Here is a summary of the evolution of display resolution and size over time:
1964 – The first cathode ray tube (CRT) computer monitors were introduced with resolutions of 640×480 pixels. Typical screen sizes were 12-14 inches.
1972 – Home televisions began supporting resolutions of 480i (640×480 interlaced). Screen sizes ranged from 12-25 inches.
1981 – IBM introduced the first mass-produced computer monitor with a resolution of 720×350 pixels. Monitors were usually 12-14 inches.
1984 – Apple released the Macintosh computer with a 9-inch 512×342 pixel display.
1990 – Windows 3.0 was released, requiring a minimum display resolution of 640×480 and recommending 800×600. Average monitor sizes grew to 14-17 inches.
1994 – SVGA displays with 800×600 pixel resolution became common on 15-17 inch monitors.
1998 – Consumer HD televisions arrived with resolutions up to 1280×720 pixels, in screen sizes of 20-34 inches.
2003 – Affordable LCD computer monitors became widely available, with 1024×768 resolution and 15-19 inch screen sizes.
2006 – HDTVs with 1920×1080 resolution (1080p) arrived in screen sizes of 26 inches and larger.
2007 – Apple released the iPhone with a 3.5 inch 480×320 pixel touchscreen display.
2010 – iPad launched with a 9.7 inch 1024×768 pixel touchscreen.
2012 – Ultra HD 4K displays (3840 × 2160) arrived but were very expensive. Average computer monitors reached 23 inches.
2016 – HD and FHD resolution on smartphones became common, ranging from 4.7 to 5.5 inches.
2019 – 4K computer monitors declined in price. TV screen sizes reached 65-80 inches for 4K UHD.
2020 – Smartphone displays exceeded 6.5 inches with upto QHD+ (1440p) resolutions.
2021 – 8K televisions launched with 7680 × 4320 resolution in very large screens up to 98 inches.
So in summary, display resolutions and screen sizes have steadily increased over decades, with each new generation bringing higher pixels and larger screens. Key developments have happened in computer monitors, televisions, smartphones, and other devices.
Here is a mind map illustrating the evolution of display resolution and size over time:
