The manufacturing sector for smartphone screens and smart monitors is on a different level. Manufacturers are injecting more resources to ensure that the user experience is much better. Users are now going for sharper displays, and this has led to the popularity of terms like Quad HD and Full HD.
So, what exactly do these two terminologies mean and what are their differences? Before we answer the question, let’s first understand what they have in common, and that is the term high definition (HD).
Usually, images that you see on your screen are made of thousands of dot-like colors that we call pixels. While pixels are naturally tiny, they are not of the same size. Some are tinier than others, and the teenier they are, the higher the definition.
Before a screen can be referred to as high definition, it has to have tinier pixels, and their number has to be minimal. In this case, it measures 1280 by 720 pixels, denoted as 720p.
Though 720p used to be the standard resolution for most displays, it is not the sharpest anymore. That’s part of the reason why manufacturers are turning to Full HD and Quad HD.
What is Full HD?
Full HD has taken over as the standard screen resolution, and so most smartphone screens come with it. A monitor with Full HD measures 1920 by 1080 pixels, denoted as 1080p. Not only do you find the resolution on mobile screens but also smart TVs and computer monitors.
Remember, however, that Full HD is not the height of screen sharpness. If you are looking for the best resolution, the option to go for is 4K ultra high definition that measures 3840 by 2160 pixels (2160p). The resolution is more popular with the video and film sector.
What is Quad HD?
Quad HD (also known as 2K) was a name that speedily took off in 2015 and it refers to a resolution that is four times sharper than regular high definition (720p). Screens with this resolution measure 2560 by 1440 pixels, denoted as 1440p.
What are the Differences?
Given that Quad HD and Full HD are closely related, they can be confusing. That’s why you need to know how to differentiate them and here are the basics for doing it.
Pixel Density
Pixel density refers to the number of pixels on particular screen size. It is measured in PPI (pixels per inch). Usually, a smaller screen with a higher PPI translates to a better resolution. On a 27-inch monitor, for example, a Full HD offers about 81PPI while a Quad HD provides about 108PPI.
What this means is that the picture quality of a Full HD monitor will be affected by blurriness and smudgy text. That’s why it is a smart idea to consider getting a monitor that is larger than 24 inches if you are looking to switch to Full HD.
With the 108PPI that you get on Quad HD, however, there are no such issues. You can get precise image details and extra room for viewing your documents. That explains why the standard 24-inch monitors come with Quad HD.
Gaming Experience
We cannot say that either Full HD or Quad HD gives you a better gaming experience than the other as it depends on the games. If you want to play competitive esports like Overwatch, Rocket League or the League of Legends, a 1080p resolution will give you a better experience. Such games require a lower resolution. So, you should go for Full HD if you want to play the games and other competitive ones like Dota 2 and PUBG.
The resolution enjoys a high refresh rate which is essential for getting the most out of your game. But if all you want are the best visuals and you are not playing competitively, then going for a 1440p is advisable. Notable games you can play on 1440p include the Witches, Skyring, and Rise of the Tomb Raider. You don’t need a high frame rate to play such games.
Battery Consumption
Ideally, a lower resolution saves you battery power. So, since Full HD has a lower resolution (1080p) than Quad HD (1440p), expect your smartphone to consume less energy if it is Full HD as opposed to Quad HD of the same capability. However, things are not as apparent as they look. Battery consumption depends on three basic parameters, and the two HDs perform differently:
- Wi-Fi – When testing for battery usage on the two resolutions based on Wi-Fi use, the results are nearly identical. So, it may be unfair to argue that one resolution consumes more battery power than the other when using Wi-Fi.
- Video – There is a notable saving on energy when you reduce your screen resolution, especially that of your smartphone. In the long term, this proves that Full HD is more economical than Quad HD when it comes to battery usage.
- Gaming – The graphics on a 1080p screen are not as power-hungry as those on a 1440p monitor. Hence, you save on power when playing video games on Full HD than on Quad HD. The saving percentage is, however small.
Everyday User Experience
Let’s continue using the standard 27 inch Quad HD monitor and the standard 24 inches Full HD as our point of reference. Ordinarily, it is easier to use your 27 inch Quad HD monitor to open two browsers adjacent to each other and be able to view both pages without overlapping anything. As a result, Quad HD screens are a great choice when looking to multitask. So, they are ideally an excellent choice for your office computer.
On the other hand, it may be a challenge to view Full HD content on a Quad HD screen. For example, some blue ray movies may not look picture perfect on Quad HD monitors as they do on Full HD. So, if you are planning to watch videos every day, a Full HD monitor will serve you better.
Example Handsets
Some of the most notable handsets with Quad HD are HTC 10, Galaxy s7, Moto 2, LGV20, and Nexus 6p. Those with Full HD, on the other hand, include iPhone 7 plus, Sony Xperia X, OnePlus3, and Huawei p9.
Closing Thought: Which Between Full HD and Quad HD Should I Choose?
Both resolutions have their preferred applications. If you are looking to watch videos online and play games, Full HD is a better choice. But if you are looking to edit videos and pictures, the experience is much better with Quad HD.