What does it mean when an image is described as pixelated?

When an image is described as pixelated, it indicates that the quality of the image has significantly decreased, so much so that the individual pixels become easily discernible. This typically happens when an image is enlarged beyond its original resolution or when it is saved using a format that compromises quality. In a pixelated image, the smooth blending of colors and details is lost, resulting in a blocky, coarse appearance. This phenomenon highlights the limitations of pixel density in relation to image clarity.

Higher resolution images contain more pixels per unit area, leading to enhanced detail and smoother visuals, which is contrary to what pixelation represents. While compression can lead to quality degradation, it is specifically the visibility of the pixels that characterizes a pixelated image, making this the defining aspect of pixelation. The number of colors used in an image does not directly correlate with whether the image is pixelated, as an image with many colors can still be of high quality and clarity.