How much is 1 pixel?

The cost of a single pixel is not directly measurable in isolation, as pixels themselves are not sold individually. Rather, you buy screens or displays, which contain millions or billions of pixels. The cost of a screen or display depends on various factors, such as its size, resolution, technology (LCD, OLED, etc.), and brand. Here’s a breakdown of how the cost relates to pixels in different scenarios:

1. Cost of a Display (Based on Pixels)

For a display (whether it’s a TV, monitor, or phone screen), you are paying for the entire array of pixels that make up the image. Here's a rough breakdown:

• Resolution and Pixel Count:
  • 1080p (Full HD): 1920 x 1080 pixels = 2.1 million pixels.
  • 4K (Ultra HD): 3840 x 2160 pixels = 8.3 million pixels.
  • 8K: 7680 x 4320 pixels = 33.2 million pixels.
• Price Example:
  • A 4K TV (with 8.3 million pixels) might cost $300 - $1000 depending on brand, features, and screen technology (e.g., OLED vs. LED). So, roughly:
    • A $500 4K TV would cost around $0.06 per pixel.
  • A 1080p monitor might cost $150 - $300, which puts the price at $0.07 - $0.14 per pixel for that screen.

2. Pixel Density in Consumer Electronics

The pixel density (measured in PPI—pixels per inch) affects the sharpness and detail of a display. Higher PPI means more pixels are packed into a smaller area, increasing the manufacturing cost.

For example:

• Smartphones:
  • An iPhone with a Super Retina XDR OLED display has a pixel density of around 460 PPI.
  • The price for such a phone might be $700 - $1500 depending on the model, which indirectly factors in the pixel density as part of the cost.
• Monitors: A 27-inch 4K monitor with 163 PPI can cost around $300 - $800, depending on its features.

3. Pixel Art Displays (LED or OLED Panels)

In pixel art displays (such as LED matrix boards or pixel walls), each individual LED or OLED element can be considered a "pixel". These displays are sold by the size of the grid and the type of technology.

• For example:
  • Pixel Art Displays like the Govee DreamView or Nanoleaf Shapes don’t necessarily break down pricing by individual pixels but rather by the number of modules or panels.
    • A Govee DreamView system with RGBIC LEDs might cost around $100 - $200 for a set of lights that could have hundreds of tiny light pixels.
    • These displays are about creating visual effects and lighting rather than just showing a single image.

4. Pixel Cost for Micro-Displays (Used in AR/VR)

In advanced technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR), the cost of micro-displays used in headsets is more relevant. These tiny screens have very high pixel densities, sometimes over 1000 PPI.

• For example, the Oculus Quest 2 has a display resolution of 3664 x 1920 pixels (around 7 million pixels), and costs around $300 - $400. This translates to a pixel cost of around $0.05 per pixel, factoring in display size, resolution, and technology.

Conclusion

The cost of 1 pixel in a commercial product is not something commonly calculated on its own, but it can be estimated based on the overall price of a screen divided by its total pixel count. However, the cost will always depend on factors like:

• The screen resolution (higher resolutions have more pixels).
• The screen technology (OLED, LCD, MicroLED, etc.).
• Brand and manufacturing costs.

If you’re looking to buy a screen or panel for a specific use (gaming, office work, or home décor), I can help you find one and give you more detailed cost estimates based on your needs!