Display performance is one of the most visible ways a product communicates quality. Color accuracy, responsiveness, and power efficiency all play a role in how a display supports the overall design. IPS and OLED are among the most widely used display options in embedded systems, each with distinct strengths shaped by their underlying technology.

At Newhaven Display, we support teams designing for precision, longevity, and visual integrity. A deeper understanding of how IPS and OLED displays differ helps ensure the selected display meets both the technical demands and user expectations of the final product.

In this Article:

What Is an IPS Display?

IPS (In-Plane Switching) is an LCD technology that improves color accuracy and viewing angles. The liquid crystals remain parallel to the glass, allowing consistent image quality across the screen, even when viewed off-axis.

IPS displays are commonly used in products that require visual stability, color depth, and high brightness.

Related: TN vs IPS

What Is an OLED Display?

OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays use pixels made from organic compounds that emit light when energized. Unlike LCDs, they do not require a backlight, which allows for thinner designs and deeper contrast.

Each pixel in an OLED display can turn on or off independently, resulting in true blacks, high contrast ratios, and fast response times. This makes OLED a strong choice for designs that prioritize visual sharpness or dynamic screen elements.

What’s the Difference? IPS vs OLED Features Compared

IPS and OLED each perform differently depending on the demands of the application. Evaluating their differences allows teams to align display choices with product requirements and user expectations.

IPS vs OLED Comparison Table

Image Quality & Color Accuracy

OLED displays are known for deep blacks and high contrast. Each pixel emits its own light and turns off completely when not in use, creating sharp detail and strong visual separation. IPS displays, while unable to match this black level due to their backlight, typically offer better color accuracy. Their stable crystal alignment supports uniform color reproduction across the screen.

For contrast and visual depth, OLED excels. For consistent and accurate color, especially in applications like medical or industrial displays, IPS remains the preferred choice.

Power Consumption

OLED displays consume less power when showing darker content, since black pixels are fully off. However, power usage increases with bright or full-color visuals. IPS displays, like all TFT LCD displays, use a constant backlight, which typically draws more power to operate, but the power supply is consistent regardless of the image on the screen.

For applications with static or dark interfaces, OLED can offer energy savings. For full-brightness or always-on displays, IPS may be more predictable in terms of power draw.

Lifespan and Burn-In Risk

IPS displays are less prone to image retention and generally offer a longer operational life in static or high-brightness applications. OLED displays, while visually striking, are more susceptible to burn-in over time, especially when the same content remains on screen.

Advances in OLED materials have improved durability, but for applications with fixed graphics or long uptime, IPS remains the more stable option.

Size and Resolution

IPS displays from Newhaven are available in a wider variety of sizes and generally support higher resolutions, making them suitable for detailed, data-heavy interfaces. OLED displays in our product line are typically smaller, which aligns with their best performance in compact designs.

While OLEDs can be manufactured in larger sizes, their long-term reliability may decline due to the nature of organic materials. For this reason, smaller OLED formats remain a trusted choice where clarity and longevity are both important.

Mounting Differences

IPS and OLED displays vary in how they integrate into end products, and both are available in glass-only and modular formats.

Glass-only panels, whether TFT or OLED, typically require a bracket or bezel for secure mounting. These are often used in compact or custom assemblies where mechanical alignment must be tightly controlled.

Modular options make integration easier. Many OLED modules include a PCB with mounting holes that simplify installation. Some TFT modules, such as Newhaven’s HDMI and EVE series, also come with integrated PCBs and mounting features.

Durability and Environmental Performance

OLED modules are often more robust than IPS displays. Without a backlight and with fewer components overall, OLEDs present fewer points of failure. They also support a wider operating temperature range, making them suitable for harsher or more variable environments.

IPS displays are still reliable in embedded settings, but may require added protection depending on the conditions.

Brightness and Outdoor Visibility

IPS displays typically offer higher peak brightness than OLED, making them a strong choice for use in direct sunlight or high-glare environments. Their consistent backlighting also helps maintain visibility across the full screen.

OLED displays can struggle in bright ambient light, especially when showing darker content. For products used outdoors or in industrial spaces with variable lighting, IPS may provide better legibility.

Refresh Rates and Response Time

OLED displays offer faster response times since each pixel switches on and off directly. This results in smoother motion and reduced ghosting, which is valuable in dynamic interfaces or fast-changing content.

IPS displays have improved in this area, but generally respond more slowly than OLEDs.

Use Case Scenarios

Selecting between IPS and OLED depends on more than image quality. Power use, visibility, durability, and interface requirements all influence which technology is better suited to the application.

When to Choose IPS Displays

IPS displays are a strong choice when color consistency and brightness are critical. They perform well in outdoor or high-ambient-light environments and are ideal for interfaces that require reliable legibility from multiple positions.

They are also well-suited to applications with static content, long operational hours, or higher resolution requirements.

When to Choose OLED Displays

OLED displays are ideal for designs that emphasize contrast, speed, or compact build. They perform reliably in indoor environments and are a practical option when space is limited.

Their sharp visuals and simplified construction make them a solid match for modern interfaces with dynamic or frequently changing content.

Customization and Integration

Integrating IPS or OLED displays into a product often involves design-specific considerations. Mechanical layout, interface compatibility, and visual requirements can all influence how the display fits into the overall system.

Making the Right Choice for Your Product

Every product has unique design goals, and the right display choice should reflect those priorities. Whether your project needs visual impact, endurance in the field, or efficient integration, display selection is a critical part of early planning.

Newhaven Display helps teams weigh these factors early, guiding display selection in line with both technical demands and overall product direction.

Key Takeaways

IPS and OLED displays each bring unique advantages, from brightness and consistency to contrast and flexibility. The right choice depends on how your product performs, where it operates, and what the user expects.

Connect with Newhaven Display to get expert guidance and explore the best display solution for your application. Request a same-day quote or reach out to our team today.