LCD and LED are popular technologies used to display texts and images.

Both LCD and LED

are extensively used in display screens in various electronic devices such TVs, computers,
laptops, smartphones, etc. There are many differences between LCD and LED displays, where
one of the major difference is that LCD uses the liquid crystal and cold cathode fluorescent
lamp for the formation of image on the screen, whereas the LED uses a PN junction diode
which emits light when the current passes through it that is used as backlight in the display.

In this article, we will explain the various differences between LED and LCD. Also, we have
added a brief description of LED and LCD for your reference.
Note − Here, we are differentiating the LCD and LED in context of the display technology.

What is LCD?
LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. The LCD is a combination of solid state and liquid
state of matter which is used to produce display effect. It uses the liquid crystals for the
formation of a visible image. The LCDs are super-thin technology displays which are commonly
used in screens of TVs, laptop, smartphones and computer, etc. The LCD consumes less
electricity and includes millions of colors.
However, the LCDs require extra-light sources as they do not produce light itself. Also, the LCD
is a slow device and needs more switching time.

What is LED?
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. The LED is a specially designed PN junction diode
which is capable for emitting light when electric current passes through it. This emitted light is
then used in display technologies as backlight.
The LED is constructed by joining a P-type semiconductor with an N-type semiconductor.
Basically, the LED is a heavily doped PN junction diode. When an electric current is passed
through the LED, the recombination of holes and electrons takes place at the PN junction and
light is emitted in this process.
The color of emitted light by an LED depends upon the semiconductor material used and the
amount of doping. The LEDs have very long life and requires less maintenance. However, they
are costlier than LCD. In the display technology the LED is used as the backlight and such a
display is known as LED display.
Difference between LED and LCD
Both LED and LCD are types of display technologies used for showing the texts and images.
However, there are several differences between LCD and LED displays, which are highlighted
in the following table −

Basis of LCD LED Display

Difference

LCD stands for Liquid Crystal LED stands for Light Emitting Diode.
Full form
Display.

The ‘LCD’ is a combination of The ‘LED’ is a PN junction diode which

solid and liquid states of matter emits visible light when the electric current
Definition which is used to display the flows through it. This light is then used as
information in the form of texts the backlight for displaying the information
and images. in the form of texts and images.

LCD uses cold cathode LED display uses light emitting diode (LED)
Backlight fluorescent lamp (CCFL) as to provide the backlight.
backlight.

Switching LCD is slower than LED. The switching speed of LED is more than
speed LCD.

LCD has high response time, The response time of LED is less than
Response
hence their switching speed is LCD, thus the LED is better than LCD in
time
less. terms of response time.

The liquid crystals and glass In case of LED, the gallium arsenide
Material electrodes are used for phosphide is used for manufacturing
manufacturing of LCD.

Power LCD consumes less power than LED consumes relatively more power
consumption an LED.

Cost The cost of LCD is less. LEDs are costlier than LCDs.

The picture quality of LCD is The picture quality delivered by LED is

Picture quality
good. relatively better than LCD.

Color LCD delivers good color The color accuracy for LED is better than
accuracy accuracy. that of LCD.

Resolution The resolution of LCD is low. LED has high resolution.

In LCD, the viewing angle LED has a relatively wider viewing angle as
Viewing angle decreases by 30° from the compared to LCD.
centre of the image.

Effect of The direct current reduces the The direct current does not affect the LED.
direct current lifespan of LCD.

Effect on Mercury is used in LCDs which No mercury is used in LEDs, thus they are
environment causes harm to the environment. environment friendly.
Conclusion
The most significant difference between LCD and LED display is that the Liquid Crystal Display
uses Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp to provide backlight while the LED Display uses Light
Emitting Diode to provide the backlight for displaying the information.