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.
| Topic | Short Explanation |
|---|---|
| OLED | Organic Light-Emitting Diode |
| How it works | Uses organic material that lights up with electricity |
| Display type | Each pixel makes its own light |
| Good points | Bright colours, deep blacks, smooth motion |
| Extra feature | Can be made into bendable or flexible screens |
| Used in | Phones, TVs, smartwatches |
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 | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Shows clear and nice pictures | Doesn’t last as long as other screens |
| Cheaper to make | Colours may look different sometimes |
| Brighter than normal LED screens | Water can easily break the screen |
| Doesn’t need a backlight | |
| Works faster than regular LCD screens |
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
Also Read: Here’s How to Use Bitmoji in All OnePlus Phones
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Can be used in any size of display | Quality gets worse over time |
| Has faster refresh rate than PMOLED | Screen can get burn-in (image stays on screen) |
| Used in factories and industry | More expensive than other screen types |
| Shows better viewing angles than IPS LCD |
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:
| Aspect | OLED | AMOLED |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Comprises thin layers of organic components that emit light when current passes through them. Each pixel transmits its own light. | Consists of OLED pixels with an additional layer of thin-film transistors (TFTs) and storage capacitors to maintain pixel states. |
| Evolution | First developed technology. | Advanced version of OLED with active matrix technology, allowing for curved displays. |
| Display Quality | Displays deeper blacks. | Offers better display quality due to additional TFT layer and backplane technologies. |
| Sunlight Visibility | Limited visibility under direct sunlight. | Poor visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Flexibility | Less flexible. | More flexible, enabling curved and foldable displays. |
| Cost | Generally cheaper. | More costly due to the advanced technology and additional layers. |
| Protection Layers | Organic compounds are present between protective layers of glass or plastic. | Similar protective layers with additional TFT layer for better performance. |
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:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.9″ AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 3088×1440, 3000 nits |
| Chip | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM | 12GB or 16GB |
| Cameras | 50MP main + zoom + wide + depth, 12MP front |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, 45W fast 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:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.8″ AMOLED, 120Hz, 3168×1440, 4,500 nits |
| Chip | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM | Up to 16GB |
| Cameras | Three 50MP rear cameras, 32MP front camera |
| Battery | 6,000mAh, 100W super-fast 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:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.67″ AMOLED, 144Hz, 2712×1220, 4,000 nits |
| Chip | MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ |
| RAM | Up to 16GB |
| Cameras | 50MP main + wide, 12MP zoom, 32MP front camera |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, 120W super-fast 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:
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Buys OLED screens | Apple doesn’t make screens. It buys them and adds its own changes. |
| Real-looking colors | Apple wants colours to look natural, not too bright or fake. |
| Saves battery | OLED uses less power. Apple’s chips and software help save even more. |
| Doesn’t use “AMOLED” | “AMOLED” is Samsung’s name. Apple uses its own style and doesn’t use that. |
| Simple branding | Apple calls it “Super Retina XDR” to sound special and easy to remember. |
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:
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| They made it | Samsung invented AMOLED and builds it themselves. |
| Very bright and colorful | The screen looks super bright and colourful. It is great for games and videos. |
| Saves battery | It uses less power by turning off black parts of the screen. |
| Good for features | Features like Always-On Display work well with AMOLED. |
| Sounds cool in ads | Samsung uses “AMOLED” to show their screens are the best. |
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
| Technology | Meaning | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| MicroLED | Shows deep blacks, is very bright, and lasts a long time. | Expensive TVs and monitors |
| Flexible Displays | Can bend or roll because they are made with soft OLED materials. | Foldable phones like Pixel Fold 2, more coming in 2025–2026 |
AMOLED Advancements
Let’s check out some AMOLED Advancements
| Feature | Meaning | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Resolutions | Screens are sharper than 4K. | VR and AR headsets |
| Integrated Sensors | Cameras and fingerprint scanners are hidden under the screen. | Phones like Galaxy S25 |
| Eco-Friendly | Screens made in a way that helps the environment. | Samsung screens coming in 2026 |
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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