What to Look For in a Monitor: Resolution vs Refresh Rate?

Determining the right type of monitor is hard, but we can help you with a previous article exploring panel types and the merits of high refresh rate monitors. But this time, there will be a different take between resolution and refresh rates, a decisive battle between beauty and performance—speed against eye candy.

Let’s start with sweet, pixel perfection. Resolution refers to the number of pixels a monitor can display. Most standard monitors offer a resolution of 1920x1080 (Full HD), which balances affordability and image quality. Just note that the higher the resolution, the more pixels are packed into the monitor’s display, which results in sharper and more beautiful images. However, higher resolutions, such as 1440p or 4K, offer sharper and more detailed visuals, ideal for tasks like graphic design, video editing, and immersive gaming experiences.

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Life is fast, just like your monitor’s refresh rates. Measured in Hertz (Hz), refresh rates determine how many times per second the monitor refreshes the image on the screen. Like most monitors, which come in at 1080p resolutions, 60Hz is the regular refresh rate of budget monitors.

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For casual users, a 60Hz refresh rate monitor is sufficient; however, if you are a hardcore gamer dealing with high-motion content, a higher refresh rate can reduce motion blur and provide a more responsive feel. However, remember that other factors, like your graphics card and in-game settings, play a part.

Best of both, finding your balance. Both resolution and refresh rate contribute to an enhanced visual experience, so finding the balance catered to your experiences is key. A 4K resolution is amazing but can be taxing on your hardware, which is why purchasing a monitor with 4K may be a bad move—you may end up not using it at all. Oppositely, having a high refresh rate with a lowered resolution may not showcase the level of detail you desire when working or playing.

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I settled with 1080p at 165Hz for gaming and work; however, I found myself using the 4K capabilities of my monitor at 60Hz when playing casual games like Assassin's Creed. Sure, it didn’t feel responsive, but appreciating the game's graphics was well worth it.

When selecting a monitor, consider your budget, hardware capabilities, and the nature of your regular tasks. A well-rounded choice, such as a 1440p resolution at 144Hz, strikes a balance between detail and performance, catering to a wide range of needs.

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