1080p vs 4K Computer Monitor

If you have been shopping around for a new display and just figured out what size you want after learning about the differences between a 24 inch vs 27 inch monitor, you may now be comparing 1080p vs 4K computer monitors. The best computer monitors tend to be at least 1080p, after all, with many heading to 2K or 4K. Keep reading to learn the differences between HD and UHD computer monitors.

Differences Between 1080p and 4K Computer Monitors

The primary difference here is in regards to the number of pixels and the resolution. A 1080p monitor is known as a high-definition or an HD display. A 4K monitor is known as an ultra-high-definition screen or a UHD display, which could be considered an excellent monitor for flight simulator games. A 4K monitor has twice the horizontal pixels and vertical pixels of a 1080p monitor and four times the overall pixel count, and the same cannot be said when comparing 4K vs 2K computer monitors.

This difference in display resolution and pixel count ends up impacting the monitors in other areas, such as refresh rate, display cost, larger displays, and more. This is not the case, as you’ll see in our ViewSonic VX2252MH 22-inch 2ms 75hz 1080p gaming monitor review.

Refresh Rates and Response Times

There is a reason why 1080p displays tend to be the preferred choice for avid gamers and not 4K displays. The latter offers a much higher resolution, translating to better graphics, but also demands much more from the graphics card and the computer’s processor. Generally speaking, 1080p monitors offer much faster response times and refresh rates than their 4K counterparts. Of course, technology is rapidly advancing and 4K monitors are expected to close the performance gap in the coming years.

And, as you’re learning about 4K and 1080p, it’d be a good idea to learn about full HD on a monitor and how it differs from the many other high-resolution display options. 

Desk Space

The vast majority of the top 4K gaming monitors are at least 27-inches, with many much larger. In other words, make sure you have the desk space for this kind of high-grade display. 1080p displays ship in much smaller sizes, so they can fit just about any workspace or home office setup you have got going. Of course, the increase in resolution with 4K displays more than makes up for this according to most avid users of the format.

Cost

4K displays and UHD monitors of all stripes tend to be significantly more expensive than simple HD monitors. 1080p displays have been around a long time, decades in fact, and the industry has used that time to perfect the technology while keeping the components at a low price. If you are really trying to save money without sacrificing immersion, you may look to compare 2 monitors vs 3 monitors.

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