Difference between IPS Panel and VA Panel


LCD (Liquid Crystal Displays) are used in a variety of electronic devices like TVs, computer monitors, digital watches, multi meters, automobile appliances, etc. LCD displays generally come with two different types of display panels namely, Vertical Alignment (VA) Panel and In-Phase Switching (IPS) Panels.

In this article, we will explore all the major differences between IPS panel and VA panel. But before that let’s have a look into the basics of IPS panel and VA panel individually.

What is IPS Panel?

In context of display panels, IPS stands for In-Phase Switching. IPS panel is a type of display panel used in LCD displays where liquid crystals have an arrangement parallel to the glass substrate of the display screen. In the case of IPS panel, electrodes cover more space, thus the IPS displays provide a screen with relatively lower brightness and contrast

IPS panel displays provide a wider viewing angle, thus they can be viewed from wider angles with an impressive picture quality. However, as we mentioned above, these displays are not suitable for displaying bright images. Another major problem of IPS panel displays is the problem of "IPS Glow", i.e. sometimes light patches are observed on the corners of the screen.

The major advantages of IPS panel displays include faster response time, better picture quality, and high color accuracy. They are mainly used in TVs, laptop screens, computer monitors, etc.

Whet is VA Panel?

In display panels, VA stands for Vertical Alignment. VA panel is a type of display panel used in LCD displays, where liquid crystals are aligned in a perpendicular direction with respect to the glass substrate of the screen.

In VA panels, the perpendicular crystal cells block the light and create a black state. The passes of electric current through the panel align the crystal cells horizontally, allowing the light to pass through them, and hence display the picture on the screen.

When it comes to the viewing angle, VA panel displays have relatively narrower viewing angle, which means the picture quality drops when the display is viewed from sides. Although, VA panels have high contrast ratio, better black uniformity, and low cost. They are widely used in a number of consumer electronic devices like TVs, computer monitors, laptop screens, etc.

After getting a brief overview of IPS panel and VA panel, let us now discuss the important differences between them.

Difference between VA Panel and IPS Panel

The important differences between VA panel and IPS panel are listed in the following table −

Parameter

IPS Panel

VA Panel

Full form

IPS Panel stands for In-Phase Switching Panel.

VA Panel stands for Vertical Alignment Panel.

Basic description

IPS panel is one which has horizontal arrangement of liquid crystals with respect to the glass substrate.

VA panel is one which has perpendicular arrangement of liquid crystals with respect to the glass substrate.

Viewing angle

IPS panel offers a wider viewing angle.

VA panel offers relatively narrower viewing angle.

Contrast ratio

IPS panels provide relatively lower contrast ratio.

VA panels provide higher contrast ratio.

Refresh rate

IPS panels have higher refresh rate.

VA panels have lower refresh rate.

Black uniformity

IPS panels offer poor black uniformity.

VA panels offer good black uniformity than IPS panels.

Response time

IPS panels offer faster response time. Hence, they are suitable to display fast moving objects.

VA panels have slower response time, making them less suited for showing fast-moving objects.

Color range

IPS panels support a wider color range.

VA panels support a narrower color range.

Accuracy

IPS panels produce colors more accurately on the screen.

VA panels are less accurate in terms of color production.

Brightness

IPS panels have lower levels of screen brightness.

VA panels have higher levels of screen brightness than IPS panels.

Cost

IPS panels are more expensive.

VA panels are less expensive.

Image distortion

IPS panels offer less image distortion, allowing them to provide better picture quality.

VA panels have more image distortion than IPS panels.

Power consumption

IPS panels consume less power, making them high energy efficient.

VA panels consume more power, hence are less suitable for battery powered devices.

Applications

IPS panels are widely used in high-end computer monitors and laptop screens.

VA panels are generally used in TVs, mobile screens, etc.

Conclusion

Both IPS and VA panels are widely used in LCD displays, and thy have their own advantages and disadvantages. The most significant difference between IPS and VA panels is in their arrangement of liquid crystals, i.e., IPS panels have horizontally arranged liquid crystals, while VA panels have vertically arranged liquid crystals.

Updated on: 24-Jul-2023

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