Alex Linde You may have encountered the 2560 x 1440 resolutions numerous times when shopping for TV or PC screens. It’s actually a popular screen resolution falling into the high-end categories.
Yet, standard terms like HD, Full HD, UHD, and 4K often confuse you. So, which category does the 260 x 1440 resolution belong to? Is 2560×1440 4K, anyway?
In this post, I will explain everything about this resolution and answer your questions with in-depth details. Now let’s jump straight in!
Table of Contents
Is 2560×1440 4K?
The short answer is no. 2560×1440 is one category lower than 4K resolution, which falls into the QHD category. It has a 1440p image resolution, while the 4K resolution is 2160p with 8 million pixels.
People often confuse the 2560×1440 standard with 4K resolution since their quality is not generations apart. Both categories have a 16:9 aspect ratio, but the QHD resolution only has 4 million total pixels.
In the following sections, I will explain in more detail the differences between these two categories.
What Is 2560×1440 Resolution?
2560×1440 is commonly called quad high definition (QHD) or wide quad high definition (WQHD) resolution. As its name suggests, a QHD screen has 2560 pixels in height and 1440 pixels in width.
Regardless of the size, a 2560×1440 monitor always has a total of 2,073,600 pixels. 2560 x 1440 is also called 2K. Meanwhile, a WQHD screen delivers up to 3,6 million pixels with the same 16:9 aspect ratio.
2560 x 1440 is a significant leap from regular HD or Full HD displays. It’s gradually taking over 1080p and has become the most prevalent resolution standard at the moment.
What Is 4k Resolution?
4K is currently the most popular high-end standard featured by many premium displaying devices like TVs, laptops, or PC monitors. It is 2,160 pixels tall and 3,840 pixels wide, resulting in a total of 8.3 million pixels.
4K or 3,840 x 2,160 falls into the Ultra HD (UHD) category, which delivers many times sharper image quality than regular FHD displays. It gives you excellent clarity with accurate and vibrant color.
The most significant setback of 4K products is their high price. However, the production technology is improving, and 4K resolution will soon become the new standard in the following years.
What Are The Differences Between 2560×1440 And 3840×2160?
It’s evident that the 3840 x 2160 (4K) resolution brings greater performance since it has 4 times higher pixels than 2560×1440. However, 4K is not always the best choice due to its high price and limited utility.
Image quality
4K’s total number of pixels is two times higher than the 2K screen. This means that on the two screens of the same size, the 4K monitor delivers two times higher pixel density (PPI) and more details than its counterpart.
A significantly higher pixel density is very beneficial for watching or playing games at a closer distance. You can easily notice the sharper and more authentic details when switching from a 2K to a 3840 x 2160 monitor.
In addition, the color accuracy and vibrance are also significantly better, resulting in a more satisfying visual.
Utility
2K is often prioritized for its higher compatibility, but it’s the story of the past few years. Nowadays, many streaming platforms such as Youtube or Netflix have standardized 4K resolutions for their videos and films.
In addition, most games developed in recent years are compatible with 4K resolution. As a result, you won’t encounter many limits when using a 4K screen and can easily use up all its potential.
However, 4K devices are still far more expensive than 2K products, which is a big obstacle for many customers.
FAQs
Can A 1440p Monitor Display 4K?
The answer is no. Most monitors cannot exceed their resolution limit even when you have a powerful processor capable of delivering 4K. Meanwhile, 4K monitors can still downscale to lower resolutions without any problem.
For example, you can use a QHD monitor for the 4K PlayStation, but the game’s quality is only 1440p.
Is 2560×1440 Full HD?
2560 x 1440 falls into the QHD category, not Full HD resolution. The FHD standard is 1920 x 1080, which has two million pixels (two times lower than 2560 x 1440 monitors).
QHD resolution is the upgrade of 1920 x 1080, bringing much sharper and higher image quality than Full HD display devices.
How Noticeable Is 1440p Vs. 4K?
The upgrade from 1440p to 4K is not as noticeable as from full HD unless you use a very large display (27 inches or higher). At a far distance, the images are still sharp and flawless.
However, you’ll notice sharper details when playing games on 4K monitors. Through regular use, the difference is spottable but not so obvious.
Is 2560×1440 Resolution Good For Gaming?
2560 x 1440 is the ideal option for gaming. Though it doesn’t deliver as sharp images as 4K monitors, the gaming experience is very realistic and satisfying.
In addition, QHD resolution doesn’t demand as much power from your GPU, freeing up more space for it to enhance the game’s smoothness.
Should I buy A 2K or 4K TV?
The difference in image quality is very significant on large screens. In the case of TVs, 4K resolution brings much sharper and more realistic pictures.
However, 4K TV costs a lot more than the lower QHD products. If you regularly watch films or play games in 4K, they are still a worthy investment.
Final Thoughts
In summary, 2560×1440 is called QHD resolution, not 4K (3,840 x 2,160). It features a higher resolution than HD and FHD but cannot deliver as sharp images as 4K standards.
I hope that this answer can satisfy you. Thank you for your time!
