iPhone 5 vs iPhone 4: Retina Displays Compared Under Stereomicroscope [PICS]

Apple told us the 4-inch Retina display on the iPhone 5 has better colour saturation and contrast, but is it really true? Retinal neuroscientist Bryan Jones compares the iPhone 5 display with that of the iPhone 4 with a stereomicroscope on his blog. He place both screens on max brightness and then snapped pictures with his stereomicroscope and Canon 1D Mk III. On the surface, the differences aren’t clear, but on a micro level, here’s what Jones concludes:

However, looking at higher magnification is where you can really see the difference in images. It turns out that the pixels in the iPhone 5 are *precisely* the same size as the iPhone 4 pixels, but the iPhone 5 pixels have better color saturation with more contrast, seen particularly in the blue pixels. I did not calculate the difference in color saturation between the two iPhones, but it is pretty clear to the eye which is which. Apple claims 44% increase in color saturation and from these images, I believe them.

Jones also notes the shape of the pixels in the iPhone 5 display are crisper, and edges of sub pixels more squared compared to that of the iPhone 4. These details he believes, are the big difference makers in reducing eye strain and fatigue.

How are you enjoying the 4-inch Retina display? How do you find the colours?

[via Daring Fireball]

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