4K TVs are now more popular than 1080p TVs. Although 4K TVs have brighter colors and better resolution, they also offer less content and are more expensive than 1080p TVs. Is it worth buying a 4K television? This article will explain everything you need to know: What is 1080p? What is 4K? And what is the difference between 4K and 1080p?
What is Screen Resolution?
The term resolution refers to how many pixels a screen can display. It is usually measured in horizontal pixels divided by vertical pixels. Televisions with higher resolutions are likely to have sharper images and more vivid colors. They will also be able to produce deeper blacks.
Each flat-screen TV screen is composed of tiny pixels. Each one of these tiny pixels can be lit up in different colors. You can see individual pixels if you are close enough to the screen. When you stand back, the pixels will join together to create an image.
These days, the most popular TV resolutions are 1280×720 (also known as HD or HD), 1920×1080 or Full HD or 1080p, and 4K (also known as Ultra HD or 2160p).
It is important to remember that a higher resolution doesn’t always mean a better image. You should also look at the pixel density (or the number of pixels per inch) of your TV to ensure the best quality picture and color contrast. Higher PPI will result in more dynamic and detailed colors on your screen.
What is 1080p?
The 1080p resolution displays 1,080 vertical pixels along with 1,920 horizontal pixels. This gives a total of approximately 2 million pixels. The “p” symbol in 1080p refers to “progressive scanning”, which is when the image is transmitted simultaneously, rather than interlaced scanning.
Images are divided into even and odd rows with interlaced scanning. A 1080i TV can only display half of an image at once. However, it switches between the two halves so fast that it is difficult to see. However, 1080i TVs may show flickering in motion. Progressive scanning, on the other hand, displays every frame of the image simultaneously. 1080p TVs provide a cleaner image, especially when moving.
Interlaced scanning isn’t very common these days and is often only found in older-school plasma and CRT TVs.
What is 4K?
A 4K TV display is approximately 8.3 million pixels in total. It has 3,840 horizontal pixels and 2,160 vertical pixels. The 4K “K” stands for Kilo (1,000), which refers to the 4,000 pixels horizontally on the screen.
4K vs. 1080p
There is no doubt that 4K TVs have better image quality than 1080p. This is due to the fact that 4K TVs are four times larger than 1080p TVs. 1080p TVs, however, are more affordable and have a wider selection of content.
1. Resolution
Because 4K TVs are larger than 1080p TVs in pixels, you’ll be able to see more detail, colors will be more vivid, blacks will be darker, and so forth. You won’t notice any difference unless your TV is large enough and you are close enough to it.
The difference between 4K & 1080p can be seen in the above image. Take a look at the pattern on the man’s vest and the frills on the woman’s gown. But if you aren’t too far away from your screen, it won’t be as noticeable.
2. Content
There is still more content to be viewed in Full HD than in 1080p. There are many 4K TV shows and movies on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube TV.
Keep in mind, however, that 4K content has larger file sizes. Therefore, it is recommended that you have at least 25 Mbs internet speed to stream 4K content.
You can find out the speed of your internet connection by reading our article How to Do a WiFi Speed Test.
3. Available
Things are changing when it comes to 4K TVs vs. 1080p TVs. According to Statista, 4K TVs were more popular in 2019 than 1080p TVs. It is becoming harder to find a 1080p television these days, as 4K has become the norm.
You should not buy a 1080p TV from an online retailer if there are only a few left.
4. Cost
As you would expect, 4K TVs tend to be more expensive than 1080p TVs of the same size. A 49-inch 1080p TV by TCL costs $250 while a 4K TV by the same manufacturer will run you around $435.
You can expect to spend at least $1,000 on a 4K TV. However, the majority of 4K TVs will be more expensive than $400. Check out our list of the top 4K TVs in 2020 if you are looking for a new TV.
5. Colors
Ultra HD TVs are far superior to 1080p in terms of color quality. Because 4K TVs are higher resolution than 1080p, they can display more dynamic colors. This means that there are more subpixels capable of displaying more shades and hues.
Screen technologies like organic light-emitting dime (OLED) and liquid crystal display (LCD), allow you to control the amount of light that each pixel receives, giving you more realistic colors and darker blacks.
Is 4K worth it?
If you own a large TV and are able to sit close enough to the screen, a 4K TV will only be worth it. To notice the difference in 4K and 1080p, you must be less than 8 feet away from a 65-inch TV according to the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.
If you are looking to buy a smaller TV, or if you intend on sitting further away from the TV, a 4K TV may not be worth it. These are only guidelines. You might notice a difference if you have better eyesight.
A 4K TV may not be worth the cost if you intend to stream content or have an internet connection that is slower than 25 Mbps.
The majority of the most recent smart TV features will only be available on 4K TVs. Although 1080p TVs can be as good as it gets, a 4K TV is an excellent investment to ensure your future entertainment.
You might consider a streaming device after deciding between 4K and 1080p. To find the best streaming media device for you, take our quick quiz.
