When shopping for a new television, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is choosing the right TV display resolution, as noted in our TV buying guide. From watching your favourite movies in crisp clarity to playing the latest video games in stunning detail, the resolution you choose plays an important role in your viewing experience.
But with so many options available, including 1080p, 4K, and 8K, it can be confusing. Which resolution is right for you? Does it really make a difference? In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about TV resolution, and how to choose the best resolution based on your preferences and viewing habits.
What is TV display resolution?
In simple terms, TV display resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the image on your screen. A pixel is the smallest unit of a digital image. The higher the number of pixels, theoretically, the sharper and more detailed the picture. Resolution is typically measured in terms of width and height (in pixels) and is often described by terms like 1080p, 4K, or 8K.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the core concepts:
- Pixels: These are the tiny dots that combine to create the image you see on your screen.
- Pixel density: This refers to the concentration of pixels in a given area. Higher pixel density leads to sharper images.
- Aspect ratio: This is the ratio of width to height in the screen’s resolution, with the most common being 16:9 (widescreen).
Now, let’s dive into the different TV screen resolutions and how they compare.
Most common screen resolutions
Full HD (1080p)
Full HD (1080p), with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, was the standard for many years. A TV with this resolution offers a solid viewing experience, especially for smaller TVs. While Full HD doesn’t provide the level of detail found in higher resolutions like 4K, it’s still widely used for streaming, gaming, and general TV watching. While 1080p remains sufficient for smaller TVs, particularly if you’re on a budget or have a smaller screen size, you may find that futureproofing the purchase with a 4K TV to offer better long-term value.
4K Ultra HD (2160p)
4K Ultra HD TVs (3840×2160 pixels) are pretty much the new standard nowadays. Even if you aren’t subscribed to 4K content sources—such as cable, satellite, or the 4K tier of your favourite streaming service(s)—you’ll still get a better picture, for the most part. It offers four times the number of pixels as 1080p, resulting in sharper images and more vibrant colours, especially on larger screens. Pretty much every streamer nowadays has 4K content, including Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. There’s also 4K support from gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5. 4K is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a more immersive viewing experience. Learn more about 4K TVs in our 4K TV buying guide.
8K resolution (4320p)
TVs with 8K resolution (7680×4320 pixels) deliver an incredibly detailed picture with 16 times the number of pixels as 1080p. While it offers unmatched clarity, 8K content is still limited, and 8K TVs remain priced at a premium. However, for those looking to be ready for when 8K content becomes the norm, an 8K TV can be a smart investment. The technology continues to evolve and more content will become available in the future.
How to choose the right TV resolution for your needs
Choosing the best TV resolution isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Here are several factors to consider to help you make an informed choice.
TV resolution vs. screen size
The size of your TV plays a significant role in how resolution affects your viewing experience. Larger screens benefit from higher resolutions, especially if you sit close to the TV. For instance, on a 55-inch or larger TV, the benefits of 4K resolution become much more noticeable compared to 1080p.
Viewing distance and room size
Your viewing distance is another critical factor. If you sit far from the screen, the difference between 1080p and 4K might not be as noticeable. On the other hand, sitting closer to the TV will make the increased detail from 4K or 8K more apparent. In general, the larger your screen and the closer you sit to it, the higher the resolution you’ll need to ensure a sharp image.
Content availability on streaming services
Consider what kind of content you watch most often. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video offer lots of 4K content. But you have to pay for a tier that affords it with most providers, Apple TV+ excepted. If you opt for the basic-level subscription with most streamers, you only get access to 1080p anyway. And not all shows and movies (though most of the most popular and high-profile ones) are offered in 4K. If you watch leisurely and don’t subscribe to a premium tier, 1080p might be fine. But investing in a 4K TV will provide a much richer experience, especially one that offers upscaling capabilities (more on that below).
Matching resolution to your usage
- Gaming: Gamers will benefit from 4K resolution for a more immersive and detailed experience, especially with new gaming consoles and PC setups.
- Movies & sports: Watching action-packed movies or sporting events in 4K or even 8K can provide sharper details, especially for large screens.
- General TV watching: For regular TV watching, 1080p is often perfectly fine unless you’re looking for future-proofing. However, since many of the latest hit TV shows are delivered with incredible visuals, don’t discount 4K TV for regular TV viewing, too.
Is resolution the only factor for image quality?
While TV resolution is important, it’s not the only factor that determines image quality. Other considerations include:
- TV panel technology (LED, OLED, QLED): Panel types affect colour accuracy, contrast, and viewing angles.
- Refresh rate: A higher refresh rate (e.g., 120Hz) can make fast-moving scenes, such as sports or video games, look smoother. Gamers may even want a TV with something higher, like 240Hz.
- HDR (high dynamic range): HDR enhances the contrast and colour of the image, making dark areas darker and bright areas more vibrant.
- Content source and upscaling technologies: Some TVs come with upscaling features that enhance lower-resolution content to look better on higher-resolution displays.
Can you increase your TV’s resolution?
While you can’t physically upgrade the resolution of a TV once you’ve bought it, many modern TVs come with upscaling technologies that improve lower-resolution content. For example, a 4K TV will upscale 1080p content to make it appear sharper. While upscaling can improve image quality, it won’t match the sharpness of true 4K content. But depending on the TV, you may still get a markedly better picture watching 1080p content on a 4K TV.
Future-proofing your TV purchase
Even though 8K content is not yet widespread, investing in an 8K TV today may be a smart move for future-proofing your entertainment setup. As more content becomes available in higher resolutions, having a TV that supports these formats ensures you won’t need to upgrade again soon. Plus, with 4K content already common, 8K TVs can deliver an amazing picture, even if the content isn’t 8K yet.
Make the right choice for your viewing experience
Choosing the right TV display resolution comes down to balancing your preferences, budget, and viewing habits. For most viewers, 4K offers the best value with its sharp image quality and availability of content. However, if you’re on a budget or want a smaller screen, 1080p will still serve you well. And, if you’re looking to future-proof your setup, an 8K TV might be the way to go.
Explore the wide variety of TVs at Best Buy Canada to find the perfect one for your home and elevate your entertainment experience today!
Frequently asked questions
What resolution is best for a TV?
The best resolution depends on your preferences and viewing habits. For most people, 4K resolution is the sweet spot for sharp, detailed images. If you have a smaller TV or a limited budget, 1080p may be sufficient. For future-proofing, 8K is the way to go, but it’s less practical right now due to limited content. Since there are often deals on 4K TVs, this is a great option to go for right now.
What is the difference between 4K and 8K?
4K offers a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels, while 8K boasts a resolution of 7680×4320 pixels. 8K provides a sharper, more detailed image, but content in 8K is still limited. 4K content is more widely available and will likely be the dominant resolution for at-home TVs for some time to come.
What else matters besides resolution when choosing a TV?
Other important factors to consider include panel technology (LED, OLED, QLED), refresh rate, HDR support, and audio quality. Each of these elements contributes to the overall viewing experience, so make sure to consider them along with resolution when making your decision.
