The mini LED vs. micro LED argument is based on two types of light-emitting diodes (LED). They serve the same purpose but differ in size and other technical elements.
While they sound the same, there are unique differences that you should be aware of when picking out mini LED backlights for your home or a micro LED solution for making a new product design. These details will help you better define the goals of your lighting/display needs and how to create a better experience for your home, business, or with your customers.
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What is Mini LED?
A mini LED uses backlighting as the source of illumination and brightness. This is similar to an LED display you would find on a TV, but mini LEDs use smaller LEDs to power the backlight. This results in a smaller diode that can be packed together tightly, making for easier manufacturing and lower power consumption. You will often see displays with a higher yield rate and greater control over dimming and brightness because of mini LED technology.
What is Micro LED
A micro LED is a kind of pixel that is smaller than the size of a pixel in an LCD. It is also called an edge-lit LED because it has no backlight. They are used in high-end products such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
You get total blackness with micro LED because the pixels can be turned off for complete dark. Micro LEDs do not emit any form of light once off. The tiny size of micro LEDs makes them excellent for deep blacks and high contrast ratios with less power consumption. Many businesses are exciting about implementing micro LED technology into consumer product design because of the smaller form factor.
The Difference Between Mini LED and Micro LED
When choosing mini LED vs. micro LED, it comes down to the size, price, and availability. Both technologies are advanced and offer a wide range of applications, but finding that one solution that fits your particular use case will depend on things like:
1. Brightness, Darkness, and Contrast
Micro LED displays are brighter than mini LED displays. The brightness and contrast levels of a screen can affect how readable or visible certain colors are, as well as how dark black looks on either type of panel. This also affects the viewing angle.
In general, micro LED screens can produce deeper blacks than mini LEDs because they emit light from millions of tiny LEDs instead of just dozens or hundreds. However, this isn’t always an advantage. If you prefer darker blacks and want your display to look “pixel-less,” then go with a mini LED display.
2. Size
Micro LEDs have the advantage in size. There isn’t a limit to size because micro LEDs do not have to rely on backlighting as mini LEDs do. You can choose to increase or decrease the size of your overall display to whatever you would like by attaching more or less micro LED panels. The form of a micro LED is also more diminutive by millimeters.
3. Price
The price of micro LED is more than mini LED as we know that the size of micro LED is tiny. It needs more work to arrange the chips together and connect them with each other. Mini LEDs do not require much effort to solve these problems because they are bigger and can be easily manufactured using a simple process; hence they are more cost affordable.
4. Availability
Mini LEDs are available now from a wide range of manufacturers, while micro LEDs are still in the early development phase. There are excellent products for micro LEDs on the market, but be sure you are working with a reputable business first that uses quality control to assure a reliable product.
5. Application Scenarios
Mini LEDs are larger in size and found in numerous technologies, from custom screens to smartphones. Micro LEDs are still new to the industry but are being applied to much smaller applications like medical devices, handheld technology, wearables, and similar-sized products.
How to Choose Between Mini LED Vs. Micro LED?
It all comes down to the final application of your display and how much you are willing to spend. Micro LED technology offers a lot of advantages over previous models, but the pricing and availability make it difficult to use on larger projects at the moment.
That is why micro LED displays are being targeted to higher-end private or consumer use. There are numerous cost-effective methods of introducing mini LED display technology into your home, business, or product lines.
Where to Get Expert Support?
If you are in the market for quality mini LED displays and insight into the micro LED market, reach out to the team at Refond. With over 22 years of experience, Refond has remained an industry leader using bespoke R&D and scientific innovation to create exceptional products across a broad range of industries, including consumer electronics. Simply visit their website or send a note to the professional sales team to learn more.
