How do you compare tablet screen sizes with laptop and smartphone screens?

1 Screen size basics

Screen size is the diagonal measurement of a screen's display area, usually in inches. For example, a 10-inch tablet has a screen that measures 10 inches from one corner to the opposite corner. However, screen size doesn't tell you the whole story about how much content you can see on a screen. You also need to look at the screen resolution, aspect ratio, and pixel density.

2 Screen resolution

Screen resolution is the number of pixels that make up a screen's display, usually expressed as width x height. For example, a 1920 x 1080 screen resolution means that there are 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 pixels vertically. The higher the screen resolution, the more details and clarity you can see on a screen. However, higher resolution also requires more power and processing, which can affect your tablet's battery life and performance.

3 Aspect ratio

Aspect ratio is the ratio of a screen's width to its height. For example, a 16:9 aspect ratio means that the screen is 16 units wide and 9 units high. Aspect ratio affects how a screen displays different types of content, such as videos, games, web pages, and apps. Some common aspect ratios for tablets are 4:3, 16:9, and 16:10. A 4:3 aspect ratio is more suitable for reading and browsing, while a 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio is more suitable for watching videos and gaming.

4 Pixel density

Pixel density is the number of pixels per inch (ppi) on a screen. It measures how sharp and crisp a screen looks to the human eye. The higher the pixel density, the smoother and clearer the images and text appear on a screen. However, pixel density also depends on the screen size and resolution. For example, a 10-inch tablet with a 1920 x 1080 resolution has a pixel density of 218 ppi, while a 7-inch tablet with the same resolution has a pixel density of 315 ppi.

5 How to compare tablet screen sizes

To compare tablet screen sizes with laptop and smartphone screens, you need to consider both the screen size and the screen resolution. A simple way to do this is to use an online calculator or converter that can show you the screen size, resolution, aspect ratio, and pixel density of different devices. You can also use a ruler or a tape measure to compare the physical dimensions of different screens.

6 How to choose the best screen size for your tablet

Choosing the best screen size for your tablet depends on your personal preferences and needs. When making your decision, consider factors such as portability, usability, and performance. Smaller tablets are easier to carry around and operate with one hand, while larger tablets offer more screen space and better hardware. However, larger tablets tend to be heavier and bulkier, and may have lower resolution and less power. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer; you should try out different tablets to find the one that suits your needs and budget. Compare their screen sizes, resolutions, aspect ratios, and pixel densities to make an informed decision.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?