I wish it were feasible, but unfortunately, no. Despite the persistent marketing campaigns from various manufacturers proclaiming the presence of “borderless screens” or “bezel-free” displays, the truth remains that truly borderless screens are yet to materialize. Even within the realm of televisions, where the quest for this achievement has been more pronounced, the most remarkable achievement so far is a Samsung 8K OLED TV with a screen-to-body ratio of 99%. Why does this remain the case?
Across the spectrum of devices, ranging from PC monitors and TVs to laptops, tablets, and smartphones, every screen is characterized by its distinct borders. This holds true universally, with no exceptions. Manufacturers have been striving for years to minimize this common element, aiming to enhance the screen-to-body ratio and offer users a more immersive visual experience.
Why are there no borderless displays?
From our perspective, the area where borderless screens would offer the most significant advantages is in PC monitors. This is particularly relevant since many of us position multiple monitors side by side to expand our workspace. Unfortunately, even in this context, manufacturers tend to prioritize their efforts on televisions due to the higher profit margins associated with their relatively higher prices. However, let’s shift our focus to the core of the matter.
Display edges or bezels serve as the framework that encompasses the display itself, distinguishing the actual viewable screen area from the outer periphery of the device. The width of these edges can vary based on the brand and model, with some screens featuring incredibly thin edges that manufacturers market as “frameless monitors.” These edges are typically composed of plastic and complement the materials used on the rear casing of the device, providing structural support to keep the screen securely in place.
While some might assume that this structural consideration hinders the creation of truly borderless screens, the reality is quite different. Many monitors lack a traditional external frame structure, yet the screen itself continues to feature borders, akin to the black border areas in images.
In certain devices like All-in-One computers, laptops, smartphones, or tablets, the edges serve a purpose by accommodating essential components such as webcams, light sensors, speakers, microphones, and more. However, why do televisions and computer monitors still retain visible borders? This question remains at the heart of the matter.
The reality diverges from common perception, as the achievement of borderless screens was actually realized several years ago (one only needs to consider the folding or roll-up OLED screens that have garnered attention in the tech world for quite some time). However, the hurdle lies in usability:
- How does one comfortably hold a smartphone without screen borders?
- Where can components like the speaker, front camera, or light sensor be seamlessly integrated?
- On a TV, where should the remote control sensor or light sensor find their place?
In certain instances, like the remote control sensor on TVs, you may have noticed a slight protrusion at the bottom for its integration. Likewise, we’ve witnessed smartphone models with an integrated front camera that pops up when capturing a photo. Naturally, such design choices lead to a thicker device, but this concern seems less relevant for now.
Due to these usability considerations, we believe that while certain manufacturers might experiment by introducing fully borderless screens to the market, it’s unlikely to become the predominant trend. This is because, in the grand scheme of things, the disadvantages stemming from these design compromises tend to outweigh the advantages.