How Big a Screen: Decide by Viewing Distance and Wall Width, Not Price
Two numbers decide the size: the distance from the customer's eyes to the screen, and the width the wall can spare. Under 50cm, choose 5–8 in; around 1m, 10.1 in; around 1.5m, 15.6 in; beyond 2m, 21.5–32 in.
Seven Sizes and Where Each Fits
| Screen | Resolution | Suggested viewing distance | Mounting height (screen center) | Where it fits | Models |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5″ | 720×1280 | 30–40cm | 1.20–1.35m | Shelf endcaps, cooler side panels, narrow columns | XT802C |
| 8″ | 800×1280 | 40–60cm | 1.25–1.40m | Shelf aisles, wall spots in convenience stores, beside the counter | XT802D |
| 10.1″ | 800×1280 | 60–90cm | 1.35–1.45m | Main aisle, category entrance, beside the pharmacy counter | XT802E / XT802E-X86 |
| 11.6″ | Capacitive touchscreen | 70–100cm | 1.35–1.45m | Spots that need landscape images and have only 40cm of wall | XT802G-X86 |
| 15.6″ | 1366×768 | 1.0–2.0m | 1.45–1.55m | Store entrance, escalator landing, outside fitting rooms | XT802F / XT802F-X86 |
| 21.5″ | 1080×1920 | 1.5–2.5m | 1.30–1.50m (portrait) | Mall floors, hospital lobbies, government service halls | XTCM215 |
| 32″ | 1080×1920 | 2.0–3.5m | 1.30–1.55m (portrait) | Main entrances, beside service desks, atriums | XTCM320 |
Mounting height is measured to the screen center and suits adult customers 155–180cm tall. If children or wheelchair users are the main users, lower the center by 15–20cm; the scan window sits below the screen, so a lower unit is easier to reach.
Three Steps to a Decision
- Measure the wall: available width under 20cm leaves room only for 5-inch; 20 to 25cm suits 8-inch; 30cm and wider takes 10.1-inch. 15.6-inch needs roughly 40cm width and 30cm height, while 21.5-inch and 32-inch need a full wall section.
- Stand in position: have a staff member stand where customers stand and measure the distance from eye level to the wall. Under 60cm the choice is easy and 10.1-inch already works; beyond 1.5m, skip 8-inch because the text becomes hard to read.
- Decide the content: unit price, specification and a QR code only, 5 to 8-inch is enough; product photos, promotion copy and multi-line specs need 10.1-inch and up; posters, floor maps and outfit suggestions need 21.5-inch and up.
Four Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Result | Better approach |
|---|---|---|
| Choosing by price and buying the cheapest first | The screen is too small to read, customers still ask staff, and the money is wasted | Set the size by distance first, then pick the OS and configuration within that size |
| Assuming bigger is always better | A large screen costs more, takes wall space, and forces customers to look up at close range | Match the size to viewing distance; a large screen on a shelf is wasted |
| Ignoring the mounting width | The unit does not fit on arrival, so it goes back or needs a new bracket | Measure wall width and height before ordering, including bracket and cable space |
| Looking at the screen and not the cooling | Mounted in a closed wooden box, it throttles or freezes in summer heat | Leave 3–5cm behind the unit and do not box it into a sealed cabinet |
Questions About Size
Can one store use 10.1 in everywhere?
Yes, but it is not the economical choice. A 5-inch unit is enough on a shelf endcap, and the savings buy several more units; put 15.6 or 21.5 in at the entrance so customers see it from a distance. A mixed layout costs less overall.
The 8-inch and 10.1-inch differ by over 200 yuan. Is the saving worth it?
If the unit goes on the side of a shelf where customers stand close, 8 in is enough; if that spot also carries promotion content, the 10.1-inch gives about half again the usable area, so go straight to 10.1 in.
Portrait or landscape: how do we choose?
Portrait suits lists and detail views such as product catalogs, floor guides and service instructions; landscape suits posters and images such as promotions and outfit suggestions. The 802 series is usually mounted in portrait, while the 15.6-inch defaults to landscape.
Is the brightness adjustable?
Yes, brightness is adjustable at the system level. Raise it near windows or under direct light, drop it a step at night or in dim stores, so the screen stays readable without glare.
Can the touchscreen be used with gloves?
The capacitive screen is designed for fingertip touch, so thin gloves usually work while thick gloves or wet hands reduce response. If staff must wear thick gloves, as in a fresh food back room, tell us before ordering and we will assess another touch option.
Not Sure Which Size? Send a Photo of the Site
Send photos that include the wall width, mounting height and customer position, and we will tell you which size fits.