In today's diversified electronic product designs, the 3.5 inch TFT LCD Display has become one of the preferred display solutions for numerous products due to its moderate size and excellent display effect. However, when faced with different resolutions and application requirements, how to reasonably select the appropriate 3.5 inch TFT LCD screen has become an important issue for engineers. Here we will provide some suggestions for selecting 3.5-inch TFT LCD Display from the perspectives of core features and resolution specifications.

Features of 3.5 inch TFT LCD Display

• Moderate Size:

The physical size of the 3.5 inch TFT LCD screen is approximately 88.9mm, and the corresponding A.A size(Active Area) neither occupies too much device space nor lacks sufficient display area, making it suitable for portable devices.

• Multi-resolution Support:

Despite its small size, the 3.5-inch TFT LCD supports multiple resolutions, such as 320×240, 480×800, etc. High resolutions enable more detailed image displays.

• Wide Viewing Angle:

Based on advanced TN and IPS TFT technologies, the 3.5-inch TFT LCD offers various viewing angle options such as 6:00 o' clock, 12:00 o' clock, and full viewing angle, ensuring that users can enjoy the best visual experience in different application scenarios.

• Compatible Interface:

Common interfaces such as RGB, SPI, MIPI, MCU, etc., are compatible with various main control chips, facilitating embedded system design.

Resolution Specifications and Application Scenarios

The resolution range of 3.5 inch TFT LCD displays include 320×240, 320×480, 640×480, and 480×800.  Displays with different resolutions are suitable for different application scenarios:

3.5 inch TFT of 320×240 (QVGA)

• eg:  Model#FT-03510.
• Features:  Primarily landscape orientation, supports 6-point, 12-point, and full-viewing angle options. Portrait mode is less common.
• Applications: Suitable for simple display needs and cost-sensitive applications, such as thermometers, timers, and other small display devices.

3.5 inch TFT of 320×480 (HVGA)

• eg:  Model#FT-03576, #FT-03583.
• Features:  Most in portrait mode, with increased vertical display area compared to QVGA, suitable for displaying more text or graphical content while maintaining high clarity.
• Applications:  Suitable for medium-sized applications that require vertical display, such as e-readers and some automotive devices.

3.5 inch TFT of 640×480 (VGA)

• eg:  model#FT-03538.
• Features:  Significantly improved resolution, delicate display, capable of clearly showing complex images and data.
• Applications:  Suitable for applications that require high display quality and precision, such as measurement instruments and medical devices.

3.5 inch TFT of 480×800 (WVGA)

• Features:  Portrait mode, full viewing angle. Supports a higher aspect ratio and resolution, suitable for displaying content-rich interfaces while maintaining high clarity.
• Applications:  Suitable for applications that require vertical display and contain a lot of content, such as specific automotive devices and security monitoring.

Other Suggestions

When purchasing 3.5 inch TFT LCD displays, in addition to considering resolution, it is suggested to comprehensively consider the following factors:

TFT Panel Type: 

TN type TFT panels typically support viewing direction of 6:00 or 12:00, with a contrast ratio of 500:1, suitable for general applications. 

IPS or ADS TFT technology offer more realistic color reproduction, wider viewing angles, and higher contrast ratios, suitable for applications that require high image quality.

Brightness Selection: 

Choose the display surface brightness based on the lighting conditions of the use environment. In bright lit environments, high brightness  ensure clear visibility of content, but cost considerations should be noted.

Interface Matching:

Choose a fit 3.5 inch TFT LCD Module that matches the device's main control chip interface to avoid unnecessary conversion circuit design. 

Different resolutions are compatible with different interfaces, such as SPI for 320×240, Parallel interface for 330x480, while MIPI is recommended for 640×480 and 480×800.

Reliability Considerations: 

Based on the application condition, choose displays with stronger durability, such as those with iron frame designs, wide temperature ranges, and stainless steel materials. In harsh environments, prioritize screens with high dust and waterproof ratings.

In summary, 3.5 inch TFT LCD displays are favored due to their moderate size, clear display effect, and wide range of applications. When purchasing, you should consider factors such as resolution, screen material, brightness, and durability based on specific application scenarios and requirements to achieve a perfect balance between display effect and cost-effectiveness and make the wisest choice.