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Average desktop vs mobile browser resolutions worldwide in 2016 [#ChartoftheDay]

Author's avatar By Dave Chaffey 25 May, 2016
Essential Essential topic

Which resolutions of web browsers should you target when testing new website designs or on conversion rate optimization projects?

It pays to be aware of the screen resolutions for the devices your prospects and customers are using since the quality of experience you deliver through your website can vary hugely depending on how well your design works at different resolutions. Even with a responsive web design (RWD) where screen layout adjusts depending on resolution, there are 'break points' which may mean that some resolutions don't work so well.

The latest worldwide screen resolutions show the challenge of the wide range of Desktop vs Mobile vs Tablet screen resolutions to test against. Of course, the tablet and smartphone resolutions have to be tested in both portrait and landscape format:


2016 Web Browser resolutions - desktop vs mobile

Of course, to find out the most popular resolutions to test, your first port of call should be analytics for your own site. But if you're targeting a new audience or market, compilations from other analytics can be useful. They are also a prompt of the range of platforms to target against.

It's also worth reviewing the trends in resolutions to help make the case for investment. For example, the most notable trend here is that 360 by 640 is increasingly dramatically.

Trends in Browser resolution 2015 to 2016

Author's avatar

By Dave Chaffey

Digital strategist Dr Dave Chaffey is co-founder of Smart Insights and creator of the Smart Insights RACE Planning Framework. 'Dr Dave' is known for his strategic, but practical, data-driven advice. He has trained and consulted with many business of all sizes in most sectors. These include large international B2B and B2C brands including 3M, BP, Barclaycard, Dell, Confused.com, HSBC, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, M&G Investment, Rentokil Initial, O2, Royal Canin (Mars Group) plus many smaller businesses. Dave has contributed his expertise to many of the templates, guides and courses in our digital marketing resource library used by our Business members to plan, manage and optimize their marketing. Free members can access our free sample templates here. Dave is also keynote speaker, trainer and consultant who is author of 5 bestselling books on digital marketing including Digital Marketing Excellence and Digital Marketing: Strategy, Implementation and Practice. In 2004 he was recognized by the Chartered Institute of Marketing as one of 50 marketing ‘gurus’ worldwide who have helped shape the future of marketing. His personal site, DaveChaffey.com, lists his latest Digital marketing and E-commerce books and support materials including a digital marketing glossary. Please connect on LinkedIn to receive updates or ask Dave a question.

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Browser usage statistics

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