Can’t decide whether to go for 1080p 120hz or 1440p 60 hz? Well, I wouldn’t blame you because you’re in a tough spot here. You’ll either have to compromise on the resolution or the refresh rate. To make it clear, if you’re a gamer and running a little low on cash, 1080p would be the way to go. But if you’re all about the graphics and looking for a monitor to binge-watch those Netflix series then you’ll be better off with a 1440p screen.
Still confused? No worries! Let’s dive into a more detailed comparison of these monitors. So, you can have a better idea of which one is right for you.
1080p vs 1440p — Resolution war
When it comes to image quality, it’s not all about the resolution. The size of your screen also has a lot to do with it as the Pixel Per Inch ratio gets bumped down on a larger screen. For instance, a 24” 1080p monitor has a PPI of 93 while a 27” monitor at the same resolution has a PPI of 83. So the larger the screen the lesser the image quality.
This is where the resolution game kicks in — a higher resolution mean increased pixel density. This results in a decent PPI ratio even on a larger screen. Take, for example, a 27” 1440p monitor that has a PPI of 108.5. Isn’t that amazing?
Refresh rates — 120hz vs 60hz: is it noticeable?
Yes! Of course! Moving from 60hz to 120hz means a double refresh rate. You’d be able to tell the difference in a heartbeat. I mean, things would look way more smoother and responsive, especially in those high FPS (frames per second) games. Even scrolling through your Instagram feed would be a lot smoother.
If you love gaming and prefer those fast pace games where you need to track the movements instantly, a 60hz monitor isn’t for you. Yes! The cinematics would be a lot cooler on 1440p but what’s the point if your game is not smooth enough? So, you better opt for a 1080p 120hz monitor.
Performance battle: 1080p 120hz vs 1440p 60hz
Normally, a 1080p monitor gives you 30-40% better performance than a 1440p monitor because of the system’s limitations. But the difference would be even more because we’re considering 120hz vs 60hz.
The 1440p monitor has a lower refresh rate so the frame rates would also drop significantly. Hypothetically, if a 1080p monitor gives you a frame rate of 120 then a 1440p monitor would only go up to 81. Almost a 35% drop in performance! I don’t think competitive gamers would like to go for a 1440p screen after this. But if you’re in for casual gaming and love a realistic display while playing then this performance drop is something you can live with.
But is the lower frame rate worth it? Well, only you can decide if you can afford this FPS loss or not. Obviously, if you’re a gamer, a 40% performance drop would be a deal breaker as you wouldn’t wanna fall behind your enemies, right? So 1080p 120hz would be a better bet.
However, if you’re a casual gamer and want a monitor for office work, weekend binging, and editing work. Then I don’t think you’d mind that FPS loss and might wanna go with the 1440p 60hz. No?
1080p 120hz screen
Pros
- Better for fast-paced competitive gaming
- More fluid and responsive gameplay
- Less input lag
- Less screen tearing
Cons
- Requires high GPU power
- Lower resolution
- Less detail and sharpness
1440p 60hz screen
Pros
- Doesn’t need a high-power GPU
- More detailed and sharp images
- Higher resolution
- More immersive experience
Cons
- Lower refresh rate
- Higher input lag
- You may need to use Vsync or adaptive sync to avoid screen tearing
Price comparison
As far as price is concerned, both these screens have quite similar price points. So, it all comes down to your preference when choosing between 1080p 120hz and 1440p 60hz.
Parting words
I hope I was able to help you out of your dilemma. But if you still can’t figure it out, let’s take a quick recap.
If you love gaming and want to cash out the full potential from your GPU then a 1080p 120hz monitor is the right choice.
On the contrary, 1440p 60 hz is a great option for those who need a screen for casual gaming, watching content, and editing work.
Muhammad Allayhan, a gaming and PC hardware virtuoso, breathes life into pixelated worlds. A legendary overclocker, he unlocks hidden power in gaming rigs. Navigating from 8-bit realms to today’s masterpieces, Muhammad’s words immerse readers in an ever-evolving digital odyssey. Join him as he reveals the secrets of gaming’s cutting edge.
