Apple has always been an innovator. Now they are a revolutionary mobile device powerhouse that can command the respect of an industry that Apple has only just announced they will break into. Innovation, revolution – these are not words that can describe Apple’s choice of screen size and resolution. But does that mean the screen is a disappointment? First, let’s take a look at the details for the most conspicuous and, arguably, the most important aspect of a mobile device.
Size
3.5 inches in the diagonal direction
Among current smartphones, this screen size puts the iPhone at the head of the pack. A 2 in. wide and 3 in. tall lcd screen is actually pretty big. But keep in mind, more LCD real estate equates to higher battery drain.
Resolution
The screen is 320 pixels across and 480 pixels high, wth a 160 ppi (pixels per inch) pixel density. This is a fairly typical resolution among current smartphones and really isn’t that bad. However, Apple is known for innovation and trend setting design. This resolution is neither innovative nor trend setting.
Interface
Multi-touch
This emerging technology has only recently come into the public eye and has been widely demonstrated on ultra high end applications (read: really really expensive). Furthermore, “multi-touch” should not be confused with “touch screen”. While a touch screen interface is manipulated using touch-based inputs, traditional touch screens can only accept touch inputs from one area or point. This generally limits a touch screen interface’s affect to buttons and sliders that are manipulated through touch. Multi-touch takes things further by allowing gestures at multiple points to affect controls like zoom or scrolling without the need for sliders or zoom buttons or anything of that nature.
Conclusion
So, is the iPhone’s screen a disappointment? Well, it depends on how you look at it. If you only consider the size and resolution of the screen to judge its worth, then it’s a draw. Nice big screen with mediocre pixel density. But mediocrity from Apple is quite disappointing.
But let’s step back for a second and look at the bigger picture. The screen is huge! As mentioned above, the size alone is quite a drain on the battery. Higher pixel density would demand even more juice. And the biggest factor, and almost enough in itself, is the multi-touch interface. I’m sure there are people out there who will say that they would like higher resolution over some gimmicky interface, but it’s easy to dock something you have never tried before. I believe multi-touch will change the way people use touch screens. My Macbook has a track pad that allows me to zoom and scroll with two finger gestures and I can’t imagine going back to using that horrid scroll bar. Add to that a healthy dose of battery life and the resolution starts to look like an incredible compromise. From the perspective of innovation, the screen size and multi-touch interface are innovation defined.