Why Most TV Buyers Get It Wrong: Full HD, 4K, and QLED Explained Simply

Visit any electronic store, and you will be amazed with names such as Full HD, UHD/4K, and QLED with utmost certainty.

However, for the vast majority of TV shoppers, these names are anything but clear or informative.

Most people believe that these terms refer to something similar or simply a tier of performance.

On the contrary, they refer to completely different characteristics in television technology, mainly resolution and display enhancement.

In this regard, Full HD, UHD/4K, and QLED are not rival technologies.

They exist at two different levels, one concerning resolution and the other relating to the panel itself.

Respective knowledge is imperative when purchasing a television.

Full HD or 1080p is known to have a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels.

Although it has always been used for watching television programs, it works well even when viewed on small screens.

On the other hand, Full HD has some limitations as the screens get bigger and the image gets better in terms of quality.

UHD or 4K makes things better since it gives four times more pixels than Full HD, with a resolution of 3840 by 2160 pixels.

The increase in the number of pixels will result in sharper and more vivid pictures, especially if one wants to watch videos on a large screen.

Presently, 4K is the current industry standard.

Resolution vs Display Technology: Setting Things Straight

The point at which most consumers go wrong when it comes to understanding the difference between resolutions is that of QLED.

QLED, unlike other terms such as Full HD and 4K, does not refer to any kind of resolution.

In reality, it is a new display technology that has been developed and commercialized by Samsung Electronics and others.

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QLED TV is an enhanced version of the LED TV.

It is a type of Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode (QDLED), which provides a better quality of picture through improved brightness and colors.

Generally speaking, a QLED TV usually features 4K or 8K resolution.

As per the claims of Sony and LG Electronics, in addition to having good resolution, a good display performance requires good management of light, color, and contrasts.

QLED TVs have bright screens and reproduce colors more accurately thanks to quantum dot technology.

Comparing Performance, What’s Actually Better?

In terms of Full HD, 4K UHD, and QLED, the order becomes clearer once the two aspects are separated: resolution and enhancement.

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Full HD is currently the optimal choice for smaller TVs or cost-cutting shoppers.

While still being quite effective, this technology lacks the sharpness one would need from a modern screen.

4K UHD technology is considered an absolute baseline nowadays.

It provides considerably more detailed visuals that will be easily delivered through numerous video streaming platforms such as Netflix or YouTube.

QLED technology, especially if used in combination with Mini-LED backlighting, belongs to another class.

This technology shines thanks to greater brightness, color gamut, and general visual performance.

Industry statistics obtained from various display research agencies, such as Display Supply Chain Consultants, confirm that QLED TV screens allow reaching much higher levels of brightness compared to typical LED panels.

It should also be noted, though, that QLED technology isn’t always better than other options out there.

For example, OLED technologies (employed by Samsung rivals such as LG) provide unmatched black levels and contrast due to independent pixels emitting light.

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Children watching TV. PHOTO/Courtesy