AMOLED vs. Super AMOLED
Comparing 2 standards across 7 specifications. 7 key differences identified.
AMOLED (Active-Matrix OLED) combines OLED's self-emissive pixels with a TFT active-matrix backplane -- the same one-transistor-per-pixel driving concept as TFT LCD, but switching light-emitting diodes instead of liquid-crystal light valves. It's the dominant OLED format in smartphones, mass-produced by Samsung starting in 2007.
Super AMOLED is Samsung's branded term for AMOLED panels with the touch sensor integrated directly into the display stack, rather than laminated on as a separate layer. Samsung introduced it in 2010 with the original Galaxy S, claiming 20% higher brightness and 80% less sunlight reflection than earlier AMOLED.
Specification Comparison Table
7 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Backplane
|
TFT active-matrix (transistor per pixel) | — |
|
Primary Use
|
Smartphones (TVs more commonly use WOLED) | — |
|
Mass Production Start
|
October 2007 (Samsung) | — |
|
First Consumer Devices
|
2008 | — |
|
Distinguishing Feature
|
— | Touch sensor integrated into the display panel, not a separate layer |
|
Introduced
|
— | 2010 (Samsung Galaxy S) |
|
Samsung's Claimed Improvement vs. First-Gen AMOLED
|
— | 20% brighter, 20% lower power, 80% less sunlight reflection |