What is the difference between CRT and LCD?
CRT is an abbreviation of Cathode Ray Tube while LCD is an abbreviation for the Liquid Crystal Display area kind of display on a PC monitor.
The article provides a detailed insight into the difference between CRT and LCD display type of PC monitors. Take time to read through to get awareness.

CRT Definition
CRT is a PC monitor that uses a cathode ray tube to display and it is normally large as well as a sealed glass tube.
It helps to produce images when a sharp beam of ray which is highly focused hit the phosphor screen which is located at the front end of the screen.
CRT was previously used in TV sets and early computers. However, their usage keeps on diminishing due to modern inventions.
Features of CRT PC Monitors
- Has an evacuated glass
- The electron gun is responsible for the production of electron beams at the rear end which is directed to the screen.
- Phosphor is a substance coated in the inner side of the screen to receive beams of electrons.
- Has a control grip for regulating beam of electrons before hitting the screen
- Control grip also control the intensity of the spot on the screen
LCD Definition
LCD is a monitor that uses liquid crystal display to produce sharp and flicker-free images. These monitors tend to have small footprints.
They are available in different sizes and they are widely used in the modern days when compared to the CRT monitors.
Features of LCD Monitors
- Consume less power
- Has a flat screen
- Tend to be light, compact and thin
- Has higher resolution
- Uses liquid crystal to form images
Comparison Chart: CRT vs LCD
Basic Terms | CRT | LCD |
Abbreviation | Cathode Ray Tube. | Liquid Crystal Display. |
Energy Consumption | More power consumption. | Less power consumption. |
Cost | Quite affordable | Quite expensive |
Speed | Faster in response time | Slower in response time |
Size | Larger in size | Smaller in size |
Image confinement | No image confinement | Good image confinement |
Resolution | Has a low resolution | Has a higher resolution |
The core mechanism of forming an image | Beams of electron striking phosphor screen | It is done by liquid crystals |
Weights | Heavyweight | Lightweight |
Image flickering | Occur frequently | Occur only during dim light |
Major components | Vacuum glass tube, phosphor screen, electron gun, deflection plates. | Glass plates, nematic liquid crystal, internal light source. |
Affected By | External magnetic fields | Extreme temperature |
Core Differences Between CRT and LCD In Point Form
- CRT stands for Cathode Ray Tube while LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display.
- CRT tends to consume more power whereas LCD consumes less power
- CRT monitors are quite affordable while LCD monitors are expensive
- CRT is quite faster in response when compared to LCD
- CRT is larger and bigger in size while LCD is smaller in size
- CRT has no image confinement while LCD has image confinement.
- CRT has a lower resolution while LCD has a higher resolution power.
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Comparison Video
Conclusion on CRT Vs LCD
Although LCD and CRT tend to be quite different, they have their own advantages and disadvantages.
LCD monitors are modern discovery and they meant to replace CRT which are the older versions of monitors.
The core difference between CRT and LCD is the resolution power where LCD has a higher resolution as compared to CRT.
More Sources and References
- How Computer Monitors Work. HowStuffWorks
- LCD and CRT. Wikipedia