Terminology » Difference between AMOLED and Super AMOLED

Difference between AMOLED and Super AMOLED

display technology amoled super amoled screen technology mobile display

Introduction :

AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) and Super AMOLED are advanced display technologies developed primarily for modern smartphones and portable devices. While both use self illuminating organic materials which provide high contrast and vibrant colors, Super AMOLED is a refined version that integrates the touch sensor directly into the display, reducing layers and improving visibility. Understanding their differences helps in evaluating performance, brightness, power efficiency and user experience.

Compare AMOLED vs Super AMOLED

Here’s a summary of the key differences between AMOLED and Super AMOLED technologies:

Construction:

  • Super AMOLED: Think of Super AMOLED as an AMOLED display with a built-in touchscreen. The touchscreen functionality is integrated directly into a single layer of the display itself.
  • AMOLED: In a standard AMOLED display, the touch sensor panel and the glass layer are separate components.

Working/Operating:

  • AMOLED displays can sometimes suffer from glare and poor readability in direct sunlight.
  • Super AMOLED addresses this issue by reducing the number of reflective surfaces within the display. This results in improved visibility even under bright sunlight and reduces the power needed to produce a vibrant image.

User Experience:

  • Super AMOLED provides a superior viewing experience compared to regular AMOLED displays.
  • Other benefits for users include:
    • Longer battery life
    • Reduced motion blur during video playback
    • Greater comfort for the eyes during extended use.

Cost:

  • Super AMOLED displays are generally more expensive than both AMOLED and traditional LED/LCD displays.

Repairing:

  • Repairing a Super AMOLED screen tends to be more costly than repairing a standard AMOLED screen if it’s damaged.

Super AMOLED

Image Courtesy : Samsung

Tabular difference between AMOLED and Super AMOLED

FeatureAMOLEDSuper AMOLED
Full formActive Matrix Organic Light Emitting DiodeSuper Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode
Touch LayerHas a separate touch sensitive layerTouch layer is integrated into the display itself
Display ThicknessThicker due to multiple layersThinner and more compact design
Sunlight VisibilityModerate visibility under direct sunlightBetter visibility in bright and outdoor environments
Power EfficiencyLess efficient due to separate layersMore power efficient due to integrated design
Color VibrancyVivid and saturated colorsEven more vibrant with deeper black
Response TimeFastSlightly faster and more responsive
CostSlightly lowerHigher due to integrated technology
Touch SensitivityGoodBetter due to fewer layers between touch and display
UsageFound in various smartphones and wearable devicesCommonly used in high end Samsung Galaxy series and premium displays

Conclusion :

AMOLED and Super AMOLED both offer vivid colors and deep blacks, but Super AMOLED improves upon traditional AMOLED by offering better sunlight readability, thinner design and enhanced touch response. While both are excellent display choices, Super AMOLED is more suitable for premium devices where display quality and power efficiency are top priorities.