DisplayPort vs. HDMI: 5 Major Comparisons

Next in line is DisplayPort 1.1, which was introduced in 2007 and supported 3D video, fiber optics linking, Dual Mode, and DisplayPort Content Protection.

In 2009, DisplayPort 1.2 was rolled out with a double data rate of 17.28Gbps, which meant higher refresh rates and better resolutions. This version came with more color spaces and multiple monitor support. It also served as the introduction to the Apple Mini DisplayPort connector. In a minor update, DisplayPort 1.2a was enhanced with FreeSync support.

Next came DisplayPort 1.3 in 2014, with an enhanced transmission speed of 32.4Gbps and support for 4K (120Hz) and 8K (30Hz). This version also featured an improved RGB color ratio per pixel and mandatory dual-mode compatibility for related adapters.

2016 saw DisplayPort 1.4 with the number of audio channels expanded to 32 and support for Display Stream Compression 1.2. This enabled lossless compressed quality, as well as support for 8K (60Hz) if compressed.

Finally, DisplayPort 2.0 was introduced in 2019, with throughput at 48Gbps and resolution support at 16K (60Hz). This iteration also enhanced support for several displays, including augmented reality and virtual reality resolutions beyond 4K.

Next came HDMI 1.1, which was introduced in 2004 and supported HD DVD audio. This iteration also included small technical revisions.

In 2005, HDMI 1.2 was rolled out with a new Type-A connector compatible with personal computers. This version also came with improved Super Audio CD transmission, as well as support for Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr colors. In a mini update, HDMI 1.2a was enhanced with Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) support.

Next came HDMI 1.3 in 2006, with an enhanced data transfer capacity of 10.2Gbps and a smaller form factor, known as HDMI Type C. This version also increased color resolution up to 16-bit per channel. Apart from this, it provided support for DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD. Small experimental enhancements were introduced in HDMI 1.3a, HDMI 1.3b, HDMI 1.3b1, and HDMI 1.3c.

2009 saw HDMI 1.4 with the addition of HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) internet support and support for 100Mbps speed. This iteration amped up the highest resolution supported to 4K, along with support for newer color profiles, 3D formats, micro HDMI, and new cables. Availability of audio upstream removed the need for a distinct audio cable. Soon followed HDMI 1.4a and HDMI 1.4b, which provided minor changes in quality and 3D optimization.

HDMI 2.0 was introduced in 2013, with an enhanced data transfer speed and support for UHD content (4K at 60Hz). This iteration supported dual video streams on a single display, as well as 32 audio channels for improved quality. Soon followed HDMI 2.0a and HDMI 2.0b, adding and enhancing HDR support.

Finally, HDMI 2.1 was introduced in 2017 with the added capability of 8K at 60 Hz. This version is even capable of supporting 10K at lower refresh rates. In this iteration, Display Stream Compression is used for running formats greater than 8K.

DisplayPort cables and connectors are usually seen in their “full-sized” variant, which features 20 pins on a double-L-shaped connector. A unique advantage of its asymmetrical form factor is increased seamless physical connectivity compared to more uniform ports such as HDMI and USB.

However, the smaller “Mini DisplayPort” variant is also used for standalone monitors, especially those used for high-end gaming. It was originally introduced in 2008 for Apple devices.

Apart from its data transmission capabilities, DisplayPort sees use on other technology platforms for its form factor. In fact, other protocols utilize the DisplayPort form factor for data delivery across different cables. For instance, the Intel Thunderbolt 3 supports DisplayPort version 1.2.

DisplayPort may not be commonly found on mainstream devices such as gaming consoles, monitors, graphics cards, and televisions. However, it is common in devices priced higher than average, such as gaming monitors and high-end graphics cards. For instance, AMD’s RX 5700 Navi cards and Nvidia’s RTX 2000 GPUs both come with DisplayPort connectors.

Standard HDMI connectors or Type A HDMI connectors are typically used by corporations and personal users. They connect source devices such as gaming consoles and Blu-ray players to monitors and televisions.

Mini HDMI connectors, also called Type C HDMI connectors, are created for more specific device use cases, such as DSLR cameras and tablet computers. The smaller “Mini HDMI” plugs into the smaller device, while the other end is a regular connector used with a computer, projector, or monitor.

Micro HDMI connectors or Type D HDMI connectors are seen in even smaller and more portable devices (think smartphones, digital cameras, and small tablets). Just like a Mini HDMI connector, the other end of the Micro HDMI cable comes with a standard connector.

Finally comes the automotive or Type E HDMI connector, rarely found in everyday use and generally seen in automotive and industrial applications.

Type B HDMI connectors are also used but minimally. This is because the Type B HDMI connector was also introduced alongside the original standard in 2002 to transmit dual-link DVI video; however, once HDMI 1.3 was introduced, the throughput offered by a single link surpassed that of the dual-link connection. Apart from this, the Type B connector had a larger form factor than the single-link standard connector, giving another reason to move away from it. However, Type B HDMI is still a specification retained on record.

The first size variant is the standard DisplayPort connector. The second is a smaller alternative, “Mini DisplayPort,” designed primarily for Apple devices. The latter features the same form factor as the Apple Thunderbolt port.

Regular DisplayPort connectors also feature a locking mechanism, a hook or lock system that keeps the cable in place. This mechanism helps users minimize the risk of accidental disconnection. However, it also increases the risk of breakage in cases involving human error, such as the cord being pulled without the locking mechanism being deactivated.

Finally, the DisplayPort standard pegs optimum data transmission at approximately 3 meters of cable length. However, the cable can be extended up to 20 meters while allowing at least a high-definition resolution.

The most commonly seen HDMI variant is Type A, a standard in almost every modern-day television and computer. HDMI Type C is a standard for tablet computers and smaller laptops. Type D is used in smartphones and tablets. Finally, Type E is customized for automobile and industrial applications. All these variants come with 19 pins.

The unused Type B (extended pin HDMI) variant, primarily made for DVD applications, comes with 29 pins.

Unlike DisplayPort, which features a locking mechanism in the standard form factor, only Type E HDMI (Automotive) offers a locking mechanism. Other HDMI connectors are just a pull away from disconnection. However, they insert firmly into ports and require a reasonably strong pull to be removed. They don’t just fall out of their sockets!

Finally, the HDMI standard does not specify exact dimensions and capabilities in terms of cable length. Generally, HDMI cables are shorter than DisplayPort cables and normally come in 2-meter lengths for optimum performance.

DisplayPort is technically capable of supporting CEC functions. However, this feature is seldom seen in standard DisplayPort connections.

Finally, DisplayPort does not support Ethernet functionality or audio return signals, making it incapable of commanding audio systems.

On the other hand, HDMI, which was created as a consumer electronics standard, comes with CEC support. This allows HDMI to control an entire entertainment system with a single remote control, including the primary device, connected display, and peripherals.

Finally, the latest HDMI iteration offers a special HEC function, allowing in-built HDMI ethernet channel functionality. This gives users up to 100Mbps internet speed over HDMI connections and allows audio control functions. HDMI is also capable of linking devices to the internet without the need for additional connection lines.

DisplayPort supports G-Sync and FreeSync. It also offers technical advantages for setups that feature older-generation hardware.

One use case where DisplayPort is the clear winner is configurations requiring multi-display support.

Apart from this, DisplayPort cables that correspond to the equivalent HDMI release offer higher maximum throughput. This makes them ideal for higher refresh rates and frames per second (FPS) in gaming applications.

For instance, many modern-day output devices offer direct compatibility solely with HDMI. This is because most display devices come with seamless HDMI connectivity. Gaming consoles, such as Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox are excellent examples of this phenomenon. 

Apart from this, HDMI is ideal for use cases requiring ethernet support. The additional support for popular audio signals like Dolby also gives HDMI an edge over DisplayPort in more popular use cases.

Finally, CEC support means HDMI is better suited for entertainment applications.