Windows Phone 8.1 update supports new screen resolution

Windows Phone 8.1 supports a new screen resolution: 960×540 pixels. This is evident from a list of possible hardware elements of Windows Phone devices. The highest supported resolution remains 1920×1080 pixels for the time being.

The list for Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 is said to have appeared on a Microsoft developer site and has been made public by WMPU. The lowest supported resolution remains 800×480 pixels, with an option for 854×480 pixels. The Lumia 530 and Lumia 630 have that resolution and use the extra 54 pixels at the bottom for onscreen buttons.

In the hardware requirements, it is also noticeable that Microsoft requires a proximity sensor. They do not have Microsoft’s own Lumia 630 and 530. It is unknown whether it is a bug, whether Microsoft has turned a blind eye to its own devices to allow a lower price or whether it means that both devices cannot get an update to Update 1 of Windows Phone 8.1. Both devices run out-of-the-box on 8.1, but have not yet received the update that reportedly brings folder support. The update would also bring support for devices up to 7″.

The supported processors include the MSM8974Pro, a newer version of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 with a slightly higher clock speed. Support for the newer Snapdragon 801 and 805 socs is not yet available.

Rumor has it that Microsoft will make Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 available to developers this month or next. That would be soon after the release of the final version of 8.1: the update is only out for a few devices in many countries.

Lumia 930