4K monitors display visual content in Ultra HD resolution, delivering a massive 3840 x 2160 pixels compared with Full HD, which delivers just 1920 x 1080 pixels. This allows users to watch movies and TV in stunning clarity and to explore a whole new gaming dimension.
Buying the right 4K monitor isn't a simple matter though, with various options available. Read on to zero in on the perfect 4K monitor for your computing needs.
4K monitors are a fairly new invention but are swiftly becoming the industry standard. 4K itself first appeared in 2003 in the form of a revolutionary video camera (the Dalsa Origin). 4K capture techniques gradually caught on, and by 2010, YouTube were accepting 4K uploads.
4K cinema followed in 2011, to be joined by 4K TVs which could stream content directly from services like Netflix, but 4K computer monitors lagged behind. However, as technology developed and software manufacturers started to adapt to 4K, every major monitor maker began to introduce 4K models.
Still, by 2017 most people continued to use standard resolution monitors. 4K still hadn't caught on as a gaming device, as developers and hardware manufacturers struggled to deliver the processing power needed to play in the highest resolution.
That's all changing now. As this buyer's guide explains, 4K gaming and home use is here to stay, making it a great time to purchase a cheap 4K monitor.
The appeal of 4K monitors can be summed up in one simple word: resolution. These advanced displays are capable of showing Ultra HD 4K video footage, taking movie and TV watching (as well as gaming) to new levels.
4K monitors deliver what is known as Ultra HD resolution, a step up from Full HD. Full HD delivers a pixel density of 1920 x 1080, while Ultra HD goes much further, increasing the pixel density to 3840 x 2160. When you do the maths, that's an increase by a factor of four, and you can instantly discern the differences when you watch a few seconds of Full HD and Ultra HD footage.
If you absolutely need the clearest images known to man, a 4K monitor will be essential. But that's not their only appealing aspect. In the past couple of years, 4K has gone from being the preserve of businesses and high-end consumers to an affordable option for home computer owners.
At the same time, new streaming boxes and services like Amazon Fire TV have started to cater for 4K footage, while Blu-ray discs are now firmly in the entertainment mainstream. You won't get the most from any of these things without a 4K display to do your movies justice.
In the past, 4K monitors have had their drawbacks, but these are being overcome. For instance, 4K displays often made Windows icons seem incredibly small in comparison with normal display resolutions. But scaling techniques on Windows 10 have dealt with this issue, allowing you to navigate your OS and see much more on screen at once than has ever been the case before.
Professionals also continue to seek out 4K monitors for graphic design and image manipulation tasks. Why? Again, the answer is simple. Even on Full HD displays, it's necessary to scale photos to manipulate them. With Ultra HD, no scaling is required and pros can just play around with photos or film without going through the hassle of processing the data.
Many experts are saying that 4K's time has come for home and professional applications. In fact, some are actually starting to look towards 5K as the wave of the future. So, if you are stuck in the visual stone age, have a look at the 4K monitor discounts at HotUKDeals. You'll probably be surprised at how cheap a visual enhancement can be.
If you're interested in upgrading your computer's display to razor sharp 4K, there are a number of different makes, models and types to choose from. One of the most common differences between displays is something called the panel type, which refers to the kind of LCD display that the monitor uses. Here's a quick explanation of the various panel types on offer to help you decide:
TN – Also known as Twisted Nematic panels, this type is heavily favoured by gamers due to their fast response times. This means that even while playing at 4K resolution, you should be able to see every enemy and pick out the perfect FIFA pass without any slowdown or glitches. However, there's a slight cost in terms of how accurate the colours are and the appearance from oblique angles. For gamers, these aren't a big deal. It's not the accuracy of the colour, but its resolution that makes games so absorbing. And you generally won't need to play from a 45 degree angle. But for businesses like shops where information needs to be displayed clearly and accurately, these considerations definitely come into play.
IPS – “In Plane Switching” panels are a little bit different to TN panels. These monitors tend to perform brilliantly in terms of colour and viewing at an angle, but are noticeably more sluggish at updating in-game action or movie footage. Response times can often be four times as slow on IPS 4K monitors, so if you are only going to be using your display for death matches, you'll want to give them a wide berth.
IGZO – “Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide” panels are made in a completely different way from the others, integrating special transistors into the LCD panel. With extremely high colour fidelity and energy efficiency, IGZO panels are perfectly suited to home and business use.
As well as varying in panel type, 4K monitors also differ in terms of size. This is usually the first thing buyers think about when making a 4K purchase, and it really does make a massive difference to how you experience your display.
In general, buyers should try to find the largest display possible, as long as it fits within the dimensions of the space where they will be using it. On smaller displays, you won't get the full benefit of the ultra high definition resolution that your (expensive) monitor can provide, so try to buy a larger model if you can.
You'll find 24 inch, 27 inch, 32 inch and even larger 4K monitors on the market. 24 inch monitors tend to be too small to appreciate the difference, although they are undeniably convenient and mobile. If you are using them in a business setting, they can be a handy option. But for most people, anything above 27 inches is much better.
Panel type and size aren't the only specifications to check out when browsing the HotUKDeals 4K Monitor listings.
Refresh rates – Refresh rates refer to how fast a display can change what it shows on the screen. With 4K monitors this has historically been an issue, with 30Hz being the standard for a long time. Nowadays, manufacturers offer rates as high as 144Hz, which is optimal for gaming. Anything under 60Hz will probably ensure stodgy graphical performance for gamers, but they should be fine for general desktop use.
Connection type – This is crucial. If you intend to use your 4K monitor with a games console, be sure to go for a model with at least one HDMI port. If you are connecting it to a computer, a DisplayPort cable is what you need. Get it wrong, and you won't be able to transmit a single pixel from your system to the screen.
FreeSync or G-Sync – You'll often come across these two terms when looking for 4K monitors, but what are they? Basically, these are known as “adaptive framerate synchronization” tools and they are tailored to specific models of graphics processing unit. FreeSync works with AMD graphics cards like the Sapphire, while G-Sync works with Nvidia cards like the GTX series. They help to prevent stuttering, ensuring a smooth visual experience, and hook up with the GPU to manage resources, so they are essential for gamers.
Colour – 4K monitors (like all monitors) vary in terms of how the display colours. Colour richness is measured on a percentage scale called sRGB (the higher the better). This is something that high-end graphical users always look for, but for gamers and casual users it's not such a big deal.
Gamers are adopting 4K technology in massive numbers. As we noted earlier, that's partly due to the plummeting cost of 4K displays, but there are other factors at play. Systems like the PS4 Pro and Xbox One S are adopting 4K visuals. Windows 10 is optimised for 4K unlike previous editions, and developers are turning out new titles that deliver stunning 4K visuals.
However, should you go for a 4K monitor, and if so, how should gamers make their choice?
Actually, it's not as clear cut as it might seem. The key thing to remember is that to get the most out of 4K displays, you'll need a system that can handle Ultra HD graphics. Not all computers are capable of this and, if they can't do so, your 4K monitor will just cause glitches and sluggish response times.
To really get the most out of a 4K monitor, gamers will need to have a high-end graphics card installed as well. And by high-end, that's exactly what they need. Even a popular card like the GeForce GTX 980 struggles to handle full 4K. Instead, look for something like the Titan X from Nvidia. However, more and more 4K optimised graphics cards are appearing all the time and prices are dropping, so it's certainly not hard to do.
When it comes to actually picking your monitor, go for a TN panel model. The response times are much sharper, even if you lose out a touch in terms of colour fidelity and viewing angles. Check that your chosen model features High Dynamic Range, and also check that it's compatible with your graphics card if you intend to use it with a PC.
If you are a PS4 or Xbox One owner, there are some other things to bear in mind. The original models of these consoles didn't include 4K compatibility. They can output visuals in HD without any issues, but 4K Ultra HD isn't in their repertoire. 4K monitors are much better suited to people who intend to upgrade their console to the latest version. If you take this route, look out for combo deals including consoles and monitors, as retailers know that there's a market for cheap 4K monitors targeted especially at gamers.
If you want to find a cheap 4K monitor, shopping smart is essential. Firstly, determine whether you're looking for an IPS or a TN monitor and whether you need features like G-Sync for gaming.
It's also worth visiting the sites of some leading 4K monitor manufacturers to get an idea of their latest models. Big names include Samsung, LG, Acer and HP, all of whom make reliable displays (although with major price variations).
Now, head to the HotUKDeals 4K monitor listings and find discounts for your chosen type and make of 4K monitor. You'll find a huge array of savings from UK merchants like Currys, Argos, John Lewis, Ebuyer and Scan. All of the biggest manufacturers are included, with a constantly updated range of coupon deals, combo savings and seasonal discounts.
If you intend to buy a high-end monitor or to update your PS4 and display at the same time, it makes sense to delay until Black Friday in November. If you can wait, you'll be able to take advantage of the year's best deals and afford a better display than you could at other times of year.
Whether you intend to process video, run a business, stream movies or play the latest action games, having a 4K monitor is becoming a computing essential. With models becoming cheaper all the time and options for professional and leisure use, it's a great time to buy a 4K display. Find the lowest prices for leading brands at the HotUKDeals 4K monitor listings.
