Display Smackdown: LCD vs. AMOLED! Which one is Better for Outside

During the summer time, many smartphone displays run into a brick wall and offer crummy readability. In shadowy areas outdoors, they are often not-so-great, while in direct sunlight, you can barely see anything. LCD Panels with their back-lighting have a big advantage compared to OLED technology. But how do these two types differ in practical situations? To find out, we grabbed theHTC One and the Galaxy S4 and went out the door.

Which one do you prefer? AMOLED or LCD?© AndroidPIT

To really get started talking in-depth about the differences between Samsung's AMOLED display and the LCD technology would take ages. Today's test took a look at one particular thing: how well can we read off of a screen in the outdoors as opposed to the indoors with either device? Even the nicest, most innovative smartphones have crap readability when brought outside.

We took a look at either device first inside, then outside in a shaded area and finally in direct sunlight. What we tested was the brightness and readability. The results which are shown in our video aren’t that surprising: the LCD panel on the HTC One does a better job outdoors than the AMOLED display on the Samsung Galaxy S4.

That being said, it’s difficult to say if HTC really has a better display overall; this test is just the beginning. There are so many other aspects that play a key role like authentic colors, good black values as well as satisfactory saturation. Whether AMOLED or LCD, it really comes down to a question of taste. Aside from that, for those who like to be on to go outside and would like to have a great smartphone for direct sunlight, you might want to consider the LCD model over AMOLED.