How should the screen of my next mobile be?

However, although we find different types of mobile panels, not all of them are so different, since they share different characteristics , whether due to the placement of the notch, the screen refresh rate or another characteristic. For this reason, we are going to see in detail each of the characteristics that influence a smartphone display. And it is that, in this way, it will be much easier for you to choose a phone.

Design

Referring to the terms of design, the screen has a close relationship with what will be our perfect mobile and we are going to know everything that includes this section, to end up making the best possible choice when choosing a phone for its touch panel .

Size

We start with a very important point, the size of the screen that is directly associated with the size of the mobile phone as a whole. The larger it is, the more complicated it will be for us to reach all the corners with one hand or if, on the contrary, it is very small and could affect our sight.

To be able to choose the ideal screen size there is no table that we can look at, since it depends a lot on each user. For a long time the panels have been growing exponentially, coming up against models that are currently almost 7 inches. On the other hand, we will find smaller models that have 5.4 inches.

Those would be the ranges between which to move, although the middle term may be our perfect option and the one that is repeated in more models, about 6.5 inches that in most cases satisfy those who have them in hand.

notch or hole

Another point that gains value is the way in which the screen gives way to the selfie camera. We have become accustomed to notches and holes, trusting in the future to see large-scale cameras under the panel. For now we have to decide if we prefer one option or another, each with its aesthetics.

For one thing, the notch can be very small or large and take up much of the top space, causing icons to shift, something we’ve also seen with dual selfie holes . The side where they are placed is also relevant, between being located to one side or the center itself, the sensation changes significantly. Here our tastes will have all the power of choice.

aspect ratio

One point where the design again has to do with the grip of the mobile and our way of using it is the relationship between the four sides that make up our panel. This can be longer or wider and we have the last word. We show you the most common formats, although there are manufacturers that are adapting them to their own needs and therefore they can be almost infinite:

• 16:9 : the classic format that we have become most accustomed to, but which nevertheless does not fit most hands.
• 18:9 : One of the new variations that offers greater height and comfort to reach anywhere with a single finger and hand.
• 20:9 the favorite option of leading brands, which go one step further in the extension of the screens for our comfort.
• Other inventions : Sony, for example, has opted for 21:9 , making a much longer terminal and other manufacturers decide to break the rules by creating their own style. Although, we can also find other formats such as the 19:9 ratio, and its different variations.

curved or flat

We cannot ignore the eternal doubt between curved screens or flat screens. And it is that they are two very different styles that offer us some advantages and some points against that can help us choose what we are looking for:

• curved screens .
  • More premium design.
  • Investment in multimedia content.
  • Higher cost in the purchase of the device and in the repair.
  • More difficult to protect.
  • Better grip by having edges.
  • More involuntary touches.
• Flat screens .
  • More classic design.
  • Lower cost of repair and purchase.
  • It will be easier to find a compatible screen protector.
  • We will avoid suffering involuntary touches on the panel.

It is clear that curved screens came to mobile phones as a great evolution , in addition to the fact that those smartphones that have one differ from the rest of terminals. Although, flat panels are still one of the most recurrent options of users. However, the decision is yours, that is why we have left you the points for and against each option.

Technologies

The panel is full of technologies, but some of them are especially important in our choice of the smartphone with the best screen for us.

The way to interpret colors, contrasts and many other aspects on a screen depends on its technology , which is based on these three options that we share with you with their corresponding strong and/or weak points. So it will be important to look at them before saying that this screen is the one I need for my next smartphone.

AMOLED

This is one of the technologies that has gained the most influence over time. In addition, it has gained ground on the other two technologies that we bring you. Basically, because more and more terminal brands are choosing to include an AMOLED screen on their devices.

In addition, it is important to emphasize that it is based on OLED technology . This technology illuminates each pixel independently, delivering pure black with some being off and greater power savings. Therefore, we can say that AMOLED screens are always off unless individual pixels are turned on.

In terms of energy saving, by having purer blacks , they manage to consume less battery when black or darker colors are displayed on the screen. And we cannot forget to mention that they have great flexibility, which allows manufacturers to use them to make curved panels.

Even as a result of this technology, Super AMOLED screens began to emerge. The change is that they are thinner, they achieve a more powerful brightness, in addition to having purer colors, the viewing angle is improved and they use less battery.

OLED

As we have been telling you, there are quite a few similarities between OLED panels and AMOLED screens . Basically, because the latter comes directly from this technology. This illuminates by independent diodes to each pixel.

This last thing that we have mentioned to you means that each pixel will be illuminated separately , granting a series of unique color, contrast and brightness characteristics. In addition, the blacks are also seen more and the image contrast is much better appreciated. For this reason, it is normal that we see that many high-end smartphones have OLED screens.

IPS-LCD

We are with one of the options that we are finding less and less, although it is still very present in entry-level / mid-range smartphones. Basically, because they are cheaper panels to manufacture , where the pixels do not have their own light, but rather it is uniform and, therefore, there are tones that are not as real.

In this case, we are dealing with a technology that has a liquid crystal and in which the pixels, as we said, are not capable of having their own light, but rather receive it and display it directly. However, IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels are capable of achieving quality color representation, contrast, and viewing angles, despite being cheaper than other options. In addition, this type of screen was created as a simple additional improvement for TFT LCD displays.

resistance and protection

There are a series of materials invisible to the naked eye that manage to protect mobile screens against bumps and scratches , which have become an essential element.

This technology has a certification from a renowned manufacturer called Corningn Gorilla Glass, which has several generations. From the first to the current Corning Gorilla Glass 7 Victus, the capabilities against unexpected surprises have been improved and it is something that we should not overlook.

Gorilla Glass is made from a material called alkali aluminosilicate , which is formed by the union of aluminum, silicone, and oxygen. Therefore, it is not a material that is found anywhere in nature, on a regular basis, and represents an extra in the cost of the terminals.

However, it is true that there are others like Dragontrail , which are also gaining presence in many mobile phones. In any case, the ideal is that we look at the smartphone that we are going to buy has this extra protection on its touch screen.

capabilities

Another aspect with which developers provide their panels with capabilities, which vary depending on the chip they integrate, the chosen screen and its purpose. We come to an aspect where we could say that the more the better , although we must also bear in mind that a higher level will be accompanied by greater battery and resource consumption.

Resolution

In this case we come across the number of pixels per inch that the panel will offer us, the dominant one that we see points of light if we approach the panel or they are negligible. The higher the number, the more accurate the color, cobra, and sharpness. These are the mobile options:

• QVGA : 240×320 pixels.
• WQVGA : 240×400 pixels.
• HVGA : 320×480 pixels.
• WVGA : 480×800 pixels.
• QHD : 540×960 pixels.
• HD : 720×1280 pixels.
• Full HD : 1080×1920 pixels.
• QHD : 1440 x 2560 pixels.
• 4K: 1644 x 3840 pixels.

If we look at these options, it is clear that there are better options than others. And it is that, the higher resolution the mobile screen has , the results will be more real, but not everyone needs the best resolution. Everything will depend on what we are going to use the phone panel for, whether it is to watch movies, talk on WhatsApp, play games with the mobile, etc. Depending on the type of user that we will be, we will need a better or worse resolution.

refresh rate

What this offers us are new images within the same second, thus avoiding that we perceive lag or delay between the touch on the screen and the movements we make. One of the technologies that has evolved the most in mobiles, which is why, today, we can find different refresh rates on smartphone panels:

• 60Hz
• 90Hz
• 120Hz
• 240Hz

However, we can find other options, which each brand offers in one of its smartphones. As could be the case with rates of 144 Hz or 165 Hz. In addition, more and more phones include an adaptive refresh rate .

Brightness

Something that we all have had to suffer at some point is a low brightness level, especially in full sunlight. For this reason, the most powerful smartphones do not stop increasing the brightness level , seeking to reach the moment when it is not a difficulty to be able to observe the screen and use it.

In this case, each manufacturer controls what it offers together with the panel, reaching maximum brightness peaks of up to 1500 nits. So that it is clearer for you, and you can guess on your own if you will be able to see the smartphone panel well, the more nits the screen has, the more brightness it will offer us. So it will be easier to see the panel under any circumstances.

Software

Finally, the section in which we can have more points in common between low-end and mid-range mobiles is in the software. Those extras that each manufacturer cares about integrating into their smartphones and that have become very important for each of the users who want to change their phone and even take care of their eyesight.

HDR

The high dynamic range must be provided through software, a certificate and also that the panel has this capacity. What it offers at different levels, a better display of light and shadow on the mobile screen. What can make the difference between seeing a movie in full detail on the mobile or only seeing dark areas.

In short, that a phone has an HDR screen will guarantee that we will be able to enjoy a higher image quality, in addition to having more contrast, as well as more vivid colors at all times. So having this technology will be a plus that will help us see the device panel better at all times.

night mode

The blue light that all screens emit and that affects sleep is also in smartphones. That means that we have to have a protection called night mode . A layer of reddish light that manufacturers apply to the panel, sometimes with textures, to also help reading.

This software technology changes depending on the manufacturer, especially within Android mobiles. Basically, because many of the brands have a customization layer that modifies the exact name of this software tool. But, in any case, we will always find an option of this style with which we can reduce the blue light emitted by mobile screens .

dark mode

In this case, although it may seem the same as the previous software, it is not, it is a change of style that modifies light tones for dark ones , to make AMOLED panels reduce consumption, blue light is less than same time and, in short, we change the design with a single button being able to satisfy us.

In addition, as a general rule, we will find that this type of software, depending on the operating system and its customization layer, will offer us more or fewer extra customization settings. Although, one option that we will almost always have is to program the dark mode of the smartphone screen so that it is activated or deactivated automatically without us having to do anything.