Difference Between XGA and SVGA

As the clarity of an image depends on the number of pixels, this seminal difference between the two makes XGA images much sharper and detail-oriented than SVGA images.

Key Takeaways

1. XGA (Extended Graphics Array) has a resolution of 1024×768 pixels, while SVGA (Super Video Graphics Array) has a resolution of 800×600 pixels.
2. XGA offers higher resolution and sharper images, while SVGA suits older computer systems with limited graphics capabilities.
3. While XGA is the preferred resolution for modern displays, SVGA is still used in certain applications, such as arcade games and POS systems.

XGA vs SVGA

XGA is an improved version of the VGA standard with a 4:3 aspect ratio and is still used in older computer systems and projectors. SVGA is a higher resolution than XGA, with a 4:3 aspect ratio, and is still used in some computer systems and projectors. Newer display standards have replaced it.

XGA and SVGA have the same aspect ratio of 4:3. However, XGA has an effective pixel resolution of 1024 horizontal by 768 vertical pixels compared to SVGA’s resolution strength of 800 horizontal by 600 vertical pixels.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	XGA	SVGA
Pixel Resolution Strength	XGA has a higher pixel resolution strength of 1024 horizontal by 768 vertical pixels.	SVGA has a lower pixel resolution strength of 800 horizontal by 600 vertical pixels.
Year of Release	XGA was launched in 1999.	SVGA was launched in 1989.
Clarity of Image	The image created is sharp and detail-oriented.	The image created is not very sharp due to the low pixel count.
Cost	Projectors and displays with XGA configuration cost more than those with SVGA configuration.	Projectors and displays with SVGA configuration are more cost-effective.
Internet Webpages	XGA can display the entire width of web pages.	SVGA cannot display the entire width of web pages.
Official Recognition	XGA is recognized as the official replacement for the VGA format.	SVGA is not recognized as the official replacement of the VGA format, although it preceded the launch of XGA.

What is XGA?

XGA is the abbreviation commonly used to denote Extended Graphics Array. The XGA format was originally designed by IBM in 1990 to replace the 1987 VGA (Video Graphics Array) display modalities.

It is a display standard with a pixel resolution of 1024 horizontal pixels by 768 vertical pixels.

XGA maintains the same pixel aspect ratio of 4:3 as SVGA but supports 786,000 pixels per image, rendering a crystal clear image that was previously absent.

This format is famed and recognized for its high-definition images and detail clarity. XGA embodied significant improvements over its predecessor’s features.

It also supports non-interlaced monitors- a feature hitherto missing from such formats.

What is SVGA?

SVGA is the abbreviation used to connote Super Video Graphics Array. SVGA was the unsanctioned successor to the older VGA model with a higher resolution and clearer images.

SVGA was developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) – a conglomerate of monitor and graphics manufacturers- in 1989.

It boasts several improvements over the VGA format, like an improved pixel resolution of 800 horizontal by 600 vertical pixels.

Although the SVGA can support up to 16 million colours, the practical simultaneous display of colours is limited by the video memory of the operative system. Most systems can display 256 simultaneous colours.

Main Differences Between XGA and SVGA

1. The main difference between XGA and SVGA is in terms of the pixel resolution supported by each. While both share the same aspect ratio, the clarity of any projected image is derived from the effective pixel resolution of its projection. XGA overtakes SVGA in this category as it supports an enhanced resolution strength of 1024 by 768 pixels, while the SVGA supports a way lower pixel strength of 800 by 600. Hence the resolution offered by the former is effectively higher than the latter.
2. The difference in the pixel resolution strength of each affects the clarity of a projected image. XGA produces clearer and sharper images with an acute detail orientation. However, due to its lower pixel resolution, SVGA produces softer images with a lack of attention to the details of an image.
3. Another difference is in terms of cost. While XGA-empowered machines are usually costlier, the cost of an SVGA machine is comparatively on the lower end of the projector price spectrum. If budget constraints are an issue, one can choose the more cost-effective SVGA projectors and displays instead of the pricey XGA ones.
4. Another difference is that while XGA is used to display the current width of all web pages, SVGA cannot display the complete width of a web page. XGA screens are configured to display such widths easily- a feature absent from its SVGA predecessor.
5. SVGA is often considered as the unsanctioned successor to the VGA. It was launched to improve the older VGA resolution format in 1989. XGA was launched in 1999 and marketed as VGA’s official successor.

References

1. https://www.questia.com/library/journal/1G1-111735753/battle-of-the-resolutions-svga-vs-xga-projectors
2. https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/conference-proceedings-of-spie/3689/0000/SVGA-and-XGA-LCOS-microdisplays-for-HMD-applications/10.1117/12.352834.short