There are countless technology arguments out there in the world. Apple vs Samsung. Google Chrome vs Mozilla Firefox. Windows vs Mac vs Linux. For anyone even remotely interested in technology, it’s all hard to avoid even if you aren’t directly weighing in.
One of the biggest more recent, and one that our readers have likely come across before, is the huge debate between desktop and smartphone users. As smartphones have developed rapidly over the last decade, many see them as ready to replace desktop computers outright, while traditionalists vigorously argue against that. With a major point in the debate coming down to the screens involved, could we soon reach the point where smartphone screens really are outclassing full monitors?
The Pros of Smartphone Screens
The biggest evidence immediately brought up in favor of smartphones and tablets is user interaction. These devices universally come with touchscreen technology as standard and for many, it is a faster and more straightforward way of interacting with the software. While desktop monitors with touchscreen tech are available, they are most commonly seen in exhibitions or large events instead of in general use.
For many monitor enthusiasts, the idea of touching their monitor screen at all is an alien concept, becoming more of an issue when any keyboard interaction is required as it would usually mean working in an odd position to make use of both. Many apps and websites are also inherently more accessible with touchscreens, such as video games or casino games which are often designed mobile first. The latter industry is now so smartphone-heavy in the user base that it’s not uncommon to see slot promotions for things like special bonuses mixed in with ones for smartphone users only.
The Practicalities
Beyond the interaction, there is the simple fact that thanks to the smaller size, a smartphone screen is more practical for daily use. While our readers are likely used to having large desktop setups, space is always at a premium for a lot of people. Laptops may surf a fine line between being stationary and portable, but they can’t compete in this regard.
In Defence of Desktop Monitors
The counterargument is simple and comes down to two words: reliability and quality. Touchscreen tech can be impressive, but ask any engineer and they’ll tell you that the more parts you put into a machine, the more things there are to go wrong with it. It’s hard to find any solid data but smartphone screens are known to be the most fault-prone part of the device, even if not gravity-assisted. On the other hand, a solid desktop monitor will be working 15 or 20 years later in some cases.
The final point could soon change with the rate of development, but smartphones have still yet to catch up to full monitor display quality. Newer models are coming closer but the argument is always whether you’d prefer to watch a movie on an 8-inch screen or a 50-inch screen.
We’re likely to see these gaps all come closer in the near future with smartphones ramping up the quality and monitors leaning more into interactivity, but for now, the debate has to rage on.
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