When we go shopping for a new TV or monitor, one of the first numbers we probably analyze is the resolution. There is a myriad of options for monitors with high resolutions. But how to tell if your monitor is 4k? Why should you consider buying a 4k monitor? And what are the best display monitor available for gaming and video editing?
To check if your monitor is 4k, the straightforward answer is, right-click on the desktop, go to “Display settings” and check if the Display resolution is 3840 x 2160 or not. This pixels refers to 4K. You can also check the if there is written “UHD” in the user manual or on the packaging box that shows the display details.
Besides, it would be best if you did not break your bank unless you are editing photos or videos professionally. So, you need to check a lot of factors before investing in gadgets. Don’t Fret! I’m are here with the ultimate guide to help you out in the crowd of information.
What Makes A Monitor 4k?
To go any further, some terms need to be explained to know more about your screen resolution.
Pixel – A pixel is the smallest controllable element of a picture represented on the screen. More pixel density typically provides more accurate image quality.
Resolution – This is the screen size measured by pixels. Suppose your pc monitor has 1920 x 1080 resolution. This implies that the display is being shown at 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 pixels vertically.
Native Resolution – The native resolution is the physical number of pixels, and this number is usually the highest resolution of your display. If you know the native resolution of your monitor, you are able to get a high definition picture quickly. The high-end gaming monitors come in high resolution, such as 5120 x 2880 (5k) or 3840 x 2160 (4k).
So, a 4k monitor or Ultra HD or UHD TV or Ultra HD Blu-ray – all these refer to the same resolution, and it is 3840 x 2160 resolution. Or you can say 2160p. The full HD 1080p image on your HD TV is only 1920 x 1080. So, your 4k screens can display four times than 1080p. Again, there is also a DCI 4k.
The pixel density of 4k is around 140 PPI, and the pixel pitch is about 0.18 mm. You will need high-speed cables for 4k. The RCA cables cannot carry a standard HD signal, and so the upgraded HDMI 1.4 connectors support 4k resolution at 30 frames per second(fps).
The refresh rate for most 4k monitors ranges from 65hz to 75hz refresh rate. However, the gamers would prefer a high Hz display with 144Hz or 240 Hz.
How To Know if a Monitor is 4K?
The correct resolution can always make the use of your computer much more comfortable for the eyes. So, you need to find out what is the recommended resolution for your screen. The process is –
For Windows:
1. Right-click on your pc or laptop.
2. Select either screen resolution or personalize or properties. It will lead you to the display settings.
If you could not find any from the above, you can click the ‘settings‘ option.
3. Then, your current resolution will be depicted in the ‘Resolution’ drop-down menu.
4. You will see the recommended resolution. If the recommended resolution (native resolution) is 3840 x 2160, your monitor is 4k.
For Mac:
- Click the menu and choose ‘System Preferences’.
- Then, click the ‘Displays’ option and then click the ‘Display’ tab.
- You can see a ‘best for display’ option. And if it shows the 3840 x 2160 pixels, your monitor is 4k.
You may also see the article to find the perfect size of a 4K monitor.
4K Monitor Resolution
Checking the resolution is the easiest way to find out if your monitor is 4k or not. You can find the resolution 3840 x 2160 set on all the 4k screens. This is the size of the pixels horizontally and vertically.
Nowadays, 4k monitors have become mainstream and gamers tend to play games on 4k screens as the games demand higher resolution to provide a better experience.
Besides, content creators need these monitors as 4k contents become the norm and they need to edit on 3840 x 2160 resolution display for perfect and error-free finishing.
You can check some top-notch and popular 4K monitors below.
Some Best 4k Monitors
The sleek designs, plenty of ports, excellent color accuracy, great contrast – all of these allure us to buy the 4k monitors. There are several to choose from, and some of them are worth mentioning –
- Very Popular – Dell Ultrasharp U2720Q 27 Inch 4K
- For Content Creators – ASUS ProArt 27” 4K HDR Monitor (PA279CV)
- High End – LG 27UK850-W 27″ 4K HDR10
- For Office – HP Business Z27 2TB68A8 27
- Professional Use – Dell UltraSharp U3219Q
Why Should I Consider Buying A 4K Monitor?
Nowadays, the newer monitors or more giant TVs (typically 50 inches and above) have 8 million pixels for 4k ultra HD.
Generally, 4K sounds high tech and impressive quality. But let us clear you one thing. We have a misconception that higher resolution always means – it looks better. A better display depends on a high dynamic range, contrast ratio, better color, quantum dot, and so on. So, do not judge your display resolution quality without giving importance to these factors.
Now you get why it is essential to know what monitor resolution is.
However, 4k screens are noticeably sharper than 1080p screens. You can enjoy better clarity and vibrancy. Your display can get a bigger work surface without a loss in pixel per inch. Your digital snaps are taken at a higher resolution.
So, when you see them onscreen, it will be quite fun and convenient for your eyes. You don’t have to squeeze your eyeball! 4k supports faster frame rates, insane contrast dynamics, and extended colors. However, there are many Blu-ray disc players that upscale 1080p Blu-ray disc to 4k.
But if you used to sit pretty close to your HD monitors, you might not see the difference between 4k monitors and 1080p. So, your viewing distance matters when you are judging the picture quality of HD or Ultra HD. Again, you need to check whether your monitor is G-sync or Free sync. Because G-sync monitors need an extra Nvidia GeForce chip, whereas the Free sync monitors don’t need it.
How to Tell if Your Monitor is 4k – (FAQs)
Can my Monitor Run 4k?
You need to check the display settings. If the recommended resolution is 3840×2160, your monitor can run 4k. The WQHD monitors can run 4k. If you want to improve your monitor’s video quality, you can install a graphics card according to the computer’s limitations.
Is 2560×1440 Considered 4k?
Basically, 2560x 1440 is not considered 4k. It is two times the 720p resolution. However, these both fall under the HD category. The 2560 x 1440 is called quad HD.
Can you tell the Difference Between 2k and 4k?
2k is basically just a cinema resolution, or you can say master format. Most projectors have 2k resolution. It is 2048 pixels wide and unspecified vertical resolution.
And 4k is 3840 x 2160 resolution, and it is called Ultra HD.
Conclusion
We are quite sure that you won’t now get confused on how to tell if your monitor is 4k. Share with us about your preferences on Full HD or 4k. And always check your connections or ports like USB-C or intel core before determining the budget.
Happy Binge Watching!
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