Do you need a replacement laptop display? We will advise you how to choose!

What does the compatibility of individual displays depend on?

The key parameters of each LCD display are its:

• Resolution
• Size
• Connector

Resolution indicates how many pixels the display uses to display content. It is given in the form width x height, thus the display with a resolution of 1600x1200 has a width of 1600 pixels and a height of 1200 pixels. Resolution also determine the aspect ratio of the display. In the case of a resolution of 1600x1200, this ratio is 4:3.

Standard resolutions also have their usual designations, for example:

1. XGA for 1024x768
2. SXGA for 1280x1024
3. SXGA+ for 1400x1050
4. UXGA for 1600x1200
5. QXGA for 2048x1536
6. WXGA for 1280x720; 1280x768; 1280x800; 1366x768
7. WXGA + for 1440x900 8. WSXGA + for 1680x1050, 1680x945 9. WUXGA for 1920x1200, 1920x1080

The most common ratios are 16:9 and 16:10, with Windows devices more likely to be 16:9, while most Apple computers use a 16:10 ratio.

How to find out display’s resolution?

The surest way to find out what resolution your notebook has is to check this information on the back of the display. However, if you have not yet disassembled your device, there are other options available. For example, you can refer to the manual that came with the device. If you have Internet access, you can find the resolution on the manufacturer's website, but we only recommend this if you know the serial number of the device and its exact model designation. This avoids the possible problem that one model may have several different displays and you could choose the wrong alternative when buying a new LCD display. There are also websites that will find out the resolution of your laptop for you.

Size of the display

The size of the displays is expressed in inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm) and is diagonal from one corner of the display to the opposite corner. Displays with display sizes usually from 9 to 17 inches can be found on the market. You can find out the exact size of your LCD display by using the model designation.

Connector

The connector connects the LCD display to the rest of the device, so it is extremely important to choose a replacement display with the same connector. Most displays use one of these two:

30-pin video connector

This connector supports a maximum resolution of 3,840 x 2160 pixels and a non-touch screen display.

40-pin eDP/Touch or QHD+

The slightly more modern 40-pin connector supports a higher maximum resolution than the 30-pin variant and also supports touch control.

Backlight

Some LCD displays may still use outdated CCFL backlighting, but with the vast majority of laptops manufactured after 2010, you'll find more modern and economical LED backlighting. You don't have to pay that much attention to this factor

Types of displays

LCD panels of laptops differ from each other not only in connectors or resolutions, but also in various other specifics, due to which we distinguish several specific types of displays:

Nanoedge: Nanoedge displays have only minimal frames, thanks to which it is possible to insert a relatively large display into a really small device. This increases user comfort, as even in a compact device, a large display can be hidden, which is always better and more comfortable for work or consumption of content.

Matte displays: Matte displays use a special anti-reflective layer, thanks to which you will encounter only minimal glare when using them. Compared to glossy displays, they can provide a slightly worse image, as they transmit less light, making the image less vivid and contrasting than glossy images.

Glossy displays: Glossy displays provide a vivid image with deep blacks and bright whites. Their overall display capabilities can be considered better than those found in matte displays. However, their disadvantage is the frequent reflections and their usability is significantly influenced by where you place them. Light penetrating through the windows of the room can significantly degrade the image on such displays.

Slim displays: Slim displays provide a very thin profile, but do not compromise on their display capabilities. Slim displays can therefore be found on the top devices, which the manufacturer strives to make not only the best, but also compact and visually appealing. In addition, thinner displays allow manufacturers to add ever-larger batteries to their devices

Fat displays: Fat displays came to their name mainly due to the arrival of the already mentioned slim displays. In contrast, they have a smaller thickness while maintaining the same imaging capabilities (often better). Fat displays are more affordable and can be found in devices of lower categories.

(the picture shows a comparison of the matte display - left and glossy display - right)