What is a reflective display?

A reflective display is a type of electronic display technology that relies on ambient light to create visible images, rather than using a backlight like traditional LCD screens. Here are some key points about reflective displays:

1. Light reflection: 

These displays work by reflecting ambient light off their surface, similar to how paper reflects light to make text and images visible.

2. Energy efficiency: 

Since they don't require a backlight, reflective displays are very energy-efficient, consuming power only when the image changes.

3. Readability in bright light: 

They perform well in bright environments, including direct sunlight, where traditional backlit displays often struggle.

4. E-paper: 

The most common type of reflective display is electronic paper (e-paper or e-ink), used in e-readers like Amazon Kindle.

5. Limited color: 

Many reflective displays are monochrome, though color versions exist, they often have limited color range compared to backlit displays.

6. Slower refresh rates: 

They typically have slower refresh rates compared to LCD or OLED screens, making them less suitable for video or fast-moving content.

7. Applications: 

Besides e-readers, reflective displays are used in smartwatches, outdoor signage, and some mobile devices.

8. Reduced eye strain: 

The lack of emitted light can reduce eye strain during extended reading sessions.

Reflective displays offer unique advantages in specific use cases, particularly where power efficiency and outdoor readability are priorities.