But of the two industry-standard resolutions, which truly stands out as the very best? And how can you really tell the difference between the two? All of these questions, and more, will be answered in our dedicated guide below, where we take you through everything you need to know!
What’s The Difference?
The major difference between 1080p and 4K is the number of pixels used. A 1080p TV is fitted with 2,073,600 individual pixels that are used to create images. A 4K TV, on the other hand, is fitted with 8,294,400 individual pixels across its screen. This means that a 4K TV is able to render images with far more detail than an average 1080p TV, thanks to its quadrupled pixel count.
There are a range of different resolutions across the market that you might hear mentioned, including:
- 480p
- 720p
- 1080p
- 2K
- 4K
- 5K
- 8K
While browsing through the TV market, you may come across a number of 2K TV models. Though slightly less common than 1080p and 4K TVs, they do offer an enhanced viewing experience. The average 2K TV is packed full of 3,686,400 pixels, for a viewing experience with 2 times the clarity of a 1080p TV.
4K TVs are perfect for enjoying blockbuster films or TV boxsets, as the increased image sharpness immerses you in the viewing experience. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that 4K TVs come with a much higher upfront cost than 1080p TVs, so they are a significant investment.
Now that we’re clear on the key differences between the two resolutions, let’s see how the two stack up where it counts!
Which Resolution Is Best?
Quality
When it comes to basic image fidelity, 4K resolutions stand far above 1080p. The increased pixel count naturally ensures that every on-screen detail is preserved, for a more lifelike view. It’s also incredibly difficult to spot each individual pixel inside of a 4K TV’s display. This leads to a more believable view of the action that immerses you completely.
Many consumers often wonder if it’s possible to notice the improvement in quality when comparing a 1080p and 4K TV. This has kept many from investing in more advanced 4K TVs. Luckily, we can say for certain that, yes, you can spot the difference between the two resolutions.
You would have to get very close to a 4K TV’s screen to be able to spot each individual pixel. So when viewing from a comfortable distance you won’t be able to spot them at all. When it comes to a 1080p TV, you may be more likely to spot each individual pixel, especially when it comes to TVs of a larger size. Let’s take a look at the relationship between resolution and screen size.
Screen Size
As we’ve established, 4K TVs are equipped with millions more pixels than standard 1080p TVs. In order for those pixels to really show what they’re capable of, it’s best to give them space to breathe. As such, you’re much more likely to find 4K TVs with boosted screen sizes.
Suppose you were to squeeze a bunch of 4K pixels into a smaller TV screen, such as a 32 inch TV model, then you wouldn’t benefit much from the increased pixel count. On a much larger screen, such as a 75 inch TV, you’d really be able to notice the benefits. In fact, if you were to look at two 75 inch screens side by side, with one displaying a 1080p image, and the other displaying a 4K image, the difference would be night and day. The 1080p image would appear stretched and pixelated.
If you’ve always dreamt of bringing the big screen experience right into the heart of your living room, then a 4K TV can help to make it a reality. You can enjoy a super-sized image without having to sacrifice fidelity!
Colour Depth
On a deeper level, it’s also worth noting that 4K TVs are capable of delivering more colourful images. The increased number of pixels allows a 4K TV to recreate highly specific colours, to create a greater sense of depth. This means that you’ll be able to easily make out the main character even against a busy backdrop.
The increased pixel count also results in improved contrast. Contrast is key to enjoying all kinds of content, especially when it comes to darker images. It ensures that black values look appropriately sharp, and that brighter parts of the image are suitably vibrant.
If you’re looking to lose yourself in all of your favourite content, then it’s worth aiming for a 4K TV.
Availability
When it comes to availability 1080p and 4K are quite evenly matched. When 4K TVs were first released to the market, uptake was relatively slow. However, over the years, as prices have dropped, uptake has increased massively. Now, 4K resolutions come as standard on many top TV models. Most large TVs are now readily equipped with 4K resolutions to make the most of the larger scope. Smaller TVs, especially those under 40 inches in size, are still equipped with 1080p resolutions.
While 1080p and 4K TVs are equally accessible, 1080p and 4K content are less equal. Currently, there is still much more 1080p content available across the market than 4K content. However, with 4K TVs becoming more popular, and more studios targeting the resolution in content production, 4K content is becoming more accessible. In fact, plenty of legacy content has now been upscaled and preserved in a shiny new 4K resolution!
8K – Is It Worth The Upgrade?
8K has long been a tough sell since it was first introduced in 2013. In fact, some of the very first 8K TVs sold for hundreds of thousands of pounds. As such, they’ve long been accessible to many consumers.
8K TVs stand apart from the competition thanks to their truly immense pixel counts. The average 8K TV has around 33 million pixels packed into its screen, which is 4 times the total pixel count of a 4K TV. While this sounds incredible in concept, it’s a little more complex in reality.
There’s still a distinct lack of 8K content available on the market that makes the most of an 8K resolution. Studios are not currently targeting the resolution because 8K cameras are immensely expensive. There’s also minimal demand for 8K content thanks to the limited number of 8K TVs in homes. If 8K eventually supersedes 4K as the most popular resolution, then it’s likely that 8K content will be more available.
It’s also worth noting that 8K TVs are still much more expensive than 4K TVs, thanks to the increased pixel count. In fact, the significant increase in pixel count also means that 8K TVs have to be much larger than many 4K TVs, in order to make room for every last pixel.
8K TVs do offer a truly incredible visual experience, but you’ll need to pay more and make space for a much larger TV screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 4K Worth It Over 1080p?
If you want to make the most of your favourite video games and films, then opting for a 4K TV over a 1080p TV is absolutely the right decision! 4K not only provides greater resolution but also richer colour depth to help images pop. 4K is also becoming the industry standard for HD TVs, so you definitely don’t want to miss out!
What Is The Downside Of A 4K TV?
In order to make the most of the higher resolution of a 4K TV, you need a screen that is large enough to accommodate all of those extra pixels. However, if you only have a small amount of space available to situate a TV, you may find that 4K TVs are simply too large! If this is the case, you may be perfectly served by a 1080p TV!
Is 4K Outdated?
Though 8K TVs undoubtedly boast a much greater total resolution, it would be incorrect to say that 4K TVs are therefore outdated. 4K TVs are vastly more popular than 8K TVs, and there is far more 4K content available on the market than 8K content. Though there is potential for 8K to take over as the standard, it has yet to happen.
Should I Get 4K Netflix?
If you want to make the most of the best Netflix content, then opting for the 4K subscription plan is a great option. The only problem is that it is the most expensive option, thanks to the fact that it also offers the option to log in on more devices. If you don’t live in a busy household, it may not be worth the extra cost.
