What is the difference between TN matrix and IPS

There are two types of matrices in laptops — TN and IPS. And they differ not only at the technological level, but also in the quality of content display. Therefore, when choosing a laptop for working with graphics or prepress multi-color documents, you should first of all pay attention to the type of matrix.

Let’s figure out how the TN matrix differs from IPS — and which one is better. We will compare according to the following parameters:

1. viewing angle;

2. Color rendition;

3. Response speed;

4. Price.

Viewing angle of TN and IPS matrices

The viewing angle of TN screens is quite small. It is about 60 degrees both vertically and horizontally. If you look at such a display from the side, the colors on it will become increasingly dimmer. And at a viewing angle of about 160 degrees, the monitor seems completely off.

IPS-matrix visibility at a very large viewing angle — up to 178 degrees! And both vertically and horizontally.

Winner: IPS-matrix.

Color reproduction of TN and IPS matrices

The color reproduction of TN-matrices is also quite average. And this is also due to the peculiarities of the work of subpixels. On TN-matrices it is impossible to achieve absolute black and absolute white colors.

Both black and white colors on TN-matrices look only shades of gray. Because of this, the contrast — both static and dynamic — becomes very low. The rest of the colors are displayed normally, but because of this unpleasant effect, they also look very dull.

Of course, it is also impossible to achieve absolutely black on IPS matrices. Due to the nature of the backlight, which is most pronounced on screens with Edge LED technology, black looks like a dark dark gray. But white is almost absolute. That is why the saturation of the shades seems greater.

In addition, IPS matrices can be calibrated to sRGB or a specific gamut. That is why many specialists in the field of graphics (artists, photographers, designers) choose monitors with this type of screen.

Winner: IPS-matrix.

TN and IPS panel responsiveness

The response speed of TF-matrices is not just great — it is almost the limit for the current level of technology development. Subpixels on such a screen fire in 1 ms! «Millisecond» displays were introduced a few years ago and have been constantly used by gamers and in gaming equipment ever since.

For example, the top Razer gaming laptops introduced in 2017-2018 use the same TN matrix — despite all sorts of «narrow viewing angle» and other fun.

IPS matrices are not so good. The minimum response time at the time of this writing (April 2019) is 2-3 milliseconds, but in most cases it is 5-7 ms. For gamers, such a response time is unacceptably high — in these 5-7 milliseconds, the scene may well change a couple of times.

Winner: TN-matrix.

Price of TN and IPS matrices

TN-matrices are easy to manufacture, are made from inexpensive components, and therefore are relatively cheap. In most ultra-budget laptops, for example, these screens are installed.

IPS — pleasure is already less cheap. Such screens can be found in ultrabooks, professional laptops, as well as special screens (professional — for designers, artists, photographers and other creative professionals). In these areas, hue accuracy costs significantly more than what could be saved by buying a TN monitor.

Winner: TN-matrix.

What’s better?

If you need bright, saturated monitor colors, and also strive for high-quality display and independence from the viewing angle, IPS is for you. If you want to save money or you need gaming equipment for intense virtual battles, it is better to choose TN.

However, it is worth noting that not all IPS are equally good. Budget models of this type can be dull, and they often have a problem with excessive yellowness or blueness in the image. So it’s worth checking the monitor in the store before buying.