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For a consumer television, 4K Ultra HD (4K UHD) means a resolution of 3,840 × 2,160 pixels, also called 2160p. It describes the number of pixels in the image—not, by itself, whether the picture supports HDR or guarantees a particular level of quality.
What resolution is 4K UHD?
In the television context, 4K UHD has 3,840 pixels across and 2,160 pixels from top to bottom. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) defines it as a 2160p video format in its 2023 Recommendation F.780.1. The ITU’s BT.2020 recommendation concerns the broader UHDTV system, rather than just a single resolution figure.
Is 4K the same as Ultra HD?
In consumer-TV usage, “4K UHD” and “UHDTV 4K” refer to the 3,840 × 2,160 format. The term “Ultra HD,” however, can also refer to a broader television system with characteristics beyond spatial resolution. The label “4K” alone does not specify all of a display’s color, brightness, or other picture capabilities.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems“4K” can also be used in digital cinema contexts, where it may refer to a different image width. The television definition above is not a definition of cinema 4K.
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- 4k Ultra HD (2160p resolution): Enjoy breathtaking HDR10 4K movies and TV shows at 4 times the resolution of Full HD, and upscale your current content to Ultra HD-level picture quality.
- High Dynamic Range: Provides a wide range of color details and sharper contrast, from the brightest whites to the deepest blacks.
- All-in-one: Get right to your good stuff. With Fire TV, you can enjoy a world of entertainment from apps like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. Plus, stream for free with Fire TV Channels, Pluto TV, Tubi, and more. Access over 1.8 million movies and TV episodes. Subscriptions may be required. Feature and content availability may vary.
- Smart Home: Your smart home hub. Pair Fire TV with compatible smart home devices to see live camera feeds, use AirPlay, control your lighting and thermostat, and more.
- Free Content: Stream for free. Access over 1 million free movies and TV episodes from popular ad-supported streaming apps like Fire TV Channels, Tubi, and Pluto TV. Subscriptions may be required. Feature and content availability may vary.
How does 4K compare with 8K and 1080p?
| Format | Resolution | Pixel count |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p HDTV | 1,920 × 1,080 | About 2.1 million |
| 4K UHD | 3,840 × 2,160 | About 8.3 million |
| 8K UHD | 7,680 × 4,320 | About 33.2 million |
The ITU identifies 4K UHD and 8K UHD at these respective dimensions in its 2016 summary of its television recommendations and its 2023 F.780.1 definitions. 8K has twice the horizontal and vertical pixel dimensions of 4K, or four times the total number of pixels. 4K has four times the pixel count of 1080p.
More pixels can provide more potential image detail, but resolution alone does not determine how noticeable the difference is. Screen size and viewing distance matter. For example, the ITU’s 2025 BT.2246-9 report gives a viewing distance of 100 cm for a 100-inch UHDTV image under a specific criterion: one pixel subtends one arc-minute. This is a technical example, not a universal seating recommendation.
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- CRYSTAL PROCESSOR: Powerful processor enhances colors and sharpens details for a vibrant 4K viewing experience. Experience every shade of color as it was meant to be seen in dazzling 4K. Plus, make your movies, TV shows, games and sports look even better with powerful 4K upscaling.
- ENDLESS FREE CONTENT: Watch 2,700+ free streaming options, including 750+ subscription-free channels on Samsung TV Plus. Enjoy news, sports, movies, kids' shows and reality TV — all without a subscription. Discover endless entertainment with new content added regularly, tailored to your mood and interests.*
- MOTION XCELERATOR: Experience clear picture and smooth motion in games and sports. Enjoy smooth motion and clear visuals with technology that estimates and adjusts frame transitions in real time. Whether gaming or watching sports, enjoy up to 4K 60Hz performance that brings every play, move and scene to life with realistic clarity and motion.
- COLOR BOOSTER: Supercharge your color. From fiery reds to sparkling blues, make every color come to life with intensity. Color Booster transforms your content into a visual masterpiece.
- 4K UPSCALING: Upgrades what you watch to crisp 4K clarity. Upgrade your favorite shows, movies and more. Experience incredible details and clarity in every frame, even from lower-quality sources, with advanced upscaling technology.
Does 4K mean HDR?
No. 4K describes spatial resolution; HDR (high dynamic range) describes a separate aspect of image reproduction. ITU’s BT.2100 framework covers HDR approaches including PQ and HLG and allows more than one resolution, including 4K and 8K. A 4K label does not establish that a television supports HDR, a wide color gamut, or any particular brightness level.
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A 4K-capable display is only one part of the viewing path. The content must also be available in 4K and delivered through a compatible source and connection. A panel’s resolution label does not guarantee that a streamed or broadcast program is being received in 4K; check the program and playback information for the service or device you are using.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 4k Ultra HD (2160p resolution): Enjoy breathtaking HDR10 4K movies and TV shows at 4 times the resolution of Full HD, and upscale your current content to Ultra HD-level picture quality.
- High Dynamic Range: Provides a wide range of color details and sharper contrast, from the brightest whites to the deepest blacks.
- All-in-one: Get right to your good stuff. With Fire TV, you can enjoy a world of entertainment from apps like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. Plus, stream for free with Fire TV Channels, Pluto TV, Tubi, and more. Access over 1.8 million movies and TV episodes. Subscriptions may be required. Feature and content availability may vary.
- Smart Home: Your smart home hub. Pair Fire TV with compatible smart home devices to see live camera feeds, use AirPlay, control your lighting and thermostat, and more.
- Free Content: Stream for free. Access over 1 million free movies and TV episodes from popular ad-supported streaming apps like Fire TV Channels, Tubi, and Pluto TV. Subscriptions may be required. Feature and content availability may vary.
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