MIP vs TFT: Which Display Technology Is Right For Low Power Applications?

If you’re designing a device that runs on battery power, like a wearable, handheld tool, or a smart sensor, every milliwatt counts. That’s why one of the most common questions we hear is:

“Should I use an MIP display or a TFT display for my low-power device?”

The short answer?

It depends on what you need to display on your device.

Let’s dive in and sort through the differences between MIP and TFT display technologies.

What Is MIP Display Technology?

MIP stands for Memory-in-Pixel. Each pixel in the display contains a small amount of memory that stores its own image data. This means that once a pixel is updated, it can maintain its state without additional power, unless the image changes. The result is that MIP displays consume little power when showing static content. The system only consumes energy to refresh the pixels that change, making the MIP ideal for devices that need to display basic graphics that don’t update frequently.

What are some of the key features of MIP displays?

• The typical dynamic power consumption is a little under 10-20 mW
• Only the pixels that change require energy
• No backlight is needed, which means better outdoor visibility
• Ideal for long-lasting devices.

When are MIP displays commonly used?

• Wearables
• Industrial sensors
• Military communication radios
• Field medic devices
• Smart badges
• Bike speedometer and GPS navigator 

 

What Is TFT Display Technology?

TFT stands for Thin-Film Transistor, and it’s one of the most common types of LCDs used in today’s electronic devices, especially color displays.

TFT uses an active-matrix control system, which means that each pixel is controlled by one or more transistors that switch the pixel on and off very quickly.

However, TFTs do rely on LED backlighting, which provides vibrant color and fast refresh rates, but requires more power. However, there are some low-power variants of TFT, such as the use of transflective layers to reflect ambient light and reduce the need for backlighting.

TFT displays are popular because they offer sharp image quality, full color, and fast response times, making them ideal for dynamic content such as graphs, menus, and video feeds.

What are some of the key features of TFT displays?

• Great for video or rich, dynamic Uls
• Ideal for text clarity and detailed graphics
• Works well indoors and in low-light environments
• Requires high power, usually around 100-200 mW, with the backlighting accounting for approximately 80% of usage.

Where are TFT displays commonly used?

• Medical devices
• Control panels
• Handheld instruments
• Consumer electronics
• Industrial displays
• Instrument panels
• Home automation

Which Display Technology is Better for Low-Power Applications?

 

When Is MIP The Right Display For Me?

If your device will display mostly static content and needs to run for days, weeks, or months on a small battery, MIP is your best choice.

For example, the best low-power display for wearable sensors is MIP.

Bottom line: MIP displays are perfect for minimal interfaces, status screens, and devices that prioritize power savings over graphic intensity.

When Should I Choose TFT?

The best LCD for handheld diagnostic tools is the TFT, so if you’re creating diagnostic tools or medical devices, you’ll want to go with a TFT display.

Applications that involve

• frequent updates
• bright colorful visuals
• touch interaction
• video or animation

work best with a TFT display. The user experience will be enhanced, even though there might be some tradeoff in energy consumption.

Bottom Line: MIP vs. TFT: Which Display Technology is Right for Low-Power Applications?

The right display technology for your low-power product depends on your priorities. Is battery life a priority, display performance, or both?

To recap:

MIP displays are ideal when power efficiency is critical and the content stays relatively static. For example, always-on screens, wearables, or devices that spend most of their time in standby mode.

TFT displays are a better fit when your product needs full color, frequent updates, or interactive visuals. They use more power, but the trade-off is faster performance and a richer interface.

At All Shore Industries, we work closely with OEMs across a wide range of industries to source and support both MIP and TFT display technologies. In some cases, we’ve delivered custom solutions, like integrating a backlight into a MIP display so it’s readable with night vision goggles. For customers who need visibility in both bright sunlight and total darkness, we’ve provided transflective displays, tailored for handheld meters and special communication devices.

If you’re weighing your options, our team can help guide you through the trade-offs and find the right fit for your product design.

Contact us or visit our products page for more information.