The modern mobile market is oversaturated with technical terms, and when choosing a new gadget from Xiaomi or Redmi, it is easy to get confused in acronyms. One of the key parameters that directly affect the comfort of use is the type of display matrix. IPS screen has long been considered the gold standard for budget and medium-sized models, offering excellent color reproduction and stability of operation.
Unlike the more expensive ones. AMOLED-panels that often go to the flagship lines of Mi and Xiaomi Pro, technology IPS (In-Plane Switching has its own unique features that are important to understand before buying. Users often wonder why some mid-range models still install it. IPS, And the answer is the balance between power consumption, durability and image quality.
As you look at the specifications of your upcoming smartphone, you’ll notice that resolution and refresh rate are just the tip of the iceberg. The type of backlight and pixel structure determine how long you can comfortably read text in the bright sun or watch video in the dark without eye fatigue. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what’s behind your Redmi Note or Poco glass and how to make the most of your hardware.
The principle of operation and the device of the IPS matrix
In-Plane Switching technology was developed to address the problems of early LCD displays, which had poor viewing angles and distorted colors at the slightest tilt of the device. IPS-in matrices, liquid crystals are located parallel to the plane of the screen, and not perpendicular to it, as in the old TN-When the crystals are electrically transmitted, they rotate in the same plane, letting light from the backlight.
The key element here is the backlight system, which in Xiaomi smartphones is most often LED (LED). Light passes through several filters, including polarization and color, before reaching your eyes. It is this complex structure that provides the very "natural" image that is valued for. IPS. Colors do not look oversaturated or acidic, which is typical for some people. AMOLED-default screen.
⚠️ Attention: Structure IPS requires an additional backlight layer, making the display module physically thicker than self-luminous OLED-This may have a slight effect on the overall thickness of the case of budget smartphones.
It's important to understand that IPS backlights work all the time while the screen is on, which means that to display black, the crystals simply block the light stream, but do not turn off completely. This makes deep black on IPS often look more like dark gray, especially when viewed in complete darkness. However, modern technologies such as Local Dimming (although rare in smartphones) are trying to compensate for this disadvantage.
Technical detail
Key advantages of IPS displays in Xiaomi smartphones
Why is Xiaomi still using IPS in its popular Redmi and Poco series? The answer lies in a number of undeniable benefits that are important to the mass user. One is the stability of color coverage. No matter what angle you look at the Redmi Note screen, the colors remain the same, do not invert or go negative.
Secondly, IPS-And the fact is that screens are considered safer for vision over long periods of time, and the lack of flickering (PWM) at low brightness is a huge plus. OLED-screens often use pulse-width modulation to adjust brightness, which can cause eye fatigue in sensitive people, IPS It just reduces the voltage in the lighting.
- 👁️ High viewing angles: the image does not pale even when viewed at an angle of 89 degrees, which is convenient when watching a video company.
- 🛡️ No burnout: static interface elements, such as navigation buttons or status bars, will never leave a perfect trace on the matrix.
- 💰 Availability of repairs: replacement of broken IPS-Xiaomi smartphones are usually cheaper than installing the original screen OLED-module.
Another important aspect is the resource of work: the degradation of organic compounds in the OLED-Over time, the panels change the color balance. IPS-These matrices are devoid of this drawback and can last for years without a noticeable change in characteristics. 3-4 This year, it can be a decisive factor.
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IPS-screens in Xiaomi smartphones are the choice in favor of durability and safety for the eyes, while still having contrast and thickness of the device.
IPS vs AMOLED Comparison: Which is Best for the User?
The eternal dispute between the two technologies is particularly relevant in the mid-range, where Xiaomi often offers a choice between models with different screens. AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) works on the principle of self-glowing each pixel. This gives perfect black and high contrast, but has its drawbacks.
On the other hand, IPS is a winner in the naturalness of color rendering out of the box. Many users note that after AMOLED's bright but sometimes unnatural colors, the image on IPS seems more calm and pleasant to read documents or news. However, in bright sunlight, the IPS can lose at maximum brightness, making the picture fade.
For clarity, compare the main characteristics of these technologies in the context of smartphones Redmi and Xiaomi:
| Characteristics | IPS (In-Plane Switching) | AMOLED / OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Black. | Dark gray (lighting works) | Perfect black (pixel off) |
| Energy consumption | Constant, depending on brightness | Depends on the color displayed (dark theme saves charge) |
| Frequency of update | Usually 60-120 Hz (stable) | Up to 120 Hz and above (LTPO) |
| The risk of burnout | Absent. | Possible with a static picture |
| Cost of replacement | Low/Mediocre | Tall. |
It is worth noting that modern IPS-panels in flagship models (although they are becoming less) have learned to achieve high brightness in the 500-600 It's a thread that's good enough for comfortable use. IPS give in OLED, where this indicator can reach 100 000:1 higher.
IPS screen setting and calibration in MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi’s operating shells provide a great deal of fine-tuning for the display. Even if you have a budget model with IPS, you can significantly improve your image perception. First, go to Settings → Screen → Colors and Saturation. Here you will find standard profiles such as “Standard”, “Saturated” or “Warm”.
For IPS-matrixes, it is often recommended to use a profile "Standard" or "Classic", as they most accurately convey the colors of sRGB. The "Saturated" mode tries to artificially expand the color gamut, which on IPS can lead to noticeable artifacts or unnatural skin tone in photos. If you are engaged in photo processing, it is better to adhere to standard settings.
Manual calibration path (if available):
Settings → Screen → Color Temperature → Setting (RGB sliders)Some models have manual calibration via an engineering menu or special applications, but for the average user, basic settings are enough. Also, remember the Reading Mode feature, which adds a warm filter, which works especially well on IPS, since the radiation spectrum of such screens is initially less aggressive than that of OLED.
☑️ Optimal setting IPS screen
Update frequency and touchscreen responsiveness
Special attention deserves the Hertz parameter. For a long time, IPS was associated with 60 Hz, but modern panels from Xiaomi and Redmi massively switch to 90 Hz and 120 Hz. This means that the image on the screen is updated 120 times per second, making the scrolling tape and animation interface incredibly smooth.
However, it is worth distinguishing between the actual refresh rate and the frequency of the touchscreen survey. The survey frequency (for example, 240 Hz or 480 Hz) determines how quickly the screen responds to touching a finger. In IPS-matrix input delay (input lag) can be slightly higher than in top OLEDs, but in everyday use the difference is almost invisible.
It is important for gamers to know that many games are IPS-The screens are more stable in terms of heat transfer. OLED-screens at high brightness and frequency can heat the case more, which leads to trottling (reduced performance) of the processor. IPS In this respect, it is more "cold-blooded".
- 🎮 Gaming experience: Smoothness 120 Hz per IPS It feels as good as it does on the OLED, Providing an advantage in shooters.
- 🔋 Effect on the battery: High hertz on the IPS The charge is predictable, unlike OLED, Where the cost depends on the content.
- 👆 Multi-touch: Modern IPS Support up to 10 simultaneous touches, which is important for complex gestures.
⚠️ Note: When you turn on the high frequency update mode (120 Hz. IPS-The screen time of autonomous operation may be reduced by 10-15%. Adaptive frequency is recommended if such option is available in Settings. → Screen. → Frequency of update.
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If you use your smartphone primarily for reading or social media, try lowering your refresh rate to 60Hz. IPS-The difference in the screen is less noticeable than on the OLED, a) the cost savings will be substantial.
Typical problems of IPS matrices and methods of their solution
Despite the reliability, IPS-Xiaomi smartphone screens are not without specific problems. One of the most common is the glow effect" (IPS Glow) on the edges of the screen, especially visible against a black background in the dark, not a marriage, but a physical feature of the technology, due to the unevenness of the backlight.
Users can also experience dead or stuck pixels, unlike OLED, where the burned pixel stops glowing completely (black dot), a stuck pixel can burn in a single color (red, green or blue) on an IPS, which is generally a manufacturing tolerance allowed by quality standards.
What can you do on your own?
- Use pixel recovery applications that change colors quickly to try to “paint” the crystal.
- Check for firmware updates, as Xiaomi sometimes adjusts the display controller through MIUI/HyperOS updates.
- Avoid heavy pressure on the screen in your pocket, as IPS-matrixes are sensitive to mechanical pressure, which can lead to spots.
If you notice yellow spots or iris, it's likely the result of physical damage or moisture under the display layer, and then software won't help, and you'll need to replace the module at the service center.
You often hear that IPS burns out, too. It's not quite true. IPS doesn't burn out in the classical sense (organic degradation), but backlight can get uneven over time, or the plastic diffuser itself will turn yellow, a process that takes 5-7 years of active use.