You may wonder about the terms full high-definition (FHD) and quad high-definition (QHD). The former is also known as 1080p, and the latter is 1440p.
Each one is distinct from the other, and one should know the basic difference between the two resolutions to make an informed decision. In this article, we’ll explain QHD and FHD resolutions in detail. Here’s what we will cover:
What is FHD?
We will start by explaining full high-definition (FHD). FHD has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, meaning 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 pixels vertically and 2,073,600 pixels overall.
FHD is also known as 1080p as there are 1080 pixels lines vertically. FHD is one of the most widely used resolutions on computer monitors and TV screens.
It offers a decent and sharp image quality with an aspect ratio of 16:9. This aspect ratio is used in most widescreen TVs. Furthermore, FHD screens are affordable and budget-friendly, consume less power, and improve battery life.
In most cases, people can connect FHD monitors to laptops or gaming devices as FHD monitors are compatible with most devices and users do not face scaling problems.
That being said, FHD resolution also has some cons:
- Lower pixel density: When compared to QHD, FHD resolution has fewer pixels, so the image quality may not appear perfect. You may feel some blurriness and pixelation. Although most people will not notice such changes, however, professional artists and video editors may want a more realistic image quality.
- Less screen space: With less screen space, FHD monitors may fit only limited apps and windows on the screens. This can hamper productivity and multitasking.
- Less future-proof: FHD may be affordable and less power-consuming, but it is less future-proof when compared to QHD.
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What is QHD?
QHD is an acronym for quad high definition with a 2560 x 1440 pixels resolution. The total pixels are 3,686,400 on the screen. It is also known as 1440p because it has 1440-pixel lines horizontally.
QHD also has the same aspect ratio of 16:9 but packs more pixels than FHD. This means the images are quite sharp and detailed and useful for video editing and artists. Gamers also like QHD screens as the viewing experience is sharp and without pixelation and blurriness.
Also, QHD screens offer a refresh rate and adaptive sync technology; therefore, gamers and video editors may witness reduced screen tearing and stuttering.
Moreover, QHD screens have more real estate and, therefore, can fit more windows and are better for multitasking.
It is not that QHD screens are not without their fair share of cons. Here are some cons of QHD screens:
- Expensive: FHD screens are less expensive and affordable. However, QHD screens are not budget-friendly, and you may have to pay extra for these pixels.
- Demanding: As QHD screens offer more pixels and power, they may drain the battery quickly. Moreover, sometimes, you may need to upgrade the graphics card or lower the settings.
- Less compatible: QHD monitors are less compatible with older cables and devices. People have also reported facing some scaling issues, and often the images appear blurry.
| Aspect | Full High-Definition (FHD) | Quad High-Definition (QHD) |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels (1080p) | 2560 x 1440 pixels (1440p) |
| Total pixels | 2,073,600 pixels | 3,686,400 pixels |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Image quality | Decent and sharp | Sharp and detailed |
| Other name | 1080p | 1440p |
| Pros | Affordable, budget-friendly, consumes less power, compatible with most devices | Sharp and detailed images, better for video editing and gaming, more real estate for multitasking, higher refresh rate and adaptive sync technology |
| Cons | Lower pixel density, less screen space, less future-proof | Expensive, demanding on power, less compatible with older cables and devices, potential scaling issues and blurriness |
| Applications | Commonly used in various devices including laptops and gaming devices | Preferred for tasks requiring high resolution and detailed visuals such as video editing and gaming |
| Compatibility | Compatible with most devices, fewer scaling problems | Less compatible with older cables and devices, potential scaling issues |
| Price | Generally more affordable | Typically more expensive |
| Power consumption | Consumes less power | May drain the battery quickly |
| User experience | Suitable for general use and regular tasks | Preferred for tasks demanding high-quality visuals and enhanced gaming experience |
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QHD vs FHD: Which one should you choose?
QHD and FHD offer impressive image quality, and the choice between these two depends on your personal preference, workflow and budget.
You can select QHD if you want a more awesome picture quality, real estate, and power without caring about the budget. As explained earlier, QHD screens are liked by gamers, video editors, programmers and multitaskers.
For day-to-day tasks, you should opt for FHD screens. You will get a decent screen to fit more windows and a decent picture quality. Online content streamers and students like it.
We hope that this article will help you understand the difference between QHD and FHD.
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