6 Types of Touchscreens in Phones, Tablets & More

Published: 9 Nov 2025

In today’s technologically advanced world, we swipe, tap, and scroll without a second thought. Have you ever wondered how your screen responds to your touch so quickly and smoothly? Whether you’re using a phone, tablet, ATM, or smart display, the magic lies in a single powerful technology: touchscreens.

Not all touchscreens are created equally. Some respond with a light tap, while others require a firm press. Some work with gloves, while others do not. If you’re looking to buy a new device or simply want to understand how your screen works, knowing the different types of touchscreens can help you make better decisions.

Curious? Let’s get started—and find out which touchscreen is right for you.

Table of Content

What is a Touchscreen?
Types of Touchscreens
How to Choose the Right Touchscreen
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Touchscreen
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions [ FAQs ]

What is a Touchscreen?

A touchscreen is a type of display that allows you to control a device without using a keyboard or mouse. It detects your finger or stylus and converts the touch into a command.

When you swipe to unlock your phone, tap an app, or zoom into a photo, you are using a touchscreen. It’s smart, quick, and simple to use.

Touchscreens can be found in a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, ATMs, and in-car systems. They operate using a variety of technologies, including pressure, electrical signals, and light sensors.

There are various types of touchscreens, and each works uniquely. Some are better suited to phones, while others work better with machines or kiosks. Knowing the difference allows you to select the best one for your needs.

Types of Touchscreens

Touchscreens are now found in a variety of everyday devices, including smartphones and kiosks. They may look similar, but their functionality varies depending on the technology used. The following is a list of the most common touchscreen types:

1. Resistive Touchscreen

When you touch the screen, this type causes two layers to press together. It responds to pressure, allowing you to use it with your finger, stylus, or even gloves. It is frequently found in ATMs and older devices. While reasonably priced and durable, it has lower touch sensitivity and display clarity.

2. Capacitive Touchscreen

Capacitive screens detect touch by measuring the electrical charge from your skin. They are highly responsive, support multi-touch, and offer bright, sharp displays.

These screens are commonly used in smartphones and tablets. However, they don’t work well with gloves—unless the gloves are touchscreen-friendly.

3. Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Touchscreen

SAW touchscreens detect touch by sending sound waves across the screen’s surface. When you touch the screen, your finger absorbs part of the wave, and the system pinpoints the exact location.

These screens offer excellent image clarity and are commonly used in public kiosks. However, they are sensitive to dust, water, and dirt, which can affect performance.

4. Infrared (IR) Touchscreen

Infrared touchscreens transmit invisible light beams across the screen’s surface. When you touch the screen, your finger interrupts the beam, allowing the system to locate the touch point. These screens are extremely durable and do not require any pressure. They are ideal for large displays, but are easily damaged by sunlight and dust.

5. Optical Imaging Touchscreen

This type detects touch with cameras or optical sensors placed around the screen. It senses the shadow or movement cast by your finger or stylus. It supports multi-touch and works with large displays. It is less expensive, but may be less accurate than other types.

6. Projected Capacitive (PCAP) Touchscreen

PCAP is an advanced type of capacitive touchscreen that can detect very light touches and support multiple touch points. It is extremely precise, fast, and can be used with thin gloves. It is commonly used in commercial or industrial-grade devices.

How to Choose the Right Touchscreen

Before buying, consider these points:

Your purpose: Is it for personal use, like a phone, or a machine at work?
Environment: Will you use it indoors or outdoors? Dusty or wet places need tougher screens.
Touch method: Would you like to use your fingers, gloves, or a pen? Choose accordingly.
Budget: Resistive is cheaper. Capacitive is smoother but costs more.
Durability: For heavy or public use, pick strong, long-lasting screens.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Touchscreen

Focusing Only on Price: Many people select the cheapest option without considering quality. A low-cost touchscreen may lag, break easily, or provide poor performance.

Choosing the Wrong Type for the Job: Not every touchscreen is designed for the same purpose. For example, using a mobile-style screen in an industrial environment can result in damage or failure.

Ignoring Compatibility: Some touchscreens are not compatible with all devices or software. Always ensure that the screen is compatible with your system before making a purchase.

Overlooking Touch Method Needs: If you need to use gloves or a stylus, not all touchscreens will respond properly to these inputs. Choose a screen type that supports your preferred input method.

Not Checking Durability for Environment: Touchscreens used outdoors or in dusty environments must be durable and weather-resistant. Purchasing a basic screen for harsh environments is a common mistake.

Skipping Warranty or Return Policy: Many users ignore the importance of a warranty. If the screen turns out to be faulty, a no-warranty policy means no easy replacement or refund.

Conclusion

We hope this article was useful and easy to understand. We’ve explained what a touchscreen is, looked at different types of touchscreens, and provided helpful tips to help you choose the best one.

If you were once confused about touchscreens, we’re confident that this guide has answered most of your questions. And if you decide to buy one, you’ll know what to look for and how to avoid common mistakes.

How did you like this article?

Please share your thoughts—or leave your questions in the comments. We’d love to help you even more!

Frequently Asked Questions [ FAQs ]

How many types of touchscreens are there?

Touch screens come in various types, including resistive, capacitive, infrared, and multi-touch. Resistive touch screens use pressure to detect touch, whereas capacitive touch screens use electrical charges to detect touch.

Is OLED a touch screen?

The OLED touch display is commonly used in wearable devices, medical devices, smart home devices, intelligent technology devices, meters, and industrial control panels.

Which type of touchscreen is used in smartphones?

Most smartphones use capacitive or projected capacitive (PCAP) touchscreens because they are fast, smooth, and support multi-touch.

Can I use a touchscreen with gloves?

Yes, but not every type. Resistive touchscreens work with gloves, whereas capacitive touchscreens require special touchscreen gloves.

Are iPhone screens OLED?

Beginning with the iPhone X, Apple started to use OLED in its higher-end iPhones. OLED screens are found on the iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max, as well as the iPhones 12 through 15.