ITA screen spec matches the lower screen from a DSi (256x192 resolution). Installed in a GBA, the center 240x160 pixels are used for a proper GBA display. IPS screens have a higher resolution and while they look great, you lose the authentic "pixel grid" look. IPS looks more like playing GBA on an emulator on a PC, and if I wanted that Id just do that.
One caveat though: out of the box the ITA will likely have some flicker, but there is a pot on the GBA mobo intended for fine-tuning voltage to the display. There's a display test rom (the "Aging" rom) that has a routine specifically for this adjustment. 5 seconds with a tiny screwdriver and no more flicker.
Either way laminated is the way to go. Screen is sealed to the glass so no lint specs, hair, etc under the glass and I wouldn't say they're "scratch proof" but almost scratch proof yeah. One more FYI: when using a Funnyplaying laminated screen, IPS or ITA, you also need to use a specific shell type that has a display cutout area that matches precisely to the bevel on the screen glass. Limits the wildass customizations you can do, but for that screen it's a no-brainer tradeoff IMHO.
GBA w/ laminated ITA I built for Christmas.
View attachment 428285