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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.
FAQs
What’s the difference between 1080p and 4K?
4K resolution has four times the pixel count of 1080p, offering sharper, more detailed visuals — especially noticeable on large screens.
Can I stream 4K with a slow internet connection?
Not reliably. You'll need at least 25 Mbps per stream to handle 4K without buffering or quality drops.
Is 720p still good quality?
Yes — for mobile viewing or slower internet connections, 720p is often sufficient and saves data.
Why does high resolution sometimes still look blurry?
Likely due to low bitrate, compression, or upscaling from a lower-resolution source. Resolution alone doesn’t guarantee quality.
Does higher resolution mean better quality?
Generally, yes — but only when paired with a high enough bitrate and compatible display. Quality also depends on the source material.
