lowresolution

Low resolution is a descriptor for images, videos, or displays that convey less detail than is typical for their intended viewing size or purpose. It is defined by the number of pixels in width and height (for example, 640×480) and by pixel density (PPI or DPI). Low resolution is often contrasted with high resolution, which provides finer detail and smoother edges.

Causes include small image dimensions, limited sensor resolution, aggressive compression, or deliberate downsampling. When a higher‑resolution source is resized to a smaller display, perceived detail can change; conversely, upscaling a low‑resolution image can reveal blocky edges and artifacts.

Common visual effects of low resolution are pixelation, blurring, jagged edges (aliasing), color quantization, and banding. These issues are more noticeable when images are viewed at larger sizes or when fine patterns are present.

Low resolution is often intentional in contexts where bandwidth, storage, or processing power is constrained, such as thumbnails, previews, mobile streams, or archival formats. It is also used in some displays and retro or stylistic media to evoke a certain aesthetic.

Mitigation strategies include capturing or sourcing at higher resolution, limiting display size, or using advanced upscaling or image restoration algorithms. However, true detail cannot be recovered from information that was never captured; improvements rely on source data and perceptual algorithms rather than perfect reconstruction.