Resolution

The clarity of a video, measured in pixels (e.g., 1080p, 4K).

What is Resolution?

Resolution refers to the number of pixels displayed on a screen or in a video. It directly affects the clarity and sharpness of the image. The higher the resolution, the more detail is visible — especially on larger screens.

Common Resolutions (720p, 1080p, 4K)

Resolution Pixel Count Label Best Use Cases
480p 854 x 480 SD (Standard Definition) SD (Standard Definition)
720p 1280 x 720 HD Budget streaming, smaller screens
1080p 1920 x 1080 Full HD Most TVs, monitors, and stream
1440p 2560 x 1440 Quad HD (QHD) Gaming monitors, high-res content
4K (2160p) 3840 x 2160 Ultra HD (UHD) High-end TVs, 4K streaming
8K 7680 x 4320 Ultra HD+ Large commercial displays, future-proof setups

Resolution vs Bitrate

While resolution determines the pixel size, bitrate determines the data quality. A higher resolution with low bitrate may look blurry or compressed. For best quality, both must be optimized:

  • High resolution + high bitrate = crisp and clear
  • High resolution + low bitrate = pixelation or buffering
  • Lower resolution + decent bitrate = smoother but less detailed

Choosing the Right Resolution

  • For phones/tablets: 720p to 1080p is typically fine
  • For laptops/desktops: 1080p is the standard, with 1440p+ for high-end displays
  • For TVs: 4K is ideal on screens larger than 43″
  • For streaming: Match the resolution to your internet speed (4K requires 25+ Mbps per stream)

    • Also consider data caps — higher resolutions consume more bandwidth.

Preguntas Frecuentes

4K resolution has four times the pixel count of 1080p, offering sharper, more detailed visuals — especially noticeable on large screens.

Not reliably. You'll need at least 25 Mbps per stream to handle 4K without buffering or quality drops.

Yes — for mobile viewing or slower internet connections, 720p is often sufficient and saves data.

Likely due to low bitrate, compression, or upscaling from a lower-resolution source. Resolution alone doesn’t guarantee quality.

Generally, yes — but only when paired with a high enough bitrate and compatible display. Quality also depends on the source material.

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