LCD vs OLED vs Micro OLED, Which is the Best VR Display?

3 things matter the most when it comes to choosing a VR headset: tracking, comfort, and resolution. Here we gonna talk about the one of the factors decides resolution - the screen solution.

No.1 LCD

LCD technology has been quite mature, used in general computer and TV screens, also used in VR screens, and the cost is low, has become the basic technology of consumer products. Since LCD itself doesn't emit light. TFT LCD relies on white LED backlight to show content.

Pros

●????? Low cost & long lifespan: LCD is mature technology. Comparing with OLED, it has longer life time.

●????? No stroboscopic effect: LCD uses DC power white LED backlight. Which won't produce stroboscopic effect, more eye careful.

●????? High pixel density: Under the same resolution, TFT LCD produces sharper image than OLED.

Cons

●????? High power consumption: TFT LCD needs backlight. So it is thicker and consumes more power.

●????? Relatively lower contrast: Light needs to pass through LCD glasses, liquid crystal layer, polarizers and color filters. LCD can not display pure black, and longer response time

No.2 OLED

OLED(Organic Light-emitting Diode), is based on an Organic light-emitting layer made of indium tin oxide (ITO) glass and covered with a low-work function metal electrode on the light-emitting layer. According to the driving mode, OLED includes AMOLED and PMOLED.

Pros

●????? Thin and lightweight: OLED screens are thin, lightweight, and resistant to shocks and falls. They can also be folded and bent.

●????? Excellent viewing effect: Even at large viewing angles, OLED displays maintain distortion-free images.

●????? Lower energy consumption: OLEDs do not require a backlight, leading to reduced energy consumption.

●????? High color contrast and quick response time.

Cons

●????? Limited lifespan: OLED screens may develop burn-in and residual image issues after about four years of use.

●????? Eye strain: Prolonged screen exposure can strain the eyes.

●????? Higher cost: OLED screens tend to be more expensive than LCD screens.

Although OLED presents a bright picture, has low power consumption, and can be bent, the organic materials will be oxidized, so the life is relatively short, and the color-burning problem does occur. Coupled with the high cost and high technology content, it is mostly suitable for small screens, such as mobile phone screens. In recent years, a handful of VR helmets have used OLED screens.

No.3 Micro OLED

Mrico-Oled is a new high-level microdisplay technology. Micro OLEDs (silicon-based) consist of organic light-emitting materials sandwiched between two electrodes, diodes that emit light when an electric current flows through them. The desired color is then generated through the filter. The micro OLED light source module is generated by depositing the OLED onto the substrate using vapor deposition.

Pros

●????? Low power consumption.

●????? Greater durability: Micro OLED displays are less prone to damage from impacts or moisture.

●????? Excellent color reproduction and contrast: High pixel density enables vibrant colors and deep blacks, making them ideal for VR/AR headsets.

●????? Energy saving: Micro OLEDs can individually turn off pixels when not in use.

Cons

●????? Expensive.

●????? Limited market penetration: Few manufacturers have mastered this technology, and it has yet to fully enter the consumer market. Immature technology may lead to issues like dizziness.

So Which One is Better for VR?

Fast LCD is currently the mainstream choice for most VR headset manufactures including Oculus VR , 北京小鸟看看科技有限公司 and 大朋VR , due to its high production stability and yield, as well as its balance of performance and cost-effectiveness. However, Fast LCD has limitations in response time and relatively higher power consumption. Micro OLED, on the other hand, offers advantages such as higher resolution and a wider color gamut.

DSCC speculates that if Apple continues to use Micro OLED, it may encourage suppliers to reduce the cost of micro displays. They also anticipate that starting in 2025, this display solution will dominate the AR/VR display market.

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