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[Q] Higher Resolution Android Phones

I'm very surprised the Nexus S didn't come out with a higher resolution Super Amoled screen. Apparently, 2.3 supports higher resolution according to wikipedia. I'm just waiting for a new android phone with a higher resolution/pixel density to put the iphone 4 to shame.
Imagine, a Super Amoled screen with a 1024x768 or 1280x720 resolution would be the best mobile phone screen in the world.
When do you think we will realistically see android phones with higher resolution displays?

The current Super AMOLED screen already trades blows with the Retina Display. I'm sure there will be higher res screens at some point but whats the rush? Wouldnt a higher resolution screen be more of a burden on battery than the current screens already are anyway? I'd see resolutions that high being more relevant for tablets and PMP than phones.

Why? It will drain battery more and more, and higher resolution don't need for still small display. Just imagine, MP3 player with Desktop resolution.
Haha? Try push sensor button, wtf it's so small...
U wanna get more ability to use sensor keyboard? (sarcastic)

Well, android definitely needs to match or better the 640x960 resolution of the iPhone 4 to maintain feature parity.

The current SuperAMOLED screens are less battery consuming than old LCD and Retina, so bigger resolutions shouldn't be a battery problem.
But what's the point of having 1280x768 on a 4" screen?
I'm pretty satisfied with 480x320 on 3.2" and 800x480 on 4" looks also awesome.

The Meizu M9 have a 960x640 display, but (even if you are in china) this little boy is still difficult to find.
The next Meizu (M9ii) will have a 1280×854 or 1280×800 4" screen, and should be animated by a Tegra2 with 1Gb of RAM. They said that the release date will be on middle 2011, so maybe we will be able to grap it in the late 2011.
The two phones are running on a custom android 2.2 (the UI is very different from the classical Android).
For the battery, it's more backlight that drains power.
A higher resolution will only put a little more stress on the GPU, but if the OS is well coded, it should not consume a lot more.

DPI, its all about DPI

You can have all the DPI in the world, but all its gonna mean is LAG and Battery if we're still relying on the CPU to push pixels.

dimon222 said:
Why? It will drain battery more and more, and higher resolution don't need for still small display. Just imagine, MP3 player with Desktop resolution.
Haha? Try push sensor button, wtf it's so small...
U wanna get more ability to use sensor keyboard? (sarcastic)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have absolutely no comprehension of what resolution is. Look at the iphone going from 480x320 to 960x640. Did the icons get smaller? No I didn't think so. You simply put more pixels into an icon the same size. Because it seems you're under the impression that pixel count determines image size.

however, there is no need for a higher resolution because the display is that too small. better resolution would look like the same as the resolution looks on current phones.

I can see several reasons to be interested in higher screen resolution (but IMHO you will need at least a 3.5" display):
Games
ok, that's not for today, but with ports like the unreal engine on android, phones will become more like a mobile console (PSP phone, for example). A better resolution sounds like a better playing experience, but will still need more powerful hardware (and that's on the way with multi core SOC)
Video
isn't that obvious? and it's essential if you're watching videos with subtitles
Internet
I don't know for you, but on my 800x480 handset, i have to zoom out to have the full page, and zoom in, etc...
With a better screen resolution, the navigation will be easier
It's not interesting for everybody, but I think clivo360 and I are not the only guys looking for a higher resolution screen

Although 4.3" is probably the upper limit for what you'd consider "pocketable", I'd still be attracted to bigger screens and more powerful phones because there are things that can take advantage of them, such as video. Imagine 1080p screens on a phone!
At some point though, phones are probably going to suffer the same problem that PCs did - that hardware outdoes all user needs. Imagine a point where the hardware has reached such a point where for the average user, they don't need the most potent phone anymore. We're already well on the way there. It happened with PCs, where the average user needs office software such as word processing, a spreadsheet, and the Internet, but nothing that demands crazy hardware (the average user is not a high end gamer we're talking here).

A better resolution makes even more difference on an SAMOLED screen compared to an LCD/SLCD - due to the PenTile matrix configuration of pixels a 800x480 SAMOLED screen doesn't really have as many pixels as an 800x480 standard LCD.
Just take a close look at the screen of a Nexus One or Nexus S at some text and you'll see it's slightly fuzzy. See here for more info
Better resolutions aren't available yet because a) it's a relatively new technology and b) manufacturers are having a hard enough time making enough just to cover the existing devices that use them.
AFAIK, there is only one Android device with a larger screen resolution that, as long as you don't live in the good old US of A (and even there it can be done), can make calls: the Samsung Galaxy Tab. But not exactly small enough to fit in your trouser pocket (although it does slip easily into a jacket pocket).
PS: The Tab is fantastic for video (1080p MKV supported), games and general browsing (with plugins set to on-demand) plus the odd short book, although you do look very strange if you answer calls on it without a BT headset (very Trigger Happy).

Ugh, I won't flame people saying we don't need higher resolution, though I wanted to...
Here is one basic application where the higher resolution really does make a difference: Reading text .PDFs.
I tried reading PDFs on my 800 x 480 Samsung Fascinate (Galaxy S) and I wish the text was a little smoother. Sure, I'd like a slightly larger screen (no more than 4.3") but if the screen was larger I'd be even more desperate for higher resolution. I'd like to see 1024 * 640 on a 4" Android.
Higher resolution does not nesc. need more battery/CPU power: it's the brightness that uses the battery most.

critofur said:
I tried reading PDFs on my 800 x 480 Samsung Fascinate (Galaxy S) and I wish the text was a little smoother. Sure, I'd like a slightly larger screen (no more than 4.3") but if the screen was larger I'd be even more desperate for higher resolution. I'd like to see 1024 * 640 on a 4" Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't your phone's AMOLED screen use the PenTile matrix? If so, that's a huge factor. I have 2 Droid Incredibles, one AMOLED w/PenTile matrix, the other SLCD. The SLCD has MUCH smoother text despite both being the same 480x800 resolution. AMOLED w/PenTile matrix has a "screen door effect".
Anyway, Toshiba might make your dream come true, and even exceed what you'd like to see.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/16/toshiba-enters-pixel-density-fray-with-367ppi-lcds-for-cellphone/

its true about the screen door effect. texting the g2x is very smooth dispite the resolution being the same as the vibrant.

Not sure I could put larger than 4.3" in my pocket

[Q] Screen resolution?

Hi!
What do you think about the resolution of 1280 by 800, is that enough/good? I know this is in most tablets out there but should I think of buying tf700 because its fullHD screen.
Sent from my Optimus 2X

Stempanssi said:
Hi!
What do you think about the resolution of 1280 by 800, is that enough/good? I know this is in most tablets out there but should I think of buying tf700 because its fullHD screen.
Sent from my Optimus 2X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was originally worried it was going to be too low but having owned the tablet for a few months now I can say that its fine. Its obviously not going to look as crisp as a FHD screen but the ppi is already much higher than most laptops nowadays (which have 1280*768 on a larger screen).
If you are still concerned I would advise that you try out this tablet or the other transformers in a shop for a good hour, with all types of use.
I would also say that the only time I really notice any pixelisation is on the home screen, and when reading very small text. You probably couldnt really tell the difference between 1280*800 and 1080p when playing games or watching movies. As already stated in an infinity thread on the general section, this tablet will likely perform better than the infinity due to having a very similar CPU and the same GPU yet less pixels to push.
Good luck with you decision.

i think it s all abouth the price/performance ratio.. a FHD res is always better

RolloJarvis said:
I was originally worried it was going to be too low but having owned the tablet for a few months now I can say that its fine. Its obviously not going to look as crisp as a FHD screen but the ppi is already much higher than most laptops nowadays (which have 1280*768 on a larger screen).
If you are still concerned I would advise that you try out this tablet or the other transformers in a shop for a good hour, with all types of use.
I would also say that the only time I really notice any pixelisation is on the home screen, and when reading very small text. You probably couldnt really tell the difference between 1280*800 and 1080p when playing games or watching movies. As already stated in an infinity thread on the general section, this tablet will likely perform better than the infinity due to having a very similar CPU and the same GPU yet less pixels to push.
Good luck with you decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much I think I'm going for the tf300
Sent from my Optimus 2X

So why DID Samsung go with 1280 x 800?

It's not as if Samsung doesn't know how to make good screens and at $500 it's not as if they are giving away a $200 loss leader tablet to sell content. So why? The screen resolution is the ONLY thing that keeps the Note 10.1 from being the greatest tablet of all time and severely hurting iPad 3 sales.
Everyone will have their opinion on this but I'll give you mine.
Reason 1 - speed.
Reason 2 - the s-pen.
It is clear that the Note 10.1 has been designed as a tool and not a toy. It is a productivity device. As such, speed and functionality trumps eye-candy. Based upon what I have been reading about the ASUS Infinity, the HD screen seems to cause performance issues.
There is also the issue of the s-pen. This is pure conjecture on my part but it seems intuitive that writing on an HD screen will require more processing power than writing on a 1280 x 800 screen. There are more pixels to change. I believe that Samsung looked at it and asked themselves, what is the lowest resolution we can do (thereby improving s-pen function) but still deliver an acceptable image?
** It could be that Samsung just cheaped out but I don't think so. If they gave us a super HD screen but the s-pen lagged it would have been game over. I think it came down to a question of what the user would be most willing to sacrifice. Since the Note is a productivity device, that would be eye-candy. Speed, above and beyond all else was key.
Just my 2 cents. What do you think?

I've read that it's the max resolution supported by the Wacom digitizer.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

05GT said:
I've read that it's the max resolution supported by the Wacom digitizer.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
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From what i read its the maximum resolution supported by the exynos chip. With the new exynos chip which i soooo hoped for to be inside this tablet, the max resolution would be i think double.
I only have one concern before buying this tablet:
what if...the tablet which should be around 11.6 inch coming from sammy (probably the next few months) will also be a note instead of a "standard" galaxy tab..? That would be a huge blow for all note 10.1 buyers :/

Probably has to do with the digitizer pen technology. Even Wacom doesn't offer the comparable Cintiq (minus multi-touch except for top of line 24HD) with a resolution higher than 1280x800 until you go from the $1000 12" to the $2000 22" model.
http://www.wacom.com/en/Products/Cintiq/Compare Models.aspx

I don't believe it has to do with the digitizer. There are tablets that use the same one and have higher resolution.
I think it's for speed and possibly limitations on the cpu. Samsung wanted this tablet to fly. Increasing the resolution would be a problem for that. I think next year we will get a high res Note.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 10.1

I think Samsung did a great job with this 720P HD display. Its something about it that's different from my previous prime or my nexus 7. The colors are richer/more detailed. The prime and nexus 7 has exact same resolution also. Im more than satisfied with this display. Everything looks crisp to me.

Well I don't have my note 10.1 (arrives later today) but my dads tf300 has the same resolution and my brother has a new Asus nexus 7. I compared the both as the nexus has a higher dpi and personally I can hardly see any difference! So does it really matter that much?

sysl0rd said:
From what i read its the maximum resolution supported by the exynos chip. With the new exynos chip which i soooo hoped for to be inside this tablet, the max resolution would be i think double.
I only have one concern before buying this tablet:
what if...the tablet which should be around 11.6 inch coming from sammy (probably the next few months) will also be a note instead of a "standard" galaxy tab..? That would be a huge blow for all note 10.1 buyers :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I've heard as well, although I couldn't find anything from Samsung about it. But it seems the most likely (while it's possible that Exynos 4 does support higher resolution outputs, it might not be fluid enough for use with the S Pen as lag is definitely more noticeable with a stylus than a fingertip).

Cranking up the resolution requires cranking up the GPU horsepower, which means more battery consumption.
Look at the iPad - they needed to make the battery around 50% bigger in order to offset the significantly increased power consumption. This means a heavier device, and MUCH longer recharge times.
The iPad's resolution is a waste of pixels. There's flaunting spec epeen, and there is proper systems engineering - Samsung did proper systems engineering here.

Before getting my Note 10.1 I got myself an Asus Infinity Pad (which was promptly returned due to the screen coming OUT of the case). The screen WAS magnificent, However, there was so much power going to the screen than the entire OS was lagged out pretty badly. Even after their OTA updates, it was pretty bad. Battery drain was horrible unless I put it into the "power saving" mode and at that point the screen on my Galaxy Tab and Note 10.1 was beautiful compared to it.
I agree with the OP. Speed and the S-pen are the primary causes. Honestly, I don't need an ungodly powerful screen. I use this for work and for play and it does extremely well on both. I am often amazed at how quickly pages load, or the fact that I don't have to buffer pages, books or other things as long as other tablets take. I will take power over beauty any day of the week...
Also as a geek moment for myself "Power is beauty and I've got the power" - Flea (From Chrono Trigger).

Full HD on Phones?

Hi anybody
Some new phones come with a full hd ~5" display. My 42" television has also the same resolution
What are the benefit from full hd to xlarge (960dp x 720dp) ?
Cheers, Marc

I'd guess the quality of the image you're getting lol

It's all about the distance from the screen to your eyes.
Smaller the pixel, sharper the image.

As isajoo said, it makes pictures more crisp. Also a 5inch phone held 50cm away will look as big as a 42inch TV which is sitting across the room.
TF101 KatKiss. SGS2 Stock.

HumbleRequestor said:
As isajoo said, it makes pictures more crisp. Also a 5inch phone held 50cm away will look as big as a 42inch TV which is sitting across the room.
TF101 KatKiss. SGS2 Stock.
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Click to collapse
Totally Agree

Pretty much the quality of the picture and how close to real it seems.

720p on my 4.5" Moto G looks fantastic, so it all depends on your screen size. I bet 720 would look good on a 5" screen also.

Aspect Ratios for Phablet Screens?

Hello,.
My current phone for years has been the Samsung Galaxy S4. I believe the aspect ratio of its screen is the same as a standard wide-screen movie (or wide-screen TV, 16:9. It seems like 16:9 widescreen is standard for laptops now too. (Although i preferred the older 4:3 taller laptop screens.) Likely desktop monitors as well. I think Android and Windows tablets are all 16:9 as well, although the Ipad (at least the older ones) is 4:3. So I think the 16:9 aspect ratio of my Galaxy S4 screen is pretty standard now for most types of screens, including phones 5 inch screens and under.
I am thinking of getting a bigger screen phone, or phablet. Although there are disadvantages with the increased size, I also see advantages, especially with my aging eyes, and think it might somewhat be able to function as a small tablet, while still fitting (even if not as well) in a front (male) pants pocket..
I think the size for a "phablet" is considered 5.5 inches and higher. Many are 5.5 inches, some 5.7 inches, and some even larger, such as 6 inches. By far the most common though, seem to be 5.5 and 5.7 inches.
I understand that the reported measurement of screen size is the diagonal measurement, from one corner diagonally across.
Well, there could be different combinations of height and width that would end up measuring 5.5 inches diagonally, for example.
So my first question is-- does a designated screen size of 5.5 inches refer to a specific screen height and width, or are there multiple different 5.5" screen sizes, that all end up being 5.5" diagonally? Or is it standardized?
I compared my S4 with a 5.5" screen phone in a store. The 5.5" phone was only slightly wider, but MUCH longer than my S4. (That description is holding the phone portrait, of course.) As the S4 is already standard widescreen aspect ratio, that would make the phone I saw much wider (if landscape) or longer (if portrait) than standard widescreen movies, TVs, laptops, Android tablets, etc. I can understand why they might not want to make the phone much wider, making it harder to hold. On the other hand, one wonders how valuable a larger screen is if the increase in size is mostly in one direction, and the aspect ratio of the screen becomes so skewed, so much longer and narrower (portrait) than other screens?
However, regarding my earlier question- if 5.5" screen size is not sometihng standardized, but could be different combinations of height and width to add up to 5.5" diagonally, then all 5.5" phones might not have that skewed extra long and narrow screen aspect ratio? Which is it? All 5.5" screens the same height and width (of screen, not phone), or do they differ?
If one goes larger than that, to 5.7 inch, might that more likely add width as well as length, to have a more normal aspect ratio? Or do those still keep a similar width (in portrait), while adding still more length, to create an even more skewed longer and narrow (portrait) aspect ratio?
I am eager to hear whatever info and insight you have on this issue. Thanks in advance for your input.

Although I have a new phone now, I am still curious about this question. For instance, whether a 5.5 inch screen, referring to the diagonal measurement, refers to a standardized screen height and width, or whether that might differ among phones, only that the diagonal measurement ends up at that number?
And other questions I asked in the OP.
Thank you.