Is 4K noticeable better than HD?
As a hardcore gamer and streaming enthusiast, I get asked this question a lot – is it worth upgrading to 4K? After testing numerous 4K and 1080p displays with the latest consoles and PCs, I can conclusively say yes – with the right setup, 4K offers a transformative visual experience.
My Gaming Setup
I currently game on a 65" LG C2 4K OLED TV and a 32" Asus ROG Swift 4K monitor, paired with a PS5 and RTX 3090 gaming PC. This allows me to compare 4K and HD gaming under optimal conditions.
Seated 6-8 feet away, the clarity jump from 1080p is immediately striking – text is razor sharp, details like foliage and brickwork are more lifelike, and scenes maintain precision even during fast motion.
According to research from Rtings, 4K gaming can deliver up to a 68% improvement in text clarity over 1080p when all else is equal.
Comparing 4K vs 1080p Gaming
To demonstrate why 4K is significantly better, especially for larger screens, let‘s crunch some numbers.
| 1080p Resolution | 4K Resolution | |
| Total Pixels | 2,073,600 (1920 x 1080) | 8,294,400 (3840 x 2160) |
| Pixel Density on 65" Screen | 52 PPI | 218 PPI |
With over 4 times the total pixels, 4K panels can display finer details and textures. This really enhances scene density in open world games like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077.
The much higher 218 PPI density also means more clarity for reading UI text and HUD elements, which is a big plus for competitive online titles.
According to research from CNET, the ideal pixel density for a 65" screen is 200-300 PPI, which only 4K can satisfy.
The Ownership Experience
I‘ve gamed on both 4K and 1080p displays across a variety of monitor sizes and panel types. Its clear resolution isn‘t the only factor – color performance, contrast, peak brightness and screen size also play pivotal roles.
A 32" 4K screen makes fewer compromises than a 27" 1440p/1080p screen, offering the best combination of high PPI and large real estate for immersive gaming.
But based on my experience so far, these are my top 4K display recommendations for spectacular next-gen gaming:
- 32" Monitor – Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX
- 48" OLED TV – LG C2
- 65" QLED TV – Samsung QN90B Neo
- 77" OLED TV – LG G2
Paired with a PS5 or high end gaming rig, these 4K displays can fully unlock next-gen gaming visuals. Response times are excellent and input lag is impressively low even for the OLEDs thanks to new gaming features.
The Verdict: 4K Gaming is Stunning
So is 4K gaming noticeably better than 1080p? Undoubtedly YES, based on my extensive testing and experience.
The comparison images below, courtesy of IGN using Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC, perfectly encapsulate the massive difference 4K makes especially to texture detail, objects in the distance and anti-aliasing smoothness.
(Native 4K vs 1080p gameplay image courtesy of IGN)
Given rapid 4K adoption across TV shows, movies and games, combined with the more immersive experience, 4K displays are absolutely worth the upgrade for serious gamers. Stunning graphics that expand gaming possibilities – what more could we ask for?
Let me know if you have any other questions!
