Report hints at 2048×1536 resolution display for iPad 3

Remember when Samsung first revealed its ultra-high 2560x1600 pixel resolution display back in May? The PenTile-based screen was said to be able to display up to 72 percent of the NTSC color range while drawing 40 percent less power than screens of comparable size. News outlets everywhere predicted that the iPad 3 could come with such a “Retina-type” display at launch.

Now, a new report from the Korean Times is saying just that. “Pixel density, a barometer for viewing quality, should be increased to over 280 pixel-per-inch (PPI) to meet Apple’s stuff requirement for screen viewing,” said unnamed sources from the Korean Times. They expect both Samsung and LG to be close on finalizing large volume orders from Apple for high-resolution LCDs.

Interestingly, while the aforementioned Samsung display was at 2560x1600 pixel resolution, the new display will supposedly only be of QXGA quality, or 2048x1536 pixels. Assuming the same 9.7-inch iPad screen, this would imply a PPI of about 263, lower than the minimum 280 PPI the source suggested. Still, a QXGA display would be one the highest resolutions for a tablet and should definitely be enough to provide a full high-definition viewing experience.

Whether or not the current lawsuit disputes between Samsung and Apple will affect their tablet relationship remains to be seen. Samsung has always been a key supplier for Apple and has been providing NAND flash components, CPUs and LCDs for many of their products. A recent report from DailyTech, however, sees Apple dropping CPU support from Samsung in the near future in an attempt to diversify orders.

Korean Times sources pointed out that the QXGA displays from Samsung and LG are currently being tested and should be ready for mass production sometime during Q3 of this year. By then, we wouldn’t be surprised if additional leaks on the unannounced iPad 3 become more frequent in much the same manner as the current MacBook Air 2011 rumors.

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