Difference between TN Panel and IPS Panel


Both TN (Twisted Nematic) and IPS (In-Phase Switching) panels are types of back panels used in LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays), however they are quite different from each other. The most fundamental difference between TN panel and IPS panel is in their viewing angles. TN panels have a narrow viewing angle, typically around 160° horizontally and 170° vertically, while IPS panels have a wider viewing angle, typically around 178° horizontally and 178° vertically.

Read this article to learn more about TN and IPS panels and how they are different from each other.

What are TN Panels?

In the context of display back panels, TN Panel stands for Twisted Nematic Panel. TN panel is a type of back panel used in LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays).

  • TN panel-based LCD displays are widely used in various electronic devices like computer monitors, laptop screens, TVs, etc.

  • In TN panels, the liquid crystals twist when an electric current flows through them. The twisting action of liquid crystals controls the amount of light that passage through the panel to display different colors on the screen.

  • The primary advantage of TN panels is their fast response time. TN panels are able to switch pixels on and off at a faster rate that reduces the motion blur effect.

  • However, TN panels have a narrow viewing angle, making them less suited for applications that require viewing the display screen from extreme angles or accurate color reproduction.

  • TN panels are comparatively less expensive than other display panels.

What are IPS Panels?

In the context of display panels, IPS Panel stands for In-Phase Switching Panel. IPS panel is also a type of display panel used in LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays).

  • IPS panels are known for their consistent color representation over a wider range of viewing angles.

  • In IPS panels, the liquid crystals are arranged in-phase, i.e. parallel to the display screen. This arrangement of crystals allows better control over the passage of light through the panel.

  • The major advantages of IPS panels include better color accuracy, wider viewing angles (up to 178° horizontally and vertically), better screen uniformity, etc. IPS panel-based LCD displays provide consistent color and brightness across the entire screen.

  • IPS panels have a slower response time, resulting motion blur effect while displaying fast-moving objects. Another important downside of IPS panels is their high cost, making it suitable for high-end display devices like professional monitors.

  • IPS panels are widely used in applications that requires accurate color reproduction or viewing the screen from different angles, such as graphics designing, video edition, animation production, etc.

Difference between IPS and TN Panels

The following table highlights all the major differences between IPS panel and TN panel −

Parameter

IPS Panel

TN Panel

Full form

IPS panel stands for In-Phase Switching panel.

TN panel stands for Twisted Nematic panel.

Viewing angle

IPS panels have a wider viewing angle, typically around 178° horizontally and vertically.

TN panels have a narrow viewing angle, typically around 160° horizontally and 170° vertically.

Response time

IPS panels have a slower response time, resulting in motion blur while showing fast moving images.

TN panels have a faster response time, making them suitable to display fast-moving objects.

Color accuracy

IPS panels offer better color accuracy, making them suitable for applications that require accurate color reproduction.

TN panels have lower color accuracy, making them less suitable for applications that require accurate color reproduction.

Energy consumption

IPS panels consume comparatively more energy than TN panels.

TN panels consume less energy, making them more energy efficient.

Ghosting

IPS panels may exhibit ghosting while showing fast-moving images.

TN panels can display fast moving images without ghosting.

Screen uniformity

IPS panels provide consistent color representation and brightness across the entire screen, resulting in better screen uniformity.

TN panels have variations in color and brightness across different areas of the screen, resulting in poor screen uniformity.

Design flexibility

IPS panels are more flexible in terms of design. They can be manufactured in different types of form factors like flat displays, curved displays, etc.

TN panels are less flexible in terms of design. They are mostly used in flat displays.

Image clarity

IPS panels have better image clarity.

TN panels have poor image clarity.

Visibility in bright environment

IPS panels have poor visibility in bright environment or sunlight due to low screen brightness.

TN panels offer better visibility in bright environment and sunlight due to their higher levels of brightness.

Cost

IPS panels are more expensive due to their advanced technology and better performance.

TN panels are less expensive than IPS panels.

Applications

IPS panels are used in high-end display screens like professional monitors used in applications where accurate color reproduction is desired, such as graphics designing, video edition, etc.

TN panels are used in devices where fast response time is desired, such as multimedia and video gaming applications.

Conclusion

Both TN and IPS panels are used in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) as display back panels. They have their own advantages and limitations. The most significant difference between TN and IPS panels is that TN panels have a faster response time and narrow viewing angle, whereas IPS panels have a slower response time and wider viewing angle. Additionally, IPS panels are more expensive than TN panels.

Updated on: 07-Aug-2023

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