LCD Display (Liquid Crystal Display): Everything Smartphone Users Should Know

The display of a smartphone is arguably the most significant feature that impacts on the overall user experience. Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) are one of the most common display technologies. The LCDs have a good reputation for being affordable, having accurate colors, and efficient. This makes them an excellent choice for budget or mid-range phones. Price is a major factor in Bangladeshi purchasing decisions. LCDs offer an excellent performance for a reasonable price.

Liquid crystals are sandwiched in between two layers either of plastic or glass to create LCD technology. When an electric current passes through the crystals, they align and modulate light to produce images. Although OLEDs and AMOLEDs are commonly seen on high-end devices, LCDs still offer a solid alternative with their vibrant colors, sunlight visibility and energy efficiency.

In Bangladesh, popular smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy A32 or Xiaomi Redmi 10, have LCD screens. They offer users an option which combines cost-effectiveness with performance. LCD screens are still popular due to their practical advantages. Understanding how they work can also help you make better purchasing decisions.

What Is an LCD Display?

A LCD is commonly found in monitors, televisions and smartphones. The liquid crystals are controlled by electric currents. LCD displays do not produce light on their own, unlike older technologies like CRTs (Cathode Ray tube) displays. Instead, a source of backlight is used to illuminate liquid crystals and create the text and images you see. The thinness, affordability and energy-efficiency of LCDs make them popular for midrange and budget smartphones in Bangladesh.

Basic Definition

The LCD screen is a liquid crystal display that manipulates light using . The crystals sandwiched in between the two layers of polarized glass are electrically controlled to block or allow light, creating text and images. The process uses less energy and produces thinner displays.

How It Works

Liquid crystals align themselves when an electric current is passed through them. The crystals that control light and create the pixels on the screen. The light source is usually a backlight made up of LEDs. Combining liquid crystals with backlight produces vibrant images, good color accuracy and brightness, but may not reach the depths of black of OLED displays.

History and Evolution of LCD Display Technology

Since its introduction, LCD has revolutionized the way that we interact with screens. LCDs were first introduced in 1960s and used in calculators and watches due to their low-power consumption. The technology has improved over the years, with advances in resolution, color accuracy and brightness. LCD was the technology of choice for televisions and computer monitors by the end of the 1990s. In the early 2000s, it was used in phones. Since then, its use has increased in mid-range and budget devices. The LCD display technology is evolving today, and offers consumers a cheaper alternative to OLED screens, as well as improvements such higher resolutions, improved power efficiency, etc.

LCDs in Early Devices

The LCD screen was first introduced in the consumer electronics industry with digital watches, calculators and portable gaming consoles. These screens had a monochrome appearance and minimal text and graphics. LCDs were initially used for their energy-saving properties, which made them perfect for this application.

LCD in Modern Smartphones

LCD displays have improved dramatically in modern smartphones. They now offer brighter colors, sharper resolutions, and more vivid hues. High-quality LCD screens are used in budget and midrange smartphones by brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, Oneplus, Tecno, Motorola, Vivo, Oppo and Infinix. These displays provide users with crisp, clear visuals. In-plane switching (IPS) and thin film transistor (TFT) technologies have enhanced color accuracy and viewing angle, making LCD displays more appropriate for everyday use. In markets such as Bangladesh, LCD is still the top option for smartphones that are cost-effective.

Types of LCDs Used in Smartphones

There are different types of Liquid Crystal displays (LCDs) used in smartphones. Each type offers benefits and compromises. You can make an informed choice when buying a new smartphone by understanding these different types. This section will examine two types of LCDs that are commonly found in smartphones. TFT-LCD and In-Plane Switching LCD.

TFT LCD Display (Thin Film Transistor)

The TFT LCD display technology is widely used in smartphone displays, particularly in mid-range and budget devices. TFT is Thin Film Transistor and refers to a technology that improves the image and color quality of LCDs. The TFT displays are equipped with transistors that allow for faster response time and better image quality. Although TFT displays are capable of displaying colors with clarity and accuracy, there are some drawbacks, including a limited viewing angle and lower contrast compared to LCD technology.

These smartphones are ideal for Bangladeshi users who want to save money. TFT LCDs are great for browsing, video viewing and other everyday activities. However, they may not have the same vibrant colors and viewing angles as LCDs of another type.

IPS LCD Display (In-Plane Switching)

IPS LCD offers significant improvements to color accuracy, viewing angle, brightness and contrast. It is the alignment of liquid crystals that makes all the difference. The crystals in an IPS screen are arranged vertically to improve light transmission. This leads to a better viewing angle and improved image quality, making IPS displays ideal for smartphone tasks such as gaming, watching media, or taking photos.

These LCDs can be found on mid-range smartphones and high-end phones such as the Samsung Galaxy A52 or Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro. The TFT display is inferior in terms of performance, and the colors are less vibrant. Users in Bangladesh often consider IPS LCDs to be the most cost-effective option, as they offer a great visual experience, without having to pay the higher price of AMOLED or OLED.

Key Specifications to Consider in an LCD Display

The overall quality of the display can be affected by several specifications. These include resolution, brightness, refresh rate, and touch response rate. These factors can help you choose a device with the most suitable visual performance and experience for your requirements.

Resolution

The resolution is the number of pixels that are displayed on the screen. It plays an important role in determining how sharp and clear the screen will be. Higher resolutions have more pixels which results in sharper images and text. HD (1280x720), Full HD(1920x1080), Quad HD (2460x1440) are all common resolutions for smartphones. In Bangladesh, FullHD screens are found in many mid-range phones, such as the Xiaomi Redmi 10. These displays offer a balance between sharpness and battery life.

Brightness & Nits

The brightness of the screen, expressed in -nits measures how well it can be seen at different lighting conditions. Higher nits ratings mean better visibility in sunlight, particularly. A display with 400 to 500 nits is recommended for outdoor viewing. Users in Bangladesh can enjoy bright displays with devices like the Samsung Galaxy A32, which offer 500 nits.

Refresh Rate

It is a measure of how smoothly the screen appears when it's in motion. For example, while scrolling and gaming. A higher refresh rate, measured in (Hz) results in a smoother display. Common refresh rates include 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz. The Realme Narzo 30 PRO offers a 90Hz rate of refresh, which provides smoother graphics and an improved gaming experience for Bangladeshi users who love mobile gaming.

Touch Response Rate

Touch Response Rate is the rate at which the touch screen responds. Higher response rates mean faster touch reactions, which leads to an improved responsiveness. It is important to have this specification for multitasking and gaming. Users in Bangladesh will be able to enjoy smooth gaming and interactions with smartphones like the Infinix zero 8, which offer enhanced touch sensitivity. For smooth input, a touch response rate of 120Hz is recommended.

Advantages of LCD Display in Smartphones

The LCD display is a popular choice, particularly for budget and mid-range smartphones. The low production costs make smartphones in Bangladesh more affordable. LCDs produce naturally colored tones that provide a balanced experience, without exaggerated colors found with other technologies. In addition, LCDs are well-suited for outdoor viewing, so the screen is readable in any environment. LCDs are more durable than OLED displays because they have a lower risk of burning in. LCDs are a great option for those who value cost effectiveness and reliability.

Disadvantages of LCD Display in Smartphones

LCD screens have some disadvantages despite their advantages. The constant backlighting is one of their biggest disadvantages. LCDs have lower black contrast compared to OLED/AMOLED displays, meaning they can't display true dark scenes, making them less vibrant. A LCD display is often thicker due to the backlighting layer. This makes devices a little heavier and slightly thicker than smartphones that have OLED screens. If you are looking for an energy-efficient device that is sleek, these factors could influence your choice.

Examples (2023-2025 Models)

• Samsung Galaxy F04 (2023): The budget-friendly Samsung Galaxy F04 has a PLS LCD screen with a resolution 720x1600 pixels. The MediaTek Helio processor and 5000mAh battery make it an excellent choice for daily tasks.

• Itel A50 (2024): Aimed at the entry-level market, the Itel A50 boasts a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels. It runs on Android 14 (Go edition) and is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, catering to users seeking essential smartphone functionalities.

• Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023): This mid-range device features a 6.6-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, it offers a stylus for added functionality, appealing to users who enjoy note-taking or drawing on their phones.

• Itel S24 (2024): The Itel S24 comes with a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display and is equipped with a 108MP rear camera. It's designed for users who prioritize camera quality without compromising on display performance.

• Samsung Galaxy F15 5G (2024): This smartphone features a 6.45-inch FHD+ 90Hz Super AMOLED display, offering vibrant visuals. It's powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus chipset and supports 5G connectivity, catering to users seeking a balance between performance and display quality.

Who Should Choose LCD Display Smartphones?

LCD display smartphones are ideal for users who prioritize affordable pricing, good everyday performance, and reliable battery life. These devices are perfect for individuals who don't require the high-end features of OLED or AMOLED screens but still want a quality display for tasks like browsing, social media, and light media consumption. LCD smartphones offer a balance between performance and price, making them a great choice for budget-conscious users or those purchasing their first smartphones in Bangladesh.

Ideal For:

• Budget-conscious buyers: Those looking for a cost-effective smartphone without compromising too much on screen quality.

• Casual users: People who mainly use their phones for texting, browsing, and social media, where a high refresh rate or perfect black levels are not a priority.

• Students and professionals: Those in need of reliable, everyday devices for work, study, and entertainment, offering solid performance at an affordable price point.

Tips for Maintaining an LCD Mobile Display

Maintaining your LCD smartphone display is essential for ensuring its longevity and performance. Here are a few simple tips to keep your screen in great condition:

• Use a Screen Protector: This helps protect the display from scratches, smudges, and accidental drops.

• Keep it Clean: Regularly clean the screen with a soft microfiber cloth to avoid dirt buildup and maintain clarity.

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the screen to overheat, potentially damaging the display.

• Use a Case: A good-quality phone case can help absorb impact and protect the screen from cracks or shattering.

• Adjust Brightness: Reducing the screen brightness when not needed helps preserve battery life and prevents strain on the display.

Conclusion: Is LCD Still a Good Choice in 2025?

In 2025, LCD displays continue to be a solid choice for many smartphone users, especially those seeking an affordable yet reliable option. While OLED and AMOLED displays offer superior contrast and vibrant colors, LCDs remain popular for their affordable pricing, good sunlight visibility, and reliable performance. For budget-conscious users in Bangladesh, LCD smartphones offer a great balance of quality and cost, making them a strong contender for those who prioritize practicality over premium features. Therefore, LCD is still a worthwhile choice for many in 2025.

FAQs

1. What is the main advantage of an LCD display in smartphones?

A: LCD displays are known for their affordable production cost, good outdoor visibility in sunlight, and less risk of burn-in compared to OLED screens. They offer solid color accuracy and energy efficiency, making them a great choice for budget-friendly smartphones.

2. Do LCD displays consume more battery than OLED?

A: Yes, LCD displays generally consume more battery than OLED displays because they require a backlight to illuminate the screen. This can lead to slightly reduced battery life, especially when the screen brightness is set to high.

3. Are LCD screens good for gaming?

A: While LCD screens are not as vibrant as OLED or AMOLED displays, IPS LCDs offer better color accuracy and viewing angles, making them suitable for casual gaming. However, for fast-paced, high-refresh-rate games, OLED displays may offer a smoother experience.

4. Can LCD screens suffer from burn-in like OLED?

A: No, LCD screens are much less prone to burn-in compared to OLED displays. This makes LCDs more durable over time, especially for users who leave static images on their screens for extended periods.

5. Which smartphones in Bangladesh use LCD displays?

A: Many budget and mid-range smartphones in Bangladesh, like the Samsung Galaxy A32 and Infinix Hot 11, feature IPS LCD displays due to their cost-effectiveness, offering users good display quality at an affordable price.