There are several basic criteria for choosing a TV: diagonal and screen resolution, manufacturer, type of matrix, cost, brightness, contrast, functionality. To understand which is better 4K or Full HD tv, you need to carefully study the features of these resolutions.
4K or Ultra HD as the standard for ultra-high definition television
By marking “4K” or “Full HD” TV manufacturers designate the screen resolution of a particular model. The term “4K Ultra HD” is also used to identify ultra-high-definition television broadcasts. The cutting-edge UHDTV standard delivers clearer, higher-quality images.
The UHDTV standard can be with a resolution of not only 4K but also 8K – 7680 × 4320 pixels. NHK has managed to broadcast a picture with such a high resolution. Mass TV broadcasting in 8K is an ambitious project. 4K Ultra HD TV is supported by many TV providers.
Check complete guide AMOLED Vs Super AMOLED.
What do we know about 4K?
The first rumors of 4K TVs began to surface in 2012. The introduction of innovative technologies has allowed manufacturers to significantly improve image quality. The origins of this resolution were world-renowned TV manufacturers such as LG. The South Korean brand presented a TV with support for 3D and 4K Ultra HD at one of the forums.
Competitors tried to keep up. Therefore, over time, models with similar specifications began to appear in the lines of Samsung, Sony, Philips. The new resolution replaced 2K, which remained popular for a relatively short time. Some users did not buy TV with 2K at all, as they switched from Full HD models to 4K.
Some manufacturers use 2K resolution in their smartphone displays. The most important difference between 4K and all other resolutions is the increase in the number of pixels per unit area. 4K is twice as good as 2K and four times as Full HD.
Remember! There is no single resolution for all 4K TVs. The final resolution depends on which standard the TV belongs to.
Basic 4K standards:
| Name | Screen resolution | Scope of use |
| Full frame | 4096 × 3072 | Not popular |
| Academic | 3656 × 2664 | Cinematic Studios |
| Wide-screen | 4096 × 1716 | Watching films |
| Cached | 3996 × 2160 | Cinema |
| DCI | 4096 × 2160 | Camcorders, smartphones |
| Ultra HD | 3840 × 2160 | Widespread use |
If you buy a 4K TV, then it is UHD with a resolution of 3840×2160. This standard is the most popular.
Why do you need UHD?
Key reasons to buy an Ultra HD TV:
- Increasing pixel density improves image detail, clarity;
- Optimal progressive scan frequency reduces eye strain;
- Deep color reproduction, all shades are very saturated;
- Dynamic range is significantly expanded;
- Optimal ratio of brightness and contrast.
Mainly, UHD TV provides multi-channel audio reproduction for an immersive viewing experience.
How Ultra HD is different from 4K?
To understand what is the difference between these designations, you just need to grasp the essence of the terminology. Partially this topic has already been touched upon earlier. 4K is the professional manufacturing standard. Its resolution is determined in accordance with the subgroup we are talking about. Information on this matter was presented in the table. UHD is the standard for consumer screens and ultra-high-definition television broadcasting.
Such a concept as “4K” was introduced by the consortium of digital cinema. This organization specializes specifically in the standardization of permissions. UHD and 4K are not the same things. For example, the Ultra HD resolution (3840×2160) falls slightly short of 4K. Why are the manufacturers of TV, media players, and all kinds of set-top boxes so actively combining these terms?
The answer to this question is very simple: marketing. The mention of 4K can significantly increase sales. However, the difference in pixels between UHD and 4K is not that great. Therefore, despite the fact that these concepts are different on paper, they are mostly perceived as a whole.
Features of 4K Ultra HD
The most obvious advantage over its predecessors is the high pixel density. However, the resolution cannot be called the only advantage of 4K Ultra HD. For example, the developers expanded the color range, which led to the emergence of HDR. The naturalness of the image has increased.
We are continuously working on the creation of new standards – UHD Premium, Dolby Vision, etc. The first has been used for a long time. Most manufacturers rely on it, who are trying to achieve the perfect image. Dolby Vision technology is supported, as a rule, by flagship models. Its essence is to increase the brightness, and the color depth is 12 bits.
An increase in the number of frames up to 60 FPS is another feature of the standard under consideration. This was achieved through the use of the updated HDMI 2.0 interface, which began to be used everywhere relatively recently. Flagship models of TVs, media players and set-top boxes are equipped with an HDMI 2.0a connector, which allows you to play content in accordance with HDR technology.
Read comparison guide on HD Vs Full HD Difference.
4K Ultra HD TVs and TV Boxes
You don’t have to be a pro to see the exploding popularity of Ultra HD. Devices of this type were able to quickly outstrip their predecessors. Full HD LED TVs, set-top boxes and media players have long since sunk into oblivion. At first, there was a serious problem with the lack of content. For example, the first 4K movie was released only in 2012. Today, 4K technology has become more affordable from a financial point of view, so there is plenty of content in this format. Today, movies and games can be bought online without any problems.
It is generally accepted that buying a 4K TV from Samsung, Sony or LG today is a profitable investment. The technique will not lose its relevance even after 3-5 years. Smart set-top boxes running the Android operating system are even more in demand. They also allow 4K content to be played without any problems, provided the technology supports this standard.
Set-top boxes are used by owners of UHD TVs without Smart TVs. The cost of smart-set-top boxes with 4K support varies depending on the additional functionality. The average price is 3000 rubles. The minimum cost of a 4K Ultra HD TV is 30,000 rubles. It is relatively inexpensive, especially if you draw parallels with the time when such a technique was just beginning to appear.
Support for 3D technology in TVs is much less common. This is due to the overpricing of this technique and the low level of popularity. It also makes sense to talk about the lack of free content.
Summery
Need to decide which TV is best to buy? To do this, you need to take into account all the advantages and disadvantages of Full HD and UHD.
Should I Buy 4k Or Full HD Tv?
Should you buy Full HD or Ultra HD? If you are planning to set up a free package of channels, and the budget is limited, you can safely buy a TV with support for Full HD. Of course, there are channels in UHD, but there are not many of them, so you will not feel any special restrictions. If you plan to watch movies, TV shows, videos, and image quality is of fundamental importance to you, buy a model with 4K support. This will be a profitable long-term investment.
