TV Buying Guide: Understanding TV Resolutions

When buying a TV, understanding resolution is key to choosing the right screen quality for your needs. The resolution of a TV affects the sharpness, clarity, and detail of the image. Here’s a guide from Tommie Kelly on the differences between 720p, 1080p, 4K, and 8K resolutions, helping you pick the best option for your space.

720p Resolution (HD)

720p (HD) resolution, also known as HD Ready, has 1280 x 720 pixels on the screen. This resolution is typically found on smaller TVs (under 32 inches) and is best for casual viewing or secondary spaces like kitchens or bedrooms.

  • Best for: Smaller screens or casual viewing
  • Pros: Affordable and adequate for smaller TVs
  • Considerations: Limited sharpness on larger screens; not ideal for detailed or immersive viewing

1080p Resolution (Full HD)

1080p (Full HD) resolution has 1920 x 1080 pixels, providing a noticeable improvement in sharpness and clarity compared to 720p. It is standard in many mid-sized TVs and provides a crisp, clear picture ideal for watching movies, sports, and gaming.

  • Best for: Medium to large screens (32–50 inches)
  • Pros: Great picture quality for the price, works well for most content
  • Considerations: Limited detail on larger screens compared to 4K and 8K

4K Resolution (Ultra HD)

4K (Ultra HD) resolution has 3840 x 2160 pixels—four times the detail of 1080p. With this high pixel count, 4K TVs offer stunning detail and depth, making them ideal for larger screens and immersive viewing experiences. Most streaming platforms and gaming consoles now support 4K content, making it a popular choice for home theatre’s and living rooms.

  • Best for: Large screens (50 inches and up)
  • Pros: High level of detail and clarity, extensive 4K content available
  • Considerations: Best viewed at a closer distance to fully appreciate the resolution

8K Resolution

8K resolution has 7680 x 4320 pixels, offering four times the pixels of 4K and 16 times the detail of 1080p. This ultra-high resolution delivers unmatched clarity, especially on very large screens, making it perfect for future-proofing and creating a cinema-quality experience at home. Although native 8K content is still limited, 8K TVs use powerful upscaling technology to improve lower-resolution content.

  • Best for: Extra-large screens (65 inches and up) and home theatre’s
  • Pros: Unmatched sharpness, future-ready technology, excellent upscaling
  • Considerations: Premium pricing; limited native 8K content

Choosing the Right Resolution for Your Needs

  • Small to Medium Rooms: 720p or 1080p TVs are ideal for casual viewing in secondary spaces.
  • Living Rooms and Home Theaters: 4K is highly recommended for a more immersive and detailed experience, especially on larger screens.
  • Premium Home Theatre Experience: 8K TVs offer the most detail and future-proofing, making them suitable for dedicated home theatre’s with large screens.