[msutherl]

I think something about the high resolution makes flat design (which is really just a derivative of 20th century modernist design) somehow feel ultra-clean. There's suddenly a new depth to the minimalism. It stands out more against 3D elements. It's much like how Swiss Design feels very different on paper vs. on a screen.

Subtle texture and animation on a retina display can recreate the latter effect to some extent.