Apple, not long ago, made a presentation and showed the Pro iPad with a 12.9-inch M1 chipped system. This is not the only feature of the new device, which is a true work of engineering. Micro- and mini-LED displays have been developed in this direction. They fundamentally differ from each other in several aspects.
micro-LED
This technology combines the advantages of OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) and TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) monitors. The screen pixels emit light independently and are made of an inorganic material designed to last for many years without burning out.
Each micro-LED element is several times brighter than traditional LCDs, with a light output of up to 4,000 nits. Such elements will be able to reach 10,000 nits in the future. At the same time, the display is more economical than most analogs.
Classic pixels have at least a couple of filters designed to reduce brightness. One of them acts as a scatterer. The second one is responsible for the chromaticity of the stream. The latter element cuts off some of the excess spectra, leaving a red, blue, or green beam. The display of the described type does not have such systems.
The LED is designed for the maximum light display. Any of the embedded diodes are able to change the luminous intensity or turn it off. This allows users to adjust the color rendering as accurately as possible.
Disadvantages of micro-LED:
- complexity and high cost of production;
- the need to place at least three LEDs per pixel;
- the need to bring a control unit to each element;
- technically complex process of creating devices.
Nowadays, the mentioned technology is at the development stage and is not widely used in consumer electronics. Such companies as Sony and Samsung have their own projects in this direction, which are huge constructions consisting of miniature panels with a diagonal of 70-800 inches.
mini-LED
This format is a completely different story. The program has long been implemented on laptops, PCs, and tablets. Such monitors represent an intermediate in the development stages of the introduction of micro-LED. This format can be called a logical development of LCD displays.
Advantages of mini-LED:
- use of reduced LEDs;
- precise illumination of the desired areas of the monitor;
- higher contrast level;
- use of individual mini LEDs to indicate a specific zone.
For example, the model iPad Pro provides more than 10 thousand diodes, which are formed in local areas. Such a system makes it possible to precisely adjust the brightness of the image on display. In shaded areas of the screen, it is possible to disable the elements, and on the bright areas – bring the backlight to the maximum.
Disadvantages of mini-LED:
- these displays have two layers between the pixels: one responsible for light distribution, the second consists of different-colored filters;
- the light loses brightness and is inferior to mini-LEDs when passing through layers;
- the screen requires more energy to maintain monochrome brightness mode;
- monitors are less efficient and productive than their more modern counterparts.
Short conclusion
Experts believe that in the near future, we should not wait for the active development of micro-LED monitors, not counting the exclusive development of flagship devices in this market. At the same time, the mini-LED system is predicted to be actively implemented in most digital consumer devices.
This trend is developing largely due to the fact that the system of micro technology has not reached the rates characteristic of OLED monitors. This worsens the uniformity of information displayed on the screen.