You may have been confused by these two words, thinking that they are synonyms. But no: in fact, the products are quite different from one another. MicroOLED and microLED are two distinct display technologies with notable similarities and differences. Here's an overview of how they differ:
#1 Technology
MicroOLED is based on organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology, while microLED is based on inorganic light-emitting diode (LED) technology.
#2 Pixel Structure
In microOLED displays, each pixel consists of an organic material that emits light when an electric current passes through it. On the other hand, microLED displays utilize an array of tiny, individual LED chips as pixels, where each chip emits its own light.
#3 Size
MicroOLED refers to the size of the OLED display itself, typically characterized by smaller displays ranging from a few millimeters to a few inches. On the contrary, microLED refers to the size of the LED chips used as pixels, which can be as small as a few micrometers.
#4 Power Efficiency
MicroOLED displays are known for their excellent power efficiency. Each pixel emits light independently, allowing for precise control and minimizing power consumption. MicroLED displays also offer high power efficiency but may require additional optimization to achieve similar levels as microOLED.
#5 Manufacturing Complexity
MicroOLED displays are typically manufactured using traditional OLED fabrication processes, which have been refined over the years. MicroLED displays, on the other hand, involve complex manufacturing techniques due to the need for individual LED chip placement and bonding.
#6 Scalability
MicroOLED technology is well-established and widely used in various applications, including smartphones, smartwatches, and Extended Reality (XR) headsets. MicroLED technology is still in its early stages of development but holds great potential for large-scale displays, such as giant video walls and high-resolution TVs.
Both microOLED and microLED offer advantages in terms of high contrast ratios, wide color gamut, and fast response times. However, microOLED is more popular right now in consumer electronics (such as wearable devices) while microLED displays are expected to become increasingly popular in the future due to their potential for larger screens and greater energy efficiency.