pix·el (pksl, -sl)      n.      The basic unit of the composition of an image on a television screen, computer monitor, or similar display. A pixel is one of those tiny dots that make up an image. If you look REALLY close to your TV (not recommended) you can see them. They are actually composed of three smaller pixels, called subpixels. 99% of the time, the device display will be a RBG Display. This means that the sub-pixels are red, blue, and green in color. Some television manufacturers are beginning to make them with four subpixels (Red, Blue, Green, and now Yellow). However this process is expensive and for the most part, unnecessary. Pixels are the little known thing that makes our entire electronic life possible. So far we’ve gone over what a pixel is, what it is composed of, and now we have begun to introduce different types of pixels.     AMOLED     TFT DISPLAY     IPS DISPLAY These are the most common mobile phone displays, since chances are that is the most common display you see in day to day life.

Let’s go over the AMOLED and variants now. AMOLED screens are featured in most Samsung devices. The principle is that you can get MORE for LESS. By sharing a green sub-pixel, it can save almost 30% energy compared to any other display. However, the pentile matrix they have to use tends to not perform as well as Samsung would lead you to believe. If you have ever used a Samsung Galaxy series device, you know that the display has a weird pixel separation to it compared to some other displays. Even though the pixel density (how many pixels they squeeze into a square inch) can be VERY high (example: Galaxy S III is a 720P display in all of 4.7”), you can STILL see the individual pixels. This is because of the pentile matrix, which is pictured below:

The TFT Displays are also something of yesteryear, however they are still used today. They are famous in most non-smart phones. They are very cheap and easy to make version of an LCD screen, however viewing angles on them are usually terrible. Rotating them often results in reverse colors or just blurred photos. For the most part, you don’t need to worry about this display or it’s quality, just learn to avoid it. Image below:

IPS Displays are the in-thing. It’s a more expensive display, but a lot of times you can make them thinner, and by arranging the LCD a certain way you get 180 degree viewing angles and colors that make you wish it were real. IPS Displays also tend to be a lot sharper than AMOLED screens, seeing as the IPS Display does not share any subpixels. Because sometimes sharing isn’t better. Image below:

AMOLED VS IPS

Top: IPS DISPLAY, Bottom: AMOLED DISPLAY

  SCREEN REPAIR tends to be a lot easier for IPS displays. The HTC lineup (for the most part) and the iPhone 4/4s and 5 all have IPS displays, which clearly are the superior technology. But it's always up to you. Just never fall into the hype and believe when people say "the screen is good." Ask them 'why.'