When we hear Apple tout its amazing “Retina Display” we assume that regardless of the device we’re looking at the resolution output will look the same, according to NPD DisplaySearch however that isn’t the case.
NPD recently examined various Retina Displays on Apple devices and found that the resolution output varies greatly. For example the iPad features 264ppi pixel density, far less than the 326ppi shown on the iPhone 4.
As NPD writes:
“But since ‘retina display’ is a marketing term with no specific definition, Apple is able to use it how it wants.”
The company also found variations in the technology Apple claims to be using. While Apple says it uses the IPS panel some of its suppliers are using FFS (fringe field switching) instead.
Because of those variations NPD claims that Apple really means that “retina display” simply refers to “high performance display” and not a specific set of standards.
Apple is believed to receive its displays from Sharp, LG and Samsung. Samsung and LG are said to be using a-Si TFT technology which Apple may have switched to while Sharp works out issues with its new IGZO display. In any case a-Si TFT is only capable of a 264ppi upper limit.
In the meantime the new iPad is expected to have “at least” twice as many LEDs as the iPad 2 (nearly 72 in total) which means higher power consumption which likely explains the bigger batter with no real change in battery life span.
Do you think Apple should strongly define the term “Retina Display” or is it our job as consumers to just assume that it means “high end” or “high performance” display?
