Buckle up folks, because we're about to embark on a colorful journey through the mesmerizing universe of smartphone displays. Whether you're a tech wizard or just a curious user, this article will decode all the buzzwords and technical jargon for you. So, grab your favorite gadget, and let's get started!
You may well ask: How do the screen specs impact me as a smartphone user? Ah, put it on the age-old quest for the perfect smartphone! Choosing the right one is like picking your trusty sidekick for life's adventures. And just like how you wouldn't want a sidekick with blurry vision or a limited color palette, considering specs like screen resolution, color depth, PPI, and DPI is crucial before making that smartphone purchase. Let's start with the basics and see what these specs represent and why so many different values exist for them.
How Smartphone Display Technology Works
Lying at the heart of the matter is the conversion of the continuous signals present in an analog image into the descrete samples that constitute the digital image. The process involves some technical details, and you may skip to the next section if you're short on time.
When you take a picture of, say, a flower pot in your garden, the various lines and curves present in it are continuous, like a smooth graph of a sine function. However, the way an electronic display (say, your smartphone screen) renders an image is by using the so-called pixels to represent the (very small) parts of the image. Therefore, a continuous signal present in the analog image has to be approximated with discrete samples (pixels). The more the samples, the better the approximation.
Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC)
The process of converting a continuous analog signal of a picture into the digital samples involves a method called analog-to-digital conversion (ADC). It involves the following steps:
- Sampling: The process begins with sampling, where the continuous analog signal is captured at specific time intervals. These intervals are known as sampling intervals. Imagine taking snapshots of a continuous video at regular intervals.
Clearly, the shorter the intervals, the batter the samples at approximating the continuous signal.
- Quantization: Each of these sampled points is then quantized, meaning they are assigned a discrete numerical value. This step is crucial for converting the continuous range of possible signal values into digital data.
- Resolution: The resolution of the ADC determines how finely the analog signal is quantized. Resolution is typically expressed in bits, such as 8-bit, 10-bit, or 12-bit. Each bit represents a binary value (0 or 1), and the more bits used, the finer the quantization.
- Digital Representation: After quantization, the sampled and quantized values are converted into a digital representation. This typically results in a binary code, where each sample is represented as a series of 0s and 1s.
- Storage or Transmission: The digital samples can now be stored, transmitted, or processed by digital devices such as computers, smartphones, and image processing software.
Impact of Resolution
The resolution used in the ADC process has a significant impact on the final result, as compared to the original analog signal:
- Accuracy: Higher resolution provides greater accuracy in representing the analog signal. For instance, a 12-bit ADC can represent a signal with much finer gradations than an 8-bit ADC.
- Detail: Higher resolution allows for the capture of finer details in the analog signal. This is particularly important in fields like audio and image processing, where preserving nuances is critical.
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): A higher-resolution ADC can distinguish between the signal (the actual information you want to capture) and noise (unwanted variations). This results in a higher SNR and cleaner digital representation.
- File Size: Higher resolution means more data per sample, which leads to larger file sizes. This is why high-resolution images or audio files are larger than their lower-resolution counterparts.
- Processing Flexibility: Higher-resolution data offers more flexibility during digital processing. You can apply various algorithms and filters without losing as much detail.
However, it's essential to note that increasing resolution also comes with trade-offs, such as increased storage requirements and processing demands. The choice of resolution depends on the specific application and the trade-offs you are willing to make.
Subpixels - The RGB Secret
Peek closer at your screen, and you'll likely see subpixels working their magic. At least with a microscope, you'll see them. Most displays use RGB (red, green, and blue subpixels) to create colors. By mixing these three primary colors, you get all the shades of the rainbow. It's like baking a rainbow cake with just three ingredients!
Color Channels and Samples - The Data Duet
Color channels refer to the RGB trio we just mentioned, each channel having the intensity data of the image for one of the primary colors. Samples are the data points (pixels) that represent the color at various locations on your screen. The more samples, the smoother the color transitions. Think of it as having more paintbrush strokes for a finer masterpiece.
OLED vs LCD - The Display Duel
Next, let's toss in a bit of rivalry. OLED and LCD are two display technologies, and they have their quirks. OLED gives you those deep blacks and vibrant colors, while LCD relies on a backlight. OLED is like the star of a sci-fi movie, while LCD is the reliable old-school friend.
Check out this article to learn more about the working and the features of OLED and LCD. Here, we shall dive into the fascinating world of how these screens work their magic to render pixels and subpixels, ultimately creating the images you see on your device.
Pixel Rendering in LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
- Backlight: LCDs have a uniform backlight behind the entire screen. This backlight, which is essential for displaying images, is typically white.
- Liquid Crystals: In front of the backlight, there's a layer of liquid crystals. These are like tiny shutters that can either allow light to pass through or block it.
- Color Filters: Above the liquid crystals, there are red, green, and blue color filters. These filters are arranged in a grid pattern, one for each pixel.
- Pixel Control: To create an image, the LCD's electronics control each pixel's liquid crystals. By twisting them, they can control how much light passes through.
- Color Mixing: When you want a specific color, say, purple, the LCD will adjust the filters accordingly. For purple, it will adjust the red and blue filters to allow light to pass through their respective pixels, while blocking the green filter.
- Pixel Array: All the pixels on the screen work together to create the final image by mixing the right amounts of red, green, and blue light for each pixel.
Pixel Rendering in OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)
- Organic Materials: In OLED screens, each pixel is an organic material that emits light when an electric current passes through it. (There's no need for a separate backlight.)
- Individual Pixel Control: In an OLED screen, each pixel emits its own light independently. When you need a pixel to be bright, it lights up. When it should be dark, it turns off.
- Color Creation: To create colors, each pixel in an OLED screen can emit red, green, and blue lights directly. When you mix the right combination of these three colors, you get the full spectrum.
So, you see, your smartphone's display is more than just a window to your digital world. It's a complex symphony of pixels, colors, and technology. The next time you gaze at your screen, you'll have a deeper appreciation for the magic happening beneath the surface.
For our purpose, this means that the pixel resolution of an image, together with the color depth (the bits used for representing each pixel), determines the granularity of the details present in the image, which in turn means that a display with a higher resolution and color depth will provide for greater accuracy and detail when rendering the image. And that concludes our crash course in smartphone display tech.
Screen Resolution - The Pixel Playground
Let's kick things off with screen resolution. It's like the canvas of your smartphone. Think of it as the number of tiny pixels that make up your display. The more pixels, the sharper and clearer your images and text.
It's typically expressed in terms of horizontal pixels by vertical pixels. Common resolutions include Full HD (1920×1080) and 4K (3840×2160), but there are many more in between. The higher the resolution, the more pixels there are, and this has a profound effect on image and video quality.
To understand this technically, consider the concept of pixel density (PPI - pixels per inch), which we describe in more detail in a later section of the article. Pixel density is calculated by dividing the number of pixels in a screen by its physical size (usually measured in inches). A smartphone with a given display resolution (say, Full HD) will have higher pixel density on a 5-inch screen than a tablet with the same resolution on a 10-inch screen. This means smaller screens with high resolutions can achieve higher pixel densities, resulting in sharper images and videos.
Why is choosing the perfect screen resolution important?
Screen Resolution - Clarity Matters
Think of the screen resolution as the number of tiny parts of the picture crammed into your smartphone's display. The higher the resolution, the sharper and more detailed your content will be. It's like having a high-definition window to the digital world.
With a higher resolution, you'll enjoy:
- Crisper Text: Reading and browsing the web without squinting is a breeze. The text appears smoother and more legible on high-resolution displays. This is essential for reading documents, web browsing, and viewing maps or diagrams.
- Detailed Images: Photos and videos look more vibrant and lifelike.
- Clarity: Higher screen resolutions, such as Full HD, Quad HD, and 4K, provide sharper and more detailed visuals and finer textures. This results in videos that appear lifelike. You can enjoy a movie or video clip without the loss of quality, even on larger displays. You'll notice more detail, especially in high-definition content. The impact is particularly noticeable in scenes with intricate patterns or textures, like landscapes or close-up shots.
- Gaming Glory: Mobile games come to life with sharper graphics.
- Productivity: When it comes to productivity tasks like document editing or reading, a higher resolution screen reduces the strain on your eyes and makes text and graphics crisper and more legible. You'll also be able to cram in more content on your screen.
- Zooming: Higher resolution screens allow for better zooming capabilities. When you zoom in on an image, there are more pixels to provide finer details, so the image remains sharp even when enlarged. This is especially important for photographers and graphic designers.
- 4K and Beyond: The advent of 4K and even 8K resolution screens takes video quality to a whole new level. These resolutions offer four times and eight times the pixels of Full HD, respectively. This results in incredibly sharp, lifelike video playback, making it ideal for cinematic experiences.
Choosing the Screen Resolution for Your Smartphone
Ah, the screen resolution conundrum! Choosing the right resolution for your smartphone can be a bit like picking the perfect pair of shoes - it depends on your style and needs. Let's explore some of the common screen resolutions and see which one might suit you best.
HD (720p) - High Definition
- Resolution: 1280×720 pixels
- Commonly Seen As: HD or 720p
- Suitable For: Budget-friendly smartphones or those with smaller displays.
Full HD (1080p)
- Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- Commonly Seen As: Full HD or 1080p
- Suitable For: Most mid-range to flagship smartphones. It's the sweet spot for a balance between clarity and battery life.
Quad HD (1440p)
- Resolution: 2560×1440 pixels
- Commonly Seen As: 2K or Quad HD
- Suitable For: Enthusiasts who want crisper visuals for gaming, video streaming, and VR experiences. Found in many premium smartphones.
Ultra HD (4K)
- Resolution: 3840×2160 pixels
- Commonly Seen As: 4K
- Suitable For: Tech aficionados who crave the absolute best in visual quality. Great for watching 4K content and gaming at the highest fidelity. Common in top-tier flagship phones.
How to Choose:
- Consider Your Usage: Think about how you primarily use your smartphone. If it's for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and social media, Full HD should suffice. For media consumption, gaming, or VR (Virtual Reality), Quad HD or 4K might be more appealing.
- Battery Life: Higher resolutions demand more power. If battery life is a priority, stick with Full HD. It strikes a good balance between clarity and power efficiency.
- Budget: Your budget plays a role. Higher resolution screens are often found in premium smartphones, which come with a higher price tag. Consider what you're willing to spend.
- Size Matters: The physical size of your smartphone's screen matters. On a smaller screen, the difference in sharpness between Full HD and 4K might not be as noticeable.
- Future-Proofing: If you plan to keep your smartphone for several years, investing in a higher-resolution display might ensure it remains relevant as the content continues to improve in quality.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, it's your personal preference that matters. Some users have a keen eye for detail and love the crispness of 4K, while others are perfectly content with Full HD.
Remember, screen resolution is just one aspect of display quality. Factors like color accuracy, brightness, and refresh rate also impact your visual experience. So, when choosing a smartphone, it's a good idea to consider the overall display quality rather than focusing solely on resolution.
Which brings us to our second factor: color depth.
Color Depth - The Shades of Spectacle
Now, let's talk about color depth, often referred to as bit depth, which is like a painter's palette. It determines how many colors your display can reproduce and show. The more bits, the more colors. It's like upgrading from a box of crayons to a professional artist's set.
Color depth is typically expressed as the number of bits used to represent the color channels (e.g., red, green, and blue in an RGB color) for each pixel. Each additional bit adds exponentially more color possibilities, resulting in smoother color gradients and greater color accuracy. Common color depths include 8-bit (256 colors), 16-bit (65536 colors), 24-bit (about 16.7 million colors - known as true color), and 32-bit (true color, with the remaining 8 bits for an additional alpha channel for transparency).
Why does the color depth matter?
Color Depth - A World of Vibrance
A higher color depth means a richer, more accurate color representation. It's like going from an old TV with a limited color palette to an artist's canvas. A display with higher color depth means:
- True-to-Life Colors: Images and videos look more realistic; the lower bit depths simply cannot achieve that level of realism. A display with higher color depth can represent a broader range of colors more accurately. This is vital for color-critical tasks like photo editing, design work, and appreciating true-to-life visuals; and is particularly noticeable in photographs, where subtle color variations are essential.
- Vibrant Visuals: Colors pop, making everything more enjoyable. More colors mean more vibrancy and richness in the visuals. Deeper color depth results in better image quality and smoother color transitions, reducing the appearance of color banding or artifacts in images. This ensures that photos and graphics look more natural and appealing.
- Wider Color Gamut: Displays with higher color depth can represent a more extensive range of colors accurately. This is crucial for tasks like photo editing and design work, where color accuracy is paramount.
- Smooth Color Transitions: Higher color depth allows for smoother transitions between colors, reducing the chance of banding or artifacts in images, especially in gradients or subtle shading.
- Satisfactory Content Consumption: When enjoying movies, viewing photos, or browsing the web, a higher color depth display makes the content appear more vibrant and lifelike.
Choosing the Color Depth for Your Smartphone
Choosing the right color depth for your smartphone depends on your needs and preferences. Let's explore some of the common color depths and see which one might suit you best.
8-bit Color
- Number of Colors: 256
- Suitable For: Basic use, where color accuracy isn't critical.
10-bit Color
- Number of Colors: 1024
- Suitable For: Enhanced color accuracy, suitable for general media consumption and casual photography.
12-bit Color
- Number of Colors: 4096
- Suitable For: High color accuracy, can work for graphic design and color-critical tasks.
24-bit Color or 32-bit Color (True Color)
- Number of Colors: 16777216
In case of the 32-bit color, 24 bits are used for the R, G, B color components, and the remaining 8 bits provide 256 levels of transparency.
- Suitable For: Very high color accuracy, ideal for professional photography, graphic design, and color-critical tasks. 24-bit is the color depth used in most of the smartphones (and computer) displays today.
- Number of Colors: 16777216
30-bit Color or 40-bit Color (Deep Color)
- Number of Colors: 1073741824
In case of the 40-bit color, 30 bits are used for the R, G, B color components, and the remaining 10 bits provide 1024 levels of transparency.
- Suitable For: Aficionados who crave the absolute best in color accuracy. Great for high quality HEVC (H.265) video encoding. Found in some smartphones like OnePlus 8 Pro, Oppo Find X2 and X2 Pro, ROG Phone 3, and Sony Xperia 1 II.
- Number of Colors: 1073741824
How to Choose:
- Usage: Consider how you primarily use your smartphone. For everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and communication, an 8-bit display is often sufficient. If you're into media consumption, photography, or design, consider 12-bit or higher for more accurate and vibrant colors.
- Content: Think about the content you consume. If you frequently watch high-definition videos, play visually rich games, or edit photos on your smartphone, a higher bit depth like 24-bit can enhance your experience.
- Budget: Higher bit depth displays are typically found in premium smartphones, which often come with a higher price tag. Determine your budget and prioritize accordingly.
- Future-Proofing: If you plan to keep your smartphone for several years, opting for a higher bit depth can ensure it remains capable of displaying more accurate and vibrant colors as the content quality improves.
- Personal Preference: Your visual acuity and preference for color accuracy also matter. Some users may not notice a significant difference between 8-bit and 10-bit displays, while others with a keen eye for detail may appreciate the enhanced color depth.
- Professional Use: If you use your smartphone for professional photography, graphic design, or any color-critical work, a 30-bit display can be a valuable asset, as it offers the most accurate color representation.
As in case of the screen resolution, keep in mind that the bit depth is just one aspect of display quality. Other factors like color gamut, color accuracy, and brightness also play a role in the overall visual experience. It's a good idea to consider the overall display quality and how it aligns with your usage patterns when choosing a smartphone.
PPI (Pixels Per Inch) - A Density Drama
PPI is like the spice in your tech curry. It tells you how many pixels are crammed into each inch of your screen. Higher PPI means crisper images and text. Imagine watching cat videos with fur so detailed you can almost pet it through the screen!
As an example, consider the Sony Xperia PRO, which has a 6.5″ display with the aspect ratio 21:9, and a resolution of 3840×1644 px. We did some calculations involving the Pythagorean theorem, and obtained the display width (i.e., the shorter length) as about 2.56″. So the PPI comes out to be about (1644 / 2.56), i.e., about 642.
In practice, certain additional lines of pixels could have been added by the manufacturers, or the dimensions given in the specs might not be precise, and the actual PPI value could be somewhat different. (In the case of our example phone, it is actually 643 PPI.)
Tip: To calculate the PPI using an alternative method, you can calculate the number of pixels along the diagonal (by applying the Pythagorean theorem on the numbers that make up the resolution), and then divide that by the length of the diagonal. This assumes square pixels (which is most commonly the case), and does not require the use of the aspect ratio.
The PPI value is useful for comparing the screens of the devices with the different display sizes (say, a smartphone and a tablet), where comparing the actual resolution values does not make sense. Smaller displays can look pretty good at lower resolutions, as the PPI can be good enough because of their shorter dimensions. For displays of different dimensions, therefore, it is often useful to compare their PPI values. Higher the PPI, better the quality of the image displayed.
Why is choosing a suitable PPI important?
PPI - Clarity at Your Fingertips
PPI measures pixel density, a higher value of which means sharper details. It's like having a book with incredibly fine print and more information versus a large, easy-to-read one. A higher PPI brings:
- Sharper Text: Reading and typing are comfortable on the eyes.
- Detailed Maps: Navigation becomes more precise.
- Image Clarity: A higher PPI means more pixels packed into each inch of the screen. This leads to sharper and more detailed images, making text, icons, and graphics look incredibly clear. This is especially noticeable when viewing intricate graphics and high-resolution photos. It's like having a sharper lens on a camera; the details are clearer.
- Stunning Visuals: Movies and photos show intricate details.
- Zooming Capability: A high-PPI display allows for better zooming without a loss of image quality. You can zoom in on images, maps, and text without worrying about blurriness.
- Overall Comfort: Using a smartphone with a high PPI can reduce eye strain, as you don't need to squint or strain your eyes to read or view content.
DPI (Dots Per Inch) - The Printing Prowess
DPI is essential for printing, not screen viewing, but it's worth a mention, especially if you plan to print from your smartphone. Typically, it is the number of ink dots a printer can squeeze into an inch of paper. Higher DPI printers produce sharper prints, but remember, don't try to print your Instagram feed!
Why is looking for a suitable DPI important?
DPI - Printing Precision
DPI is mainly crucial for printing documents from your device. It determines how finely the text and images will be printed on paper. When printing from your smartphone, a higher DPI is good for:
- Sharper Prints: DPI is crucial if you plan to print documents or photos from your smartphone. A higher DPI printer can produce sharper and more detailed prints. This is essential for documents with small text, graphics, or high-quality photo prints.
- Professional Documents: For business reports, presentations, or any document that requires a professional appearance, a higher DPI ensures crisp, clear, and more accurate text and graphics.
- Quality Photos: Great for printing your mobile photography masterpieces. If you're passionate about mobile photography and frequently print your photos, a higher DPI printer is essential to maintain image quality when transferring digital images to paper.
What is the difference between DPI and PPI?
PPI (Pixels Per Inch) refers to the pixel density on a screen, typically measured in pixels per inch. DPI (Dots Per Inch) is more related to printing, and refers to the number of ink dots a printer can place on a one-inch line. While PPI is about the screen's resolution, DPI is about the printer's precision.
PPI and DPI are directly related, but their applications differ. PPI relates to screen resolution and pixel density, affecting how sharp and detailed images appear on the screen. DPI, on the other hand, is critical for printing, determining how precisely an image can be reproduced on paper.
Higher PPI screens offer more pixels per inch, which means a denser pixel grid. This grid can display finer details and smoother lines. On the other hand, when you have a high-DPI printer, it can replicate these finer details more accurately on paper.
In summary, PPI impacts image clarity on screens, making content appear sharper and more detailed, while DPI is crucial for achieving high-quality prints with precise detail. Both factors contribute significantly to image quality and clarity in their respective domains (namely, the screen and the paper).
PWM Dimming and DC Dimming
When it comes to display technology, two critical features that impact user experience, especially in terms of eye comfort and display quality, are Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) dimming and Direct Current (DC) dimming. The choice between these two technologies depends on specific user needs and the type of display technology in use. Let's dive into what these technologies are and how they work.
PWM Dimming
Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) dimming is a technique used to control the brightness of a display by rapidly switching the backlight on and off. The brightness level is adjusted by changing the duty cycle - the ratio of the "on" time to the "off" time within each cycle. For example, a higher duty cycle means the backlight is on for a longer period during each cycle, resulting in a brighter display, and vice versa.
Here's how PWM dimming works. The backlight is turned on and off at a high frequency. If the frequency is sufficiently high (typically over 200 Hz), the human eye perceives it as continuous light rather than flickering. By varying the proportion of time the light is on versus off, the perceived brightness changes.
PWM dimming is common in many types of displays, including LCD, OLED, and AMOLED. It is simpler and more cost-effective to implement compared to DC dimming. It is particularly effective in environments where fine-grained control over brightness is necessary. However, at lower frequencies or due to improper implementation, PWM can cause noticeable flickering, which may lead to eye strain or discomfort for some users.
DC Dimming
Direct Current (DC) dimming adjusts the brightness by varying the voltage supplied to the backlight or the OLED pixels. Instead of rapidly switching the light source on and off, it reduces the current flow to lower the brightness.
Here's how DC dimming works. The voltage or the current supplied to the display is reduced, thereby dimming the light output directly and continuously, without the on-off cycles seen in PWM. This method provides a stable light output, which can reduce the potential for flickering.
DC dimming is often found in OLED and AMOLED displays where managing individual pixel brightness is critical, though it can also be employed in other types of displays (such as LCD). This is preferred for reducing eye strain as it minimizes flickering compared to PWM dimming. However, compared to PWM dimming, it requires more sophisticated control mechanisms, especially to maintain color accuracy. At very low brightness levels, DC dimming might affect color accuracy or uniformity, especially in OLED displays.
In a nutshell, PWM Dimming is suitable for most general uses and can achieve high brightness levels efficiently. However, it may not be ideal for users sensitive to flicker. DC Dimming is preferable for users who experience eye strain from PWM flicker, as it provides a more stable light output. However, it might compromise color accuracy at very low brightness levels.
A display can feature both PWM and DC dimming. Some advanced devices use a combination of both techniques to optimize brightness control. For instance, DC dimming might be used at higher brightness levels where it can effectively manage color accuracy, while PWM dimming could be employed at lower brightness levels to ensure uniformity and brightness consistency. This hybrid approach aims to leverage the strengths of both methods, providing a better overall user experience.
And that is how the screen specifications collectively shape the overall user experience on your smartphone. Higher screen resolution and color depth enhance the clarity and vibrancy of visuals, making content consumption and productivity tasks more enjoyable. Higher PPI ensures that images and text appear sharp and detailed, reducing eye strain. And higher DPI is essential for achieving high-quality prints when you need hard copies of digital content.
These factors are like the ingredients in a recipe for an exceptional smartphone experience. Your choice of smartphone should align with your specific usage patterns and preferences, considering these factors to create an optimal user experience. For instance, if you're a multimedia enthusiast, a high-resolution OLED display with excellent color depth might be your top choice. However, if you're more focused on productivity and document printing, consider a smartphone with a higher DPI.
Hope you enjoyed the journey through the pixels and subpixels. Remember, the world of tech is ever-evolving, so stay curious, stay colorful, and keep those screens shining bright!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is screen resolution?
Screen resolution is the number of pixels that make up your display. It is typically expressed in terms of horizontal pixels by vertical pixels, as in, 1920×1080 px.
What are the common screen resolution sizes for the smartphones?
The common screen resolution sizes used in the smartphones are:
- HD (720p): 1280×720 pixels
- Full HD (1080p): 1920×1080 pixels
- Quad HD (1440p) or 2K: 2560×1440 pixels
- Ultra HD or 4K: 3840×2160 pixels
How to check screen resolution? What is my screen resolution?
You will often find information about your screen resolution in your device's "display" or "screen" settings. There are also online tools available that will provide you this information. For example, check out our own tool related to the screen specs, which will extract this information (and a few other screen specifications) for you.
What is 4K screen resolution?
4K is another name for the Ultra HD resolution, 3840×2160 pixels.
What is iPhone 11 screen resolution?
iPhone 11 uses a 6.1″ display, with a screen resolution of 828×1792 px (326 PPI).
What is iPhone 12 screen resolution?
iPhone 12 uses a 6.1″ OLED display, with a screen resolution of 1170×2532 px (460 PPI).
What is iPhone 13 screen resolution?
iPhone 13 uses a 6.1″ OLED display, with a screen resolution of 1170×2532 px (460 PPI).
What is iPhone 14 screen resolution?
iPhone 14 uses a 6.1″ OLED display, with a screen resolution of 1170×2532 px (460 PPI).
What is iPhone 14 Pro Max screen resolution?
iPhone 14 Pro Max uses a 6.7″ display, with a screen resolution of 1290×2796 px (460 PPI).
What is the difference between PPI and DPI?
PPI (Pixels Per Inch) refers to the pixel density on a screen, typically measured in pixels per inch. DPI (Dots Per Inch) is more related to printing, and refers to the number of ink dots a printer can place on a one-inch line. While PPI is about the screen's resolution, DPI is about the printer's precision. You can find out more about these terms in the article above.
What PPI, DPI do I use for T-shirt printing?
The answer depends upon many a thing, like the types of the T-shirt material and the printing ink, and the kind of design to be printed. As a rule of thumb, to be on the safe side (assuming that your design could include very fine text), 300 DPI will get you a very high quality print on your T-shirt.
However, if the fabric is made of an absorbent material that would spread the ink dots (so that the effective dot-size would be greater when printed), 100 to 200 DPI might suffice.
As for the PPI, this depends upon your display device, and only affects what you view on your screen. General rule: the higher the better, as you can work with the intricate designs with more ease.