Look at size, resolution and distance together
Judging screen size and resolution separately leads to poor choices. Resolution is the number of dots (pixels) across and down the screen, and spreading the same number of dots over a larger screen makes each dot bigger and the image less sharp. That is why sharpness is better compared by pixel density (PPI), the number of dots per inch, than by resolution alone. Viewing distance matters too: from further away, lower density does not look rough, while up close the difference shows.
Resolution names and pixel density
Common resolutions are FHD (1920×1080), QHD (2560×1440) and 4K UHD (3840×2160). Pixel density is the diagonal pixel count divided by the diagonal size in inches. Worked out, a 24-inch FHD screen is about 92 PPI, 27-inch QHD about 109 PPI, 27-inch 4K about 163 PPI and 32-inch 4K about 138 PPI. FHD on a 27-inch screen drops to about 82 PPI, which is why many people say text looks rough on it. Higher resolution looks sharper but demands more graphics power, and text often becomes so small that you need to raise the operating system's scaling setting.
- 24-inch FHD: about 92 PPI
- 27-inch QHD: about 109 PPI
- 27-inch 4K: about 163 PPI
- 32-inch 4K: about 138 PPI
Refresh rate: how often the image is redrawn
Refresh rate is how many times per second the screen changes to a new image, measured in hertz (Hz). At 60Hz each frame is shown for about 16.7 milliseconds; at 120Hz about 8.3, at 144Hz about 6.9, and at 240Hz about 4.2. The higher the rate, the smoother the mouse cursor, scrolling and fast game scenes look. For documents and video, 60Hz causes little inconvenience; the difference is most noticeable in fast games. To actually use a high refresh rate, the graphics processor must render that many frames, and the cable and ports must support that combination of resolution and refresh rate.
Response time and variable refresh rate
Response time is how long a pixel takes to change colour; when it is slow, moving objects leave trails. Manufacturers measure it differently, so spec sheet figures are hard to compare directly; measurements in independent reviews are a better guide. Variable refresh rate (VRR) adjusts the screen's refresh rate to match how fast the graphics processor draws frames, reducing tearing and stutter. For gaming, check that your graphics processor and monitor support the same kind of variable refresh rate.
Panel types and colour
Panels mainly divide into IPS, VA and TN types and OLED. Broadly, IPS shows little colour shift with viewing angle; VA has deeper blacks but tends to smear in fast scenes; TN is quick to respond but has narrow viewing angles. OLED pixels emit their own light for excellent contrast, but leaving the same image on screen for long periods risks burn-in. For photo or design work, check colour gamut coverage and whether the monitor is factory-calibrated; the colour notation guide in the units topic explains the differences between colour formats.
Aspect ratio and height adjustment
Most monitors are 16:9, but 16:10, which is slightly taller, suits people who read a lot of documents, and wide ratios like 21:9 suit those who keep several windows side by side. Placing the top edge of the screen at or slightly below eye level is generally considered easier on the neck and shoulders. Check whether the stand adjusts for height, tilt and rotation, and whether there are standard mounting holes for a wall or arm. If eye strain or headaches persist, adjust brightness and distance, and see a professional if symptoms continue.
Check the connections
There are several kinds of ports for connecting a monitor to a computer, and even the same port supports different maximum resolutions and refresh rates depending on its version. If a new high-resolution, high-refresh monitor only runs at 60Hz, suspect the cable, the port version or the operating system's display settings first. For a laptop, a monitor that handles video and charging over a single USB-C cable is convenient, but first confirm that the laptop's port supports video output.
Common mistakes and a checklist
The most common mistakes are choosing a low resolution for a large screen, and buying a high-refresh monitor but leaving it at 60Hz because the setting was never changed. After connecting, always check in the display settings that resolution and refresh rate are set correctly. Dead pixel replacement policies and warranty terms vary by manufacturer and seller, so check the official information before buying.
- Work out pixel density from size and resolution
- A refresh rate that suits your use, backed by enough graphics power
- Cable and ports that support the combination you want
- Check resolution and refresh rate after connecting
- Dead pixel policy and warranty terms
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