Samsung vs AUO screens: Differences?

I've been reading posts that Samsung screens are being replaced with AUO screens when the hinges are replaced: so what's the differences between the two?

 

I have two AUO's (sigh), but my understanding is the AUO has a distinct blue shift, and tends to look a bit more washed out on average than the Samsung, which has a warm (red) shift a bit. Blacks are supposed to be better on the Samsung as well. It's key to remember that even within a line there can be variation; the AUO on my R1 is distinctly better looking to my eye than the R2 no matter how I tune it out; in theory one could get an AUO that looks better than a bad Samsung. I was REALLY hoping for a Samsung on my R2... couldn't believe it was another AUO.

 

Boat loads of threads on this already. Boats. Loaded with discussion.

Here's a recent one. http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/537052-concensus-m11x-lcd-displays-samsung-vs-lg-vs-auo.html

 

The AUO has been tested to be of higher quality than the Samsung, and since no owners have seen both displays side-by-side and reported on the differences, it may actually be a good thing if Alienware only uses AUO panels in the replacements. The Samsung display was measured to be significantly worse in terms of contrast and black levels, so it would be nice to see more consistency.

 

A Samsung panel was measured. A couple of AUO panels have been measured. I really don't think it's a sound reasoning to draw any conclusions from such a minuscule sample.

 

Agh, my memory of that thread was reversed, now I feel better about having the AUO screens, though I was hoping to compare them. The blacks are so washed out on my AUO screens even after tweaking that I can't imagine what the Samsung looks like.

Sounds like the functional assessment is overall that the screens in general are nothing to write home about.

 

I had AUO before hinges replacement. AUO had narrow view angle and the color is colder.
SamSung had a better view angle but the color is too warm for me.

 

AUO has made several versions of the 11.6 panel and although the monitor ID reports AUO105C it would be interesting to see if other units have a different version, mine is noted in the screen below:

Also if it hadn't been linked before; AnandTech mention the version in their July review of the R2 and referenced some testing which looks like it was from a R1:
Alienware M11x R2: A Legend Reborn - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News

 

Really? What's your source for that? The number that the Anandtech review is providing is the AUO manufacturer ID number. That's different than the model number, which is AUO105C.

 

My source is AUO, they have made or are making the following 11.6 panels:
B116XW03 V.1 HW1A
B116XW02 V.1 HW1B
B116XW02 V.0 HW1A
B116XW02 V.0 HW0A
B116XW02 V.0
B116XW02
B116XW01 V.1
B116XW01 V.0 HW6A
B116XW01 V.0 HW1B
B116XW01 V.0 HW0A
B116XW01
AUO refers to the number as model:
AUO - TFT-LCD
Either way if I needed to order a replacement screen from a LCD supplier, I would need to use one of the above as AUO105C does't show anywhere but our device manager.

 

Awesome. Great info.

So beyond cracking open our LCD housing open and putting eyes on the panel label is there a way for us to find out which one each of us has?

 

I haven't found any software other than the screen cap of AIDA64 on my earier post that gives any additional info.

 

I believe the compatible LG screen is the LP116WH2, at the very least its connector is compatible to the AUOs posted by GadgetBoi above. I'm in the process of trying to put together a matte screen mod and i've gone ahead and ordered the LG screen above in a matte finish. (Supposedly i'm getting it in 2wks but i haven't had the best of luck with lcd suppliers in the past.) I might give the matte AUO a try too but I haven't found a supplier for those, only for the glossy.

 

Defintely feedback your results.
I have used this site in the past for close up pics and details of a LCD screen. It's hit or miss if they have a good close pic of the screen.
I wish there was a good reference of all the different screen models and specs.

Wholesale B116XW* - Buy China Wholesale B116XW* from Chinese Wholesalers | DHgate.com

 

My LCD assembly was just replaced (tech was awesome!) and I've got another AUO105C. Sorry Samsung owners, no ICC profile.

Again, if anyone in the DFW area has an SEC5441 I'll calibrate it.

 

You may have mentioned before, did they replace the whole lid for a LCD change?

 

The entire LCD assembly (lid, display panel, hinge, bezel, webcam, microphone, wlan arials, etc.). Was replaced due to permanent scratches on the plastic screen from the keyboard and hinge strip cover.

The new hinges are a lot less light than my original too. That's a bonus.

 

Amazing how AW didn't correct the keyboard-touching-display issue after their first generation showed massive issues. Really sad...

 

Okay. So I've been doing some digging. Took apart my screen assembly. (difficult to get the front clear layer off. Definitely popped a tab or two.) In summation:

- In my case the AUO105C translates into the B116XW01 V0. At least that's what the sticker on the back of the screen says.

- The LG LP116WH2 is indeed compatible with the AUO, BUT the way the inverter is calibrated for screen brightness is not. What i mean by this is that with the LG screen installed when you hit brightness up and brightness down it alternates from full brightness to full dim. No in betweens.

- Furthermore the LG screen (to my eye) has worse viewing angles than the AUO. Spec wise they should be identical but i get the impression that the LG screen is either cheaper OR that there's something about the glossy coating vs. the matte that helps view angle. I will say that when i'm staring at both screens at their respective sweet spots (point at which viewing angle is perfect) they're ridiculously hard to tell apart. Except that in one i can see my reflection.

- None of the suppliers i know carry AUOs @ 11.6" only LGs (which also leads me to believe that the LG screen is the cheaper screen) though i've been pointed in the direction of someone who might sell AUOs. I'm hoping to secure a matte AUO.

I'm thinking of leaving the matte LG in and seeing if i can get used to it, though the buggy brightness is an annoyance. (I tend to like my screens at one step below full bright) Also, i've had the glossy AUO in for the last few days without the clear outer bezel, and i'm starting to like it. I think the outer plexi layer takes away from the quality of the screen quite a bit. Once the double reflection is gone i mind the screen a lot less.

 

how do I check what screen I have

 

My receipt outlined what screen I have (or at least the page that you go to from your Dell order has shipped email):

1 9MGG7 Module,Liquid Crystal Display,11.6HDF,White Light Emitted Diode,True Life,Samsung

 

You can also check it from device manager.

Control Panel --> Device Manager --> Monitors --> Details Tab -->Hardware Ids: the AUO comes up as AUO105C and the Samsung comes up as "S" something ( i can remember exactly what the hardware code is for the samsung.)