Nowadays, we have seen a lot of smartphones introduced to our market with better and better specs. However, not all of us understand what are the differences between some of the specs that power these smartphones. For example, screen resolution is one that have quite a lot of attention from users. So what makes HD, full HD and Quad HD screen displays?

HD

HD is the short form of “High distinction”. It implies a measurement of 1280 x 720 pixels resolution. Regardless of the screen size, if the pixel stays at this measurement, it’s a HD display. To make it easier to understand, for HD display, with the same resolution, the smaller the screen = the higher pixel density = more beautiful image display.

For instances, 4.3-inch screen will come with 342ppi pixel density while 4.7-inch will drop to 312ppi. And according to Apple, when they launched their iPhone 4, 3000 ppi is considered human’s “sweet spot” in a certain distance.

FULL HD

This category is an improved one from the HD category. The pixels of FHD display is  1,920 x 1,280. With the smartphone around 5-inch, the pixels will be 441 ppi. Once again, please keep in mind that, screen sizes contribute to affect pixel density.

Quad HD = 2K

QHD or 2K display is the highest resolutions found in smartphones these days, up to 2,560 x 1,440 pixels. And the “2,560” figure explains why this category has another name ~> over 2,000 pixels. Respectively, HD display can be called 720p and FHD as 1,080p.

For this category, a 5.5” QHD display should have a very high pixel density of 538ppi. For instance, 5.5 inch LG G3 with resolution 1440 x 2560px hit the same pixel density of 534ppi.

Comparision between LG G3 (QHD) and G2 & HTC One M8 (Full HD)

Screen Resolutions and battery usage

The bigger the pixels are in a display, the harder the processor has to work to make it show. And the harder the processor work, the more battery it needs. A QHD smartphone screen is absolutely more beautiful in terms of image display than a HD one. However, it also means faster battery usage.

With this piece of information about HD, Full HD and Quad HD displays, we hope you can make the best choice out of your personal concern.

Pixel densities of some of the most popular phones

• Apple iPhone 4-5s: 326ppi
• Samsung Galaxy S3 (4.8-inch, 720p): 306ppi
• Samsung Galaxy S4 (5-inch, 1080p): 441ppi
• Samsung Galaxy Note III (5.7-inch, 1080p): 386ppi
• Sony Xperia Z4V: 5.2” (1440 x 2560 pixels): 565ppi
• Meizu MX4 Pro: 5.5” (5248 х 3936 pixels): 543ppi