Contrast Ratio
We conduct a detailed contrast ratio examination that is both rigorous and grounded in real-world scenarios. The contrast ratio refers to the comparative measure of light emitted from a screen when displaying bright white versus pure black. Generally, the contrast ratios in LCD panels vary, with a lower bound at around 150:1, considered significantly suboptimal, to an upper bound above 800:1, regarded as highly proficient. For everyday tasks such as photo editing and Office, a contrast ratio of 400:1 or more is considered adequate. The problem is that even if you watch a movie on such a monitor in a dim location, you will realize that 'black is not truly black.' Laptop monitors are an excellent example (though much better these days), as they frequently have low contrast ratios (150:1 when viewed straight-on and below 80:1 at relatively small angles). A set of test photos with black and white luminance values are used to perform the measurement. For OLED black levels are unmeasurable (the pixel is deactivated) by any currently accessible tools; their contrast is mathematically infinite so we note down 5000. The next best option is a VA monitor, but they pale in comparison to OLED.
The contrast ratio is a property of a display system, defined as the ratio of the luminance of the brightest color (white) to that of the darkest color (black) that the system can produce. A high contrast ratio is a desired aspect of any display. The static contrast ratio is limited by the panel technology being used. A TN or IPS technology panel is limited by a contrast ratio of around 800 - 1200:1, and on a VA type panel, you might reach up to around 2000 to even 3000:1. We cannot measure a whole black field for OLED as it is just too dark for our meter to register (OLED pixels are physically turned off)and thus are an infinite value.
Maximum SDR brightness
Display brightness is essentially how light or bright your screen looks, which helps in viewing content and reading text easily. This brightness is measured in units called nits, also candela per m2, which describe how much light the screen emits.
- One nit equals the amount of light emitted by one candela per square meter (1 nt = 1 cd/m²). This means 500 nits is equivalent to 500 candles lit in one square meter.
This measurement relates to how bright the light appears to us, which can vary from person to person. Therefore, while nits provide a standard way to measure screen brightness, the perception of this brightness can be subjective, meaning it might look different to different viewers.
Though a bit subjective, the ideal screen brightness for your monitor largely varies with how you're using it. Generally, a brightness setting of 250-300 nits is optimal for most situations—it enhances color vibrancy and is easy on the eyes, helping to avoid strain. A key piece of advice is to tailor your screen brightness according to the lighting of your environment.
