Since white offers higher contrast in mid-sized LEDs than other colors, applications using white LEDs have increased dramatically. In some applications, white LEDs have made it possible to replace traditional CCFL backlighting applications from desk-top phones to exercise equipment to gas pumps displays.

In one desk-top phone application, the LCD is backlit using a single high-brightness green LED which is powered from the incoming phone signal. In this display, 2.5 mA total current is required to light a viewing area of about 3 square inches.