Excellent 4.5 out of 5  Trustpilot |   Free returns within 30 days |   Free shipping

Excellent 4.5 out of 5  Trustpilot Pay in 3 installments with no fees Free shipping Free returns within 30 days

Latest posts

See the latest posts

Blog categories

View all categories

Search the blog

Archived posts

Understanding the Different Types of Screens

Posted on: July 28, 2025

Don't know the first thing about tiles? Refabz is here to show you the way!

Whether you’re a low-key desktop PC that barely breaks a sweat, a family laptop that’s seen three generations of The Sims, or a state-of-the-art TV that’s a feast for the eyes, your screen is kind of your window (and sometimes your door!) to the digital world. But when faced with technical jargon like “IPS,” “VA,” or “OLED,” do you find yourself thinking you’d have been better off becoming a baker? Relax—we’ll break it down without talking to you like tech hipsters.

Resolution? Brightness? Colorimetry?

Honestly, choosing a monitor is (almost) like picking a dish at a restaurant: there are tons of options, but you just want something that’s a treat for the eyes. We’ll walk you through the different “types” of monitors—which you’ll find in refurbished Newand especially refurbished selections!

1. LCD-TN: The screen that gets straight to the point (and is affordable)

TN technology (no, it’s not a pair of Nikes—it stands for “Twisted Nematic”—but just remember TN if you want): it’s the king of budget-friendly options, perfect if you just want a screen that gets the job done without any frills.

✔️ Pros:

  • Really cheap: your banker is going to love you.
  • Fast response time: great if you're working on spreadsheets or doing some casual gaming.

❌ Cons:

  • The colors are a bit muted and don't quite match up as soon as you look at them from an angle (no, you're not crazy—it's the screen playing tricks on you).
  • Contrast and "charcoal gray" blacks, so to speak.

Who is it for?

Just a regular job, video calls, and a second screen that keeps productivity up.

2. LCD-VA: A More Vivid View

VA stands for Vertical Alignment (not Value Added). Here, the blacks are deep and the image has a lot of punch. 

✔️ Pros:

  • Cool colors and striking contrasts.
  • True blacks, not just dark shades of gray.

❌ Cons:

  • Viewing angles: it’s best to stay directly in front.
  • Not as responsive for very fast-paced games (so forget about eSports… or racing through an Excel spreadsheet).

Who is it for?

TV shows, movies, and beautiful images at home or in the office.

3. LCD-IPS: The Swiss Army knife

IPS is all about versatility. Want to work, create, watch, or play a little… without overthinking it? You got it.

✔️ Pros:

  • Wide viewing angles: even Aunt Simone sitting right next to me can see perfectly.
  • Accurate colors: photography, graphic design, and desktop publishing—no drama.
  • Everyday comfort, especially in large sizes.
  • Unbeatable value for money on refurbished hello, Refabz).

❌ Cons:

  • The blacks are less deep than in VA.
  • Good enough for casual gaming, but not built for hardcore gamers who are obsessed with every millisecond.

Who is it for?

Pretty much everything: work, creative projects, Netflix with roommates, and casual gaming.

4. Mini-LED LCD: The VIP section to SHINE (please turn off the lights)

Now for the high-end features: tiny LEDs on the back make the image glow, delivering blacks that are nearly perfect and blazing brightness!

✔️ Pros:

  • Very bright, even when placed in front of a picture window.
  • High-level contrast with stunning HDR.
  • Perfect in Ultra HD and on high-end devices.

❌ Cons:

  • The price serves as a reminder that this is a high-end product.
  • Almost exclusively found on premium displays, such as the latest-generation MacBook Pro.

Who is it for?

If you want the very best (and you know why you want the very best).

5. OLED: A feast for the eyes (and the colors!)

Each pixel turns on or off independently. Deep blacks, vibrant colors, and lightning-fast response times. Image professionals and demanding gamers love it.

✔️ Pros:

  • Infinite contrast, abyssal blacks, explosive colors.
  • Excellent viewing angles.
  • Fast as lightning (Ka-Chow!).

❌ Cons:

  • High prices.
  • There's a risk of screen burn-in if you leave a static image on the screen for a long time.

Who is it for?

For photography enthusiasts, avid gamers, or anyone looking to treat themselves.

So, what should we get from Refabz?

Looking for a budget PC or a second monitor? Go for the TN panel.

Looking for great contrast in TV shows and movies? Go for the VA.

Quality, versatility, and a reasonable price? IPS—the GOAT of everyday use (and we’ve got plenty of them).

Want to really shine? Go for Mini-LED or OLED if you're living your best life.

At Refabz, we focus mainly on IPS screens because they strike the perfect balance that everyone loves: reliable, durable, and attractive—and neither your bank account nor your eyes will ever thank you enough.

 

Have a question, feeling unsure, or want to compare two displays like a sommelier? Let’s talk about it without all the technical jargon.

 

Refabz – refurbished that get what you need and fit your budget (and make you and your office shine—no smoke and mirrors!)

Posted in: Tips and advice

Leave a comment

Related posts