Screen resolution is an important consideration when choosing a smartphone. Here’s an explanation of screen resolution as it applies to Windows Mobile.

Every modern LCD screen uses pixels (which are tiny square or rectangular dots) to display screen information (text, pictures, etc). Every display has a resolution, meaning a measure of pixels. Usually resolution is shown as something like “640×480″, meaning that there are 640 pixels across, and 480 pixels down. Multiply those numbers together, and you will get the total number of pixels. There are a set number of standard resolutions that are designated by a series of letters such as VGA, WVGA, XGA, and so on.

The above image from Wikipedia (click for a larger) gives you a map of all the present display standards.

Is one resolution better than another? It depends. As a general rule, if you look at two screens of the same size and one has a higher resolution than the other, the higher resolution screen will look clearer because it has more pixels that is making up the image that you see. But, unless changes have been made to the system font size, the text on said higher resolution screen will appear smaller. HTC has made sure to boost the system font size on all of their higher resolution devices, like the Touch Diamond, Pro, and HD, to increase readability.

Now, Windows Mobile, more than any other phone platform, comes in a variety of resolutions. The most common resolution up until recently had been QVGA, which is 320×240. Now, most newer Windows Mobile phones are coming with VGA resolution screens, which is 640×480. In the upper end of the spectrum, you have the higher end phones like the Touch HD and XPERIA X1, which have “wide” VGA, at 800×480. If you have the budget to do so, opt for a Windows Mobile phone with at least VGA resolution and you’ll be happy by the quality and clarity of the screen.