Samsung Tab S3 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density)

[Android Central Question]

hi folks,
out of curiosity, does anyone have an inkling as to why Samsung has opted to go for this 2048 x 1536 resolution rather than the standard 1920 x 1080? Is it because of better rendering for 4k videos?

it appears that videos of standard HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 do not resize properly for the full screen, leaving wide horizontal gaps at the top or bottom, when played in landscape, which is a departure from the normal resolution of the Samsung Tab A (2017) of 1920x1080.

thanks for any clarification,
Cos

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! If you're using YouTube, what happens if you pinch to zoom? On 18:9 screens, YouTube videos will initially show up with those gaps around the border, but if you use a reverse-pinch gesture to zoom, it will fill the whole screen.

 

[cosmin ioan]

if I use the reverse-pinch (or the other non-zoom) setting, then it cuts off the vertical margins, I guess trying to fit in 4:3 or whatever ratio it needs. the Samsung Tab A 10.1 never had these issues, having a native resolution of 1920x1080 (regular HD).

Am I overlooking something basic OR did Samsung mess up royally here OR maybe I bought the Tab S 9.7 for the wrong purpose?

thanks much for any insight,
Cos

 

[Dano1200r]

Since the source is 16:9 the software has to do something or let you make a decision, ie zooming aot borders. I read about this coming problem before the apple x launch. It's a case of more screen than they know what to do with. Leaving 16:9 out of the design is a mistake imo.

 

[B. Diddy]

Some people feel that the 4:3 ratio is more suited toward general usage on a larger tablet, since apps don't have to appear wide and short (in landscape) or tall and narrow (in portrait), which is how it is in 16:9. Here's an article that discusses other factors: Why Android Tablets are Finally Moving to 4:3 Screen Aspect Ratios - Tested

To watch any modern movie on a 4:3 screen, you'll always have to deal with some degree of letterboxing (i.e., the black strips on the top and bottom of the screen).

 

[cosmin ioan]

thanks folks, for the informative feedback -- much appreciated --
While I agree that the 4:3 may be suitable for other apps, I feel that the majority of videos on youtube being 1920x1080 (presumably 16:9), the new resolution (letterboxing) is not friendly for such.

thanks,
Cos