The digital camera megapixels arms race might be over, but now smartphone display makers have taken up the cause, trying to cram as many pixels as possible into their screens. And Sharp has now claimed superpower status with a 4.1-inch display boasting a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, or 736ppi. For comparison, the iPhone 6 plus has a ppi of just 401.
The display’s resolution is a bit shy of the 3840 x 2160 or 4096 x 2160 pixels often referred to as 4K, but Sharp claims its new display has the same ppi of a 6-inch, 4K screen. That way, the company can make claims that a mobile device using its new 4.1-inch display provides the same 4K viewing experience as a device with a 6-inch screen, although with pixels just 11.5µm in size, it’s not like the naked human eye could actually tell the difference.
It’s a fun reminder that soon all the time we spend looking down at our phones will feel more like looking out a window. But instead of seeing your neighbouring apartment building 6m away, you can load up whatever fantastic vista you prefer. [Nikkei Technology]