4K vs 1080p: Which resolution is right for you?

Upgrading to a new TV should be an exciting time, but it’s easier said than done. There are so many sizes and manufacturers to choose from that it will turn your head. In addition, some televisions come with extras like a built-in Amazon Fire television or Chromecast. Today we’d like to focus on another battle and split 4K versus 1080p to help you decide which resolution to use for your next TV.

See also: The best TV offers

What is 1080p

In the simplest case, 1080p indicates a display resolution with 1,080 vertical pixels. It also has 1,920 horizontal pixels for a total of around two million pixels. The “p” in 1080p does not stand for pixels, but for progressive scanning. This means that the entire image is transmitted at once rather than through a series of interlaced scans. Progressive scanning essentially means that a 1080p TV will provide a much smoother picture since you won’t notice any flicker.

What is 4K

If you thought two million pixels was enough, a 4K TV contains 3,840 horizontal pixels paired with 2,160 vertical pixels. When all is said and done, you will see around eight million pixels total on a 4K display. The “K” in 4K has no technological meaning like the p in 1080p, but refers to thousands. In particular, it refers to the (almost) 4,000 horizontal pixels.

See also: The best 4K monitors you can get on a budget

4K vs 1080p: the biggest differences

Some of the main differences between 4K and 1080p TVs seem obvious. However, it’s helpful to break down each category to better view the debate between 4K and 1080p. Here are some of the key points to investigate:

resolution

We can’t compare the differences between 4K and 1080p TVs without comparing the resolutions. With almost four times as many pixels, you’ll see much better detail on a 4K TV. Of course, you need a TV big enough to tell the difference from a seated distance. In the battle between 4K and 1080p, the 4K television has a clear advantage.

Colours

The extra pixels give 4K TVs the edge, even when it comes to color. You can get far more dynamic colors than 1080p TVs and also provide deeper shadows. You also need to consider OLED and LCD displays when discussing colors. You control the amount of light that reaches each pixel, which can have a huge impact on the shadows.

It’s also worth noting that 4K is the way to go if you’re looking for special features like HDR.

content

At least for now, we have to give 1080p televisions the head start in terms of content. Sure, there are plenty of YouTube and Netflix shows that offer 4K streaming, but it’s not entirely universal just yet. You have a better chance of finding content in 1080p, although that may be higher if you have a fancier TV. Many new game consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 support 4K content, so gamers may want to indulge themselves.

See also: Disney Plus 4K support | Does Amazon Prime Video support 4K? | Does Hulu support 4K?

Availability and costs

Now that we are well into 2021, 4K TVs are really taking over the market. A quick search on Best Buy reveals roughly two dozen 1080p TVs while the retailer offers a whopping 278 4K options.

As if completely different availability wasn’t enough, you can assume that you will pay significantly less money for a 1080p TV than for a 4K TV. Only one of Best Buy’s 1080p TVs crosses the $ 300 mark, while many of the 4K TVs cross the $ 500 and even $ 1,000 mark.

Why choose 1080p?

One of the best reasons to choose a 1080p resolution TV is that you know what you are getting. 1080p TVs are as good as cutting edge so you don’t have to worry about new features. They are also extremely cheap, as we mentioned earlier. You can buy a 1080p TV and a new game console for less than some 4K TVs cost.

Additionally, there is still a good amount of overlap between 1080p and 4K features. You have access to most of the same smart TV apps and you can hook up your favorite streaming devices to either type of TV.

One final reason to stick with a 1080p TV is that it doesn’t all air in 4K just yet. Most shows and live streams are broadcast in either 720p or 1080p so your TV doesn’t have to upscale them.

Why choose 4K

While 1080p could be the past and part of the present, 4K TVs are the future. They are still growing into their final form and you will only find powerful features like HDR on 4K TVs. While many platforms are still streaming in 1080p quality, many industry leaders are making the 4K switch. You can already find Netflix, Disney Plus, and YouTube content in 4K, and more platforms are sure to be released soon.

You may also want a 4K TV if you’re into next-gen gaming. The PS5 and Xbox X and S series are hard to find, but they already offer HDR and 4K support. You can also find 4K support on streaming devices like Chromecast with Google TV and select Roku devices.

Although 1080p TVs are cheaper than 4K devices right now, the gap is narrowing. It’s easier than ever to find a 4K TV for just a few hundred dollars, and the more expensive options are still blowing 1080p TVs out of the water. 8K TVs are still in their infancy, so you should be pretty safe with a 4K TV for years to come.

4K vs 1080p: decision time

So, we’ve examined the main differences between 4K and 1080p TVs. Now you’re probably wondering which one to buy, right? Well, we would need to know more about your specific situation in order to give you a specific recommendation. However, we have provided you with plenty of information to help you make an informed decision. It really comes down to how much your wallet can handle as both types of televisions have advantages.

Of course, sitting on the fence of indecision isn’t fun. We will do everything we can to urge you one way or another. Those of you with a healthy budget of $ 500 or more should easily go for 4K TVs. If you’re not worried about the cost, you can get the future-proof option too. However, if you need a TV ASAP and can’t afford a lot, then stick with a 1080p TV. You will save some money in the short term and you can always save later for a nicer TV with 4K resolution.

Are you looking for a simple bedroom or a guest TV? 1080p might be the way to go here too, as these TV sizes are typically smaller and the benefits of 4K resolution may be less noticeable.

Well, it almost does. Hopefully you’ve made a decision about your next TV and don’t forget that we have plenty of deals that can help you.