AMOLED vs OLED: Which Is Better And Why?

At some point of exploring new smartphones, you must have wondered about AMOLED vs OLED display screens that these mobile brands tend to focus on. Having a sharper display with a good balance of vibrancy and colours is a desired feature now. So, comparing the two screen types only makes sense so that you can understand whether it’s worth a shot or not.

Today, we have comprehensively studied the significant display technologies available nowadays. We are talking about the AMOLED and OLED display technologies, their properties and their differences.

Also read: Best Smartphones with 120Hz refresh rate display

What are OLED displays?

It stands for Natural Light-Emitting Diode, a type of LED technique that utilises LEDs wherein the light is of organic molecules that cause the LEDs to shine brighter. These organic LEDs are used to make what are considered the best display panels in the world.

When you make an OLED display, you put organic films among two conductors to make them. As a result, a bright light comes out when electricity is used—a simple design with many advantages over other ways to show things.

OLEDs can be used to make emissive displays, which implies that each pixel can be controlled and emits its very own light. As a result, OLED displays have excellent picture quality. They have bright colours, fast motion, and, most importantly, very high contrast. Most of all, “real” blacks are the most important.  The simple design of OLEDs also makes it easy to create flexible displays that can bend and move.

1. PMOLED (Passive Matrix OLED)

PMOLED stands for Passive Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode. These devices are easy to find and much cheaper than other LEDs, but they cannot last long as their lifespan is very short. Therefore, this type of display is generally for small devices up to 3 inches.

2. AMOLED

AMOLED stands for Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode. This type of display is generally for large platforms. It contains TFT, which further consists of a storage capacitor. It also works on the same principle as OLED displays.

Advantages of OLED displays

There are various advantages of OLED. Some of them are as follows:

• It provides a good-quality display.
• It is cost-effective.
• It is much brighter than LEDs.
• They do not require backlighting.
• It has a much faster response time as compared to traditional LCDs.

Disadvantages of OLED displays

There are very few limitations to OLED. Some of them are as follows:

• OLEDs’ lifespan is much shorter than LCD, LED and PDP display technologies.
• The OLEDs have variations in colour balance.
• It does not provide resistance against water. Water can easily damage the OLED displays.

What are AMOLED displays?

AMOLED offers no restriction on the size of the display. Its power consumption is much less than that of other display technologies. AMOLED provides incredible performance. It is thinner, lighter, and more flexible than any other display technology, such as LED or LCD.

Samsung is the market leader in AMOLED technology. They make the best display. This is because Samsung uses variations in its latest devices. These variations, like the Dynamix AMOLED 2x in the Galaxy S25 Series and the Fold 7. With this technology, you get brightness up to 3,000 nits. There is support for HDR10+. AMOLED is also used in:

• Smartwatches (e.g., Galaxy Watch 8)
• Tablets
• Laptops
• TVs

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Advantages of AMOLED

There are various advantages of AMOLED. Some of them are as follows:

• It can be easily embedded into a display of any size.
• It has a much faster refresh rate as compared to PMOLED.
• They are also used in industrial applications.
• They offer much better viewing angles as compared to the IPS LCD.

Disadvantages of AMOLED in AMOLED vs OLED

There are very few limitations to AMOLED. Some of them are as follows:

• The quality of the display degraded with time. This is one of the biggest disadvantages of the AMOLED display.
• The AMOLED display is very likely to screen burn-in.
• AMOLED displays are very costly compared to other display technologies.

Also read: Replace your iPhone X screen at the best price

So far, we have discussed OLED and AMOLED display technologies. Now, we will look at some of the differences between OLED and AMOLED display technology:

Differences between AMOLED vs OLED Display Technology

Here’s a table to quickly glance over the differences in AMOLED vs OLED:

1. Technology – AMOLED vs OLED

OLED comprises thin layers of the organic component, which emits light when the current passes through it. In this technology, each pixel transmits its own light. Conversely, AMOLED consists of an additional layer of thin-film transistors (TFTs). In AMOLED, the storage capacitors are used to maintain the pixel states.

With varying technologies, first came the OLED. While the technology differs among various manufacturers, Samsung’s edge AMOLED displays use plastic substrates with poly-Si TFT technology similar to how LG uses it in their POLED technology. This technology is what makes it possible to build curved displays using an active-matrix OLED panel.

Also read: Different types of smartphone displays explained

2. Display – AMOLED vs OLED

OLED displays much deeper blacks than AMOLED displays. You cannot see the screen in an AMOLED display under direct sunlight. However, the AMOLED display quality is much better than that of OLEDs as it contains an additional layer of TFTs and follows backplane technologies.

AMOLED displays are much more flexible as compared to OLED displays. Hence, they are much more costly than OLED displays.

3. Working – AMOLED vs OLED

OLED devices are simple solid-state devices consisting of a thin layer of organic compounds in an emissive electroluminescent layer where electricity is generated.

These organic compounds are present between the protective layers of glass or plastic. Comparatively, AMOLED comprises an active matrix of OLED pixels along with an additional layer of TFTs. This extra layer is responsible for controlling the current flow in each pixel.

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4. Contrast Ratio – AMOLED vs OLED

The OLED display offers a high level of control over pixels. Hence, it can be turned off completely, resulting in an excellent contrast ratio compared to the AMOLED displays and less power consumption. On the other hand, AMOLEDs have faster refresh rates than OLEDs. Also, they offer a tremendous artificial contrast ratio as each pixel transmits light but consumes more power than OLEDs.

5. Display size – AMOLED vs OLED

OLED displays are comparatively much thinner compared to LCDs. Hence, it provides more efficient and bright presentations. In addition, OLED offers support for large display sizes compared to traditional LCDs. AMOLEDs remove the limitation of display sizes. One can fit it into any display size.

POLED uses plastic, allowing it to bend more than regular OLED. POLED technology typically uses glass. AMOLED is another type of display. It has a special part that makes it work better. Phones like Samsung and OnePlus use AMOLED screens. LG manufactures POLED screens, as seen in the LG G8X ThinQ phone. Because POLED and AMOLED displays can bend, they are used in phones with curved or foldable screens.

Also read: Tempered Glass vs Plastic Screen protectors

So, based on the points mentioned above and the difference between OLED and AMOLED displays, you can choose any of the two display technologies at your convenience. Both are good, offer excellent performance, and can be customized according to your requirements.

AMOLED displays are of higher quality than OLEDs since they have an additional layer of TTs and use backplane technologies. Compared to OLED screens, AMOLED displays are far more flexible. As a result, they are substantially more expensive.

Top 3 AMOLED Screen Phones in India (2025)

Here are some new phones with AMOLED screens that look great and work fast:

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, super smooth 120Hz, very sharp (3088×1440), very bright (up to 3,000 nits). It has the brightest AMOLED screen so far, with rich colours and less glare. It is amazing for watching videos or playing games. The phone has other features like:

• Snapdragon 8 Elite chip
• 12GB or 16GB RAM
• 50MP main camera + zoom + wide + depth cameras, 12MP front camera
• 5,000mAh battery with fast 45W charging

OnePlus 13

The OnePlus 13 has the 6.8-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, very sharp (3168×1440), super bright (up to 4,500 nits). The screen is extra bright and sharp. It is perfect for movies. You will find features like:

• Snapdragon 8 Elite chip,
• up to 16GB RAM,
• three 50MP back cameras,
• 32MP front camera,
• 6,000mAh battery with super-fast 100W charging

Xiaomi 14T Pro

The Xiaomi 14T Pro has the 6.67-inch AMOLED, very smooth 144Hz, clear (2712×1220), very bright (up to 4,000 nits). The high refresh screen makes games and scrolling smooth. Other features include:

• MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chip,
• up to 16GB RAM,
• 50MP main + wide + 12MP zoom cameras,
• 32MP front camera,
• 5,000mAh battery with super-fast 120W charging

Top 3 OLED Screen Phones in India (2025)

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, 120Hz refresh rate, 1320×2868, and up to 2,000 nits. The screen shows true colours and deep blacks with ProMotion and True Tone. Other features include:

• A18 Pro chip,
• 48MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 12MP telephoto cameras,
• 12MP front camera,
• 4,441mAh battery with 25W fast charging

Google Pixel 10 Pro

The Pixel 10 Pro has a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED screen, 120Hz refresh rate, QHD+ (2992×1344), and up to 3,000 nits brightness. The display looks amazing for photos and videos. Other features include:

• Tensor G5 chip,
• 50MP main + 48MP ultra-wide + 48MP telephoto cameras,
• 12MP front camera,
• 5,100mAh battery with 35W fast charging

Realme 14 Pro Plus

The Realme 14 Pro Plus has a 6.83-inch OLED screen, 120Hz refresh rate, Full HD+ (2400×1080), and bright (up to 2,000 nits). The display has good visuals at a lower price. Other features include:

• Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip,
• 8GB RAM, 50MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 50MP telephoto cameras,
• 32MP front camera,
• 6,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging

Why Apple Prefers OLED?

Apple uses OLED screens in its iPhones (like the Apple iPhone 16 series) and calls them “Super Retina XDR” displays. Here’s why they stick with OLED:

1. They Don’t Make Their Own Screens
   • Apple doesn’t build screens itself—it buys them from companies like Samsung Display or LG Display. These suppliers provide OLED panels, and Apple customizes them with its own tech (like software tweaks for color and brightness). Samsung Display, a big supplier for Apple, makes OLED panels for iPhones, but they’re not labeled AMOLED because Apple doesn’t use that term—it’s Samsung’s branding.
   • Simple version: Apple gets high-quality OLED from others and makes it “Apple-style” instead of designing its own AMOLED tech.
2. Focus on Perfect Colors and Balance
   • Apple cares a lot about making colors look real and natural, not just super bright or crazy vivid. OLED gives them the flexibility to tune the screen exactly how they want with software (like True Tone or ProMotion). They don’t need AMOLED’s extra brightness or contrast tricks because their goal is a balanced, eye-friendly display.
   • Example: On an iPhone, a sunset photo looks true-to-life, not overly punchy, which matches Apple’s design vibe.
3. Battery Life Control
   • OLED already saves power by turning off pixels for black areas (like in dark mode). Apple pairs this with its super-efficient chips (like the A18 Bionic) and iOS software to stretch battery life. They don’t need AMOLED’s extra power-saving features because their whole system is built to sip power anyway.
   • Simple version: Apple’s OLED plus their tech is enough—they don’t need AMOLED’s boost.
4. Branding and Simplicity
   • Apple avoids techy terms like “AMOLED” in marketing. They go for fancy names like “Super Retina XDR” to sound unique and premium. Calling it OLED keeps things simple while letting them flex their custom tweaks.
   • Why? It’s about looking sleek and different, not using Samsung’s label.

Why Samsung Prefers AMOLED?

Samsung uses AMOLED in its phones (like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra) and has been pushing it for years. Here’s why they love it:

1. They Invented and Make AMOLED
   • Samsung Display (a part of Samsung) pioneered AMOLED tech and makes most of the world’s AMOLED screens—including some for Apple! Since they control the tech, they use it in their own Galaxy phones to show off what they can do.
   • Simple version: Samsung owns AMOLED, so they use it to flex their skills and keep it in-house.
2. Brighter, Bolder Displays
   • Samsung loves screens that grab your attention with crazy bright colors and high contrast. AMOLED’s active matrix setup lets them push brightness (like 2,600 nits on the S25 Ultra) and make blacks super deep. It’s perfect for sunny days or watching HDR videos.
   • Example: On a Galaxy phone, a game or movie looks extra vivid—sometimes even brighter than real life—which is Samsung’s style.
3. Power Efficiency for Their Designs
   • AMOLED’s precise pixel control saves battery better than basic OLED, especially with Samsung’s big, high-resolution screens. They pair it with features like “Always-On Display” (showing the clock or notifications without lighting the whole screen), which works great because AMOLED can turn off unused pixels.
   • Why? Samsung packs big screens and features into their phones, so AMOLED helps keep battery life solid.
4. Marketing Edge
   • Samsung uses “AMOLED” (or “Dynamic AMOLED”) as a buzzword to say, “Our screens are the best!” It’s a way to stand out from other brands and highlight their tech leadership. They’ve been doing this since the Samsung Galaxy S1 in 2010!

Use Cases: When to Choose AMOLED or OLED

AMOLED and OLED are two types of screens you see in devices like phones, TVs, and smartwatches. They’re similar but have some differences that make them better for certain things. Let’s break it down in simple English and explain when you’d pick one over the other, plus what’s coming next for these technologies.

Smartphones and Tablets

Best Choice: AMOLED

• Why? Phones and tablets need awesome screens that look bright and colorful, plus they need to save battery since you use them all day. AMOLED is great for this.
• What’s AMOLED? It stands for “Active Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode.” It’s a type of OLED that lights up each tiny dot (pixel) on the screen on its own. This means it can turn off parts of the screen to show pure black and save power.
• Why it’s better here: AMOLED screens look amazing with deep blacks and bright colors. They’re perfect for fancy phones (like flagship models) where people don’t mind spending extra for the best quality. For example, watching videos or scrolling Instagram looks sharper and more vivid. Plus, turning off pixels saves battery when you’re using dark mode or watching something with lots of black.
• Compared to OLED: Regular OLED is good too, but AMOLED has better control over each pixel, so it’s more efficient and looks a bit nicer on small screens like phones.

Televisions

Best Choice: OLED (but AMOLED for some cases)

• Why OLED for TVs? OLED TVs are awesome for watching movies or shows at home. They give you super clear pictures with perfect blacks (because each pixel can turn off) and great colors. This makes them a top pick for a home theater setup where you want everything to look stunning.
• What’s OLED? It’s “Organic Light-Emitting Diode,” a tech where tiny lights make the picture. Unlike old TVs with a backlight, OLED doesn’t need one—each pixel glows by itself.
• When AMOLED wins: If you’re a gamer or watch stuff with lots of still images (like news channels with logos), AMOLED might be better. It can handle faster screen refreshes (how quick the picture updates), which is great for gaming. Also, AMOLED is less likely to get “burn-in”—that’s when a ghost image sticks on the screen from showing the same thing too long (like a game’s health bar).
• Details: Most TVs today use OLED, not AMOLED, because OLED is cheaper to make big. But if AMOLED TVs grow in popularity, they could take over for gamers or people worried about burn-in.

Wearables (like Smartwatches)

Best Choice: AMOLED

• Why? Smartwatches are tiny, and their screens need to save power while still being easy to see—whether you’re in the sun or a dark room. AMOLED is perfect for this.
• How it helps: On a smartwatch, AMOLED can turn off most of the screen (like the black background) and just light up the time or your steps. This saves battery big time. Plus, the colors pop, and it’s clear even in bright light.
• Example: Think of a watch face with a black background and white numbers—AMOLED makes the black truly dark (not gray) and uses less power than OLED would.
• Compared to OLED: Regular OLED works fine, but AMOLED’s extra control makes it more efficient for small devices you wear all day.

Future Trends: What’s Coming for AMOLED and OLED?

OLED Advancements

Let’s check out some OLED Advancements

AMOLED Advancements

Let’s check out some AMOLED Advancements

Also Read: OPPO Reno8 Review – Stylish Looks With Capable Camera

Conclusion: AMOLED vs OLED

Smartphone displays have advanced significantly in recent years, more so than most people realise in this technological age. Display screens are similar to windows in the mobile world, which has seen a tremendous transformation in innovative products in the last several years. People have gotten more selective when buying a phone in recent years, and although all of the functions are important, the display is always the most noticeable.

Major smartphone manufacturers attempt to provide their consumers with the most delicate devices possible that incorporate the most up-to-date technologies. In AMOLED vs OLED, AMOLED is a type of OLED and a more prominent example of both OLED and POLED, so there’s no debate about which is superior.

FAQs

Is AMOLED better than OLED for phones?

AMOLED is better for phones because it works faster. This technology saves battery and can bend for curved screens.

How are OLED, AMOLED, and MicroLED different?

OLED and AMOLED show deep blacks and clear pictures. MicroLED is brighter and lasts longer. But it is expensive. AMOLED is best for phones. OLED is good for TVs.

Does Samsung use OLED or AMOLED?

Samsung uses AMOLED in its phones. These screens have bright colours and are very clear.

Why does Apple use OLED and not AMOLED?

Apple uses OLED from Samsung and LG. They change it to show better colours and save battery. They don’t call it AMOLED.

Which screen is better for your eyes?

AMOLED and OLED are better for your eyes in the dark because they show true black and less blue light. LCD screens can be better outside in bright light.

What is the future of phone screens?

In the future, phone screens will be more flexible and brighter. They will have hidden cameras and sensors for a smooth look.

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