The differences between PCR and qPCR are outlined in Table 1.
| Feature | PCR | qPCR | 
| Use | Detects the presence or absence of specific genomic fragments | Quantifies a particular genomic fragment in a sample | 
| Technique | Qualitative | Quantitative | 
| Product detection | Agarose gel electrophoresis | In each amplification cycle | 
| Data collection | At the end of the reaction | During the exponential phase of the reaction | 
| Resolution | Poor | Very high | 
| Dye | Ethidium bromide | Fluorescent dyes (e.g.Cyber Green™) | 
| Efficiency | Time consuming | Less time consuming |