Desktop vs Laptop Display

October 15, 2021

Desktop vs Laptop Display: A Battle of the Screens

When it comes to choosing a computer, display size and quality are critical factors to consider. Whether you are a gamer, a photographer, or an office worker, the size and quality of the display can impact your user experience. In this article, we're going to compare desktop and laptop displays and provide you with some hard numbers to help you make an informed decision.

Size Matters: Desktop Displays

Desktop displays are generally larger than laptop displays, with the average size being around 24-27 inches. Larger displays provide more screen real estate, which is incredibly beneficial for multitasking, gaming, and graphic design. Additionally, larger displays are more comfortable to use as they can help reduce eye strain and headaches.

The Portable Advantage: Laptop Displays

Laptops are designed to be portable, which means that they need to have a smaller form factor than desktop displays. The most common laptop display size is 15.6 inches, although there are smaller and larger options available. While smaller displays can be more challenging to work on, they offer the advantage of being portable. You can take your laptop anywhere you go, which is particularly useful for students, freelancers, and professionals who are always on the move.

Resolution Matters: Desktop and Laptop Displays

Resolution is an essential factor to consider when comparing and choosing displays. The resolution determines how sharp and clear the images and text are on the screen. Generally, desktop displays have a higher resolution than laptop displays, which is due to their larger size.

For example, a 24-inch desktop monitor with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels has a pixel density of 92 pixels per inch (PPI). A 15.6-inch laptop display with the same resolution has a pixel density of 141 PPI. However, some laptop models are now offering higher resolutions, such as 4K, which can match or exceed desktop displays.

The Brightness Battle: Desktop and Laptop Displays

Brightness is another critical factor to consider when choosing a display. Brightness is measured in nits, and the higher the number of nits, the brighter the display. Desktop displays typically have higher brightness than laptop displays, with an average of 250-350 nits, whereas laptop displays have an average of 200-250 nits.

Color and Contrast: Desktop and Laptop Displays

Color and contrast are essential factors for professionals who work with graphic design, photo and video editing, and gaming. Desktop displays generally offer more color and contrast than laptop displays due to their larger size and better technology. However, some laptops have IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology, which provides better color accuracy and viewing angles.

Conclusion: Which Display is Better?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to use your device. If you are looking for a larger display with better resolution, color, and contrast, a desktop display may be the right choice for you. But if portability is a crucial factor and you need a device that you can take with you anywhere you go, a laptop display may be the better option.

No matter what you choose, make sure to do your research and consider all factors to make an informed decision.

References

  1. DisplayMate
  2. Guru3D
  3. TechRadar
  4. PCMag

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