April's New Phone Screen Technology Deep Dive: LTPS, LTPO, and LIPO Explained

April's New Phone Screen Technology Deep Dive: LTPS, LTPO, and LIPO ExplainedConsumers often focus on resolution (1080p, 1.5K, 2K), refresh rate (60Hz, 120Hz), screen brightness, and bezel width

April's New Phone Screen Technology Deep Dive: LTPS, LTPO, and LIPO Explained

With the wave of new phone releases in April, major manufacturers are showcasing their latest innovations, with screen technology taking center stage. Small screens, straight edges, and ultra-narrow bezels are trending this year. However, manufacturers frequently use technical terms like LTPS, LTPO, and LIPO, leaving many consumers confused. This article will delve into these "L" prefixed screen technologies, explaining their meanings and impact on user experience, focusing on April's upcoming releases.

I. April's Upcoming Phone Releases

April will see a surge of new phone launches, with Xiaomi, OPPO, vivo, and others planning new product releases. Among the most anticipated are the OPPO Find X8 Ultra and vivo X200 Ultra, flagship models emphasizing imaging capabilities. OPPO Find X8 Ultra's pre-release information is abundant, highlighting its return to an ultra-narrow bezel straight screen for its flagship imaging device; the bezel is significantly narrower compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Beyond the imaging flagships, OPPO will also launch the Find X8s series of "smaller-screen" flagships and the OnePlus 13T. Similarly, mid-range models with large batteries, such as the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro and iQOO Z10 series, are also on the horizon.

Consumers often focus on resolution (1080p, 1.5K, 2K), refresh rate (60Hz, 120Hz), screen brightness, and bezel width. However, LTPS, LTPO, and LIPO are relatively abstract, so this article will provide a detailed analysis of these three technologies.

II. LTPS Technology: Now a Standard

LTPS (Low-Temperature Poly-Silicon) is a key technology for TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) screens. Compared to traditional amorphous silicon (a-Si) technology, LTPS deposits polysilicon films at low temperatures, creating a more regular crystal structure. This process significantly improves screen pixel density and response speed, resulting in a smoother, more refined display.

In 2025, LTPS technology is mature and has become a standard for both LCD and OLED screens. Unless a manufacturer specifically highlights the use of other technologies, it can be assumed that the screen uses LTPS.

Previously, IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide) technology, spearheaded by Sharp, received considerable attention. IGZO is a channel layer material in TFT technology, belonging to metal oxide (Oxide) panel technology. IGZO panels can stop refreshing while displaying static images, maintaining the image with significantly lower power consumption, similar to OLED screens. IGZO technology can also be applied to OLED screens. For example, the Sharp AQUOS R6, released in 2021, featured a one-inch Leica lens and a Pro IGZO OLED screen supporting a variable refresh rate of 1-240Hz.

III. LTPO Technology: The Foundation for Variable Refresh Rates

LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology combines the high electron mobility of LTPS with the low power consumption of IGZO. It incorporates oxide components into polysilicon technology, allowing for high image quality and intelligent variable refresh rate functionality. Depending on the displayed content, LTPO screens automatically adjust the refresh rate, ensuring a smooth experience while significantly reducing power consumption.

The world's first device to use an LTPO screen was not a phone, but the Apple Watch Series 5 released in 2019, supporting a 1-60Hz variable refresh rate. Apple utilized its 1Hz refresh rate to enable the Always-On Display (AOD) function. In 2020, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra became the first phone to use an LTPO screen. Apple began using LTPO screens in its iPhones starting with the iPhone 13 Pro series in 2021, enabling high refresh rates.

By 2025, LTPO screens are no longer exclusive to flagship phones; some mid-range phones priced under $2000, such as the Realme Neo7 SE (starting at $1799), also utilize this technology.

IV. LIPO Technology: The Key to Ultra-Narrow Bezels

Unlike LTPS and LTPO, LIPO (Low-Injection Pressure Overmolding) is not a display technology but a screen packaging technology.

The 2023 iPhone 15 Pro used LIPO screen packaging technology, reducing the screen bezel width from 2.2mm in the previous generation to 1.5mm. LIPO uses polymer materials for liquid encapsulation, which then hardens, creating a tight bond between the polymer, display, and phone frame, reducing bezel width while protecting the screen wiring.

Apple first used LIPO technology in the 2021 Apple Watch Series 7. In 2025, Android flagship models like the Xiaomi 15 and OPPO Find X8 also employ this technology, enabling ultra-narrow bezel straight screens with equal bezels on all four sides, marking the end of the "massive bezel" era.

With the popularity of ultra-narrow bezel, straight-edged phones with equal bezels on all four sides, LIPO technology will be increasingly mentioned by manufacturers.

Conclusion

This analysis provides a deeper understanding of LTPS, LTPO, and LIPO screen technologies. We hope this helps you choose your ideal phone during April's new phone release wave.