Don’t Buy the Wrong Resolution - 1080p vs 1440p vs 4K

Summary

This video compares three 27-inch AOC gaming monitors with varying resolutions: 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. The script explores the impact of resolution on gaming and general use, highlighting the impressive clarity of 4K despite its high cost and performance hit. It also discusses the benefits of 1440p as a balance between cost, image quality, and frame rates, especially for competitive gaming. The video is sponsored by Squarespace and provides a discount code for viewers.

Takeaways

• 🖥️ The video compares three 27-inch AOC IPS panel gaming monitors with different resolutions: 1080p, 1440p, and 4K.
• 🔍 The 4K monitor impresses with its clarity and smoothness, especially noticeable in text and graphics.
• 💻 Despite the high cost, the 4K monitor's pixel density (163 PPI) provides a noticeably sharper image compared to 1440p (109 PPI) and 1080p (82 PPI).
• 💰 High refresh rate 4K monitors are expensive, with an average price significantly higher than 1440p and 1080p monitors.
• 🕔 The 1080p monitor, while affordable, shows visible pixels at a normal viewing distance, making the image appear less cohesive.
• 📏 Pixel density is crucial; a 24-inch 1080p monitor has a higher pixel density (93 PPI) and looks better than a 27-inch 1080p.
• 🎮 For fast-paced gaming, the performance hit from upgrading to a 4K monitor can reduce frame rates significantly, affecting gameplay.
• 🤔 The 'Retina display' concept suggests that beyond a certain pixel density, additional pixels are unnoticeable to the human eye.
• 🎖️ 1440p monitors are popular as they offer a balance between resolution, frame rate, and cost.
• 🏆 For competitive gaming, especially in esports titles, the slight visual improvements of higher resolutions may not justify the frame rate loss.
• 🌐 The video is sponsored by Squarespace, which is highlighted as an easy platform for creating websites with various templates and customization options.

Q & A

What are the main differences among the three AOC monitors discussed in the video?

The main differences among the three AOC monitors are their resolutions: one is a 1080p monitor, another is a 1440p monitor, and the third has a 4K display, all within the same 27-inch IPS panel form factor.

What is the refresh rate of the 1080p and 1440p AOC monitors mentioned in the video?

Both the 1080p and 1440p AOC monitors technically have a refresh rate of 165 Hertz, but for the video, they were set to run at 144 Hertz.

How does the 4K monitor compare to the 1440p and 1080p monitors in terms of pixel density?

The 4K monitor has a pixel density of 163 pixels per inch (ppi), which is higher than the 1440p monitor's 109 ppi and significantly higher than the 1080p monitor's 82 ppi.

What is the average price difference between 4K, 1440p, and 1080p monitors according to the video?

The average price of the 10 most popular 4K monitors in Germany is about 680 euros, which is a significant price jump from 1440p monitors that average 79 euros more expensive than 1080p monitors.

What is the viewing experience like for the 1080p monitor at a normal viewing distance?

At a normal viewing distance, the 1080p monitor's individual pixels are easily visible, making the image appear less smooth and cohesive compared to the higher resolution monitors.

What is the term 'Retina display' and what does it signify in terms of pixel density?

The term 'Retina display' is a marketing term used by Apple to describe a display resolution that is high enough that the human eye cannot discern individual pixels. It is based on the concept that a display should have at least 57 pixels per degree of our field of view.

According to the video, which of the three monitors would qualify as a 'Retina display' at a typical viewing distance?

The 27-inch 4K monitor would qualify as a 'Retina display' even at a typical viewing distance, while the 1440p and 1080p monitors would require a viewing distance of more than 90 centimeters to qualify.

What is the impact of upgrading from a 1080p to a 1440p monitor on gaming performance in terms of FPS?

Upgrading from a 1080p to a 1440p monitor results in a noticeable reduction in FPS, with an average drop of about 28 FPS, depending on the game and hardware.

How does the video suggest the performance difference when upgrading from 1440p to 4K in gaming?

The video suggests that upgrading from 1440p to 4K results in a significant performance hit, with an average FPS reduction of 47, making it less desirable for fast-paced gaming.

What is the recommendation for gamers looking for the highest refresh rates and why?

For gamers seeking the highest refresh rates, especially above 300Hz, the recommendation is to opt for a 1080p monitor, as these typically offer the highest refresh rates available.

What is the conclusion about 1440p monitors in the context of gaming and cost?

The conclusion is that 1440p monitors are popular because they offer a good compromise between resolution, frame rate, and cost, making them suitable for most gamers.