- Table of Contents
- Intro
- When It Matters
- Our Tests
- Additional Information
- Additional Info
- Conclusion
- Comments
Text clarity is sometimes overlooked when purchasing a monitor since we often focus on how well it performs for gaming or in a bright room. Since essentially all online content has some form of text, it's important for text to be clear and comfortable to read. Aside from resolution and pixel density, text clarity is somewhat subjective, and two people may evaluate the same monitor differently. To minimize this variation, we evaluate text clarity using specific criteria and processes. We judge text clarity under normal viewing conditions, as well as using a close-up photo, and we look at how well it handles subpixel rendering techniques like Windows ClearType.
Test results
When It Matters
Much of what we look at on monitors is text, so text clarity matters most of the time you're using a monitor. Windows has a special rendering system called ClearType to enhance text clarity, but this only works when it directly renders text itself. For example, the text in most web browsers is rendered by Windows, so it can be sharpened through ClearType. However, if you're looking at text that's part of an image, ClearType isn't used, as the picture contains pre-rendered text. Monitors with high text clarity scores display sharp text in either situation.
Our Tests
Since text clarity is a subjective test, we try to minimize the variables involved. We use one computer with Windows 10, followed by another running Windows 11, connected to the monitor being tested. The brightness is set to 100 nits using a checkerboard pattern as our reference, and we leave most settings at their default values, such as sharpness, resolution, and scaling. We use black text on a white background with Windows' dark mode off. Photos are taken with and without ClearType enabled, which are then subjectively scored.
Text Clarity
When scoring for text clarity, we look at several factors. First, we judge the legibility of the text subjectively; the easier it is to read, the higher it scores. Then, we compare it to other monitors of the same size and resolution we've tested and adjust the score accordingly. We also subjectively examine how ClearType affects text clarity, as it doesn't always behave the same depending on the panel type and subpixel layout. Finally, we also consider how a screen's coating affects text clarity. We take photos in both Windows 10 and Windows 11, but text only looks notably different between the two when ClearType is off.
ClearType On
Windows users can access ClearType, which optimizes text to take advantage of the subpixel structure to allow for clearer fonts, especially when displaying diagonals or curved areas. Generally speaking, ClearType does a fairly good job at sharpening text, particularly on lower-resolution displays. Still, it can also make the edges of a letter look more blurry, somewhat like an anti-aliasing effect, a process that softens jagged edges in games.
We'll first look at text with a standard RGB subpixel arrangement. In this photo, look at how well-defined the letters are, especially diagonal lines like the ones on the 'R' and 'N' in the photo of the Dell G2724D. We take a photo with ClearType on with Windows 10 for every monitor review and include a link to a photo with ClearType on with Windows 11 as well. When ClearType is on, lettering looks very similar in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
ClearType Off
In the photo with ClearType off, look again at how defined the letters are. The diagonal line on the 'R' looks more jagged, and the diagonal line on the 'N' is almost impossible to see. Without subpixel rendering, all three subpixels at the edge of a letter are lit, creating a shadow effect and making letters like 'T' and 'I' look uneven. We take a photo with ClearType off with Windows 10 for every monitor review and include a link to an image with ClearType off with Windows 11. When ClearType is off, lettering looks notably different in Windows 10 compared to Windows 11.
Subpixel Layout
As described above, nearly all IPS, VA, and TN monitors have an RGB subpixel layout. However, some monitors have different subpixel arrangements. WOLEDs have RWBG or RGWB layouts, while QD-OLEDs have a triangular RGB subpixel layout. A few monitors even have a BGR layout. Sometimes, these different layouts don't matter, as they aren't noticeable when displaying an image. However, they can cause issues with text in some cases.
OLEDs
WOLEDs have two distinct subpixel patterns with different subpixel rendering performance. Older RWBG layouts have more fringing, while newer RGWB layouts look bolder and have less fringing. The triangular subpixel layout of QD-OLEDs looks different from both of these. You can see how the three layouts compare to each other below:
BGR
Most non-OLED monitors have an RGB subpixel layout, but a few have a BGR layout. Monitors with this layout, like the Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 1.0), have the red and blue subpixels reversed. This can negatively affect text rendering unless you properly configure ClearType. See the "Enabling and Tuning ClearType" section below for how to help mitigate this with these monitors. You can see how BGR subpixels look below:
Additional Information
Impact of Pixel Density on Text Clarity
The higher a monitor's pixel density is, the less text fringing is visible with OLEDs. Depending on how high the pixel density is, fringing may not even be visible to some people. For example, despite having a triangular subpixel layout, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G80SD S32DG80's text fringing isn't noticeable at all to some people in regular use:
If you want an OLED and are concerned about fringing, look for monitors with high pixel densities.
How To Get The Best Results
Enabling And Tuning ClearType
If you want to use ClearType to improve text clarity, type in 'ClearType' in the Windows search bar and choose the option 'Adjust ClearType text.' On the first test, where there are only two options, although it isn't clearly stated, the left choice is for monitors with an RGB subpixel layout, while the right one is for a BGR layout. You'll then be prompted to go through a multi-step tuning guide where you repeatedly select the box that looks best to you. Features like ClearType are a matter of taste, so you should adjust it to your preference. If you don't get the desired result, you can always perform the tuning again or turn it off. ClearType doesn't work across all programs, so it might not be applied everywhere, even if you tune it properly.
WOLEDs And ClearType
WOLEDs have dedicated white subpixels. As a result, if you turn ClearType off, text will only be rendered using white subpixels, provided you're looking at black text on a white background (or vice versa). This eliminates fringing, but it also decreases the boldness and clarity of letters, as you can see below with the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDP when ClearType is off:
If you want to avoid fringing and don't mind text looking less bold, you may prefer this option if you have a WOLED.
Conclusion
Text clarity is important when purchasing a monitor since most of us use a monitor for multiple purposes. Generally, the higher a monitor's pixel density, the sharper text will look, even if you don't use ClearType. However, alternative subpixel layouts can impact clarity. Running the ClearType Text Tuner can enhance the appearance of text, particularly if you have a monitor with an unusual subpixel layout. We evaluate text clarity by setting brightness to 100 nits, leaving most settings on the monitor at their default values, and subjectively scoring how clear the text is.
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Comments
Our Monitor Picture Quality Tests: Text Clarity: Main Discussion
What do you think of our article? Let us know below.
Want to learn more? Check out our complete list of articles and tests on the R&D page.
- 21010
Hey there,
So we expect the 75’‘ to perform similarly to the one we tested, so I suspect that it is likely a VA panel. However, we haven’t tested that size variant, so I really can’t say for sure. If you’re looking for a bit more certainty, it might be best to contact Hisense directly! :)
- 21010
Thanks for the information
- 32120
I have the U7G 75 inch Model, how would I go about finding out if it’s an IPS or VA panel?
- 21010
From Hisense Canada
Thank you for your inquiry. The 75U78G (and 75U68G) are confirmed AT THIS TIME, as IPS Panels.
If that changes in the future, we will update the website information to indicate. The shipments coming into Canada in September-November will be IPS.
The 55/65 of the U7s are both VA.
Thank you for contacting Hisense Canada / Merci d'avoir contacté Hisense Canada
The Hisense Team / L'équipe Hisense
Hisense Canada Co., Ltd
- 21010
so will RTINGS.COM have an updated review specifically for the 75 inch since it has a different panel?
- 21010
so will RTINGS.COM have an updated review specifically for the 75 inch since it has a different panel?
Unfortunately, Hisense has given completely contradictory information online. We’ve seen transcripts from other owners that confirm the exact opposite of what’s been posted here. At least one owner of the 75 inch has described their experience with it, and it definitely sounds like it’s a VA panel, same as the one we’ve tested.
- 21010
RTINGS.com did not intend to undercut you I love your site. I almost purchased the U7G but backed out after Hisense told me it was an IPS so I posted their response so buyers are informed to not almost make the same mistake. Its upsetting to hear Hisense gave conflicting info I would love to get a straight answer. I was previously told the Canadian panels were the same as the U.S. (essentially all the North American were the same) but maybe it is a Canadian model thing only i.e. U78G.
- 21010
I received this separately from Hisense about the U6G and U7G specifically not the U78G and U68G.
My most up to date information indicates that currently the 75” model in both the U6 and U7 are IPS panels.
Whereas the 55/65 are both VA.
Hope that helps.
- 21010
Yesterday, I placed an order for a 75" U7G, in the US, under the assumption that it is a VA panel. I just called the 888 service number and the representative could not find the answer! I have seen conflicting reports on the Internet. I think it’s best that I cancel my order and wait for the review on the upcoming r646. It’s hard to believe that a company that makes TVs can’t tell you which type it is.
- 21010
There are now pics in a review on Best Buy and it definitely looks like an IPS panel on the 75", which is a total deal breaker for most of us. The black levels and blooming are horrible, I doubt a cell phone camera could screw up a picture that bad. Also, the response from Hisense there confirms it’s an IPS panel too.
Edited 3 years ago: Forgot to mention Hisense confirmed - 21010
I was just about to post the same thing, rting should review the 75 as its own different unit, hopefully thy hear us on this as now other and Hisense have confirmed its an IPS panel for 75 inch
- 21010
I was just about to post the same thing, rting should review the 75 as its own different unit, hopefully thy hear us on this as now other and Hisense have confirmed its an IPS panel for 75 inch
Hey!
Unfortunately, it seems like there are conflicting reports from Hisense themselves, so we likely won’t be making any changes to the review until we get some more conclusive evidence (something like a pixel structure picture would be ideal). You can see these images here or here. As for reviewing the 75’‘, this like won’t be something we do anytime soon as we don’t typically review more than one size of any given TV unless there are specific exceptions or overwhelming interest (i.e. 48’‘ C1 and CX as monitors). However, I’ll share this feedback with our team and we’ll keep this in mind moving forward! :)
- 21010
I have had the 75U7G for a few days over a week now purchased from a Midwest BestBuy in the US. I am also concerned that there is no clarification if this is a IPS or VA display. The black levels actually seem to be pretty decent (although it is certainly not at the level of my OLED which is what I am use to watching) and appears to be really dependent on content. It looks best with movies and less impressive with things like fast moving live sports like football with black helmets and uniforms. The blacks are also surprisingly decent in a dark room as well as when I have the lights on. I am linking a few photos I took last night with my cell phone in a dark room. The minimal glow around the image was far more noticeable on the cell phone photo than when actually viewing the screen. The images are from a 4k HDR demo clip and a 720p clip from the movie gravity. link. I certainly do not see the level of defect as the individual who posted photos in the BestBuy review. Local dimming is set to high and I am more or less using the RT suggested settings (except I do not like warm levels). With local dimming set to off the blacks are certainly not as deep but it does not get near as gray as I have seen on some older IPS panels.
When I say things seem really content dependent, in addition to broadcast sports and the like, for example, in the linked photo which start with a white circle in the middle of the screen surrounded by black and turns into the white ring pictured, the content is demoing with and without HDR. To make its point the image initially starts out demoing HDR off and you can absolutely see a brighter black almost gray around the white circle but when the demo then shows its “difference” with HDR content the background around the white circle goes to absolute black. In that case the content is certainly forcing the lighter area to make its point. This makes me wonder how this unit is handling ordinary SDR broadcasts where colors are not perfectly mapped as this brand’s TV lineup seems to be more heavily focused on color and less on contrast/perfect black levels.
Can anyone tell from these photos if this looks more like IPS or VA panel? Is there something else content wise that anyone would want to see a photo or video of?
- 21010
I’ve had the 75U7G for a week. To me, the blooming is unbearable. I’m probably going to return it if I can decide on a replacement. It’s almost as bad as the pictures mentioned on the Best Buy review. The corners light up very often, there is a lot of flash lighting on the black bars, and many scenes seems to light up too much of the screen. I’ve never owned a TV this bright or this large so maybe I’m being overly sensitive to it. Would an IPS panel cause these issues, or could it be a bad panel or poor local dimming?
Here’s a picture of the pixels that I took with my phone. It’s not the greatest image, and I can’t tell what type of panel it is. It almost looks like Rtings VA picture, but the red and blue also seem to alternate directions on each row so maybe it’s just not zoomed in or clear enough to tell.
- 21010
UPDATE
First of all, huge shoutout to anyone who was kind of enough to send us pictures of the pixel layout. After carefully assessing them, it seems like it IS NOT VA. It looks like ADS or some other IPS related structure. We’ll update the review with this information asap!