What is WVGA Wide Video Graphics Array

WVGA: Wide Video Graphics Array

WVGA stands for Wide Video Graphics Array. It's a display resolution standard that builds upon the original VGA (Video Graphics Array) standard.

Understanding VGA

Before diving into WVGA, let's briefly recap VGA.

  • VGA is a video display standard that originally defined a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels.
  • It became a de facto standard for computer displays for many years.

WVGA Specifications

  • Resolution: WVGA maintains the vertical resolution of VGA (480 pixels) but significantly increases the horizontal resolution. Common WVGA resolutions include:
    • 800 x 480 pixels
    • 848 x 480 pixels
    • 854 x 480 pixels
  • Aspect Ratio: WVGA typically has a 15:9 aspect ratio, which is wider than the 4:3 aspect ratio of standard VGA.

Key Characteristics of WVGA

  • Improved Image Quality: The wider resolution provides a more immersive viewing experience, especially for multimedia content like videos and images.
  • Suitable for Mobile Devices: WVGA displays were commonly used in early smartphones and tablet computers due to their balance between resolution and power consumption.
  • Legacy Standard: While WVGA was popular in the past, it has been largely replaced by higher resolution standards like HD (720p) and Full HD (1080p) for modern devices.

Comparison with Other Resolutions

ResolutionPixelsAspect Ratio
VGA640 x 4804:3
WVGA800 x 480 (or similar)15:9
HD1280 x 72016:9
Full HD1920 x 108016:9

Conclusion

WVGA was a significant step forward from VGA, offering a wider viewing experience. While it has been superseded by higher resolution standards, it still remains relevant in some legacy devices or specific applications where power consumption is a critical factor.