How to Choose Between a Matte or Glossy LCD Display

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Updated: March 29, 2019

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Choosing between a matte or glossy LCD display takes careful consideration. While glossy displays produce more vibrant images with higher contrast, they also create glare that can be problematic if you plan on using the device outdoors or in a room with lots of light. A matte LCD display costs more, but can better handle glare and potentially reduce eyestrain.

Picking a Glossy LCD Display

  1. 1
    Choose a glossy display for more vivid color. Glossy LCD displays have a smooth outer polarizing layer that allows color to appear brighter and more vibrant on the screen. You should consider a glossy LCD display if vivid color is a priority.[1]
  2. 2
    Pick a glossy display for more contrast. Glossy LCD displays have enhanced contrast when compared to their matte counterparts. This means that blacks will appear deeper, while other colors will look more saturated and intense than on a matte screen. If a high-contrast display is important to you, choose a glossy LCD display.[2]
  3. 3
    Be prepared for more glare on a glossy display. Glossy displays are more susceptible to glare. When choosing between a matte and glossy LCD display, you should consider the potential for glare. Glossy screens are more reflective than matte screens. This means a glossy screen will have more glare when exposed to light than a matte screen.[3]
  4. 4
    Select a glossy display for indoor use. If you plan on primarily using the screen indoors, consider going for a glossy LCD display. This type of display is well suited for playing video games, watching films, or editing photographs. A glossy LCD display is a good choice if you plan on viewing the screen indoors, or in a space that has little potential for glare from windows or lightbulbs.[4]
  5. 5
    Be ready to clean smudges on a glossy display. A glossy LCD display is more likely to show fingerprints and smudges than a matte display. This is especially true when the glossy LCD display is turned off. If you are concerned about smudges and fingerprints, you should steer away from a glossy display.[5]

Choosing a Matte LCD Display

  1. 1
    Choose a matte LCD display if you are concerned about eyestrain. A matte display will have less glare than a glossy display when exposed to external light sources. This is because the surface of a matte display is less reflective than a glossy display. If you are worried about glare, and the potential eye strain that accompanies it, go for a matte display.[6]
  2. 2
    Select a matte display for outdoor use. If you plan on using your phone, laptop, or other LCD display outdoors, consider a matte display. Because the surface of a matte display is less reflective, it will be easier to read outdoors than a glossy display. You should also consider a matte display of you will be using the device in an indoor setting with lots of light.[7]
  3. 3
    Pick a matte display for easier cleaning. If you find fingerprints and smudges unsightly, a matte LCD display might be a good choice for you. Matte displays do not appear dirty as quickly as glossy displays, and are easier to clean.[8]
  4. 4
    Be ready to pay more for a matte display. When a manufacturer puts an anti-glare coating on a matte LCD display, it increases the overall cost of the product. This cost is then transferred to the consumer, meaning you will end up paying more for a matte display in most cases. This should be taken into consideration when choosing between a matte or glossy LCD display.[9]

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    Categories: Buying Computer Monitors

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