Ever wonder why colors appear differently on different devices and screens? Here are a few reasons:
Too technical? But overall, there are many factors that can contribute to differences in how an image appears on different devices and screens.
Color representation, on the other hand, refers to how accurate and vibrant the colors appear. In fact, some high-resolution screens may even have poorer color accuracy compared to lower-resolution screens, particularly if they use less advanced display technology or are not properly calibrated.
Thus, it is important to understand that all colors are approximate representations of actual colors. Even if you change your screen settings to see a color accurately, it doesn't mean the same settings will work for another color.
It's why you'll see this disclaimer on almost all online websites: Due to monitor settings, monitor pixel definitions, limitations of desktop scanners, digital photography, and dye lot variations, we can't promise that the color you see on your screen is an exact match. - not exactly the same words, but the meaning is the same.
If you want to buy a color-specific product online, like a ball of yarn, purchase one ball at a time and then purchase it in bulk as soon as you're sure of the color. Don't forget to buy it from the same batch. Getting in touch with the seller to confirm the batch might be worthwhile even if there wasn't much of a gap between your previous purchases.
By taking these steps, a person can make a more informed decision when selecting a color-specific product online and reduce the chances of receiving a product that does not meet their expectations.
To explain our point, here's what we did at Magic Needles. We picked a product with the most difficult color to color representation and captured it with different phones from Apple to Samsung to Mi to Redmi. Have a look at the results.. no color will look the same on your screen as it does on mine. The debate about 'eyes seeing colors differently' is for another time. For now, enjoy this :)
1. Took pictures using different phones of the same product before color correction
2. Same product page viewed from different phones post color correction
Color Gamut & Space: Each device and screen has its own color gamut, which refers to the range of colors it can display. Some screens have a limited color gamut, while others can display more colors.
Color Management: Maintaining consistency across different devices and screens requires good color management. However, not all devices and screens are calibrated in the same way, which can result in differences in color representation.
Display Settings: Things like brightness, contrast, and color temperature can affect how an image looks on a screen.
Lighting Conditions: The ambient light in the room where the display is being viewed can also affect color perception. Bright, direct light can make colors look washed out, while dim lighting can make colors appear more vibrant. Be aware of lighting conditions when evaluating color accuracy.
Color Management: Maintaining consistency across different devices and screens requires good color management. However, not all devices and screens are calibrated in the same way, which can result in differences in color representation.
Display Settings: Things like brightness, contrast, and color temperature can affect how an image looks on a screen.
Lighting Conditions: The ambient light in the room where the display is being viewed can also affect color perception. Bright, direct light can make colors look washed out, while dim lighting can make colors appear more vibrant. Be aware of lighting conditions when evaluating color accuracy.
Too technical? But overall, there are many factors that can contribute to differences in how an image appears on different devices and screens.
But my screen has high resolution / PPI (Pixels Per Inch)?
PPI (Pixels Per Inch) and color representation are different concepts. PPI is a measure of display density, and it determines how much detail can be shown in an image or graphic. However, PPI does not directly affect color representation.Color representation, on the other hand, refers to how accurate and vibrant the colors appear. In fact, some high-resolution screens may even have poorer color accuracy compared to lower-resolution screens, particularly if they use less advanced display technology or are not properly calibrated.
How do you pick a color-specific product online?
The colors shown on our websites cannot always match as per the expectations of online buyers due to the above mentioned reasons. This is an enormous challenge for online sellers. Please don't take screen images as gospel and don't take them as absolutes.Thus, it is important to understand that all colors are approximate representations of actual colors. Even if you change your screen settings to see a color accurately, it doesn't mean the same settings will work for another color.
It's why you'll see this disclaimer on almost all online websites: Due to monitor settings, monitor pixel definitions, limitations of desktop scanners, digital photography, and dye lot variations, we can't promise that the color you see on your screen is an exact match. - not exactly the same words, but the meaning is the same.
If you want to buy a color-specific product online, like a ball of yarn, purchase one ball at a time and then purchase it in bulk as soon as you're sure of the color. Don't forget to buy it from the same batch. Getting in touch with the seller to confirm the batch might be worthwhile even if there wasn't much of a gap between your previous purchases.
By taking these steps, a person can make a more informed decision when selecting a color-specific product online and reduce the chances of receiving a product that does not meet their expectations.
To explain our point, here's what we did at Magic Needles. We picked a product with the most difficult color to color representation and captured it with different phones from Apple to Samsung to Mi to Redmi. Have a look at the results.. no color will look the same on your screen as it does on mine. The debate about 'eyes seeing colors differently' is for another time. For now, enjoy this :)
1. Took pictures using different phones of the same product before color correction
2. Same product page viewed from different phones post color correction
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