TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display and Dot Matrix Screen (Dot Matrix Display) are two different display technologies, which have significant differences in their working principle, display effect, application scenarios and so on. The following are the main differences between the two:
Working principle
TFT display:
Liquid crystal material (LCD) is used, and the transmittance of each pixel is controlled by varying the voltage applied to it, thus realizing the display of images.
Each pixel is driven by a separate thin-film transistor, which makes it possible to control brightness and color more precisely and to support higher resolutions.
Often equipped with a backlight, such as an LED backlight, to provide sufficient brightness to ensure clear visibility even in darker environments.
Dot Matrix Screen:
A dot matrix screen consists of a series of elements such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), vacuum fluorescent tubes (VFDs), or seven-segment digital tubes that are arranged in a matrix to form characters or graphics.
Each “dot” or “segment” is an individual light-emitting unit that is illuminated to form the desired character or pattern by lighting specific dots.
There is no need for a backlight because each unit emits its own light, but this also means that it is limited in terms of brightness and color performance.
Display Effect
TFT display:
Supports high resolution and rich color depth for displaying lifelike photos, videos, and other complex content.
Has a wide viewing angle and maintains good image quality even when viewed from the side.
Supports dynamic refresh rates for fast-changing images such as animations and games.
Dot-matrix screens:
Lower resolution, mainly used for displaying simple text information or basic graphic symbols.
Single color, usually monochrome or multi-color (red, green, yellow and a limited number of other colors), difficult to present complex color gradients.
The viewing angle is narrow, and off-axis viewing may result in diminished brightness or color distortion.
Power Consumption and Cost
TFT displays:
Power consumption is relatively high, especially with larger screen sizes or higher resolutions.
Manufacturing costs are also higher because it involves more elaborate manufacturing processes and technical components.
Dot matrix screens:
Lower power consumption, especially for battery-powered applications.
Lower cost, simple structure, easy to manufacture and maintain.
The choice of TFT display or dot matrix screen depends on the specific application requirements. If you are looking for high quality visual experience, high resolution and rich color performance, you should choose TFT display; while if you only need a simple, low-cost and low-power solution, dot-matrix screen may be a better choice.
Small LCD display IPS Screen TFT 1.4 inch 320×320 high resolution
Size: 1.4 inch Resolution : 320(H)RGBx320(V) dots View Direction:IPS Interface: RGB Controller IC: ST7365P Touch panel:without Brightness: 380cd/m² Outline Size (mm):27.40 * 30.3*1.7
Shenzhen Hongcai Technology Co., Ltd. is a professional manufacturer focusing on the research, development, production and sales of TFT LCD displays and related products. Founded in 2013, the company produces high quality TFT LCD displays, is ISO9001 and ISO14001 certified, and implements a strict quality control process to ensure that every product that leaves the factory has been 100% tested by at least five inspection positions.
