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Samsung develops Super PLS; a new IPS variant

By Rasmus Larsen
10 Dec 2010

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Samsung has developed a new LCD panel technology called Super PLS. The new LCD technology is based on the popular IPS panel and the first IPS panel type from Samsung.

Samsung Super PLS panel technology

Samsung has been the largest manufacturer of high-quality LCD panels for handheld devices for some years but after Apple’s decision to incorporate IPS technology into iPhone 4, iPod, and iPad, Samsung has lost ground. Therefore Samsung has developed a new LCD panel technology based on the popular IPS panel technology. Samsung's new IPS variant is called Super PLS (plane to line switching).

Samsung Super PLS

Super PLS features the same picture characteristics as other IPS panels. This means wide viewing angles and fast response time. On the other hand IPS (and PLS) has significantly lower contrast ratios compared to the best VA based panels that Samsung and other manufacturers have used in high-end phones for years.

Samsung claims that their Super PLS outputs 10 percent higher brightness compared to LG’s IPS panels and that Super PLS has even wider viewing angles. Samsung has supported their own PVA and Super PVA panels for many years, telling consumers about the superior picture characteristics compared to the IPS technology, but the recent move into the IPS camp seems to soften Samsung’s opinion.

Samsung Super PLS

Today VA and IPS panels are used in high-end handheld devices. Cheaper phones typically incorporate inferior TN panels that are cheaper. The same types of LCD panel technologies are used in PC monitors and LCD-TVs.

Samsung plan to initiate mass production of Super PLS panels early next year. Samsung has not yet announced any phones with Super PLS or any plans to use Super PLS in larger PC monitors or LCD-TVs.