Whether you use a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, undoubtedly, one of the main spec priorities everyone has is the device’s screen resolution. A device with better screen resolution supports better quality image and video support and playback, which is a big factor in determining how good the device’s display is.
A display screen that supports higher resolutions allows for more crisp visuals and smooth frame rates that are easier on the eyes. If you have a basic idea of screen resolution and how it all works, here’s everything you need to know about common screen resolution concerns that will help separate the facts from misinformation.
Does a Bigger Monitor Mean Better Resolution?
The most common misinformation regarding screen resolution is that a bigger screen always provides better resolution. That’s actually not the case; screen resolution depends on the number of pixels the display has, not on the screen’s physical size. As such, a 6-inch smartphone may produce better resolution than your 32-inch TV monitor, depending on the specs.
The only benefit of having a bigger screen nowadays is that they don’t strain the eye like smaller screens. If the resolution is the same for both the small and the big monitor, then they will produce the same quality of images, but the viewing experience will always be better on the bigger screen. So unless you’re fine with the discomfort, choosing a bigger screen size for media consumption is better.
Display Perameters
Another common misconception when it comes to screen resolution is that it’s perfectly possible to fit a high-resolution image on a low-resolution screen. However, it’s not possible for any device that has a lower screen resolution to display a high screen resolution image or video. The only way you can display a high-resolution image on a low-resolution screen is by downsizing it.
Many PC users tend to complain that their large screens somehow can’t display high-resolution images properly. The problem usually tends to be the fact that these users have not set the display resolution to the native screen resolution. These users often tend to set their display at a lower screen resolution to make icons and interface menus bigger for easier desktop navigation.
Does the Operating System Affect Screen Resolution?
The answer to this question actually depends on whether your desktop or laptop has a GPU or not. If you don’t have a GPU, then the monitor will utilize the integrated graphics card in the processor via the operating system to display at low screen resolutions. Even if your monitor is capable of higher screen resolution, setting it to native resolution will only work for basic software and apps.
However, if you do have a GPU, then the monitor draws power from there, allowing you to run graphics-intensive software, media, and files without affecting image or video quality. This is not possible if your display is running on OS support with the bare minimum power.
Does Screen Resolution Affect Computer Speed?
Of course, screen resolutions affect computing speed without a shred of doubt. The easiest example of this is video games – lowering the resolution of a computer game or software program increases the effect on a CPU and GPU, significantly boosting the framerate. This factor determines how smoothly the game runs (the standard is 60 FPS).
If your GPU has the latest specs, running the game at the monitor’s native resolution with a constant 60 fps performance won’t be a problem. If you find yourself asking why is my computer so slow all of a sudden? Despite having all the right device specs, you should call in a computer repair technician or take it to a servicing center yourself to see what’s wrong.
Screen resolution can affect video playback performance as well- without a GPU, the processing stress of running high-resolution videos of blu-ray or 4k quality images is simply too much for the processor resulting in choppy framerates. So, unless you have a GPU to a very powerful CPU, running high-quality videos is out of the question for your desktop.
Knowing How to Make the Right Choice
Hopefully, you now have a clearer idea about common screen resolution concerns than before. Though it might seem trivial, understanding the basics of screen resolution and how they affect displays will help you choose the right monitor or smart device for yourself or someone you know. To know more, a convenient hack is to watch videos on YouTube with more detailed breakdowns.
