With the introduction of new technology in the display, LCDs became popular and multi-purpose as it was used in monitors, laptops, TV, cell phones, and various other places.
LCD has two different panels of display that are IPS and WVA. The most popular manufacturing company is Dell.
Key Takeaways
- Dell IPS (In-Plane Switching) monitors offer better color accuracy and wider viewing angles than WVA (Wide Viewing Angle) monitors.
- Dell WVA monitors have slightly faster response times than IPS monitors.
- IPS monitors cost more than WVA monitors due to their superior color reproduction and viewing angles.
Dell IPS vs Dell WVA
The difference between Dell IPS and WVA is that Dell IPS has parallel alignment while Dell WVA has a vertical alignment type in the panels. Dell IPS panels have ‘glow’ while Dell WVA panels have higher black levels, lower backlight bleed, and less glow. Dell launched IPS technology way before it launched the WVA technology in its panels.
The Dell IPS panels were first launched in the year 1993. The earlier models with IPS technology were slower and had fewer features. The color output is of superior quality.
The Dell IPS models are best for users ready to splurge some extra bucks and want top-notch displays.
While Dell WVA panels were first launched in the year 2005, the color output is of comparatively lower quality than IPS. The Dell WVA models are best for customers who want superior display quality under the affordable section.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Dell IPS | Dell WVA |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | In-plane switching | Wide Viewing Angle |
| Year of launch | The Dell IPS panels were first launched in 1993 | The Dell WVA panels were first launched in 2005 |
| Alignment type | Parallel alignment and rotatory | Vertical alignment and tilt |
| Shift in contrast or color | The color or contrast shift from any angle is better and superior | The color or contrast shift from any angle is comparatively lower than IPS |
| Contrast ratio | The contrast ratio of the Dell IPS panel starts from 700: 1 to 1500: 1 | The contrast ratio of the Dell WVA panel starts from 2000: 1 to 4500: 1 |
What is Dell IPS?
The full form of IPS is In-Plane Switching. It is just like other LCD monitors. It operates on voltage which controls the liquid crystals and their alignment.
The name in-plane is derived from the orientation of the liquid crystals inside the monitor. The crystals are placed parallel to the substrates of the glass.
Conventionally, the liquid crystals are twisted, allowing the maximum of light to pass through. However, IPS follows a manner in which the crystals are rotated.
This allows and modifies eyes the amount of light and offers other benefits. The screen resolution is around 165 Hz. The panels have a high response or reaction rate.
The Dell panels of IPS have middle-ground technology. The panels are known for their best color performance and excellent view from various angles.
The panels provide top-end color output. Hence it is widely used for professional work which involves an excellent color gamut.
The Dell panels with IPS technology offer a moderate contrast ratio. The ratio starts from the range of 700: 1 to 1500: 1, depending upon the model type of the parent company Dell.
The Dell monitors with IPS technology have the technology mentioned in its products as the technology has various features, and the customers make a choice based on the technology.
What is Dell WVA?
Dell WVA stands for Wide Viewing Angle. The manufacturing company launched the WVA technology in its panels in the year 2005.
The color gamut coverage offered in Dell WVA panels is about 125% sRGB. The screen resolution is around 250 Hz in most models with WVA technology.
The viewing angle provided in WVA panels is wide. However, users experience a drop in the quality of pictures while viewing from different angles. It caters to a higher contrast ratio.
The Dell panels have a range of contrast ratio which starts from 2000:1 to 4500:1. The contrast ratio is about three times better and superior to the panels of Dell IPS.
Polarised light can pass through the cells that lie in a perpendicular direction to the initial blocks of light. Such a process can create a black state and result in no display.
Upon application of electric current, the cells align horizontally, allowing the light. This allows the picture to display on the panel. Dell WVA panels have a superior black uniformity provision.
Dell WVA panels have a lower color range comparatively. The response time is also slower. The rate of response lies in the range of 4 to 8 ms depending upon the parent company’s model.
WVA panels would provide a moderate experience while gaming. The Dell WVA panels are best for customers on a tight budget and looking for affordable options.
Main Differences Between Dell IPS and Dell WVA
- The Dell IPS panels are suited for color-critical professional work, while the Dell WVA panels are not well suited for color-critical professional work.
- Dell IPS panels’ lower range of contrast ratio starts from 700:1 or 900:1, while the lower range of contrast ratio of Dell WVA panels starts from 2000:1.
- The Dell IPS panels have a bit range of 6 to 10, while the Dell WVA panels have a bit range of 8 to 10.
- The Dell IPS panels provide 95% sRGB gamut coverage or less, while the Dell WVA panels provide around 125% sRGB gamut coverage.
- The reaction rate of Dell IPS panels is 3 to 7 ms, while the reaction rate of Dell WVA panels is 4 to 8 ms.
- The panels of Dell IPS offer around 165 Hz, while the panels of Dell WVA offer around 240 Hz.
Last Updated : 13 June, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
I see your point, however, the article does highlight both the positives and negatives of both technologies.
It’s incredible how this technology has evolved over the years. Thanks for providing such valuable information.
I feel like this is a Dell infomercial disguised as an article. Hard to take it seriously.
Finally, an article that breaks down the differences in an easy-to-understand manner.
I’m inclined to disagree. While the content is interesting, the tone seems a little too biased towards Dell.
I found the tone pretty comical, but the information is fantastic and very useful.
The author of this article seems to have a very deep understanding of this topic. Impressive work.
To think this has come a long way since it was launched. An incredible article.
This article is informative and very detailed. Great work!
This is just what I needed to make an informed decision on which panel to choose. Thank you for the clear comparison.
I couldn’t agree more. This is an excellent piece of writing.
I found this article to be too biased towards Dell