How to Check IPS Display in Laptop: Top Tips and Tricks Revealed!

Are you tired of blurry images and washed-out colors on your laptop screen? Do you crave vibrant visuals and accurate color representation, especially when working on graphics, editing photos, or simply enjoying multimedia content? If so, you might be looking for a laptop with an IPS display. But how do you know if your current laptop has one? This guide will walk you through the process of how to check IPS display in your laptop, empowering you to make informed decisions about your next purchase.

Understanding IPS Display Technology

Before we dive into the methods, let’s understand what makes IPS displays so desirable. IPS (In-Plane Switching) is a type of LCD panel technology that offers several advantages over traditional TN (Twisted Nematic) panels.

• Wider Viewing Angles: IPS panels offer significantly wider viewing angles, meaning you can see the screen clearly from almost any position, without noticeable color shifts or distortions. This is especially beneficial when sharing your screen with others or working on a laptop in various positions.
• Improved Color Accuracy: IPS displays boast superior color accuracy and a wider color gamut, resulting in more vibrant and lifelike images. This is crucial for professionals in fields like graphic design, photography, and video editing.
• Faster Response Times: While not as fast as OLED displays, IPS panels generally have faster response times than TN panels, reducing ghosting and blurring during fast-paced action sequences in games or videos.

Method 1: Checking Laptop Specifications

The most straightforward way to determine if your laptop has an IPS display is to check its specifications. This information is usually available:

• Manufacturer Website: Visit the manufacturer’s website and search for your specific laptop model. Look for the display section, where the panel type should be mentioned.
• Laptop Manual: If you have the user manual for your laptop, it should contain detailed specifications, including the display type.
• Third-party Websites: Several online retailers and tech review websites list detailed specifications for various laptops, including the display panel type.

Method 2: The “Black Level Test”

If you can’t find the display information in the specifications, you can perform a simple visual test to get a good idea of whether your laptop has an IPS display. This test involves observing the black levels and color uniformity on the screen.

• Open a Black Image: Find a completely black image or a solid black background on your laptop screen.
• Observe for Uniformity: Carefully examine the black area. Look for any noticeable color shifts, unevenness, or “glow” from the backlight.
• Compare with a Known IPS Display: If possible, compare your laptop’s black levels to a known IPS display.

Note: While this test can be helpful, it’s not foolproof. Some TN panels might have been improved to offer better black levels and color uniformity.

Method 3: Using Display Calibration Software

Specialized software like “DisplayCAL” or “CalMAN” can analyze your display’s characteristics and provide detailed information about its technology. These applications can identify the type of panel used and measure color accuracy, response times, and other parameters.
Note: Using these tools requires some technical knowledge and may not be suitable for casual users.

Method 4: Checking for “IPS” in the Display Name

While not a foolproof method, some manufacturers may include “IPS” in the display name or specifications. For example, the display might be labeled as “IPS Panel” or “IPS LCD.” However, this isn’t always the case, so it’s best to use this method in conjunction with other verification techniques.

Method 5: Examining the Display’s Physical Characteristics

While less reliable than other methods, you can try to visually inspect the display’s physical characteristics. However, this is not recommended as a primary method for determining the display type.

• Bezel Thickness: IPS panels tend to have slightly thicker bezels compared to TN panels. This difference is usually subtle and might not be noticeable on all laptops.
• Backlight Type: Some IPS panels use edge-lit backlights, while TN panels often use direct backlights. However, this distinction isn’t always a reliable indicator of the panel type.

Why Does It Matter?

Knowing whether your laptop has an IPS display is essential for several reasons:

• Visual Experience: An IPS display offers a superior visual experience with vibrant colors, wider viewing angles, and better color accuracy, enhancing your enjoyment of multimedia content and creative work.
• Professional Work: If you are a graphic designer, photographer, or video editor, an IPS display is crucial for accurate color representation, ensuring your work looks its best on different devices.
• Gaming: While IPS displays have slightly slower response times than TN panels, they offer wider viewing angles and better color accuracy, making them suitable for casual gaming.

Choosing a Laptop with an IPS Display

When buying a new laptop, always check the specifications to ensure it has an IPS display. Look for keywords like “IPS,” “In-Plane Switching,” or “Wide Viewing Angle.” If the specifications don’t mention the panel type, consider contacting the manufacturer or checking online forums for information.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Panel

While an IPS display is a valuable feature, it’s not the only factor to consider when choosing a laptop. Other important aspects include:

• Screen Resolution: A higher resolution (like 1080p or 4K) provides sharper images and more screen real estate.
• Screen Size: Choose a screen size that suits your needs and preferences.
• Brightness: A brighter screen is beneficial for outdoor use and reducing eye strain.
• Processor, RAM, and Storage: These components affect the overall performance and responsiveness of your laptop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is an IPS display worth the extra cost?
A: The value of an IPS display depends on your needs and priorities. If you value vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and accurate color representation, an IPS display is definitely worth the extra cost. However, if you primarily use your laptop for basic tasks and don’t require high visual fidelity, a TN panel might suffice.
Q: Can I upgrade my laptop’s display to IPS?
A: Unfortunately, upgrading your laptop’s display to IPS is generally not possible. The display is usually integrated into the laptop’s chassis and cannot be easily replaced.
Q: Is the “Black Level Test” accurate?
A: The black level test is a good indicator, but it’s not foolproof. Some TN panels have been improved to offer better black levels and color uniformity.
Q: What are the alternatives to IPS displays?
A: While IPS displays are generally considered the best option for most users, other display technologies exist, including:

• OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode): OLED displays offer perfect black levels, infinite contrast, and faster response times, but they are more expensive than IPS panels.
• VA (Vertical Alignment): VA panels offer better contrast and black levels than TN panels, but they typically have narrower viewing angles than IPS displays.

By understanding the different display technologies and how to check for an IPS display, you can make informed decisions about your next laptop purchase, ensuring you get the best possible visual experience for your needs.