing angle even better. The price is amazingly economical for an IPS display.
3. ViewSonic VX2478-SMHD 24″ IPS Monitor ($275)
ViewSonic is a legendary name that has been serving the digital world for many years now. They pride themselves in manufacturing high-class, efficiently performing monitors. However, this monitor does not come at a low price, and you end up paying a great deal for its ultra modern specifications.
4. ASUS MX259H 25″ LED-LCD IPS Monitor (under $199)
The ASUS monitors have been maintaining their top position since the past three years now. Its key features include the dynamic backlight adjustment that reduces eye strain by mitigating flicker and the blue light filter that enables a better resolution in the dark. Also, the built-in speakers serve as add-ons to its features.
5. Dell UltraSharp U2417HJ 23.8″ LED-LCD IPS Monitor ($199)
It is the best option for those who look for an old brand offering highly realistic IPS colors at cheap prices. The Dell UltraSharp has successfully gained the trust of customers due to its high-quality monitors. It is a stylish monitor with extremely thin borders, a beautiful anti-glare coating with an external black contrast.
That’s it guys! I do hope after reading you’ve better idea of IPS Monitors and their Pros and Cons and what are the best IPS monitors available in the market.
