TL;DR (the quick answer)
- AMOLED = perfect blacks, punchy colors, Always-On, better contrast & HDR; may show PWM flicker at low brightness and rare burn-in.
- IPS LCD = natural color, often brighter outdoors in budget phones, no burn-in, usually no PWM (eyes can feel easier).
- For ₹10k–₹20k budget phones, good IPS can beat a weak AMOLED. For mid-to-flagship, AMOLED is typically better overall.
What these terms mean (quick)
- AMOLED (Active-Matrix OLED): each pixel lights itself → infinite contrast, perfect black, thinner panels.
- IPS LCD (In-Plane Switching): a backlight shines through liquid crystals → consistent color, solid brightness, often sturdier.
AMOLED vs IPS LCD: Side-by-Side (Real-life use in India)
| Feature | AMOLED | IPS LCD | What you notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blacks & contrast | Perfect blacks, infinite contrast | Good blacks, not perfect | Dark mode looks “ink-black” on AMOLED |
| Colors | Vivid, wide gamut; can tune to “natural” | More natural by default | AMOLED looks punchier in stores |
| Brightness (budget) | Sometimes lower in cheap models | Often higher at this price | Under ₹15k, IPS may look brighter outdoors |
| Brightness (mid/high) | Very high peaks + HDR (1,000+ nits) | Moderate, HDR impact lower | Flagships: AMOLED wins daylight + HDR |
| Always-On Display | Yes without big drain (black pixels off) | No true AOD | Handy for time/notifications |
| PWM flicker | Common at low brightness | Rare (usually DC/backlight) | Some users get eye strain on AMOLED at 10–40% brightness |
| Burn-in risk | Low but possible over years | No burn-in | Long status bars/logo can ghost on old AMOLEDs |
| Power use | Dark UIs save battery | Backlight always on | AMOLED + dark mode = longer battery at night |
| Thickness | Thinner panels | Slightly thicker | Minor unless ultra-slim designs |
| Price at same tier | Panel cost higher | Panel cost lower | Better AMOLED often appears in pricier tiers |
When AMOLED is the better choice
- You love deep blacks, cinema-style contrast, and saturated colors.
- You watch HDR content (Netflix/Prime) and want the pop on a mid/high-end phone.
- You like Always-On Display for time/notifications.
- You use dark mode and want potential battery savings at night.
Tip: Look for high PWM dimming (e.g., 1920Hz/2160Hz) or DC Dimming modes to reduce flicker at low brightness.
When IPS LCD makes more sense
- Your budget is under ₹12–15k and the AMOLED option looks dim outdoors.
- You’re sensitive to PWM flicker (eye strain, headaches at low brightness).
- You prefer neutral color out of the box for reading/browsing.
- You want a display that’s resistant to burn-in over many years.
Tip: Enable reader mode/warm color temperature in the evening to reduce eye fatigue.
Gaming, scrolling & refresh rate (90/120/144Hz)
- Both AMOLED and IPS LCD can offer 120Hz or higher.
- For gaming, the difference is less about panel type and more about touch response, brightness, and thermal management.
- AMOLED’s instant pixel response helps reduce smearing in dark scenes; good IPS with high refresh is still excellent.
Outdoor visibility (India sun)
- In budget phones, IPS sometimes appears brighter and easier to read in harsh sunlight.
- In mid-range and up, modern AMOLED panels achieve higher peak brightness and handle glare better.
Eyes & comfort (the PWM question)
- PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation) dims AMOLED by flickering pixels rapidly. Some people feel eye strain at low brightness.
- If you’re sensitive:
- Keep brightness above 40–50% indoors, or
- Look for panels advertising “2160Hz PWM” or “DC Dimming”, or
- Consider a good IPS LCD instead.
Longevity & care
- AMOLED: avoid static images at max brightness for hours (navigation bars, game HUDs); vary wallpapers; use dark mode.
- IPS: durable with fewer long-term display artifacts; still avoid direct sunlight heat for long periods.
Which should you buy?
- Under ₹15k: pick the brighter and more color-accurate screen—often a good IPS beats a weak AMOLED here.
- ₹18k+: a quality AMOLED usually wins for HDR, contrast, AOD, and thin bezels.
- PWM-sensitive or heavy night readers? Lean IPS or AMOLED with high-frequency PWM/DC dimming.
FAQ (People-Also-Ask style)
Is AMOLED better than IPS for eyes?
Depends on you. AMOLED can reduce blue light with dark mode but may use PWM that bothers some. IPS often feels steadier at low brightness.
Does AMOLED save battery?
On dark UIs and Always-On, yes—black pixels turn off. On bright white apps, the advantage shrinks.
Will AMOLED burn-in still happen in 2025?
It’s rarer with modern panels, but long static UI elements at high brightness over years can leave faint ghosting.
Why do some budget AMOLED phones look dim outside?
Cheaper panels have lower peak brightness. A good IPS can look clearer in sunlight in that price band.
Is 120Hz more important than AMOLED vs IPS?
For many users, smoothness (120Hz) matters more day-to-day than panel type—if brightness and color are decent.