Is 4K Better Than 1080P?

The continued proliferation of technology into the everyday lives of the average individual shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, it seems as though new technology is coming out faster than ever before. In 2018, technological advancements have been really noticeable in the audiovisual industry.

The audiovisual technology available to the average consumer in 2018 is nothing short of stunning. So stunning that the difference between prior technology vs. state-of-the-art screens is clearly visible when shown side by side. However, there has been so much new technology over the last few years that it can be challenging for the average consumer to sort through which screen is truly state-of-the-art and which fall short. That’s why we decided to clear up one of the most common questions we hear: Is 4K better than 1080P? Let’s find out.

Let’s start off with the answer: Yes, 4K is indeed better than 1080P. Yet, to truly appreciate how much better it really is, you need to first understand what exactly 1080P is and how 4K improves upon the experience.

The most important difference between 4K and 1080P, unsurprisingly, comes down to resolution. Remember, 4K is now referred to as 4K Ultra HD, while 1080P is1080PHD. As the names imply, 4K offers a higher resolution than 1080P. How much more? Quite a bit, as it turns out. A 4K Ultra HD display offers over 8 million pixels, while a 1080P HD display offers 2 million—obviously a substantial difference!

We know that more pixels sounds nice, but what does it actually bring to the table for the viewer? Well, it means that the images displayed are sharper, more realistic looking and able to show a higher-contrast ratio. The contrast ratio is the difference between the brightest brights, and the darkest darks that the screen is capable of displaying.

The detail that a 4K Ultra HD screen is capable of showing is vastly superior to a 1080P screen. This is particularly noticeable when you are looking at something like feathers or hair. That’s why nature shows are often used to show off 4K capabilities to people who have not experienced the new technology yet.

Another major advantage 4K screens have is that the optimal viewing distance is significantly closer than that of a 1080P screen. In fact, you can sit twice as close to a 4K television than you can to a standard one. That can be a big deal for people who have large televisions in small rooms.

For now, 4K Ultra HD is the best viewing experience available on the market, and it’s fairly affordable! If you are on the lookout for a new television, keep an eye out for the Ultra HD Premium™ logo. That logo means that the product is approved by the UHD Alliance and will deliver a premium 4K Ultra HD experience.