OLED vs IPS – 3 Months Later.

Summary

In this video, the comparison between two top-tier 27-inch gaming monitors from Asus—one featuring OLED technology and the other IPS—is explored. The OLED monitor is praised for its exceptional image quality, particularly its contrast and deep blacks, while the IPS monitor offers a higher refresh rate of 360Hz. Both monitors have unique advantages: the OLED excels in color accuracy and minimal ghosting, while the IPS offers a smoother gaming experience with its 360Hz refresh rate. The speaker shares their personal preference for OLED, particularly for gaming and HDR content, despite some minor downsides like text readability and burn-in concerns.

Takeaways

• 😀 OLED displays offer superior image quality, with deep blacks and excellent mid-range contrast, which makes gaming visuals pop.
• 😀 The Asus PG27AQDM OLED is brighter than the LG 27GR95QE OLED, reaching just under 250 nits compared to the LG's 210 nits.
• 😀 OLED monitors have significantly better out-of-the-box color accuracy than IPS monitors.
• 😀 While OLED offers virtually no ghosting (0.1ms response time), IPS displays have a higher 1.5ms response time and more ghosting.
• 😀 Despite OLED's excellent response time, motion blur is still present and typically mitigated by high refresh rates or backlight strobing.
• 😀 At 240Hz, the OLED is already a top-tier monitor with excellent motion clarity, but the 360Hz IPS monitor offers smoother performance for competitive gamers.
• 😀 When gaming, OLED’s faster response time results in a cleaner image with less ghosting, especially in fast-paced games like Overwatch 2.
• 😀 The difference in refresh rates (240Hz OLED vs. 360Hz IPS) is noticeable, but the 240Hz OLED still feels incredibly fast and clear.
• 😀 OLED monitors are especially beneficial for single-player games, thanks to excellent HDR performance and overall picture quality.
• 😀 The main downside of OLEDs is potential subpixel layout issues that can make reading text a bit blurry, making them less ideal for desktop use with a lot of reading and typing.

Q & A

What are the main differences between the two Asus gaming monitors discussed in the video?

The main differences between the two monitors are their display technology (OLED vs. IPS), refresh rate (240Hz OLED vs. 360Hz IPS), and image quality characteristics. The OLED model offers superior contrast and deeper blacks, while the IPS model provides a higher refresh rate and better brightness.

How does the brightness of the Asus PG27AQDM OLED compare to the LG 27GR95QE OLED?

The Asus PG27AQDM OLED is noticeably brighter than the LG 27GR95QE, reaching just under 250 nits compared to the LG's maximum of 210 nits. This makes the Asus a better option for those seeking higher brightness, although the difference may not be crucial for everyone.

What impact does the OLED's contrast have on gaming experience?

The OLED's contrast, particularly in the mid-range, enhances the gaming experience by providing more separation between elements on screen, making images appear punchier and more 3D. This is especially beneficial in gaming visibility, where details are more distinct compared to IPS displays.

How do the response times differ between the OLED and IPS monitors?

The OLED has a virtually instantaneous response time of 0.1 milliseconds, while the IPS monitor has a slightly slower response time of around 1.5 milliseconds. This difference means the OLED has less ghosting and faster pixel transitions.

What is the significance of the ghosting comparison between the two monitors?

The OLED has minimal to no ghosting due to its instant response time, while the IPS experiences more ghosting despite having a fast response time. This difference is more noticeable in fast-moving games where every frame needs to be displayed clearly.

Does higher refresh rate (360Hz) make a noticeable difference over 240Hz?

Yes, the 360Hz IPS monitor provides a smoother gaming experience compared to the 240Hz OLED, although the difference may not be huge. For gamers seeking the smoothest possible experience, 360Hz is the better choice.

How does motion blur behave on both the OLED and IPS monitors?

Motion blur is similar on both monitors when tracked with human eyes. Despite the OLED’s zero ghosting, motion blur still occurs due to the sample-and-hold effect. The IPS display, while faster in terms of ghosting, still exhibits noticeable motion blur as well.

What are the advantages of OLED for gaming over IPS?

The OLED offers superior image quality with deep blacks and better contrast, resulting in a more immersive gaming experience. It also has faster response times and lower ghosting, which enhances clarity in fast-paced games.

What type of gaming environment would benefit more from the IPS model?

The IPS model would be a better choice for gamers in brightly lit rooms, as it has a higher peak brightness, especially in environments where visibility may be impacted by ambient light. It’s also a better choice for those who prioritize the highest refresh rate, like 360Hz.

What is the long-term reliability of OLED in terms of burn-in?

Both the LG and Asus OLED models show no signs of burn-in after extensive use, and the video suggests that burn-in would likely take a year and a half of heavy use. With mixed use and regular pixel cleaning, OLED burn-in is less of a concern.