COB VS SMD LED Display Technology: Which is Better?

In the present age of tech developments, we can’t ignore the profound influence of LED technology. The evolutionary potential of smart display solutions is creating a compelling impact everywhere, from retail to the education sector. There are limitless choices for us when it comes to LED displays. And you know what? It’s something truly impressive. Having so many options means we can find exactly what we need. Among these options, COB with SMD display technology is the preferred choice. Continue reading to explore which one wins the COB VS SMD LED battle.

Basics of Chip-On-Board ( COB) vs SMD LED Technology


COB is an innovative display technology with LED chips placed directly onto the PCB. This kind of arrangement minimizes the chip space. Hence, it ensures better brightness with heat rejection. COB LED visual solutions are a go-to choice if you want exceptional viewing with flawless performance.

SMD Technology: A Short Overview

On the other hand, in SMD display systems, electric components are mounted on a PCB ( Printed Circuit Board) on a rectangular flat platform. Moreover, these LEDs incorporate three primary colors, ie, RGB ( red, green, blue), resulting in effortless color adjustment. Compared to COB, these are less bright. 

Since each chip contains only one LED, any damage to the LED doesn’t affect the whole panel. In addition, you can replace them easily in case of any wear & tear.

Comparison of COB VS SMD LED Display Solutions

Look at the factors below to understand the advantages of COB LEDs over Surface-Mounted Device (SMD) LED display technology:

High-level Contrast with Efficacy: COB uses multiple LEDs within a single unit. As a result, you get better illumination even at less wattage. With a high contrast ratio, these displays make visuals look sharp or real. On the contrary, SMD LED screens offer satisfactory brightness but lower contrast, making colors look plain.

Stronger Protection from Excess Heat: With the tight chip arrangement, COBs resist heat better, ensuring an extended life. Whereas SMD LED display units produce more amount of heat, which gives rise to the need for additional cooling devices.

Durable Compact Design: COB LED panel displays are a lasting solution with a tiny design. Space-saving structure decreases the risk of frequent damage. Opposite to that, SMD displays are at risk of damage with time due to several solder points.
Installation is Easy: COB LED displays are favored over SMD ones for their minimal maintenance, including trouble-free installation.

FeaturesCOB LED DisplaySMD LED Display
Beam AngleUp to 180 DegreesUp to 120 Degrees
Brightness80-250 lumen per  watt50-100 lumen per watt
Energy EfficiencyMore efficientLess efficient
Heat TemperatureLessMore
Light OutputSurface LightPoint Light
RepairDifficultEasy
Cost-Effectiveness ExpensiveLess Expensive
Life SpanUp to 100,000 hoursUp to 100,000 hours

Study the table above to find the best product that suits your display needs.

Usability

Having discussed the advantages, let’s talk about the application areas of both LED display inventions. COBs are a run-after option for indoor environments like corporate halls, auditoriums, retail stores & shopping malls. 
In contrast, SMD LED screens are ideal for outdoor settings. They are widely used as billboards, signage, outdoor event displays, etc.

Conclusion

In summary, both technologies have their positives in terms of energy efficiency, including cost-effectiveness. COB is great for indoor applications with high brightness. However, SMD displays are suitable for outdoor environments. 

Jona LED deals in both LED technologies with a pixel range of 0.4 to 2.5mm. Our fixed outdoor products ( JD, JI series), Rental ( Norah with Platinum series), and Fixed Indoor (NX plus, NX series) use SMD technology. Furthermore, we have fine-pixel displays under the COB series. Step into a brilliant visual experience with our LED screen solutions built to deliver excellence.