QHD vs FHD: What are the Differences?

When it comes to picking the best drawing tablet, one of the key factors that many people consider is mainly the screen resolution. Aside from the other resolutions that are available, the most common resolutions in the market are both QHD and FHD. Understanding the main differences between both resolutions is essential for artists who are looking to invest in a new drawing tablet or display. In this article, we will guide you and help you make an informed decision on which resolution is the best for you and your use cases.

What is QHD Resolution?

QHD stands for Quad High Definition, which is also known to many as 2.5K. It offers an effective resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, which by doing simple mathematics, is four times more than the resolution of the standard HD (720p). This impressive pixel count provides approximately 3.7 million pixels in total, offering more details than other resolutions. QHD is considered to be particularly beneficial for many digital artists as monitors under these resolutions can provide higher quality and screen real estate, allowing finer details in your artwork.

Scenarios where QHD shines the best:

• Professional Digital Art: When it comes to using monitors with QHD for digital art, it shines with the ability to create precise and detailed images that help a lot for digital artists.

• Gaming: The addition of more pixels is appreciated by a lot of gamers as it allows more details and enhanced visual quality which are needed the most for FPS games. The highest resolution also provides a more immersive gaming experience for all.

• Multimedia Consumption: The increased pixel density ensures that videos and images appear more lifelike and vibrant when watching high-definition movies and streaming videos, QHD provides superior clarity and crispness.

  Technical Specifications of Common QHD Monitors

• Native Resolution: 2560 x 1440 pixels

• Aspect Ratio: 16:9

• Total Pixel Count: 3,686,400 pixels

• Typical PPI at 22": 133.7

• Common Panel Types: IPS, VA, OLED

• Standard Refresh Rates: 60Hz, 75Hz, 144Hz, 165Hz

What is FHD Resolution?

FHD or Full HD resolution provides a native resolution of 1920 x 1080, which delivers approximately 2.1 million pixels. While the resolution may not be as high as QHD, FHD still offers excellent image quality and is commonly used in many devices and monitors. This has been the standard resolution for most budget-friendly monitors for many years and still continues to offer great performance for many digital art applications. FHD monitors are the cost-effective option that still delivers good clarity and sharpness, making them a popular option for many users.

Scenarios where FHD shines the best:

• Everyday Use: When it comes to general browsing, social media, and office work, FHD monitors provide more than enough clarity and sharpness. Monitors with FHD resolutions are suitable for tasks that do not require extremely high detail.

• Budget-Friendly Option: For users who want good image quality without spending too much on a monitor, a Full HD monitor is a practical and affordable choice. Not only that, it offers a balance between performance and cost.

• Gaming and Multimedia: While not as sharp as QHD, FHD still offers a good visual experience for gaming and watching movies. It provides a satisfactory level of detail and clarity for casual gamers and movie watchers. Having a lower resolution also means higher performance for many users.

  Technical Specifications of Common FHD Monitors

• Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels

• Aspect Ratio: 16:9

• Total Pixel Count: 2,073,600 pixels

• Typical PPI at 22": 100.13

• Common Panel Types: TN, IPS, VA

• Standard Refresh Rates: 60Hz, 75Hz, 144Hz

Other Types of Resolutions Available

In the display market, there are many options for the resolutions that can be used for digital art. However, FHD and QHD represent just two points on a broader spectrum of monitor resolution options. Understanding the complete range of resolutions helps you make the right choice when it comes to selecting the most appropriate display for your creative and daily needs.

Resolution Dimensions Total Pixels Common Names Typical Use Cases

FHD vs QHD: How to Choose the Drawing Tablet Best for You?

Choosing between monitors with FHD and QHD resolutions for different types of drawing tablets may require careful consideration as there are many technical factors that can impact which monitor is for you.

Aside from the resolution, the factors that you need to consider are color performance, productivity and ergonomics, and long-term value.

Display Performance and Visual Quality

The most noticeable factor between FHD and QHD monitors is the visual presentation, especially when it comes to the details that the monitors can produce. QHD with its 2560 x 1440 resolution can deliver approximately 77.8% more screen real estate than those from the normal FHD with its 1920 x 1080 resolution. The addition of more pixels allows the monitor to produce more details which are useful when working with fine details in digital art, and other intricate tasks.

Aside from that, it can also be useful when it comes to photo editing and video editing. Professional artists working on detailed illustrations or high-resolution assets will find QHD's enhanced clarity invaluable for maintaining precision in their work.

However, higher-resolution monitors may require specific hardware to perform well. While FHD monitors can run smoothly on most modern systems, QHD monitors may require a dedicated GPU to run smoothly.

Color Accuracy and Reproduction

Aside from being able to produce great details, having a good to great color accuracy rating for a monitor is also something that you need to consider. For example, QHD displays add more technology to improve the performance and the colors, achieving around 99% Adobe RGB coverage compared to the common 90-95% range for most FHD monitors. For some users, this might just be a minor difference and may not matter that much, but if you are considering doing graphics design and editing, you have to consider color accuracy as one of the deciding factors.

The added increased pixel density of QHD monitors also contributes to smoother color reproduction and more natural-looking images, which is noticeable in digital painting and photo editing. QHD displays often produce an average ΔE (delta E, for color accuracy) value of < 1.5, while FHD displays an average of around ΔE < 2, representing a meaningful improvement in color precision for professional work.

Workspace Efficiency and Productivity

The larger screen resolution often translates to larger screens, which offer more screen real estate for productivity work. With 77.8% more pixels to work with, QHD monitors allow more efficient space usage when it comes to arranging different tools that are used for digital art and other creative works. This additional space proves particularly valuable for complex workflows involving multiple reference images or extensive tool palettes.

Digital Painting:

• FHD monitors provide more adequate space for essential tools and a moderate-sized canvas.

• QHD monitors allow for a simultaneous display of reference images, expanded brush palettes, and a larger working area.

• The higher pixel density of QHD enables more precise brush control and detail work.

Graphic Design:

• FHD monitors support standard design software layouts effectively.

• QHD monitors enable side-by-side comparison of design iterations.

• Additional space accommodates complex tool arrangements and multiple artboards.

Animation and Motion Graphics:

• FHD monitors handle basic timeline-based workflows.

• QHD monitors provide more space for extended timelines, multiple preview windows, and tool palettes.

• Higher resolution benefits frame-by-frame animation detail work.

FHD vs QHD Drawing Tablet

When you are looking for a drawing tablet that supports any of the resolutions that are mentioned in this article, you might want to consider the best in the industry. We can suggest the XPPen Artist 22R Pro for a FULL HD drawing tablet and the XPPen Artist Pro 22 (Gen2) for the QHD drawing tablet option.

XPPen Artist 22R Pro (FHD)

XPPen Artist 22R Pro features an FHD resolution, providing crisp and clear visuals. It's a reliable choice for artists looking for quality without breaking the bank. The drawing tablet also features a large 21.5-inch display that is good enough for your normal graphics design and digital art tasks.

Aside from that, the display produces great colors that can be beneficial when it comes to drawing real-life pieces. All of these features are some of the best when it comes to digital art, all packaged with a budget-friendly starter drawing tablet.

Display Technology:

• Resolution: 1920 x 1080

• Panel Type: IPS

• Color Gamut: 88% NTSC, 120% sRGB, 90% Adobe RGB

• Response Time: 14ms

• Contrast Ratio: 1000:1

• Brightness: 250 cd/m²

• Viewing Angle: 178°

XPPen Artist Pro 22 (Gen2) (QHD)

With a QHD resolution, Artist Pro 22 (Gen2) offers superior image quality and more screen space, making it ideal for artists who demand the best in their digital art tools. The QHD resolution provides a higher level of detail and clarity, which is beneficial for intricate artwork and professional use.

If you’re working with creative projects like video editing, graphics design, and photography, this drawing tablet is undoubtedly the best in the market. Even more, it comes with a 16k 16k pressure-sensitive stylus. In general, the XPPen Artist Pro 22 (Gen2) offers great specifications both in hardware and software support that can make the workflow of any digital artist easier.

Display Technology:

• Resolution: 2560 x 1440

• Panel Type: IPS

• Color Gamut: 99% sRGB, 99% Adobe RGB, 94% P3 (Switch between Three Color Spaces)

• Response Time: 14ms

• Contrast Ratio: 1000:1

• Brightness: 250 cd/m²

• Viewing Angle: 178°

Detailed Comparison of XPPen Artist 22R Pro vs Artist Pro 22 (Gen 2)

FHD vs QHD: Which is Better for Drawing?

Ultimately, choosing between FHD vs QHD monitors depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are aiming to prioritize higher resolutions and can spend a budget on a premium drawing tablet, then considering a QHD monitor is the way to go. However, if you’re on a tight budget and you can only afford a budget-friendly drawing tablet monitor, then you can consider getting a FHD monitor.

Consider your workspace as well — QHD requires more processing power from your computer and takes up more storage space for your artwork files. Many professional artists work perfectly well with FHD resolution, especially for digital illustrations and concept art. The difference in sharpness is most noticeable when working on highly detailed pieces or when viewing your art on larger screens. Your art style and the type of work you create should also guide your decision more than just the specifications alone.

Wrapping It Up

Both QHD and FHD resolutions have their own advantages, and the best choice for you will depend on your requirements and budget. By understanding the differences between these resolutions, you can make an informed decision and enhance your digital art experience.

If you are looking for your next drawing tablet, you can consider the XPPen Artist Pro 22 (Gen 2). Are you ready to upgrade your drawing tablet? Explore the options available and choose the one that best fits your artistic needs.