A Apple le encanta utilizar el término “pantalla Retina” en sus materiales de marketing, but what does this mean exactly? And why are there so many different types of screens that carry this label? Let's take a closer look at the phrase.
It's all about pixel density
The term “pantalla Retina” es algo que Apple inventó, por lo que el término podría aplicarse a cualquier cosa que Apple considere calidad “Retina”. It first appeared when the iPhone was launched 4 on 2010, with Steve Jobs stating that a 326 pixels per inch (ppi), individual pixels are indistinguishable while using the device.
This is the closest we have to a definition of the term "Retina" that Apple uses in its marketing. All smartphones, tabletas y computadoras que fabrica Apple actualmente se envían con una pantalla “Retina”, y algunos usan diferentes tecnologías de pantalla y paneles que califican como “Super Retina” o mejores.
You have probably noticed that these devices have very different pixel densities. the iPhone 12 meets the 460 ppp, while the MacBook Air M1 only achieves 227 ppp. ¿Cómo pueden ambas pantallas calificar como “Retina” con un grado tan alto de variación en la densidad de píxeles?
The solution lies in how far you are from a device when you use it. Apple expects it to feel considerably further away from a MacBook Air than it would when using a smaller form factor device like an iPhone.. If you can't see the pixels when you're sitting at your desk, Apple considers the screen to be of “Retina” quality.
From this we can infer that Retina means that the pixels cannot be individually distinguished at normal operating distance. Since then, Apple ha adaptado el término con prefijos y sufijos como “Super Retina” and “Retina HD” para sus dispositivos móviles, pero la mayoría de los modelos de Mac aún se envían con una vieja “Retina Display” normal.
What are the benefits of a Retina display?
A display with a high pixel density that qualifies as Retina provides a more pleasant user experience. Not being able to see individual pixels means images and text are crisp and sharp, with little to no visible jagged edges unless you get very close.
This requires macOS to adjust the UI to use assets that have four times more detail (twice as many pixels vertically and twice as many pixels horizontally). You also need to scale these icons so they don't look too small.
Using a Retina display will not improve your work, but it will make the time you spend using your device a little more enjoyable. While Mac applications like Retinizador Alguna vez fueron requeridos para “mejorar” las aplicaciones más antiguas, most software now takes into account Apple's preference for high pixel density displays.
Understanding display technology
Aunque “Retina” es una definición reservado para los dispositivos de Apple, rivals also have their own terminology. As an example, Samsung loves to use “Super AMOLED Display” to describe OLED panels with built-in digitizers.
If you are interested in learning more about display technology, It is possible that you are interested in knowing the difference between OLED and non-OLED screens, as well as knowing how to buy the right TV for your budget and needs.
