Why is resolution a measure of quality for smartphone screens, but not cameras?

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for cameras, we all know that megapixels aren't everything, and that image quality is more dependent on the sensor, lens system, etc.

why is it, then, that resolution is the main determinant of screen quality for smartphones? for example, people automatically assume that a 1440p screen on a smartphone is superior to a 1080p panel - yet those same people will tell you that resolution really doesn't determine the quality of a camera.

why the discrepancy?

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There isn't really a discrepancy. Resolution is the main determinant of quality for both smartphone screens and cameras.. to a certain point. Once resolution is high enough that our eyes can't pick out individual pixels at standard viewing distances, other factors become more important. As you mentioned, for cameras these factors include sensor quality, lens, etc. For smartphone screens, these factors might include color accuracy, contrast, viewing angles, etc.

The only difference is camera tech hit the resolution sweet spot long before smartphone screens did.