A pixel, short for “picture element”, is the unit of measurement for the size and quality of a digital image or display. The number of pixels in an image sensor determines the resolution and detail captured by the camera. Resolution refers to the number of pixels in a digital image or display and is typically expressed as the total number of pixels horizontally and vertically. For example, a resolution of 1920 x1080 means there are 1920 pixels in width and 1080 pixels in height. The higher the resolution, the more pixels there are, resulting in a clearer and more detailed image (SONY, 2024).
Pixels are the smallest unit in a digital display. Up to millions of pixels make up an image or video on a device’s screen. Each pixel comprises a subpixel that emits a red, green and blue (RGB) color, which displays at different intensities. The RGB color components make up the gamut of different colors that appear on a display or computer monitor.
1080p is 1920 x 1080 pixels
4K video resolution, which is ultra HD, is 3840 x 2160 pixels
How big is a pixel?
The physical size of a pixel depends on the set resolution for the display screen. If the display is set to its maximum resolution, the physical size of a pixel will equal the dot pitch, or the dot size, of the display. But if the resolution is set to something less than the maximum resolution, a pixel will be larger than the physical size of the screen’s dot–that is, a pixel will use more than one dot (TechTarget, 2022).
What does all this mean? Take two 55-inch TVs, one HD TV and the other 4K TV. if you tried to put all the pixels from the HD TV into the 4K TV, it would fill only one quarter of a 4K TV screen (LG).
(Strong, 2021).
Screen Size and Viewing Distance
- Large displays (55+ inches): 4K advantages become readily apparent on larger screens
- Close viewing distances (under 8 feet): Enhanced detail is visible
- Smaller screens (under 40 inches): Differences may be less noticeable
- Distant viewing: Human eye limitations reduce perceived benefits
(The Network Installers, 2025)
In conclusion, the more pixels there are the higher the resolution will be. But pixels amount also depends on the area of the screen and viewing distance; therefore, if a smartphone has 1080p resolution then it is nearly the same as 4K on 55+ inch TV.
LG. What is 4K Television. https://tinyurl.com/8ths7uh7
SONY. (2024, January). What is a pixel and how does it form a picture? https://tinyurl.com/SONY-PIXEL
Strong. (2021, December). HD, FHD, UHD, 4K : What are the differences ? https://tinyurl.com/3meryk98
TechTarget. (2022, August). What is a pixel? https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/pixel
The Network Installers. (2025, June). 4K vs 1080p: Resolution Differences for Business Networks. https://tinyurl.com/4K-vs-1080
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