What is 2560 x 1440: What Is 1440p? QHD/WQHD Resolution Explained

What Is QHD? the High-Definition Screen Resolution, Explained

QHD is a screen resolution that measures 2560 x 1440 pixels and has a 16:9 aspect ratio.
You’ll often find it on high-end devices like laptops, TVs, and smartphones.
QHD is sharper than regular HD, but isn’t as clear as 4K — there are battery and cost trade-offs for each to consider before purchasing.

Buying a new device can feel overwhelming. But if you’re someone who values a crisp screen, resolution is going to be an important consideration.

Here’s what you should know about QHD resolution and how it compares to other resolution options on the market.

What is QHD?

Quad high definition (QHD) is the standard resolution for certain high-end devices like laptops, televisions, and phones. It has a display resolution 2560 x 1440 pixels — or four times that of 720p, hence the name — in a 16:9 aspect ratio.

You may also see WQHD when searching for devices (that stands for «wide quad high definition.») QHD and WQHD are actually the same thing. The «W» is usually meant to signal that it has a 16:9 aspect ratio, since that can be a selling point for manufacturers, despite that the aspect ratio is already a feature of QHD. QHD is also sometimes labeled as 2K or 1440p for marketing reasons. An ultrawide QHD screen expands the horizontal pixels to 3440 and has a 21:9 aspect ratio.

QHD vs HD vs 4k

If you’re in the market for a new device, it pays to know what kind of resolution quality you want: HD, QHD, or 4K.

Compared to regular HD, QHD is sharper and offers more pixels per square inch (2560 x 1440p versus HD’s 1920 x 1080p). Because of that, it’s also generally better suited to larger monitors, allowing you to do things like have more windows open on your screen at once. However, it will also eat away more of your battery life if you’re using something like a mobile device, so you will have to make a judgement call there.

QHD’s aspect ratio is greater than that of HD and Full HD, but not as great as 4K UHD.

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4K, on the other hand, is going to provide a more detailed screen than QHD. The official cinema resolution for 4K screens is 4096 x 2160p, but on a monitor, you will usually see the specs list 3840 x 2160p resolution. So for the average user, it has double the pixels you get with HD.

Again, the higher-resolution option will drain your battery life faster, so you should check out battery life estimates to make sure it works for you. 4K displays are also generally going to cost more than lower-resolution options, so that’s another thing to consider before buying.

Devon Delfino

Devon Delfino is a Brooklyn-based freelance journalist specializing in personal finance, culture, politics, and identity. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue, Business Insider, and CNBC. Follow her on Twitter at @devondelfino.

1920 x 1080 vs. 2560 x 1440 Resolution: Which Is Best for You?

In today’s post, we will be making a 1920 x 1080 vs. 2560 x 1440 comparison screen and tell you which resolution you should choose for what application.

The quick answer for those asking if 2560 x 1080 is better than 1920×1080 is that The 1440 pixels screen has better sharpness and overall gaming performance than the 1080p. 2560 x 1440 resolution provides more vivid details, and you’ll have more screen real estate.

So, it’s always better to choose the 2560 x 1440 resolution. But obviously, it’s going to be more expensive. Regardless, higher isn’t always better. The 1080p resolution displays are always better in some cases. So, in this article, we will answer whether a 1080p at 27-inch is good enough or should you always spend more money on a 1440p monitor for hardcore tasks such as gaming.

We will give you an analysis of both resolutions, their pros and cons, and their applications to help you decide.

What is 1920 x 1080?

1920 x 1080 pixels is also known as 1080p and also the same as full high definition resolution. It is currently the standard resolution in computers and smartphones. When buying a new screen or digital device, buy a lower resolution than 1080p, as most contents are in 1080p.

1920 x 1080 incorporates more than 2 million pixels per image and produces good image clarity. But that doesn’t mean 1080p is better than 1440p. It’s just that 1080 meets the minimum requirements for most digital content.

What is a 1920 x 1080 good for?

This is a format very popular with gamers, movie lovers, and gamers. Some users also mentioned that it’s also suitable for photo editing. But you have to get a smaller screen. You should not use a 1920 x 1080 on any screen bigger than 24 inches, or the image quality will be very poor.

Furthermore, FHD screens are sold at very fair prices for their quality level. So, it’s good enough for those who want something of a lesser price and a smaller screen.

Pros

Saves energy
It’s more affordable
Wisely used for gaming
It’s the standard resolution

Cons

Poor image quality
Not recommended for large screens

What is 2560 x 1440?

The 2560 x 1440 resolution is 1440p and is also named Quad High Definition (QHD). It’s a resolution that measures 2560 by 1440 pixels, and it’s also known as 2K.

This resolution is named Quad High Definition because it is four times greater than 720p (1280 x 720 pixels) with 2560 x 1440 pixels.

It was the successor to 1080p and a much better screen than a 1920 x 1080, even though 4K has now supplanted it.

What is 2560 x 1440 good for?

The 2560 x 1440 screen is excellent for gamers, multitaskers, and professionals. For example, as it can be used on larger screens of 27 inches or more, it allows you to have two browsers opened simultaneously.

This resolution is suitable for monitors and gaming laptops. In fact, in the screen world, 2560 x 1440 is considered the sweet spot of all screens on offer as it’s a step ahead of the 1080p, which can be pretty blurry, and the 4K screens, which are expensive and too sharp.

Therefore, it is the overall best screen resolution for gaming.

Pros

Provides the best display for gaming
It’s a level ahead of the standard screen resolution
Not blurry like a 1080p
Great for multitasking and professional use
Not as expensive as a 4K screen

Cons

Quite expensive than a 1080p

1440p vs. 1080p: what’s the difference?

The 1440 pixels screen has better sharpness and overall gaming performance than the 1080p. 2560 x 1440 resolution provides more vivid details, and you’ll have more screen real estate. So, it’s always better to choose the 2560 x 1440 resolution.

The 1080p will look blurry on a screen as a 27-inch, so it’s not ideal for high-quality image reproduction applications.

The 1440p resolution has 78% more pixels than the 1080p resolution, so it offers a higher screen quality. However, although the 1080p may not be closer in quality to the 1440p, it is still relatively better than the 720p.

However, 1440p is the best resolution for small screens and medium-large ones up to 24 inches. Working with them is not quite challenging to use, and it’s certainly a lot cheaper than most of the 1440p and 4K monitors sold on the market. Known as a Full HD screen, the 1080p has been around for quite a while as the standard for picture quality, but 1440p takes picture quality to another level.

What other resolutions do we have?

Asides from these two resolutions, there are five more. They are arranged in this order according to their quality.

640×480 pixels: Known as SD resolution, it is the lowest resolution standard that exists.
960×540 pixels: Known as qHD resolution, it is a high definition but is used in low-end devices.
1280×720 pixels: This is known as high definition (HD) resolution. It is the first standard resolution and is also known as 720p. It’s the resolution before 1080p. We cannot recommend this for a display screen on monitors or laptops.
3840×2160 pixels: This is the famous 4k resolution that is becoming the standard for the latest mid-range and high-end TVs. It’s an ultra-high-definition (UHD) resolution and is obviously better than both The 1080p and the 1440p resolutions. But screens with this are pretty expensive.
7680 × 4320: The UHD 8k resolution is the highest quality and the newest available standard, and the best you can have in a smart television today.

Conclusion: Which should you buy?

Without a doubt, the 1440p has the best quality. Using this screen resolution, everything appears nice and sharp even further away. But 1440p is only better if you can afford it, and if you can afford the hardware to power the display, it is a fantastic gaming experience, especially if you love gaming at a high refresh rate.

However, for a budget gamer, 1080p is excellent. The monitors are cheaper, but we would say the pixel density is too low on this monitor, even for FPS games, in our opinion.

Is it worth taking a monitor with a resolution of 2560×1440

Pros and cons > Technique > Should I take a monitor with a resolution of 2560 × 1440

The resolution of a PC monitor characterizes its dimensions in pixels . Increased indicators give a more accurate and high-quality image. High resolution allows you to carry out graphic work, use professional programs for processing multimedia files (photos, videos). Feature in 2560*1440 pixels is sufficient for many programs and services.

Specifications

At a resolution of 2560*1440 pixels, the aspect ratio of the monitor is 16:9 , the image size is 3.68 Mpx .

The PC monitor is a matrix with many dots (pixels). Their number determines the actual screen resolution. The higher the indicator, the better the image, the richer the colors, the wider the palette of shades. nine0003

At the moment, the resolution of 2560*1440 pixels allows you to work in graphic editors, test computer games with powerful graphics.

Benefits of high monitor resolution

Image clarity . Wide screens transmit a better image than standard counterparts. There are no pixel transitions, «ladders» and bumps.
Performance . Working with text and graphic files becomes more enjoyable. The use of professional tools and devices increases the practical abilities of a computer specialist. When the work process is carried out with comfort, productivity increases. nine0030
Eye health . When working at a computer regularly, the eyes are very strained. A person blinks much less often in front of the screen than in everyday life. This leads to stress, the occurrence of diseases, deterioration and loss of vision (although the harm from computer screens has not been proven, despite the assurances of some experts). When the image is of better quality, the colors are evenly distributed, there are no sharp transitions, and the eyes are less tired from prolonged work.
Image viewer . The characteristic of 2560*1440 pixels is especially useful in the work of the photographer. To appreciate all the details of the image, professionals increase the size of photos using graphics programs. This manipulation allows you to evaluate a separate section of the picture, but the entire canvas as a whole. To make the whole image look acceptable, you will have to increase and decrease the dimensions several times. If you have a high resolution, this is not required. The image is clearly visible on the screen in full size. Accuracy and saturation of colors allow you to edit photos much faster. nine0030
Desktop space . The desktop is the main page of a functioning PC. The user independently distributes the programs he needs, adjusts the image, file location and brightness. The increased resolution provides more desktop space. This is necessary for professional programmers and computer specialists who work with a variety of programs and services.
Computer games . The gaming industry is now actively developed, developers offer detailed and realistic graphics. In order for the passage process to go smoothly, it is better to purchase powerful components. A monitor with a resolution of 2560×1440 pixels allows you to enjoy the gameplay without interruption. nine0030

Disadvantages of wide screens

Presence of a powerful graphics card . In order for the image to be of high quality, you will have to change the video adapter if its performance is not enough. Standard models will not cope with such a load, there will be interference and glitches in the image on the screen. This nuance is taken into account when choosing components, since replacing an element affects the operation of other devices.
Cost . All devices with improved technical characteristics are more expensive than standard counterparts. Due to the high cost, extended PC monitors are not popular in the mainstream computer industry. The owners of wide screens are satisfied with the purchase and do not regret the money spent. nine0030
Content search . If the photo or video files are not designed for a resolution of 2560*1440 pixels, this specification will be useless. The image is displayed in standard sizes, not in full screen. Wide monitors are made for PC and TV viewing. However, finding suitable content is problematic, as the technology is relatively recent. This shortcoming will be solved after an indefinite time, when a wide resolution will enter the life of most users. nine0030
Complex production . The technology is under development, which is why many models do not meet quality standards. The higher the screen resolution, the more difficult it is to manufacture, and the more prone it is to breakage. Finding a quality model is difficult. For a powerful device, you will have to pay a large sum of money.
Software optimization . Windows 8 and 10 are optimized for high resolution devices. However, until now, version 7 of the OS remains the most popular, despite the fact that access to it will be closed soon. Windows 7 is not adapted to the dimensions of 2560*1440 pixels. Scaling is done manually, but the system does not work well. Fonts change size, drop-down texts and context menu appear late. The biggest problem is working with programs. Many of the services are not optimized for powerful features. nine0030

Should I install a monitor with a resolution of 2560*1440?

This technology is suitable for the following types of PC work:

Image editing.
Creation and testing of computer games.
Writing complex programs.

The average person does not need a wide screen. Such a purchase would be a waste of money. If the PC operation is not graphics-related, powerful technology is not required. nine0003

Before purchasing, you must assess the condition of the entire system so that the connection of the new device goes smoothly. Particular attention is paid to the performance of the video card and OS optimization.

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nine0104 Many gamers still do not clearly know when it makes sense to upgrade their monitor. Choosing among the many options available on the market is difficult, especially when trying to decipher the marketing jargon that everyone is juggling around. In this article, we will give a simple explanation of one of the key technical characteristics of any monitor — its screen resolution.

What is the screen resolution?

A pixel is the smallest element on a screen. It can be thought of as a bright dot of color that lights up when the computer requires it. When many of these dots light up at the same time, they form an image on the monitor screen. Resolution is the number of pixels that light up on the screen horizontally and vertically. It is specified as «number of horizontal pixels» x «number of vertical pixels». nine0003

Although the same monitor can support multiple resolutions, each monitor has only one native resolution. This resolution refers to the maximum number of pixels that can be used to display an image.

For example, a Full-HD monitor has a native resolution of 1920×1080, which means it can display 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 pixels vertically. This resolution is also referred to as 1080p (in this case, only the vertical resolution is indicated, and the English letter “p” is placed next to it). nine0003

Popular approvals (various designations)

How does resolution affect screen size?

Directly — no way. Screen size is an independent characteristic that is not affected by screen resolution. That’s why it’s easy to find a laptop with a small display that has a much higher resolution than large external monitors. nine0003

However, when choosing a gaming monitor, you should find a balance between screen size and resolution.

Unlike those who mainly listen to music and watch movies, gamers sit close to the monitor. At this distance, the shortcomings of a monitor with a large screen, but low resolution will immediately be noticeable: image clarity will suffer, and this will affect gaming comfort. On the other hand, the improvement in image quality from higher resolutions is less noticeable when it comes to smaller screens. nine0003

So, what sizes and resolutions are optimal in terms of budget and image quality?

We believe (and our opinion seems to be supported by most gamers who want to play with maximum comfort) that for a monitor with a resolution of Full-HD (1080p or 1920×1080) the ideal screen size is 23 or 24 inches. If you prefer a screen size of 27 inches or more, WQHD (1440p or 2560×1440) is the best resolution.

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Can I choose a 24″ 1440p or 4K monitor? Of course. Will the image on it be better than on the screen of a 24-inch Full-HD monitor? Yes. However, the difference in quality will not be noticeable compared to a good Full-HD monitor of the same size when viewed from the same distance.

What about 4K? Is this a good resolution for games?

Currently (March 2019), the NVIDIA RTX 2080 Ti graphics card is the best available on the market. Although it delivers high frame rates in 4K resolution in many games, it still fails to achieve a stable 60fps in some games. Especially if you don’t compromise in terms of image quality. nine0003

So we still can’t recommend 4K monitors for either price or gaming comfort. Playing with high graphics quality settings at low resolutions is more enjoyable than lowering quality for higher resolutions.

1440p monitors: perfect for gaming right now

Since graphics cards aren’t yet powerful enough to handle 4K gaming (and if they are, they tend to be very expensive), we’re taking a small step back to 1440p. nine0003

WQHD resolution is considered ideal for gaming today. You might be worried that going to a higher resolution like 1440p will cause frame rate drops. However, with the release of the latest NVIDIA 20-series graphics cards, you can not only easily raise the bar to your desired 144 frames per second, but also enjoy improved image quality.

In addition, you can easily find WQHD (1440p) monitors with a refresh rate of 144 Hz, while 4K models with such a refresh rate are still (as of Q1 2019years) are practically inaccessible.

Screen resolution and video card speed

A cool, high-res monitor will definitely enhance your gaming experience, but only if your PC can match it. In this section, we accept as a fact that the desired speed at any resolution is a frame rate of 60 FPS or more. Yes, you can play at a lower speed, but the gameplay will be less and less comfortable.

It turns out that the best monitor (with optimal resolution) does not guarantee a comfortable game. Moreover, if your computer does not have enough processing and graphics power, then your level of comfort may be lower than that of another user who has the same computer, but connected to a monitor with a lower resolution. nine0003

In any case, you need to remember this: to take full advantage of monitors with a screen refresh rate of 144 Hz, you need a computer that can deliver frame rates close to 144 FPS in your favorite games.

▼ Video card performance test results in Apex Legends at 1440p.

The release of the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti model brought a fresh stream to the graphics card market. Some of the most profitable offers in the past have become irrelevant. However, for now, if you want a solid 60 FPS or more at 1440p at the highest graphics quality settings, we still recommend one of the RTX series models (RTX 2060 or better). nine0003

Of course, much depends on the individual needs of the gamer. You might prefer a more budget-friendly solution (GTX 1660 Ti / GTX 1060 or even RX 580 / RX 570) if you don’t mind lowering your graphics settings to get a comfortable frame rate. Also, if you spend most of your time playing competitive games like CS:GO, Dota 2, Overwatch, League of Legends, or World of Tanks, you can get pretty high speeds even with a mid-range graphics card. nine0105

MSI WQHD Monitors: Optix MAG271CQR and Optix MAG321CQR

At MSI, we believe that gaming devices should provide maximum comfort for the gamer, even on a limited budget. Since, as we found out earlier, 4K is not yet as relevant for gaming as we would like, we focused on the resolution that strikes the perfect balance between speed and picture quality — 1440p or WQHD.