Android resolution change

Phones like the Nexus 6, LG G3&4 have very large resolutions.  At this point manufactures are finding that high DPI phones sell great.  This trend may continue just as it did for digital cameras.  Some power users are finding that manufacures progression with compacting a higher DPI into displays is slightly out running our advancments in processing power and efficiency.  The solution?  Lower the resolution just like you do in games to get better performance from your computer.

 

Changing the resolution for Android Lollipop and Android M phones.  It’s quite simple.

HackerAttitude version: (using nexus 6 as example)

Change Android to a non native resolution run adb commands:

adb shell wm size 720x1280

720×1280 isn’t the only resolution you can use.  You can use any ratio of the native resolution.  Just make sure the DPI is set in the correct range of the DPI you use.

adb shell wm density 280; adb reboot

Change Android back to native resolution run adb commands:

adb shell wm size 1440x2560
adb shell wm density 560 adb reboot


 

More detailed version:

Mac, Linux:

Make sure your phone has developer mode turned on.  Continually tap on ‘build number’ in settings > about phone

Get the new adb binary that works with Android Lollipop and M.   Download it here from Google’s developer site.

Run adb.   If you didn’t put the adb path in your CLI preference folder you can run adb from wherever saved the file by ./path/adb

To make sure your phone and the adb service are able to connect run adb she’ll by

./path-to-adb/adb device

You’ll see a pop up on your computer with a key.  It’ll ask you to accept and trust this connection.

If you accepted the connection as a known host then follow the HackerAttitude directions and you are finished after a reboot.

 

Windows:

 Download and install ADB and USB drivers over at the XDA forums

Follow the forum instructions for installing adb on windows.  Then simply start the HackerAttitude instructions.  After reboot you’ll be all set.

 

This is being reported as making the Nexus 6 and LG3 quicker with less lag as well as making these phones more power efficient.

 

Happy Hacking!!

Eddie Dounn

Web developer by day. Enthusiast by night. Owner of VAZED

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