Over the past 10 years, laptop screens have become more pixel-dense, resulting in clearer text, improved visual quality, and more vibrant colors. Density is sometimes determined by pixels per inch (ppi), but the primary way to describe a laptop screen is through its native resolution, represented by the number of horizontal and vertical pixels.
Laptops that cost more than $500 typically have displays with at least full HD (1080p) resolution, which has a pixel count of 1,920 by 1,080 (or sometimes 1,920 by 1,200). These screens are usually built using LCD technology with in-plane switching (IPS) and offer consistent image quality even when viewed from an angle. Another type of screen technology, thin-film transistor (TFT), is commonly used in gaming laptops, but may result in color shifts or faded images if viewed from an off-center angle. This is important to consider if you frequently present or share the contents of your screen with others.
For the sharpest text and vivid colors, you can opt for a display higher than full HD. Currently, many premium laptops offer 4K native resolution (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) as a standard or optional feature. These screens typically use IPS technology like full HD displays, although some may use OLED, similar to high-end smartphones. OLED screens are more expensive but offer rich blacks and colors ideal for movie enthusiasts.