More phones will have 4K screens as we move into 2015.

According to a new report from ABI Research, the move to 4K screens is more about marketing and differentiation than user experience given the fact that content at these high levels is limited.  

Senior ABI analyst Michael Inouye commented said in a statement that while some content owners and broadcasters have or are preparing to launch 4K programming, video resolution delivered to mobile devices will continue to lag behind screen pixel densities.  

“While mobile device components, such as processor, memory and in some cases batteries, are gearing up to handle 4K, network and infrastructure elements remain challenging,” Inouye said.  

A summary of the report goes on to note that user generated content (UGC) and productivity, however, could offer consumers additional ways to benefit from high resolution screens. ABI cites the popularity of GoPro broadcasting, for example, which shows the demand for high resolution UGC. 

Another possible source or 4K video could be the move to LTE broadcast, which both device manufacturers and carriers are working to support.   

ABI Practice Director Sam Rosen added that OTT video services will carefully weigh the costs of 4K delivery, the impact on viewing on mobile devices, and the brand halo high resolution services can bring.  

“OTT services will focus first on 4K delivery to Smart TVs, with HD to mobile devices,” Rosen said in a statement.