FDH or 4k Monitor – How to Choose

Higher resolution can indeed enhance the reading experience by providing sharper and more detailed text. When it comes to monitor resolutions, FHD (Full HD) typically refers to a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, while 4K refers to a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels.

A 4K monitor has four times the number of pixels as an FHD monitor, resulting in a higher pixel density (often referred to as PPI or pixels per inch). This increased pixel density allows for crisper text and finer details, making it easier on the eyes when reading for extended periods.

In addition to resolution, there are a few other factors you might want to consider when choosing a monitor for reading purposes:

1. Size: A larger monitor can provide a more comfortable reading experience by allowing you to display more content at once. However, keep in mind that as the screen size increases, the pixel density decreases, which can affect the sharpness of the text.
2. Panel type: Different panel types, such as IPS (In-Plane Switching) and TN (Twisted Nematic), have varying characteristics. IPS panels generally offer better color accuracy and wider viewing angles, which can be beneficial for reading.
3. Brightness and eye-care features: Look for monitors with adjustable brightness levels and features like blue light filters or flicker-free technology. These features can help reduce eye strain, especially during long reading sessions.
4. Ergonomics: Consider the monitor’s adjustability options, such as height, tilt, and swivel. Being able to position the monitor at a comfortable viewing angle can further enhance your reading experience.

Ultimately, if reading is a significant part of your work, upgrading to a 4K monitor with a higher pixel density can provide a noticeable improvement in readability.

Top Rated 4k Monitors for readability and value

However, it’s also important to consider other factors, such as panel type, brightness, and ergonomics, to ensure a well-rounded experience.

Personal Accounts

What good would a review be if we didn’t include personal accounts of choosing between the two:

#1

I think resolution helps but I have 100% felt a difference in strain and fatigue from an IPS panel monitor vs a VA panel monitor. Watch a few videos about the 2, but it helped me understand what I wanted to purchase.

IPS is a slight increase in price and has some disadvantages, for gaming mostly though, and even that was only for fast moving things like FPS or adventure games in third person. I mostly work on mine so the ease in reading was a heavier determinant for me.

#2

What’s the distance between your eyes and the monitor screen? I’ve recently moved from a Razer Blade 15 with 4K OLED screen to a Dell XPS 15 with an FHD screen. Both were/are connected to a 27″ LG 4K IPS monitor, with the laptop sitting side-by-side with the monitor. The monitor and laptop screen are roughly 34″ away from my face.

For typical productivity use (in my case, lots of PowerPoint and Notion) I don’t notice a glaring difference between 4K and FHD. I can detect a color quality difference, mostly in blacks and grays. I just use the LG when I’m trying to match up colors (or I use the color hex codes in PPT).