One Fourth the Size, Four Times the Function
If you have an electronic mobile device, chances are it is using a QVGA screen. Be it a handheld gaming device, a smart phone or a pocket PC, then you probably have seen what a QVGA screen looks like. The video graphics array is the series of lights, diodes or what not that makes up the LCD. The QVGA on the other hand, literally stands for quarter video graphics array. The quarter in the name is based on the fact that the QVGA screen is a quarter of the original VGA display used by old IBM monitors. QVGA is the current standard of mobile screen size and resolution thanks to its excellent aspect ratio, decent resolution and actually physical size.
Why QVGA is a Good Compromise
In terms of resolution, QVGA is 320×240 pixels. This produces excellent quality images for viewing media on the go. The original IBM VGA screen is 640×480 pixels which is the basis of the quarter size. This resolution may seem small, but it actually does a very good job. Many video are also encoded in this size aspect ratio for playback in portable devices.
The Importance of Physical Size
The rules of screen technology are simple, the bigger it is, the better. Computer monitors, television sets, digital displays are all raking in more inches, higher resolutions and better quality images as long as technology permits it. The only drawback is when you are limited by size. This is the case for laptops, mobile phones and other portable devices. This is because of the nature of portable devices as they need to be light enough to carry and small enough to not be cumbersome.
QVGA Touch Screens
Another great feature of QVGA displays is that the size is just right for touch screen phones. The space in all directions is easily accessible with just one finger, making it perfect for mobile devices.
January 12th, 2010 at 10:42 am
[...] benefit from the phone’s music player, FM radio and Bluetooth. The handset comes with a 2.8 inch QVGA resolution, resistive touch screen display which isn’t bad at all. It runs on the GSM/EDGE [...]