When buying a new laptop, monitor, or TV, you naturally want the device to perform well and be easy to use. One of the most important factors influencing your experience is the screen. In this article, I will explain what really matters when evaluating display quality.
There are two main ways to assess a screen: by looking at the technical specifications online or by checking the device in person at a store.
Technical Specifications
The most important factor is the display technology. Modern screens are usually based on LED or OLED panels. OLED panels are considered more advanced — each pixel emits its own light, providing excellent contrast and deep blacks. These screens are more expensive and sometimes less bright, which helps extend their lifespan. Among OLED options, Samsung’s QD-OLED and LG’s OLED EVO are among the best. Samsung offers brighter pixels but with higher power consumption, while LG uses a layer of special microlenses to reflect light outward.
The quality of LED screens depends on the panel type. TN panels are outdated and often found in budget devices — they have poor color reproduction and very narrow viewing angles. VA panels provide better contrast and reasonable color reproduction. IPS panels offer high brightness and wide viewing angles, but often cannot achieve deep blacks due to their design. QLED is an improved version of LED technology that uses special materials in the pixels. QLED screens based on VA or IPS panels are common in many mid-range and high-end TVs.
Color reproduction also depends on color depth. Budget screens usually support only 6-bit color. More common are 8-bit panels or 8-bit + FRC, which simulate smoother color transitions by substituting shades and taking advantage of the human eye’s perception. True 10-bit displays provide the most accurate and vivid color reproduction.
The refresh rate affects the smoothness of motion on the screen. Basic displays operate at 60–75 Hz and are often manufactured using outdated technology. Higher-end displays offer 100 or 120 Hz, which significantly improves motion clarity. Gamers may prefer displays with a refresh rate of 144 Hz or higher, although extremely high rates such as 240 Hz are generally only practical for gaming or only work at lower resolutions.
In-store evaluation
If you have the opportunity to see the screen in person, simply look at it from different angles. TN panels quickly lose brightness even with a slight change in viewing angle. VA screens show some reduction in contrast and brightness, especially when viewed from above or below. IPS panels maintain image quality at virtually any angle. OLED displays immediately stand out—their deep blacks and bright contrast are hard to miss.
