TV Resolution Explained: What You Need to Know Before Buying

If you’ve stared at TV specs and felt confused, you’re not alone. Resolution is the number of pixels that make up the picture, and it’s the biggest factor in how sharp your screen looks. The higher the pixel count, the clearer the image—provided you watch the right size from the right distance.

Understanding the Common Numbers: 720p, 1080p, 4K and 8K

Most modern TVs fall into three buckets:

• 720p (HD) – 1280 × 720 pixels. It’s fine for small screens under 32 inches, but you’ll notice softness on larger panels.
• 1080p (Full HD) – 1920 × 1080 pixels. This is the standard for most budget TVs and still looks good on screens up to about 50‑inch if you sit a few feet back.
• 4K (UHD) – 3840 × 2160 pixels. Four times the detail of Full HD, it’s the sweet spot for most people today. A 55‑inch 4K set looks razor‑sharp even when you’re close.
• 8K – 7680 × 4320 pixels. It’s a lot of pixels, but content is scarce and you need a very large screen (70‑inch+) to see the benefit. For most homes, 8K is still overkill.

Remember, resolution isn’t the whole story. A 4K TV with a cheap panel may look worse than a good 1080p set. Look for reviews that mention colour accuracy and motion handling too.

How to Match Resolution with Screen Size and Viewing Distance

The rule of thumb is simple: the larger the screen, the higher the resolution you need to keep pixels from being visible. Use this quick guide:

• 40‑inch TV: 1080p works if you sit >5 ft away; 4K is nice for closer seating.
• 55‑inch TV: 4K is the sweet spot. At 6‑7 ft you’ll barely see individual pixels.
• 65‑inch TV: 4K is a must; you’ll notice the difference from standard seating distances.
• 70‑inch+ TV: If you sit close, 8K can help, but 4K still looks great for most rooms.

Another easy check is the “pixel density” (pixels per inch). Higher density means sharper images. Most 4K TVs over 50 inches have enough density that the human eye can’t pick out pixels at normal viewing distances.

Don’t forget upscaling. Modern TVs can take a 1080p source and stretch it to 4K. Good upscalers add detail and reduce blur, so even older content looks decent on a 4K set.

Finally, think about what you watch. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon and Disney+ now stream most new shows in 4K. If you mainly watch broadcast TV or older DVDs, a 1080p panel may be enough.

Choosing the right TV resolution boils down to three things: screen size, how close you sit, and what content you plan to watch. If you’re buying a 55‑inch or larger TV and sit within a few feet, go for 4K. If you have a smaller set or sit far away, 1080p can still give you a great picture without paying extra. And unless you’re a tech enthusiast with a huge screen, 8K can wait.

Now that you understand the basics, you can walk into a store or browse online with confidence. Look for a TV that matches your room size, check the resolution, and then compare colour and motion performance. Happy hunting!