Toshiba Introduces New 6.1-Inch Display at 498 PPI

Apple has long touted the crisp resolution of its "Retina" display that debuted in the iPhone 4 with a resolution of 326 ppi (pixels per inch), a display that has since made its way to the iPod touch and now the iPhone 4S. The Retina display concept is also said to be set to make its way into the iPad 3 next year, with Apple preparing to quadruple the number of pixels to offer a resolution of 2048 x 1536 on the device's 9.7-inch screen.

toshiba 498ppi display comparison
Magnified comparison of Toshiba's new 498 ppi display with lower-resolution displays

Toshiba is now pushing the idea even further, today introducing a new 6.1-inch display offering a resolution of 2560 x 1600, coming in at 498 ppi.

This newly-developed world-class, high-definition LCD panel is based on our processing techniques for forming fine-pitch and high-performance, low-temperature poly-silicon (LTPS) thin-film transistors (TFT) on glass substrates, and other precise fabrication techniques which have been cultivated over the years. This direct-view LCD panel achieves high-definition images with photographic quality, and although the images are displayed in 2D format, they impart a sense of depth and realism.

Apple obviously does not currently offer a mobile product in the range of 6.1 inches and other considerations such as ensuring a smooth transition from lower-resolution displays would likely preclude the company from utilizing this exact display, but it is clear that the technology is advancing rapidly to enable ever higher display quality. As mobile devices continue to see increased graphics capabilities and costs fall into line with existing technologies, such ultra high resolution displays are likely to see significant adoption.

Top Rated Comments

gorskiegangsta Avatar
152 months ago
Now if someone would please upgrade my eyeballs...
Score: 46 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Ceddie77 Avatar
152 months ago
Small question

if the human retina can't see more than +-300 pixels per inch, why put 600 on 1 inch? You would think that the difference wouldn't matter. I would think that it's more important to make bigger retina display's (retina iMac, iPad?)?
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SwiftLives Avatar
152 months ago
What's the point of a display that's significantly higher than 300dpi? (Yes - I realize the iPhone 4 is 324ish). You're eye isn't going to notice the difference between an image that's 300dpi or one that has higher pixel density. Unless you're holding it right up to your eyeball...

Don't get me wrong - I think this is great. I just am having trouble figuring out any practical applications for this sort of pixel depth. Would there be any tangible benefit to the increased cost?

I do dream of the day when 30in. monitors that are capable of 300ppi are affordable...
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Laird Knox Avatar
152 months ago
That would be a nice PPI for a head mounted device.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
L-U-R-C-H Avatar
152 months ago
Wow, that is crazy. I thought the retina display was good enough haha...
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mkrishnan Avatar
152 months ago
Even print design work is only 300.

There was a lot of debate about this when iPhone 4 first introduced Retina, but when laser printers made the jump from 300DPI to 600DPI, the printed text looked notably better, even if one's eye can't really detect individual dots at 600DPI....
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)