What is 1440p & Why Do We Need It?
We explain the ins and outs of 1440p resolution
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What is 1440p?
“1440p” refers to the height of the display in pixels, with a resolution of 2560×1440 compared to 1920×1080 with 1080p. The letter “p” indicates whether the resolution is progressive or interlaced, which would be demarcated with an “I”. Progressive is the better resolution, as it provides a higher quality picture thanks to the fact that it displays all lines constantly as opposed to interlaced which only displays in alternating frames. This is what causes the “flicker” on older CRT monitors.
If you’re looking to buy the best 1440p monitor, we have reviewed the top 10 available in 2021.
1440p is also often called QHD or Quad High Definition and it was meant to succeed 1080p or Full High Definition, but it has quickly been superseded by 4K. It is also referred to as WQHD or Wide Quad HD, which refers to the 16:9 aspect ratio it offers.
View our Best 1440p Monitors
What’s the Difference Between 1440p and 1080p?
So what is the difference between 1440p and 1080p, and why would it make a difference when viewing 1080p on a 1440p screen? The fundamental difference is that 1440p QHD is a higher-quality resolution than 1080p Full HD. It may not be as high-quality as 4K, but it is a lot higher than 720p. 1440p is in fact the perfect resolution for both a small screen and a big screen. It is not hard to work with and it is definitely a lot less expensive than most 4K monitors. 1080p Full High Definition has long been the benchmark in picture quality.
Can You Display 1080p on a 1440p monitor?
The short answer to this question is yes, you can easily display 1080p video or watch 1080p movies on a 1440p monitor without any issues. You will simply have to make sure that you run your 1080p video at a high bitrate to ensure the best quality from your screen.
Is Upscaling a Problem?
As mentioned above, upscaling should not be a problem, but it is not ideal, especially for gamers. The quality of the picture will not be as good as watching 1440p on a 1440p monitor, but it will still give you a much clearer picture than you might expect. The main problem here is that you will need a higher bitrate in order to ensure that your picture when you view your 1080p on a 1440p monitor does not distort in any way. This can easily be done by adjusting your settings.
Can Your Graphics Card Handle 1440p Resolutions?
You’ll need to make sure your graphics card is up to the job to handle 1440p resolution games. We’ve got you covered with a number of guides on gaming graphics cards, from budget graphics cards to the best cards on the market. Once you’ve found the right graphics card, be sure to get the low down on the latest gaming monitors, too.