What Is Screen Resolution?
Let’s start by defining screen resolution. Millions of pixels are used on computer screens to display images. These pixels are set up horizontally and vertically in a grid. The screen resolution is indicated as the total number of pixels both horizontally and vertically.
The standard screen resolution is 1024 x 768 (or 1366 x 768, or 1920 x 1080). This indicates that the screen has 1024 horizontal pixels and 768 vertical pixels (or 1366 horizontal pixels and 768 vertical pixels, and so on).
Pixels
Pixels are the fundamental components of every image you see on a screen since they are the smallest programmable component of a display device.
Red, green, and blue (RGB) are the three subpixels that make up each pixel. Each subpixel displays one colour with changing brightness/intensity. Combinations of these three fundamental colours in various shades allow a single screen pixel to accurately display all other colours in the colour spectrum thanks to how people perceive colour.
The technique is the same even if modern smartphones and tablets may employ varying numbers of subpixels per pixel (PenTile matrices).
Screen Resolution vs. Screen Size
Screen size is a different consideration from resolution. The physical measurement of your screen’s diagonal is called the screen size. Inches are used to describe screen sizes, such as 5″, 10″, 13″, 17″, etc.
There is no direct connection between screen size and screen resolution. For instance, you may have a 24″ desktop monitor with the same resolution as a 1920 x 1080 resolution and a 10.6″ tablet. Since both devices have the same resolution, they can display the exact same image (in terms of pixels), but the image on the computer screen will appear significantly larger due to the larger physical dimensions of the monitor.
But because there are more gaps between the dots, or because there are less pixels per inch (ppi), the larger image will also appear blurrier.
The resolutions of two displays that are the same size physically can vary as well. In this situation, more information can fit on one screen with the monitor that has a better resolution. Because there would be less space between pixels, the images will be smaller but sharper.
What Is Native Screen Resolution?
When looking for a computer, phone, tablet, or TV, you can run into the terms “native screen resolution” or “native resolution.” This merely indicates that it is the device’s default resolution, which is typically the highest one. Depending on your demands, the device can support lower resolutions, which can be necessary. In the resolution options on your device, it typically has “recommended” next to it.
It’s advised against trying to enhance the screen resolution over the natural one, though. Normally, your system will simply reduce the resolution automatically, which can result in a hazy or grainy image. The image quality won’t be as excellent as your native resolution, even if you try manual scaling. Your system’s hardware sets this resolution, which cannot be modified without altering the hardware itself. It’s best to just purchase a smartphone with a greater resolution at that time.
Do You Need HD, 4K, Etc.?
In addition to the numerals themselves, HD, 4K, 8K, and UHD must now be taken into account. The major transition from analogue to digital TV demonstrates the difference in clarity offered by HD or high definition. With HD, you automatically get 720p (1280 x 720) and 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolutions with a 16:9 aspect ratio, just as in a theatre. The less popular 1080i resolution splits the screen into two groups of 540 lines each. You obtain a considerably crisper image as a result of everything.
However, 4K was afterwards introduced. These screens have substantially higher resolutions (3840 x 2160 to 4096 x 2160), which are intended to display even more information. These are perfect for the minute details found in movies and video games. However, unless you have content specifically designed for 4K resolutions, there is little purpose in choosing that option. However, more 4K content is being produced for games, movies, and even TV shows.
For the time being, HD is enough for the majority of users and has become the norm for contemporary screens, including large-screen TVs and mobile devices. A 1080p HD screen offers astounding clarity and quality at a relatively low cost. 4K TVs are frequently available for less money, but anything that isn’t 4K will still only display in HD.
8K is the new benchmark for resolution. The resolution of 8K, which is 7680 x 4320, doubles that of 4K, just as it did with HD. Naturally, 8K TVs cost more, and there are currently few viewing choices available.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Is it ever advisable to choose a lower screen resolution setting?
Only when an app, film, show, or anything else you’re trying to see is optimised to only appear best at a given resolution should you change your screen resolution to a number lower than the native or maximum resolution. For example, older TV programmes are frequently presented with black bars on either side since extending them to fit the resolution and size of newer TVs results in unclear images.
Reducing your resolution incrementally can assist if something you’re trying to view appears stretched and hazy. For instance, some videos on YouTube seem better at 480p than in 1080p. Simply put, this is how they were first shot.
2. Is it possible to just change my laptop’s screen to raise the resolution?
It is not advised. The screen on your laptop is made to function with the electronics within. Your laptop could overheat if your graphics card isn’t built to handle a higher resolution task. There is a compatibility problem. Similar to how the motherboard of your laptop can only upgrade the RAM so far.
3. Is it possible to just upgrade my monitor’s native resolution?
No and yes. The maximal output of your GPU determines everything. Your GPU might be capable of supporting resolutions up to 1080p, however the monitor that came with your PC or laptop may only go as high as 720p. Before purchasing a new monitor, look up the specifications of your GPU. You will only see your native resolution on the new monitor if your GPU does not support higher resolutions.
4. Does a screen with a lower resolution use less energy?
Yes. However, it typically isn’t sufficient to significantly alter things. Choose an OLED panel if you’re serious about lowering power usage, especially with mobile devices. Your device consumes less energy by illuminating fewer pixels at once, which results in a somewhat longer battery life.
