The maximum resolution of a monitor or printer. In an LCD display, the native resolution is significant because, unlike older CRTs, which could display several resolutions at a high quality level, the native resolution (highest resolution) of a flat panel is generally the sharpest.
Better All the Time
This was especially true in earlier LCD monitors. However, as screen pixels per inch (ppi) have become denser, this is no longer a hard and fast rule. On most new monitors, in order to display all the elements on screen larger, the resolution can be set lower than native with excellent sharpness. See
ppi,
dpi,
4K monitor and
5K monitor.