WQHD vs. QHD Differences Explained (And Which Is Better?)

The post WQHD vs. QHD Differences Explained (And Which Is Better?) appeared first on History-Computer.

Everybody wants to make sure they have the best display possible. This is true of televisions, tablets, smartphones, laptops, and computer monitors alike. Unfortunately, it’s a little tricky trying to navigate all the different acronyms and marketing ploys floating around today. How are you supposed to know which display is best when they all use such similar branding? UHD, QHD, HDR, WQHD… it’s so hard to know the difference. To help make things clear, let’s compare the key differences between WQHD vs. QHD displays. What sets them apart, and which is best?

WQHD vs. QHD: Side-by-Side Comparison

WQHD vs. QHD: What’s the Difference?

You may or may not be aware of the fact that TV displays and computer displays are not the same. While they’re often referred to using similar terms — 2K, 4K, 8K, HDR, et cetera — they rarely feature the same dimensions. For one, TVs are much larger than laptop or desktop displays. Beyond this, computer displays tend to be wider than television screens.

For this reason, you probably aren’t likely to see terms like “WQHD” or “QHD” used to describe a TV display of any shape or size. That’s because these abbreviations stand for “wide quad high definition” and “quad high definition,” respectively. They’re descriptors exclusively for 2560 x 1440 pixel displays. This is a resolution you’ll only truly find on PC displays.

That brings us to our next point, which is that there’s no tangible difference between WQHD vs. QHD. Both terms describe the exact same type of display: a 2K, 1440p, widescreen computer monitor. Beyond the name, there’s nothing different about a wide quad high-definition display and a quad high-definition display.

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03/11/2024 10:22 am GMT

5 Must-Know Facts About Quad High-Definition

• Quad high-definition displays offer four times the resolution of standard HD screens.
• QHD delivers sharper images, more vibrant colors, and greater visuals. They’re ideal for gaming, streaming, and even professional tasks like editing.
• WQHD displays give you increased screen space over your average 2K display, allowing for easier multitasking.
• It’s important to make sure your PC can support a display with a QHD resolution so you can better utilize the screen size.
• QHD displays are typically more expensive than ones with resolutions of 2K or lower.

Quad High Definition Explained

WQHD. Quad high definition. 1440p. QHD. No matter which way you say it, you’re probably talking about the same PC display size. They’re all used to reference the exact same 2560 x 1440 pixel display. (Of course, it’s not to be confused with its predecessor qHD: a 960 x 540 pixel display resolution that is only one-fourth the quality of a Full HD screen.)

It first gained recognition in the 1980s as the ATSC explored possible successors to the SDTV format that was the standard at the time. QHD seemed like the natural next step, as it was four times as wide and three times as high as SDTV’s 4:3 aspect ratio. Ultimately, they decided to take a couple of smaller steps first: HD would follow SD, and then FHD would follow HD. QHD was effectively on hold.

While a number of smaller manufacturers tried to launch QHD displays in the mid to late 2000s, it took Apple’s 2010 release of the Cinema Display monitor for quad high definition to truly come into its own. The Apple Cinema Display (and the 27-inch Apple Thunderbolt Display from 2011) hard-launched the QHD standard into the mainstream.

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03/11/2024 10:26 am GMT

Pros and Cons of Quad High Definition

WQHD vs. QHD: Which Is Better?

Looking at a WQHD display on the shelf next to a QHD, it’s only natural to wonder which is better between the two. But, because we know that WQHD vs. QHD are both the same kind of display, the better question is how a wide quad high-definition display compares to other display types on the market today.

Quad high-definition displays are larger and more vibrant than WUXGA, Full HD, and HD displays alike. Its 2560 x 1440 pixels exceed WUXGA’s 1920 x 1200, Full HD’s 1920 x 1080, and HD’s 1280 x 720. However, it falls short of the quality of 4K UHD and 5K displays. 4K UHD displays measure in at 3840 x 2160 with 5K coming in at 5120 x 2880.

In this light, WQHD and QHD displays represent something of a middle ground between high-definition and ultra-high-definition screens. You aren’t getting the biggest or the best with quad-high definition, but you aren’t getting something lackluster or behind the times either. This makes 1440p a safe and affordable bet.

WQHD vs. QHD: Which Should You Use?

Because the WQHD vs. QHD debate covers the exact same territory on both sides, it might sound silly to ask which display type you should use. However, we should account for the fact that some brands misuse the WQHD moniker when they really mean to describe Ultra-wide QHD. Terms for this include UWQHD, QHD+, or WQHD+, not WQHD as brands misappropriate it sometimes.

If you want a better display than one with an HD or Full HD resolution, then you can’t go wrong with a WQHD or QHD model. But, if you’re looking for something even wider than a QHD, you may want to do some research on wide quad high definition. Look beyond the wording on the box to see how the WQHD display size really stacks up against a QHD model from the same brand.

Furthermore, you should check with both your PC’s hardware and software to ensure it can support a display of this size. Not all PCs can withstand such a wide resolution. As such, your choice may depend on the limits of your PC itself. In these instances, your preferences will have to take the backseat to your system requirements.

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