4K
4K refers to super-sharp display and video technology where the resolution is roughly 4,000 pixels wide. Detail is the whole point of 4K – most of the time, you won’t be able to see the pixels in a 4K display, so everything looks natural and sharp. It’s great for photos, videos and gaming for this reason, but actually it’s superior for just about everything – it’s nicer when text looks smoother on a computer, for example.
The vast majority of the time, 4K refers to a specific resolution of 3840 x 2160 (which is also known as ‘Ultra HD’) – this is the resolution of all 4K TVs and 4K video streams from the likes of Netflix or YouTube. Some cameras record in what’s often known as ‘Cinema 4K’, which is a resolution of 4096 x 2160. You may find that some computer monitors refer to themselves as 4K, and will have a horizontal resolution around 4,000 pixels, but have a different height to the resolutions mentioned above, such as ultra-wide monitors. The width is what makes something 4K or not.
You’ll mostly see 4K referred to in TVs of 40 inches and above, in computer and laptop monitors, on video streaming services, and in video recording on cameras or phones.
Latest about 4K
The best TV 2024
By Al Griffin last updated
Top OLED and QLED sets to consider, from elite TVs to wallet-friendly options – all tested by us.
The best 75-inch TVs 2024
By Al Griffin last updated
Updated The best 75-inch TVs offer a true big-screen experience, with a size befitting the greatest films and the most nail-biting sports matches.
Best Xbox One X games - what to play on the enhanced console
By Vic Hood, Stephen Lambrechts last updated
Buying Guide Microsoft's 4K HDR games consoles is a beast, and these are the best looking games for it.
Best PS4 Pro games 2024 - get the most out of this enhanced console
By Rob Dwiar last updated
Get the most out of Sony's enhanced console from last gen with one of the best PS4 Pro games.
Here's the world’s cheapest 4K monitor, but it’s definitely not what you’d expect
By Desire Athow last updated
A rather cute device with a tiny footprint and a price that’s unbeatable
The best 4K camera 2024
By Chris Rowlands, Timothy Coleman last updated
Updated Searching for the best 4K camera? These top, affordable stars love shooting for the big screen.
Your next flight could be upgraded with 4K OLED and spatial audio thanks to Panasonic
By Carrie Marshall published
Panasonic's new in-flight entertainment systems are rolling out to Icelandair with some more big airlines to follow.
LG’s 32-inch OLED monitor could be the perfect screen for many gamers for a couple of reasons – and we now know the price
By Darren Allan published
A monitor that can switch between high frame rate (1080p) competitive gaming and glorious 4K for single player.
Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox
Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.