Why resolution matters for your monitor
What does resolution even mean?
Monitor resolution is the number of pixels displayed on the screen that make up the image you see. The resolution is typically represented by two numbers: the first indicating the number of horizontal pixels and the second showing the number of vertical pixels. For example, a 1920x1080 resolution (commonly referred to as 1080p or Full HD) means the screen displays 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 pixels vertically.
Higher resolution means more pixels, resulting in a sharper, more detailed image.
It’s important to note that resolution is different from screen size. While the screen size measures the physical dimensions of the monitor, the resolution refers to the pixel density or clarity of the display.
Full HD, FHD or 1080P
(1920x1080)
Affordable for everyday use
1920x1080 Full HD is one of the most common modern resolutions and is known by a handful of names: Full HD, FHD or 1080p. This resolution is widely used for everyday computing, streaming, and gaming and suitable for general productivity requiring minimal system resources.
Quad HD, QHD or 1440P (2560x1440)
A balanced option
At 2560x1440 pixels, Quad HD or QHD (sometimes, but not often also called 1440p) provides higher clarity than Full HD. It’s a popular choice for gamers and professionals who need a larger working space without sacrificing sharpness. QHD is often seen as the sweet spot between 1080p and 4K resolutions.
4K
(3840x2160)
Gaming and videos excel here
4K, also known as Ultra High Definition (UHD), offers a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, four times that of Full HD. It delivers incredibly sharp visuals, making it perfect for gaming, video production, and multitasking. Its larger canvas allows multiple programs to run side-by-side without losing image quality.
Introducing 21:9 and 32:9 ultrawide monitors
Most of the traditional resolutions outlined above are for standard width monitors. But monitors also come in a variety of aspect ratios. The increasingly popular ultrawide options, 21:9 Ultra WQHD and even 32:9 Dual QHD, offer a broader field of view, making them a great choice for multitasking, immersive gaming, or video editing. These often use more unique resolutions from standard monitors to accommodate their width. If you’re interested in an ultrawide monitor, Samsung has a range designed for ultimate usability and performance.
21:9 Ultra WQHD
A 21:9 ultrawide format typically uses Ultra WQHD (UWQHD) resolution. At 3440x1440, it offers an immersive experience for both productivity and entertainment. The wider horizontal workspace is ideal for multitasking, allowing professionals to easily manage multiple windows. Gamers benefit from enhanced peripheral vision, making it perfect for immersive experiences in genres like racing, simulation, and first-person shooters.
32:9 Dual QHD & Dual UHD
32:9 ultrawide monitors, such as Dual QHD (5120x1440) or Dual UHD (7680x2160), combine the workspace of two monitors into one seamless display. This format is perfect for multitasking, allowing users to manage multiple applications or data streams without interruptions. Gamers also benefit from an immersive panoramic view, enhancing peripheral vision for racing, simulation, and first-person shooter games.
How do I check my monitor's resolution?
If you’re not sure what resolution you’re currently using, it’s easy to find this information through your device’s display settings. On Windows, right-click on the desktop, select "Display Settings," and your resolution will be displayed under the "Display Resolution" option. On macOS, you can find this under the "Displays" section in "System Preferences."
Additionally, if you're using a Samsung monitor, you can check the resolution directly on the monitor itself. Samsung monitors come with an On-Screen Display (OSD) menu, where you can view the current resolution. To access this:
1. Press the Menu button on your monitor.
2. Navigate to the Information tab in the OSD menu.
3. Your monitor’s current resolution will be displayed in the information section.
Knowing what you know now about resolutions, you can decide whether this is right for you, or if you’re missing out on greater detail with a higher resolution monitor.
* The On-Screen Display (OSD) menu name may vary depending on the monitor model.
Which resolution is best for me?
It’s clear that there are a lot of options for monitor resolutions. Everybody’s needs are different – so what is best for you? The below is a good general guide, but every person has their own preferences.
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FHD (1920x1080) |
• Affordable and widely available • Great for low- to mid-range gaming setups • Ideal for general productivity without high performance demands |
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QHD (2560x1440) |
• Great balance between image quality and performance • Excellent for gaming, multitasking, and moderate creative work • Provides more screen space for productivity tasks |
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4K UHD (3840x2160) |
• Perfect for high-end gaming with detailed, immersive visuals • Essential for creative professionals needing precise pixel density • Ideal for video editing and content creation in 4K resolution |
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5K (5120x2880) |
• Best for professionals who need extremely high pixel density and color accuracy • Excellent for handling high-resolution video and detailed graphics work • Allows space for editing tools alongside 4K content |
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Ultra WQHD (3440x1440) |
• Offers a broader field of view, making it ideal for gaming genres like racing, simulation, and first-person shooters. • Great for watching movies or content in a cinematic format without black bars, thanks to its 21:9 aspect ratio. • Perfect for creative professionals who need extra horizontal space for multitasking, timelines, design tools, or multiple layers in editing software. |
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Dual QHD (5120x1440) |
• Effectively replaces two 1440p monitors side by side, offering a seamless workspace for multitasking without the bezel gap. • Provides an ultra-wide, immersive gaming experience with an extended peripheral view, enhancing situational awareness in games. • Excellent for content creators, financial analysts, and designers who need vast screen real estate for complex workflows like editing, financial modeling, or CAD applications. |
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Dual UHD (7680x2160) |
• Offers the equivalent of two 4K monitors, making it the ultimate wide screen without breaks between the screen or bevels • Ideal for professionals working with ultra high-resolution content, ensuring every pixel is visible and every detail is crisp. • Provides a massive, immersive view for gaming, as well as the ability to handle multiple high-resolution applications simultaneously without needing additional monitors. |
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Got questions about monitors? Check out our quick-tip articles below for answers:
* Images shown here are for representational purpose only, actual may vary. All features, specifications and prices are subject to change without prior notice. Model availability may vary from location to location.
