Computers

Explaining OLED screens and Dark Mode

Why that screen fits in the dark

Published

April 7, 2019

Gab Orlina

Most of the applications you’re currently using must have rolled out their own version of dark mode by now. The smooth transition from a light to dark interface can be done through a push of a button, or by sending the moon emoji on Messenger. A lot of people also find dark mode quite sexy, and that’s probably because of the screen they’re looking at.

A lot of newly released smartphones now have OLED screens, and dark mode seems to work best on such displays! But why is that? How do OLED panels allow dark mode to flourish?

Better, blacker, affordable screens

Organic LED (light-emitting diode) or OLED is essentially a kind of display technology. In a nutshell, OLED panels allow for better and clearer images and colors.

Thin layers of carbon fiber make up OLED screens. Because of these lightweight fibers, screens show brighter and more vibrant colors. Apart from that, OLED screens show deeper blacks and reduce instances of motion blur when navigating. The best part is that OLED screens are becoming gradually cheaper to manufacture. That explains why more and more of today’s smartphones use this panel.

More colorful than the rest

In comparison to regular LED screens of the past, OLED promises more accurate colors by producing light from individual pixels, instead of relying on backlighting. Back then, LCD screens relied heavily on the backlight of the display to make colors pop. Although, such displays also make the colors seem washed, especially when compared to OLED.

Image credit: Denise Chan

However, OLED’s colors don’t always turn out better than on LED and LCD screens. One such case is when you turn your screen’s brightness to its maximum, especially under strong daylight conditions. LED and LCD screens are designed to perform relatively better in color accuracy when your screen’s brightness is set to max. OLED screens were not designed for maximum brightness, so colors at that point would be saturated.

Which OLED is best?

There are two types of OLED technologies that currently exist: AMOLED and PMOLED. A lot of people hear AMOLED tossed around a lot because lots of smartphones use it. Essentially, AMOLED uses a storage capacitor that controls how much light each individual pixel will give off. It’s the one responsible for projecting all sorts of vibrant colors on most OLED smartphone screens. Apart from that, AMOLED screens do support wider resolutions at a more affordable and efficient rate.

PMOLED, on the other hand, does not have a storage capacitor and instead relies on user control. Essentially, the user will control lighting settings, and the individual pixels will adjust accordingly. You can find PMOLED screens on smaller devices like older iPods and pocket Wi-Fi devices. Take note that these screens use more power to implement such color changes.

Joining the dark side

Ever since dark mode rolled out for different apps and interfaces, people have been contemplating on switching to it — and for good reason. On normal LED or LCD screens, the new feature does not bode well with the technology. The depth of the black their dark mode possesses is not reflected well, to the point that the blacks look more gray than actual black. This is much more obvious when the screen’s brightness is turned all the way up.

Image credit: Mike Enerio

Aesthetically, dark mode looks better on OLED screens because of the technology’s emphasis on deeper blacks. Most OLED screens have capacitors that control light passing through each pixel, which also works for blacks and whites. As such, dark mode shows up deeper and blacker, which is the intended look compared to regular modes. But, there’s actually more to just aesthetics for this mode.

It’s also been proven that dark mode on OLED helps save your battery life. Google confirmed this at its Android Dev Summit, citing that on max brightness, blacks consume less power than all other colors. Individual pixels need less electricity to show blacks on screen, which results in lower power consumption through time. Note that Google got these findings through tests on their original Pixel smartphones and their own apps like YouTube.

What’s left for OLED and dark mode

Apps and operating systems are now starting to embrace or consider incorporating dark mode into their software. While apps like Twitter and YouTube introduced such an option early on, others are beginning to take notice. Of course, you’re gonna need the right screen to fully immerse yourself.

Image credit: Simone Dalmeri

It has been proven: OLED and dark mode are indeed a perfect match. But, it is entirely up to you whether you want to stay in the light or switch to the dark side.

Related Topics:Dark Mode LCD LED OLED specials

Accessories

Epson reveals 8 new business projectors for Singapore

For meetings and education

Published

September 14, 2023

GadgetMatch

Epson has announced eight new additions to its business projector series lineup in Singapore.

These latest products are designed to meet needs in both the business and education settings, providing companies and schools with higher quality video conferencing devices or tools for learning.

The EB-L260F, EB-770Fi, and EB-770F, for instance, display in both 16:6 and 21:9 aspect ratios to complement the content that needs to be displayed.

Meanwhile, the EB-L260F and EB-L210W can cover up to 300 inches in some distances.

The projectors also have a brightness display range of 4,000 to 4,600 lumens, so meetings or lessons can be easily projected across common backdrops or blank surfaces under different lighting environments, without the need to prepare a display area for projector use.

All products use Epson’s laser light technology, for up to 20,000 hours of maintenance-free use so companies can utilize the projectors’ life for a long time.

Interactive, hassle-free

Furthermore, Epson’s iProjection app allows users to project up to four devices within the same network. The app can also quickly change the source devices through a remote control function.

The 16:6 projectors have interactive functions as well that support Epson’s Graphical User Interface (GUI). This allows seamless collaboration between people through the display of toolbars on both sides of the screen.

If users want to refer to an existing document while it is projected on screen, the document camera can shift the position of the document on display easily.

Lastly, the projectors can accommodate a smart stick with AC power so organizers do not have to connect long cables for power sources anymore.

Accessories

Epson launches new DTG printer with better features

Accessories

Logitech announces Pro X Series keyboard, mouse, and headset

To go on sale soon

Published

September 6, 2023

GadgetMatch

Logitech has announced the upcoming Pro X Series, a new package which consists of a gaming keyboard, mouse, and headset. These will be released soon on Shopee, Lazada, and more outlets.

All three products will be available in black, white, and magenta. Here’s quick rundown of their prices:

G Pro X TKL Lightspeed gaming keyboard: SG$ 319
G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed gaming mouse: SG$ 249
G Pro X 2 Lightspeed wireless gaming headset: SG$ 389

G Pro X TKL Lightspeed gaming keyboard

The G Pro X TKL Lightspeed gaming keyboard is designed for the highest level of play.

It supports Lightspeed wireless for up to 50 hours of gaming on a single charge. It also has up to 10 meters of range.

Its adapter can easily connect to both mice and keyboards with just a single USB port. It can also be connected via both Bluetooth or data-over-cable.

Aside from its dual-shot PBT keycaps that illuminate with Lightsync RGB, media keys and a volume roller have been added for quick access.

Ultra-light and portable, the keyboard comes with a carry case and users can choose from Tactile (GX Brown), Linear (GX Red), or Clicky (GX Blue) switches.

G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed gaming mouse

Meanwhile, the lightweight Pro X Superlight 2 weighs only 60 grams and comes with an improved design, so users can be even more precise with their performance.

The mouse has an all-new HERO 2 sensor, which can track at over 500 inches per second and up to 32,000 DPI.

For better usability, a USB-C option has been added; the mouse is also Powerplay compatible. It also lasts for up to 95 hours.

Pro X 2 Lightspeed wireless gaming headset

Completing the Logitech gaming experience is the G Pro X 2 Lightspeed wireless gaming headset which features all-new 50mm Pro-G graphene audio drivers.

These drivers deliver immersive soundscapes, thanks to the live edge suspension which makes up for improvements in sound reproduction accuracy and signal accuracy, as well as distortion reduction.

The headset can be used using Lightspeed wireless (up to 30 meters range), Bluetooth, or wired 3.5mm connections. A user can play for up to 50 hours on a single charge.

For talking to fellow gamers, the headset has a 6nm cardioid microphone with a detachable boom arm for clear communication.