What is the Difference Between 1080p and HD 📺

Before I can explain the difference between 1080p and HD, please let me clarify what they are.

1080p and HD refer to a technical term called 'resolution'. Computers, Tvs and pretty much every display device has a resolution.

And the resolution refers to how many pixels are in that display.

So, they are both resolution but... Is 1080p the same as HD?

Is 1080p the same as HD?

The short answer is no.

1080p resolution

1080p is a common resolution, it contains 1920 pixels (wide) and 1080 pixels (height). It is sometimes called 'full HD'.

HD resolution

HD contains 1280 pixels (wide) and 720 pixels (height). It can also be called 720p.

HD is short for 'high definition'.

Pixel count

Total number of pixels

HD: 921600 pixels. (Almost 1 million pixels)

1080p: 2073600 pixels. (More than 2 million pixels)

Comparing vertical pixels

1080p has 1080 vertical pixels and HD has 720 pixels. So 1080p has more vertical pixels than HD.

Comparing horizontal pixels

1080p has 1920 horizontal pixels and HD has 1280. Thus 1080p has more horizontal pixels than HD.

Which is better HD or 1080p?

Technically speaking, 1080p is always better as it has almost twice as much pixels. In other words, 1080p has higher image quality than HD.

But it may not be the best for your budget.

I've compiled a few examples to help you understand the difference.

Security camera example

Tip: Turn on the caption button if you need it. Choose “automatic translation” in the settings button, if you are not familiar to the english language. You may need to click on the language of the video first before your favorite language becomes available for translation.

Gaming example

Smartphone example

Computer monitor example

Webcam example

Video: Is Full HD enough at 27-inch? (1080P vs ...

If you are a visual or audio person, have a look at this related Youtube video: