When choosing a TV or monitor to enjoy your favorite content, the thorny question of screen definition quickly comes up…
There was a time (not so long ago) when we were fairly content watching films in 720p, where videos in 480p weren’t too jarring if the connection didn’t lag, and where Full HD seemed to be the pinnacle of visual quality. But everything evolved very quickly, and bulky CRT TVs quickly gave way to ultra-slim 4K panels.
Consumer expectations logically followed this trend. 4K UHD gradually established itself as the new standard in the TV market, even though at first it was reserved for high-end models. But is there still any reason to head toward Full HD or even 720p screens? And do 8K panels offer such a big difference compared to other definitions to justify their high prices? A detailed guide is needed to take stock of the situation.
Definition or Resolution? Beware the confusion…
It is fairly common to confuse the terms “definition” and “resolution” of a screen, mainly due to the English word resolution which translates to définition in French. Yet their meanings are quite different:
- Definition refers to the number of pixels a screen can display, and is expressed by multiplying horizontal and vertical pixels. In the case of Full HD, for example, the definition is 1920 × 1080p.
- Resolution, on the other hand, concerns pixel density according to screen size, and its value is expressed in pixels per inch (PPI). It is therefore entirely possible that two panels of the same definition have different resolutions, because the pixels are more or less “packed” depending on the screen size.
Regarding screen definitions, there are currently five main variants:
| Definition | Image resolution | Aspect ratio | Common names |
| 480p | 720 x 480p | 16/9 | SD, standard definition |
| 720p | 1280 x 720p | 16/9 | HD, high definition |
| 1080p | 1920 x 1080p | 16/9 | Full HD |
| 2160p | 3840 x 2160p | 16/9 | Ultra HD 4K |
| 4320p | 7680 x 4320p | 16/9 | Ultra HD 8K |
A primordial criterion for a crisp image in any condition
The higher the definition and the image resolution, the sharper the image on a panel of a given size. Indeed, more pixels means more fine detail and crisper textures.
If we take the example of a 65-inch 4K UHD screen, it has four times as many pixels as a simple 65-inch Full HD (1080p) panel. A noticeable difference to the naked eye, especially when you move close to the TV.
Following the same logic, a higher definition makes it possible to have a larger image without visible pixels — and without having to push the sofa back.
What definition should you choose for what use?
Today there’s no shortage of definitions, and the higher ones aren’t necessarily the best. Indeed, they can also impact motion smoothness and data consumption, not to mention their price which isn’t within everyone’s budget. Fortunately for you, we’ve cataloged the different definitions according to the most common uses:
- 480p is currently the lowest definition on the market, which is increasingly rare due to visible pixels. Unless you’re after a vintage CRT, you’ll find little motivation to invest in a 480p panel right now.
- 720p, also known as “HD” for “high definition,” performs better than 480p though the edge aliasing is still noticeable to the naked eye. It remains a reasonable choice for a portable mini projector, for instance, especially since it’s energy-efficient, helps extend battery life, and uses less bandwidth than higher definitions.
- 1080p, or “Full HD,” ensures even greater precision, particularly for small image details. It’s an ideal definition for smaller screens, such as computer monitors, especially for gamers who want fluidity and responsiveness over sharpness.
- 1440p, or QHD (Quad HD), is the mid-range definition ideal for gamers on a moderate budget. This definition is often marketed under the label “2K,” but note that the cinema digital 2K (2048 x 1080) sits just above Full HD.
- 2160p or “4K UHD” offers four times as many pixels as Full HD. It’s an excellent choice for watching movies, series, and other streaming content on 50-inch or larger TVs, especially with uncompressed Blu-ray 4K.
- 4320p (“8K”) is a relatively extreme definition at present, mainly aimed at image professionals. The current catalog of 8K programs makes it a poor fit for the general consumer, as we noted when reviewing its promises of revolutionary image quality. Moreover, the market contracted in 2026: most manufacturers (except Samsung) seem to have dropped it.
How far does resolution really matter?
Before paying unnecessarily for more pixels, you should first make sure your eye can actually see them. Indeed, the farther you sit from the TV, the less noticeable the gap between different definitions will be. At a certain distance, a Full HD screen and a 4K UHD screen look nearly identical.
| Diagonal | Ideal viewing distance | Full HD is enough beyond… | 4K is enough if you’re at… |
| 50″ (127 cm) | ~ 2 meters | ~ 3 m | moins de 1,90 m |
| 55″ (140 cm) | ~ 2,2 m | ~ 3,4 m | moins de 2,10 m |
| 65″ (164 cm) | ~ 2,6 m | ~ 4 m | moins de 2,50 m |
| 75″ (190 cm) | ~ 3 m | ~ 4,6 m | moins de 2,90 m |
| 85″ (216 cm) | ~ 3,4 m | ~ 5,2 m | moins de 3,3 m |
En résumé : c’est la taille de l’écran et la distance de visionnage qui comptent le plus. Sur une TV de 55 pouces placée à 4 mètres des spectateurs, la définition 8K relève plus du gadget qu’autre chose…
Why has 4K UHD become the standard for large TVs?
Le Full HD a longtemps été considéré comme la référence sur la majorité des téléviseurs. Mais la démocratisation de la 4K UHD et la baisse progressive des tarifs en font un choix quasi incontournable à l’heure actuelle.
Et pour cause : la différence est assez flagrante par rapport au Full HD, dont les pixels sont bien plus voyants sur les TV de 50 pouces et plus. En sachant que la tendance se dirige vers l’achat d’écrans de plus en plus grands, il est donc évident que les grandes heures de cette définition sont déjà derrière elle.
Moreover, it is now possible to find excellent 4K TVs for under $500, as brands have mastered this definition and can mass-produce to reduce costs. Verdict: for a large screen you plan to watch up close, 4K UHD remains the best threshold and the most important criteria lie elsewhere. All these elements are covered in our comprehensive guide to choosing a TV.
