TV or monitor? Engadget breaks down display choices and resolution jargon

TVs are primarily built for living-room viewing, with large screens and low prices, while monitors focus on specifications like responsiveness and pixel density. Engadget noted that no two TVs are built the same, and the benefits of using a larger screen for work or gaming hinge on the user's priorities.

Size matters, but resolution and pixel density matter more. A 32-inch 4K monitor produces 137 pixels per inch, while a 55-inch 4K TV has about 80 PPI, and a 27-inch 1440p monitor offers 108 PPI. When a display sits close to the user, lower pixel density can make text and buttons look blurry, which is a common problem when a TV is used as a desktop monitor.

Latency and refresh rates also separate the two. Engadget said monitors typically have a 1-to-4 millisecond input lag, while TVs range from 9 to 12 milliseconds. A monitor with a 120Hz refresh rate is often cheaper than a TV with the same feature, and faster refresh rates benefit fast-moving games.

Color depth can be another issue. TVs with HDMI 2.0 inputs are limited to 8-bit color at 4K 120Hz, according to Engadget, while 10-bit color or full Dynamic HDR requires HDMI 2.1 support. This matters most for photo and video editors, who need accurate shades of red, green and blue.

TVs still hold advantages. They come with dedicated processors for image upscaling, which can make older HD content look sharper, and they are more likely to support HDR10+ and Dolby Vision for a wider dynamic range. Entry-level monitors often have lower brightness than TVs.

On resolution, Engadget explained that QHD and WQHD are the same thing: both refer to 2,560 x 1,440 pixels, also known as 1440p or 2K. Ultrawide 21:9 displays are called UWQHD at 3,440 x 1,440. The outlet described 2K as a sweet spot for many devices, offering a step up from 1080p without the hardware demands of 4K.

Consumer 4K TVs and monitors are typically UHD, measuring 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, which is four times the resolution of 1080p. Actual cinema 4K, branded DCI 4K, is 4,096 x 2,160, meaning the 4K seen at home is slightly lower than the industry standard used in theaters.

5K is aimed mainly at creative professionals. The standard 5K UHD resolution is 5,120 x 2,880, while 5K Ultrawide is 5,120 x 2,160. Such displays, including the Apple Studio Display XDR and some Dell UltraSharp and LG FineGear models, allow full-resolution editing of 4K content with room for toolbars. Gaming at 5K is uncommon.

Engadget's conclusion: for someone who mostly watches 4K movies on Netflix, a TV is the best choice. For a gamer at a desk, a dedicated monitor makes a significant difference, and a high-spec monitor can usually be found at a price comparable to a TV that works well as a monitor.