Wondering whether to invest in an FHD or IPS monitor upgrade? As a tech specialist helping clients build high-performing yet affordable systems for over a decade, I‘ve researched display technologies extensively. In this guide, we‘ll cut through marketing lingo to reveal precisely how 1080p and IPS impact viewing – helping you make the smartest choice.
Demystifying FHD and IPS
FHD stands for Full High Definition, referring to the 1920 x 1080 resolution used in most HDTVs and monitors today. This delivers a crisp 2.1 megapixel image that looks great for standard viewing distances.
IPS, or in-plane switching, represents LCD screen innovation engineered to allow unprecedented 178° viewing angles without distortion. This brings lifelike color accuracy essential for photographers, designers and editors.
At a glance, the two might seem interchangeable. But remembering FHD = resolution and IPS = panel technology clarifies they serve different functions. Let‘s examine both further.
When 1080p FHD Emerged
720p HDTVs dominated the 2000s as 1080p remained prohibitively expensive. But by 2008, 1080p resolution panels were rapidly gaining steam:
| Year | % 1080p Shipments |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 20% |
| 2010 | 64% |
| 2012 | 80% |
And when pricing fell under the $1,000 threshold around 2014, FHD adoption swelled globally. Today over 96% of displays shipped are Full HD 1080p.
Why 1080p Looks So Good
Compared to 720p, 1080p quadruples the pixel count from 0.9 to 2.1 megapixels. This allowed screen sizes to swell from 40" to a theatre-like 60-85" without visible pixels. Given most viewers sit 6-10 feet from larger screens, 1080p struck the right balance between affordability and eye-popping clarity.
On desktop monitors typically viewed under 3 feet away, 1080p also meant you could scale up from cumbersome 17" 720p models to far more productive 23" – 30" real estate. Instead of blocky text and images, words and graphics took on impressive smoothness and cohesion.
Of course resolution demands can scale further with emerging 4K and 8K formats. But in most standard viewing circumstances, 1920 x 1080 continues proving itself extremely capable.
The IPS Breakthrough
Before exploring IPS further, let‘s quickly compare how the most common LCD panel types differ:
- IPS – 178° Viewing Angles
- TN – Fastest Response
- VA – Highest Contrast
As you can see, each excels specifically at some display characteristic.
IPS owes its fame to the radically improved viewing angles over early TN panels plagued by distorted colors beyond 140°. This prevented using TN for photography, graphic design and similar color-critical work.
Engineers in the mid-90‘s leveraged innovative manufacturing techniques allowing liquid crystals to shift horizontally in the same plane rather than pivoting vertically.
Aligning transistors laterally also enabled more advanced circuitry granting precise control over crystal rotation angles. The end result revolutionized LCD viewing freedom and launched the IPS era.
Why IPS Color Accuracy Matters
But what specifically changed visually?
Beyond wider viewing angles, IPS focusing on consistent pixel behavior meant finally achieving color uniformity. Instead of mid-tone greys looking purple from one side and blue from another, hues remained faithfully unchanged regardless viewing orientation.
Blacks also appeared perfectly dark at all angles instead of washing out into grey. This brought superior contrast expanding range between bright and dark concentrations.
The improved contrast and reduced color shifting delivered striking image integrity and quickly won over photographers, graphic artists and other creatives burned by TN‘s shortcomings.
Of course nothing‘s perfect, and early IPS lagged behind TN displaying fast movement without some trailing artifacts. But for tasks prioritizing accuracy over speed, IPS represented a welcome game changer.
Comparing Entry Level 1080p IPS vs TN Screens
Marketing aliases like LED backlighting often confuse basic TN panel traits. Let‘s therefore compare budget-friendly IPS and TN screens side by side highlighting key differences:
| Spec | Entry-Level TN | Entry-Level IPS |
|---|---|---|
| Panel | Twisted Nematic | In-Plane Switching |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 (FHD) | 1920×1080 (FHD) |
| Viewing Angle | 160° | 178° |
| Color Depth | 16.7 million colors | 16.7 million colors |
| Contrast Ratio | 600:1 | 1000:1 |
| Response Time | 5ms | 7ms |
| Price | $120 | $140 |
What the specs reveal…
- Both leverage modern 1920 x 1080 FHD
- IPS punches above TN on viewing angles
- IPS also outperforms on contrast and color
- But TN holds response time advantage
Analysis shows that for similar costs, IPS brings better visual performance – though TN remains quicker displaying fast on-screen motion.
Let‘s see examples illustrating these differences below…
Comparing Viewing Angle Performance
Viewing dark content slightly off-center reveals IPS shines maintaining accuracy while TN shifts blue and loses contrast:
TN Viewing Angle = 160° | IPS Viewing Angle = 178°
Clearly IPS delivers serious viewing flexibility critical for application-driven shoppers.
Evaluating Color and Clarity
Bright imagery viewed directly also shows IPS revealing substantially better contrast translating into perceivable depth and dimension:
TN Contrast Ratio = 600:1 | IPS Contrast Ratio = 1000:1
The IPS monitor presents noticeably sharper texture detail in the petals with blacks appearing deeper. Again, we see IPS color advantages first-hand.
Choosing FHD+IPS for Photo/Video Work
The data and images have hopefully clarified how IPS panel technology realizes meaningful visual uplift. This brings us to display recommendations optimized for color-critical professions.
As a veteran IT consultant assisting creatives, my clients almost unanimously prefer frameless IPS monitors matching or exceeding key thresholds:
- 2560 x 1440 QHD Resolution
- 100% (or greater) sRGB Coverage
- 16.7 Million Color Depth
- 5ms GTG Response Times
- 27" – 32" Monitor Size
Meeting these criteria ensures ample workspace, efficient editing workflows, and color integrity matching finished output mediums.
Top FHD+IPS Monitor Picks
Here are my three top suggestions fitting the above targets:
LG 32QN55T-B – $250
- 31.5" QHD Screen
- sRGB 99% Color Gamut
- 75Hz Refresh Rate
- 2 HDMI / DisplayPort
- VESA HDR 400
LG‘s 32QN55T-B couples a sharp 1440p resolution with a gorgeously vibrant 31.5" IPS panel. Generous connectivity and HDR round out an ideal prosumer solution costing far less than comparable monitors did just a couple years back.
BenQ PD2725U – $600
- 27" 4K UHD IPS
- 100% Rec 709, sRGB DCI-P3
- Thunderbolt 3 Connectivity
- Hotkey Puck Included
- 16:9 Aspect Ratio
BenQ‘s PD2725U raises precision editing capabilities with uncompromised 3840 x 2160 resolution across a color-accurate 27" IPS display. The integrated Hotkey Puck and Thunderbolt 3 support seals the deal delivering stunning fidelity.
Dell UltraSharp U2720Q – $730
- 27" 4K Display
- 90% DCI-P3 Wide Gamut
- USB Hub & KVM Switch
- Anti-Glare & Low Haze
- Tilt/Swivel Adjustment
The U2720Q UltraSharp builds on Dell‘s pedigree crafting exceptional prosumer solutions. You get the expansive workspace of 4K alongside top-tier color handling. Then robust adjustability, USB flexibility and a KVM switch simplifies multi-system handling.
I can personally vouch for the U2720Q monitor‘s sublime imaging paired with Dell‘s sterling construction and support. For intensive video editing and post-production, this remains a workhorse suited for big results but more palatable pricing than specialty displays demand.
Gaming Focused Monitors Differ
Of course IPS continues seeing broader adoption spanning general desktop usage too. But when choosing monitors prioritizing PC gaming, priorities shift towards lightning fast response and smoothness rather than color correctness alone:
- Resolution – 1080p or 1440p ideal
- Refresh Rate – 144Hz, 165Hz, 240Hz+
- Response Times – 1ms desired
- Variable Refresh – AMD FreeSync / Nvidia GSync
- Curve – Match viewing distance
Because gameplay relies on fluidity and precision reaction much more than editing software tools, these gaming-centric traits counteract weapon trailing and input lag.
Even playing titles casually, the sweeping vistas rendered stutter-free immerse you more fully and comfortably in elaborate fantasy worlds or intricate sci-fi tech.
I therefore usually suggest TN and VA rather than IPS panels when equipping desktops primarily running the latest shooters and RPGs. That noted, many IPS manufacturers like LG now implement overdrive effectively achieving quick 1ms responses rivaling TN while still upholding superior color handling.
Ultimately you won‘t go wrong complementing your powerful RTX graphics card with any 1440p, high refresh, 1ms spec monitor within budget. But benchmarking tests marginally favor non-IPS displays given closely contested pricing these days.
Most Shoppers Fine with 1080p IPS
For everyday usage whether working, viewing multimedia or browsing, mainstream Full HD 1080p strikes an outstanding cost-to-quality ratio matched with IPS panel improvements:
Ideal 1080p IPS Monitor
- 23" – 30" Screen
- At least 99% sRGB Gamut
- 16.7 Million Color Depth
- 75Hz – 144Hz Refresh Rates
- Under 9ms Response Times
- Tilt/Swivel Adjustability
- $150 – $300 Budget
Checking these criteria when selecting an IPS monitor ensures you receive stunning color presentation and clarity missing on aged TN panels for very little money.
Unless you‘re scrutinizing IMAX-level details inches from the screen, 1080p keeps looking fantastic especially in screen sizes under 30". And off-angle viewing absent washout or distortion only sweetens the deal.
Closing Advice
I hope mapping out what sets contemporary 1080p and IPS technologies apart gives you renewed insight finding your perfect monitor. Remember, FHD denotes the 1920 x 1080 resolution while IPS indicates LCD panels designed for impressive viewing angles and color handling.
While high-intensity gaming still favors lightning quick TN displays, IPS innovation continues closing the gap because image integrity matters across nearly all computing. 4K UHD and 120Hz+ enjoyments also gain momentum as the future unfolds.
But don‘t underestimate good old Full HD either. Over 2 million pixels still keeps pixels indistinguishably dense for everyday productivity and entertainment without extra costs.
Whatever your key applications, offering this guidance stemming from hands-on expertise assists your display shopping. Don‘t hesitate contacting me for personalized recommendations best answering your needs. Here‘s to many happy years enjoying your tailored monitor!
