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An LCD uses a backlight that shines through liquid-crystal pixels; an AMOLED screen produces light at its pixels, which can switch off individually. That structural difference affects black levels, contrast, and how power use responds to what is on screen—but neither label alone tells you which phone has the better display.
How LCD and AMOLED displays make an image
LCD: a backlight shines through the panel
An LCD, or liquid-crystal display, does not make its own light. A backlight illuminates the panel, while liquid crystals regulate how much light passes through each pixel and its color filters. Because the backlight is part of image formation, black areas depend on how effectively the display blocks that light and how its backlight is controlled.
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AMOLED: pixels produce their own light
AMOLED means active-matrix organic light-emitting diode. It is an OLED implementation, not a separate display technology with an entirely different light-producing principle. Its pixels emit light and can be controlled individually; a pixel displaying black can be switched off. This can produce very dark blacks and strong contrast. DisplayMate’s explanation of OLED display behavior describes the distinction.
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What the difference means when using a phone
Black levels and contrast
OLED’s individually controlled pixels can go dark for black image areas. An LCD still relies on its backlight, so black reproduction depends on the panel’s optical design and backlight control. The result varies by phone: the technology category does not specify the measured contrast of a particular screen.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Battery use depends on what is displayed
AMOLED does not always use less power. OLED power draw changes with the brightness and distribution of lit pixels: dark or mixed-content screens can favor OLED, while a screen showing mostly white content can favor LCD. DisplayMate’s older comparisons discuss this content-dependent trade-off, but their findings are specific to the panels and test conditions—not a universal threshold for current phones. The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge comparison is one such device-specific test.
Outdoor readability is more than peak brightness
A high maximum-brightness figure does not by itself establish which phone is easier to read outdoors. Screen reflectance and ambient light matter too. Compare brightness and reflectance measurements taken under similar conditions for the exact models; DisplayMate treats these as separate factors in its mobile display testing.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Color and viewing angles are implementation choices
Color accuracy, available color modes, and shifts in appearance when viewed from an angle are outcomes of a specific panel and its calibration. LCD or AMOLED is not a guarantee of accurate color or preferred appearance. If possible, compare the phones directly and check measurements for the models you are considering.
Thinness and flexible designs
OLED’s emissive structure can enable thinner panels and flexible display designs. Those are design possibilities, not promises about every phone: the finished device’s size, weight, and shape depend on its complete construction.
Rank #3
- AWESOME SCREEN. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: Elevate your content no matter where you are with the 6.7" Super AMOLED display¹ of the Galaxy A37 5G. Enjoy massive detail and stunning clarity on the go
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Whether it’s family moments or important calls, stay powered without the wait with Galaxy A37 5G. Super Fast Charging 2.0² ensures you’re back up and running quickly
- NEVER MISS THE SHOT, EVEN IN LOW LIGHT: With effortless Nightography, you can capture clear high-quality photos and videos on your phone automatically without adjusting manual settings
- PRO SHOTS, NO PROBLEM: Capture every moment effortlessly on Galaxy A37 5G with the advanced triple-lens camera system featuring a 50MP HDR main camera and a studio-grade front camera
- MORE POWER. MORE AWESOME: Enjoy smooth performance on Galaxy A37 5G. From detailed graphics while gaming to quick app launches and effortless multitasking, the Exynos 1480 keeps everything running
How to compare two phone screens
For a useful comparison, look at tests of the exact phones under similar conditions, and weigh the screen against the rest of the device. DisplayMate’s mobile tests cover several relevant display characteristics, but its cited handset comparisons include older generations and are not a current ranking of phones. Its testing overview provides context for those measurement categories.
- Brightness and reflectance: Check performance in bright surroundings, not just the peak-brightness specification.
- Black level and contrast: Consider how dark scenes and black areas look on the actual panel.
- Color and viewing angles: Compare accuracy, available modes, and any visible shift when the screen is viewed off-center.
- Power use: Consider whether your usual screen time involves mostly white pages or a mix of lighter and darker content. Do not assume one display type will always save battery.
- Screen and phone: Compare size and resolution alongside price and the phone’s software and support life.
Which type should you choose?
Choose based on the particular phone and your priorities, not the label alone. AMOLED’s ability to switch off pixels can be attractive if deep blacks and dark-screen viewing matter to you. An LCD may suit you just as well, particularly if its overall display performance, price, or other phone features are a better fit. Compare the actual screens—and, where available, independent measurements—before deciding.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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