When it comes to choosing a display resolution, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you. One common comparison is QHD vs WQHD. Both resolutions offer a high level of detail and clarity, but there are differences between the two that may impact your choice.
QHD, or Quad High Definition, is a display resolution of 2560×1440 pixels, while WQHD, or Wide Quad High Definition, is also a resolution of 2560×1440 pixels but has a wider aspect ratio of 16:9 or 16:10. In this article, we will delve deeper into the differences between QHD vs WQHD to help you make an informed decision when choosing a monitor, laptop, or smartphone.
Since we began with CRT and boxy TVs, multiple standards for screen resolution have emerged, including Standard Definition, or SD (the image resolution at the time), and High Definition, or HD (the future image resolution, featuring more rectangular HDTVs).
So, what exactly is QHD? How does WQHD work? In what ways do they relate to HD? What is the difference between QHD vs WQHD?
What is QHD?
The term QHD refers to Quad High Definition or Quad HD resolution. There are 1440 pixels in this picture. In addition to WQHD (Wide Quad High Definition), there is also 1440p (more on that later). The resolution of QHD is 2560 x 1440 pixels. Keep that number in mind.
As opposed to Ultra HD’s more popular 4K resolution, 1440p and QHD are also known as “2K” resolutions. WQHD and QHD are not synonymous, despite the fact that many people use them interchangeably.
WQHD, on the other hand, is different from 2K and 1440p. Here’s a breakdown of what makes them different.
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Common Display Resolutions
Display resolutions are most commonly found in the following list.
Shorthand | Acronym | Resolution |
720p | HD (High Definition) | 1280 x 720 pixels |
1080p | FHD (Full HD) | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
1200p | WUXGA (Wide XGA) | 1920 x 1200 pixels |
UW (Ultra-Wide) 1080p | WFHD (Wide FHD) | 2560 x 1080 pixels |
1440p | QHD (Quad HD) or 2K | 2560 x 1440 pixels |
UW 1440p | WQHD (Wide QHD) | 3440 x 1440 pixels |
2160p | 4K UHD (Ultra HD) | 3840 x 2160 pixels |
2880p | 5K UHD | 5120 x 2880 pixels |
4320p | 8K UHD | 7680 x 4320 pixels |
10240p | 10K UHD | 9600 x 10240 pixels |
What is WQHD?
WQHD refers to widescreen versions of QHD. Let’s wrap it up.
A WQHD display can also be considered as a 1440p or 2K display as shown in the chart above.
The screen is slightly larger-or rather, wider-than QHD. There is no difference in resolution between WQHD and QHD, but UW 1440p is wider so that it can be used in widescreen.
Briefly, WQHD has a resolution of 3440 x 1440 pixels, while QHD has a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. There are 3,440 horizontal pixels in WQHD as opposed to 2,560 in QHD. Why are there so many pixels? WQHD is designed for widescreen displays.
Despite the lack of 2,560 horizontal pixels, vendors often advertise ultra-wide monitors as “WQHD.” It is possible for some people to automatically label something as WQHD because it has more horizontal pixels (but only slightly more) than QHD.
Wide FHD (Wide FHD) is the ultra-wide version of Full HD or 1080p that is a bit wider than standard Full HD.
What’s the Difference?
A WQHD panel is 880 pixels wide and can be used for widescreen devices or to fit into a 16:9 aspect ratio without requiring stretching or black bars. WQHD was designed for use with widescreens, but they’re the same resolution.
Everything else, including benefits and drawbacks, is shared between them. WQHD has a slightly wider screen than HD, but both share the same vertical pixels. There was only one upgrade to Full HD or 1080p before 4K or 10K came along, and people flocked to 1440p or 2K.
Barely Any Difference between QHD and WQHD
In gaming or in 1440p video, every pixel counts, so the extra pixels of WQHD matter for widescreen. If you don’t use the extra pixels, what’s the point of going widescreen? In terms of functionality, WQHD still equals 2K or 1440p.
This is like the difference between you without a hat and you with one. One of the main differences between the two is the hat and all its advantages. You won’t care much if the 880 pixels are not widescreen or if black bars or stretching aren’t important.
In the end, however, 4K and above resolutions provide a superior image quality and are more future-proof than 2K. Even in 2021, 1080p is still popular!
What’s the difference between more pixels and fewer pixels?
Is that right? Having experienced 4K myself, I think it’s a bit excessive. If you want to be able to tell the difference in sharpness at that pixel density (we’re talking pixels per inch), you’ll need an ultra-wide monitor the size of a blackboard.
It is easier to see the differences between 720p and 1080p at regular monitor sizes or laptop screens (under 50 inches). As a result of the 4K pixels requiring more air to breathe, a 4K monitor and a 1080p monitor of the same size under 15 inches appear to be identical.
Contrary to popular opinion, a 30-inch 1080p monitor, as opposed to a 30-inch 1440p monitor, shows more noticeable differences. The difference between 1080p and 1440p becomes apparent when you go to 15 inches.
We will only be able to explore 4K’s full potential once we reach cinematic screen sizes. If you go beyond 10K, you are truly overdoing it.
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Comparison Chart
Screen Resolution Standard | Pros | Cons |
QHD
| Full HD or FHD resolutions are slightly sharper than QHD or 2K resolutions. When 4K is out of your reach, it’s worth planning for a QHD display, which might be more expensive and less common than 1080p. Suitable for screens over 27 inches without looking stretched or distorted | QHD cannot be used for widescreen compared to WQHD. QHD displays consume more power or battery than FHD displays. |
WQHD
| Due to its widescreen design, it has a slightly higher resolution than QHD. For UW 1440p widescreen videos, this resolution won’t result in black bars or stretched images. A widescreen, or 16:9 aspect ratio, benefits from everything QHD offers, while WQHD adds 880 more pixels. | As a result, 4K has become the de facto alternative to 1080p over the years, surpassing both the QHD and HD versions. Despite the widescreen format, it shares all the same drawbacks as a QHD screen. |
Faqs
What is QHD resolution?
QHD stands for Quad High Definition, which is a display resolution of 2560×1440 pixels. It is four times the resolution of standard HD (720p) and offers sharper and more detailed visuals.
What is WQHD resolution?
WQHD stands for Wide Quad High Definition and is a display resolution of 2560×1440 pixels, just like QHD. The difference is that WQHD has a wider aspect ratio of 16:9 or 16:10, making it better suited for multi-tasking and video editing.
Which is better, QHD or WQHD?
It depends on your needs. QHD has a more standard aspect ratio and is better suited for gaming and media consumption. WQHD, on the other hand, has a wider aspect ratio and is better suited for multi-tasking and productivity.
Do QHD and WQHD have the same pixel density?
Yes, QHD and WQHD have the same pixel density of 1440p, but WQHD has a wider aspect ratio.
Are QHD and WQHD the same as 4K?
No, QHD and WQHD are not the same as 4K. 4K has a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels, which is four times the resolution of full HD (1080p). QHD and WQHD have a lower resolution than 4K.
Can my device support QHD or WQHD resolution?
It depends on your device’s hardware and display capabilities. Many modern smartphones, laptops, and monitors support QHD and WQHD resolutions, but it’s best to check the specifications before purchasing.
Conclusion
A QHD screen or resolution is exactly the same as a WQHD screen or resolution, except that WQHD is 880 horizontal pixels larger than QHD. Due to its widescreen aspect ratio, it is more suitable for widescreen use. It is also important to note that QHD resolution won’t look boxy or stretched out at 16:9.
WQHD fits widescreens slightly better than QHD because of its extra real estate. Apart from that, there is no significant difference between the two.
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