And none of them seem to have good hinting for low-DPI use.

alwillis · on Dec 3, 2022

I suspect that’s because a fairly recent operating system version is required to support variable fonts and almost all of those devices are high resolution where hinting is unnecessary.

The iPhone 13 mini I’m using to type this has a pixel density of 476 ppi.

chrismorgan · on Dec 3, 2022

Of different categories of device:

• Most mobile devices are high-DPI. (In more affluent countries it’s “almost all”, but in others it’s only “many”.)

• Many tablets are high-DPI.

• Some laptops are high-DPI.

• Very few desktops are high-DPI.

layer8 · on Dec 3, 2022

It’s relevant for Full-HD desktops and laptops, both of which remain widespread. I don’t see them going away anytime soon, because of lower cost, and also because a lot of Windows applications are not (or not adequately) hi-DPI-capable. Even 1440p monitor benefit from hinting.

Yes, mobile devices are an entirely different environment. Personally I’m still waiting for 200+ DPI desktop monitors with high contrast (VA or preferably OLED).