TFT stands for thin-film transistor and is used with LCD to improve image quality over older digital display technologies. Each pixel on a TFT LCD has its own transistor on the glass itself, which offers greater control over the images and colors that it renders. 

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Since the transistors in a TFT LCD screen are so small, the technology offers the added benefit of requiring less power. However, while TFT LCDs can deliver sharp images, they also tend to offer relatively poor viewing angles. The result is that TFT LCDs look best when viewed head-on, but viewing images from the side is often difficult.

TFT LCDs are found on low-end smartphones as well as basic cell phones. The technology is also used on TVs, handheld video game systems, computer monitors, and GPS navigation systems.