Advancements in multimedia technologies have been around for almost every few years. Two of the latest screen resolutions used in high-end monitors, TVs, and other display devices are QHD and WQHD. Users are also curious about WQHD vs. QHD.
This two high-definition (HD) formats are considered to be similar and only have a few differences. This guide will show you the main differences between QHD vs. WQHD and which is the better option between them.
Read on to learn more.
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QHD vs. WQHD
While various factors—screen size, refresh rate, sharpness, and a few more—determine the contrast between QHD and WQHD, the main difference is their number of pixels. Here’s an in-depth meaning of these HD resolution standards:
What is QHD?
QHD, also known as Quad High-Definition or Quad HD, is a resolution standard for most high-end monitors, TVs, and some smartphones. It’s specified as 2560 x 1440 pixels at a 16:9 aspect ratio. It’s sometimes referred to as the 2K HD resolution.
Compared to the Standard HD (720p), QHD is four times greater and has tremendous potential for showing sharper images. However, devices that use it will be priced higher than ones that use standard HD. For monitors, the QHD refresh rate can go up to 240Hz and fall off immediately.
What is WQHD?
Wide Quad High-Definition (WQHD) is another type of QHD format. It highlights a broader screen size, providing users with a panoramic view. WQHD shares similar resolutions with QHD—at 3440 x 1440 pixels—but is wider by 880 pixels. It also has the same aspect ratio of 16:9.
Main Differences Between WQHD and QHD
While you may view them as similar HD resolutions, some key factors would set them apart from each other. Here are the main differences between WQHD vs. QHD:
Resolution
Wide Quad High-Definition (WQHD) has a greater resolution of 3440 x 1440 pixels than Quad High-Definition (QHD), which has 2560 x 1440 pixels. While both are in the same 2K resolution range, WQHD contains additional horizontal pixels of 880.
WQHD is a wise choice for displaying content at a broader scale—ideal for gaming monitors—and provides a unique panoramic view.
Screen Size
Most high-end QHD monitors will be available in 24 or 27-inch screens. This makes for sharper and more detailed images than most standard HD and full HD displays.
On the other hand, WQHD monitors will come in 27 to 34-inch screens or bigger since they perform better in larger screen sizes.
Cost
QHD and WQHD are typically used in high-end displays, which are more costly than the usual standard or full HD. However, WQHD will be more expensive than QHD due to its more expansive display.
On average, a QHD monitor costs between $200-$300, while a quality WQHD monitor will cost you around $300-$450.
WQHD vs. QHD: Pros and Cons
QHD
Pros
- Has greater resolution and displays better image quality than Standard HD and Full HD monitors.
- Worth the price, especially when 4K displays are out of your budget.
- QHD is available in various screen sizes.
Cons
- Can consume a significant amount of energy.
- Does not support panoramic displays.
WQHD
Pros
- Ideal on wider screens and is available in UltraWide 1440p displays.
- Can show content on a wider scale without displaying black lines.
Cons
- Will have the same disadvantages as QHD displays.
- 4K monitors can be a better choice than WQHD, especially when prices are close.
Final Thoughts
Some of the newest HD formats today are Quad High-Definition (QHD) and Wide Quad High-Definition (WQHD). They’re mostly similar, except for the extra 880 pixels that a WQHD display provides. Both are also available in various screen sizes, with WQHD being more effective in ultrawide and panoramic displays.
Hopefully, this guide helps you know more about WQHD vs. QHD, their key differences, and the pros and cons.