Don’t Buy the Wrong Resolution for Your Mac - 4K vs 1440p vs 1080p. MacOS Scaling Explained!

[@HalfManHalfTech]

27” 4K vs 27" 1440p - Which Is The Best For Mac? Updated video 👉🏾 kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6XUpZesp6eohLs

[@finn9204]

This is BY FAR the best guide on KZbin. Thanks!

[@HalfManHalfTech]

@@finn9204 thanks Finn

[@newmarie416]

Thanks a lot for the detailed explanation, and one that is not trying to frighten us into using a 1440p with no scaling rather than a scaled 4k one. I wasn't sure about which resolution to choose, but now I'm going for a 4k monitor. 👍

[@liefhebber6277]

@@mattmarkus4868 it's extremely difficult to find a 24" monitor that is 4k (on amazon at least), so my guess here would be no

[@netmanswe]

Using 4K on my 32” screen, looks good, text is fully readable - even with my 57 year old mark 1 eyeballs

[@HalfManHalfTech]

lol 😂 mark 1

[@jonathonbarrios3199]

Lol built in a cave, from scraps type of eyeballs.

[@mattmarkus4868]

This isn't quite accurate. 4K at 27" is still a compromise. UI Elements are large relative to the screen size, PPI is decent but not that high. To get retina-like (2x HiDPI) resolution there really are only 3 sizes that work with macOS. @ 4K 24" (184 PPI, more appropriate scaling) @ 5K 27" (218 PPI and true pixel-perfect retina scaling) @ 6K 32" (223 PPI...) There are two key parts to this puzzle. One is PPI and the other is proper 2x scaling.

[@akyhne]

You can't see any difference. If you can, it's the fault of the OS.

[@mattmarkus4868]

@@akyhne any difference between what, exactly?

[@akyhne]

@@mattmarkus4868 You cannot see the Pixel density, between e.g. a 32" 4K and a 32" 6K. Not at a normal distance from a monitor.

[@camcodes2100]

This is exactly what I've been looking for. Usually people talk a lot about the definition of a display and not about scaling and how operating systems manage the scaling settings. I wish I'd known this before buying a 2K Display 😅 now I'm stuck with seeing everything at 100% because fractional scaling in MacOS and Linux is just blurry.

[@HalfManHalfTech]

@@camcodes2100 it took me about 1 month of trying different 27 inch monitors at different resolutions to figure out a lot of this and how macOS deals with it. Amazon knows how many monitors I went through 😆

[@ChloeCandor]

Great informative video! Aspect ratio and scaling is kind of a daunting topic for a lot of people. (Also, I bought an Apple TV 4K because of your video the other day, that thing is awesome!)

[@HalfManHalfTech]

It’s amazing. I like how the Apple TV is so minimal

[@ludilevi3533]

Hey, great video-thanks so much for the helpful content! I have a quick question: I just bought a MacBook Pro 14-inch with the M4 chip along with the Dell 4K P3223QE monitor. I connected the monitor using the USB-C to USB-C cable that came with it, but the default resolution recommended by macOS is 1920x1080 at 60Hz. When I scale to higher resolutions, everything becomes too small, and I can’t seem to get the specific scaled resolution I’m looking for, like 2560x1440. I’m wondering if this is a limitation of the monitor? I did try today with this new cable, and it did not help: Cable Matters [Intel Certified] Braided 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 Cable 1m Black, with 240W Charging Power Delivery and 8K Video - Fully Compatible with Thunderbolt 3, USB 4 for Apple MacBook Pro, iMac I still have time to return the monitor there is no other solution. Thanks again for your help!

[@obiko2fix]

Man, thanks a lot. Now when the mac mini M4 is here, I was wondering which monitor to get. Massive thanks! I will go with 4K 27"

[@billinrio]

Super well-explained ! What about the case of a 24" monitor running through a Mac Mini 2018? What 24" monitor would you recommend?

[@ludilevi3533]

Hey, great video-thanks so much for the helpful content! I have a quick question: I just bought a MacBook Pro 14-inch with the M4 chip along with the Dell 4K P3223QE monitor. I connected the monitor using the USB-C to USB-C cable that came with it, but the default resolution recommended by macOS is 1920x1080 at 60Hz. When I scale to higher resolutions, everything becomes too small, and I can’t seem to get the specific scaled resolution I’m looking for, like 2560x1440. I’m wondering if this is a limitation of the monitor, the cable, or something else. Do you think switching cables could resolve this, or is this monitor not the best match for the MacBook for achieving the scaled resolution I want? I still have time to return the monitor if necessary, so I’d appreciate your advice. Thanks again for your help!

[@claudiustefan8831]

Wow..this is lovely - you literally went through all the use cases scenarios...pure GOLD. Subscribed.

[@pentiumvsamd]

This happens because, unlike windows and linux, mac os does not yet have a separation between display resolution and interface scaling, where in linux and windows you can set a resolution of 4k or higher and scale the interface by 200%, doing thus just as visible as a native one but with a much higher clarity, that's why studio screen works much better on windows than on mac os even if it is not recognized by some users...

[@bunty672744]

@@pentiumvsamd Just bought a Mac Mini and struggling with the same. The display looks so bad, fuzzy text, how can Mac miss this. Windows works flawlessly with the same monitors. I though of giving Mac a try, but I may go back to windows

[@pentiumvsamd]

@@bunty672744 in windows 11, you can see in "Advanced display" there are two different fields for "Desktop mode" and "Active signal mode". That and the Display/Scale settings that separate the GUI elements from text elements. Basically, windows does downscale and mac tries to upscale.

[@gileneusz]

@@bunty672744 they did not miss it, it's intentional so the mac does only display sharp text on their very "cheap" displays like $1600 5k in 27'' Mac Studio Display

[@JeffWaters1]

What a fantastic explanation. Thanks! What if I wanted to go with an ultrawide? I'm looking at a large 5120x1440 @ 32x9 or possibly a 3440x1440 @ 21x9. Will those resolutions show up as "(default)" with no impact on performance?

[@philipp9550]

Same question here

[@MikoPLG]

Great video! Been looking for such an explanation for quite a long time. Thanks bro.

[@HalfManHalfTech]

Glad it helped! Should have made it sooner but I recently started testing monitors and realized this needed more clarification

[@vosyasabesquien]

thanks for the clear explanation. this is one of the best YT videos about scaling issues on mac os.

[@HalfManHalfTech]

Thanks! Glad I could be of assistance

[@BullDog7]

so scaling only affects the UI? gaming and video is still shown at 4k?

[@joseestupinan4484]

Well, after days going nuts about which monitor I should buy, I have found a good explanation about how apple drives scales. Thanks you so much. You've got my like button. Now, here is the question for you: which monitor configuration would you recommend for someone which uses his macbook pro m1 Max for 70% productivity and 30% for some gaming? Any particular monitor you would recommend (price not an issue).

[@pattip8110]

I'm looking for something cheaper than the Apple Monitor but for Music production, editing video and productivity. Can you suggest another 34" or more monitor to go with the Mac Studio M2? Hopefully cheaper🤭I just purcahsed Alienware AW3225QF but think it may be overkill for what I need it for! Love the specs but I'm not a gamer. Thanks for this video! New Subscriber 🎉

[@HalfManHalfTech]

@@pattip8110 Dell U2723QE It’s the one I finally settled with

[@EvianPutra]

Wow, I'm watching on my 1080p screen and I can already see the difference of the sharpness

[@SpiderSato]

This video is so good in explaining that I subscribed. Thank you

[@Mr.C0ffee]

Excellent video Sir. Quick question. What about using better display on 4K 27 inch monitor can I use 1440p HiDpi. the message that affecting performance will go away?

[@edoardomarchesi1938]

I use a 43 inch 4k tv as an external display for my MacBook Pro and even if I use its native display resolution I get the "using scaled resolution may affect performance" message. Why? last time I checked on display settings 4k native resolution was indicated as "standard" just like 1920 x 1080, great video by the way!

[@uptowndoof3993]

So, not sure I really got much question answered, about to get a M4 Mini and want a 4K monitor. My thought is to run it at the 1440 setting in Settings. Will text be sharp & clear that way? Do YOU run it that way?

[@abhilashsudheesh]

@@uptowndoof3993 +1

[@lotro1986]

@@uptowndoof3993 this would not be integer scaling. For 4k (UHD = 3840x2160) you would need to set it to FHD (1920x1080) since it is exactly half of UHD. 1440p will cost alot of performance and probably looks not so good.

[@tyke_1203]

I'm using a 27inch 4k 144hz samsung monitor with m1 macbook air. Everything looks very sharp. The mac can also do full 4k 144hz, its vry smooth and sharp

[@HalfManHalfTech]

@@tyke_1203 thunderbolt connection or HDMI??

[@tyke_1203]

Thunderbolt to display port cable

[@benjaminsteckbauer]

Which monitor do you use? I'm still looking for something suitable to switch from Windows to macOS regarding productivity but with a higher refresh rate so I will still be able to use it for gaming with my Windows

[@TheEverydayManChannel]

@@tyke_1203 isn’t the MacBook Air m1 capped at 60 hz.

[@stevee1989]

@@TheEverydayManChannel the built in display, yes. But you can use 120hz if using an external monitor that supports it.

[@AJCoReTV]

M1 Pro MacBook also. I use 32” 4k 165hz OLED… for PS5 gaming & Mac use! looks great! Great video

[@Mr.C0ffee]

Thanks for the video. But what’s the point of buying a 1440p monitor then if it’s going to get scaled by MacOS to 1080. Makes no sense no? Am I wrong? Is it not worth it the to buy a 1440p monitor for macOS?

[@HalfManHalfTech]

@@Mr.C0ffee by default macOS will scale a 27inch 1440p monitor to 1440p There is no scaling for the ui elements on a 27inch 1440p monitor. Scaling a 1440p monitor to 1080 will make the ui elements bigger. You lose out on screen real estate or space since windows and elements are bigger. If you look at my macOS videos on the channel since I have a 27 inch 4K monitor my UI is scaled to 1080 P because I want the windows and elements to appear big enough for viewers to be able to see.

[@odebroqueville]

I wonder which LG monitor you were testing. Also, when you press the brightness or sound keys on your apple keyboard, does it change the brightness or sound as expected. I think that not all 4k monitors are mac compatible in that sense. Concerning the 2x scaling, I understand that each pixel in the native resolution (e.g. 3840x2160) gets bumped up th 4 pixels in half the native resolution. Is that correct? I didn't quite understand when the performance is downgraded. Is it when the scaling isn't a full integer?

[@Sven.Jeschke]

That was a very helpful video. Thank you!

[@dheeladheel]

This has cleared so much for me. Best explanation in youtube.

[@HalfManHalfTech]

@@dheeladheel thanks. Glad I could be of assistance

[@knab2831]

what resolution would be best to use/pair with a 24" monitor?

[@pixelturm]

Great explanation, thanks … I will choose 4K .. but unfortunately still a bit unsure if 27” or 32”, will have to see the difference in real 😅😂 kr

[@LordJasonKing]

thabk you cam, can you recommend a bugdet monitos for MAc mini m4? i dont do gamng but edit images? its so confusing.

[@SergeyBasov]

OMFG! I was looking exactly for this. I was suspecting I would need at least 32" to see 4K as is, but was looking at 27" sometimes as the panels are generally cheaper. Yeah, no, it has to be 32" in least for 4K on a Mac. Thanks a lot for this video! Amazing explanation! A lot more people need to watch this!

[@mathisd]

Your takeaway is wrong. What matters is pixel density. The point of the video is that if you want a UI that is at the right size, you need the DPI of the monitor to be a factor of 110 DPI (that is either 110 or 220 DPI). iMac is 4.5K at 27inch (220 DPI), MacBook are 2K at 13-15 inch, etc. The UI may be uncomfortably too small or big if you are far away from a factor of 110DPI (below 100, above 120, below 200, above 240, etc.). Hence forcing you to use an "out of scale, scaling factor" to have an UI at proper size. The downside of using an "out of scale, scaling factor" is not properly explained in this video but main issue is that font and UI lack sharpness. There is an utility called BetterDisplay (15$) that mostly patch these issues and is really worth especially for 1080p and 2K monitor. It's less of an issue on a 4K monitor.

[@SergeyBasov]

@@mathisd Hey, thanks a lot for such a detailed reply. I know about Mac scaling and I do have the Better Display (great software, btw). What I wanted to do is to be able to comfortably read / write with the display set to 4K without scaling. I had 2 32" which worked for me but I had to return them, and was tempted to go with a 27" 4K panel, but I couldn't figure out if 4K on a 27 would look too small, and the video shows it would. That's why I said It would be 32" at least for Mac.

[@Jay-ou7cr]

great work buddy

[@alpgencgil4936]

So when I have 4k resolution panel but I switch it to 1080p does it mean that scale got bigger but I have 4k resolution or is ti just turned to 1080p reoslution?

[@HalfManHalfTech]

So when I have 4k resolution panel but I switch it to 1080p does it mean that scale got bigger but I have 4k resolution - correct

[@drmoezawaung]

you are wrong bro. 1440p panel set to display 1080p will be worse than native 1080p panel. to scale down from 1440 to 1080, it is non-integer scaling. ( 1.5 instead of 2). Non-integer scaling will output poor, blurr text.

[@jayheha0053]

So it’s better just to have 1080p? Instead of 1440p scaling down?

[@knyazvelikiy]

But when we 4k (2160p) panel scales down to 2k (1440p) it is also non-integer scaling. But this scaling will be sharper and better than native 2k. (12:34 in the video). Give me some explanation )

[@XRP_321]

how did you know to put this vide on my feed? Perfect timing before I chose the wrong one!

[@HalfManHalfTech]

@@XRP_321 it’s not me. It’s youtube 😆

[@XRP_321]

@@HalfManHalfTech 😂. Ty is awsome! Thanks for the content. Subbed and looking forward to your next videos! 🦾🫡🫡🫡🫡

[@HalfManHalfTech]

@@XRP_321 thanks 🙏🏾 Welcome to the crew

[@kobinsadvance]

Same Here! Thank you to the brilliant creator of this video.

[@rodolforojano9929]

Uff vaya que me sirvió tu video ahora que estoy por comprar un monitor, muchas gracias! Excelente explicación!!

[@HalfManHalfTech]

@@rodolforojano9929 gracias 🙏🏾

[@grigoriyb]

Thank you for this video. But I don't understand how it depends to MacBook Pro 14 M2 Pro. This MacBook have resolution 3024x1964 (1512x982). How it depends to 5120х2880? Thanks.

[@satyanarayana7655]

Hello i have at least changed 3 monitors due to this scaling issue ,but text clarity gives me lot of headaches and i stopped using my mac ....which monitor you would prefer me i do not want to look at 32 inch as bigger screen is not comfortable as i have small office space room 6 *6 feet room

[@bunty672744]

I am facing the exact issue with my Mac Mini. I two 24 inch monitors, one 1440p and one 1080p. Both are unable to display the text sharp. The issue is with the scaling and fuzzy text, gives me headache. I moved back to windows and my Mac mini is lying useless :(

[@bonihersanto7]

very clear comparison and detail explanation

[@HalfManHalfTech]

@@bonihersanto7 thanks 🙏🏾

[@lmpeterborough1622]

Thank you so much for this!

[@anggagargantuanconcepts2245]

Thanks!! Been looking for this for long time

[@HalfManHalfTech]

@@anggagargantuanconcepts2245 glad to be of service

[@noppadolvashirakovit1620]

What's the model you recommend buying?

[@HalfManHalfTech]

I set out for the Dell U2723QE

[@odebroqueville]

@@HalfManHalfTech do the mac keys (mission, launchpad, brightness, sound) of the apple keyboard adequately work with this display? I'm hesitating between the BenQ MA270U and the Dell U2723QE. I'm afraid that the latter isn't mac compatible.

[@rajeevmusic]

Which monitor should I get for MacBook Air M1 (2020), View infinity S8 32 inch, BenQ PD2706UA 27 inch or any LG 4K 27inch?

[@gileneusz]

Apple Studio Display 😆😆

[@MaheshVarma08]

Great Explanation 🙌, understood clearly every detail about macOS scaling in an interesting way.

[@HalfManHalfTech]

@@MaheshVarma08 glad I could be of service

[@MaheshVarma08]

@@HalfManHalfTech one doubt i have is that if we set the scaling resolution to 1080p only the UI changes right? Like if I play a 4k video on KZbin will it still play on native 4k or will it be 1080p scaled to 4k?

[@suvomania]

What about 24 inch? 1440p or 4k ? Please let me know

[@soulfunkjazz]

1440p

[@mattmarkus4868]

4k absolutely _not_ 1440p. 4K at 24" is super close to retina like quality. 183 PPI (HiDPI scaling to 1080p) with non-fractional blurring/edges. The only thing better than 24" 4K at 2x scaling is 27" at 5K or 32" at 6K.

[@mohammadgholamzadeh4752]

Thanks you answered the most questions, But what about eyes strain an eye fatigue? Which one is more comfortable for eyes?

[@mohammadgholamzadeh4752]

1080p or 1440p ?

[@strangetrip837]

Brilliant! This 71 year old grandfather can confirm it’s a very understandable video 😂

[@MrWhiteKeys1]

Why would you want a monitor less than 5k for your Mac?

[@brentinjapan]

Extremely well done and informative! Thank you!!

[@suazadria]

My question is, on a 4K panel, and with a user resolution of 1080p, can you watch videos in 2160p on KZbin? Thanks.

[@HalfManHalfTech]

Yes you can. my panel is 4K and i watch videos in 2160p

[@brinjow]

Thank you for explaining this in details! 👌

[@u_ok]

Very insightful, loved it!🔥❤

[@HalfManHalfTech]

Thanks 🙏🏾.

[@alpgencgil4936]

So, can u help me guys if we use 4k resolution do we stuck on a little scaled version of 4k in macOS I have 4k 27inch display I cannot figure this out.

[@RajaEmadFarzand]

well explained . thank you . I have a MacBook Pro 2017 with 2k Samsung G5 32 inch and it is running 2k default no scaling at 144hz and no issue with the performance msg but when I use my MacBook m2 15 inch with the same monitor the image is faded. would you know why ?

[@tonyding8102]

Hi HMHT, thanks for this video, it's super helpful!

[@borakou39]

What I get from this is that there needs to be more 27 inch 5k monitors.

[@siegolas]

Awesome video! 💪

[@HalfManHalfTech]

@@siegolas thanks Sie

[@mynameisroman]

great video man!

[@musteck]

Hi, I'm using M1 Mac Mini and planning to get a 27" 2K display (it'll connect to gaming console as well), but it seems UI in 1440p native looks kinda small to me, my question is if I scale it down to 1080p do I get blurry fonts and the 'warning messages'?

[@newmarie416]

I have a MacBook Air M1 with a 2K 27", and I have to say while the UI is quite sharp at 1440p, it gets softer/blurry with 1080p scaling.

[@musteck]

@@newmarie416 thanks for sharing your experience :)

[@HPengui]

🥲watching this on my 1280x800 display

[@prsearls]

Lots of information! I AM a grandpa and my head is about to explode. Very interesting comparisons. I'm getting a new 27" soon. But getting one that displays Adobe RGB accurately for printing has narrowed my choice to BenQ's SW series. Cost also limits my choice to a 1440p which I have used for many years. It will still be a welcome upgrade although I'd love to have the 4K version.

[@slowgeetech8675]

Bro how do you make your thumb line please any help

[@HalfManHalfTech]

Combination of Photoshop and and at times ChatGPT

[@jansurth1468]

Just got a 27" with 1440p for my MacBook Pro. So basically I either get less space (bigger ui elements) and better resolution by scaling to 1080p or compromise by accepting the whack resolution with more space (normal sized ui elements)? What a fcking joke

[@ÁzsiábaSzakadtam]

My grandma got seizures by trying to understanding this. And I wasn't able to explain to her either. Bloody complicated explanation. Only thing I know is that I have issues with my 4k monitor. I blamed it on my eyes before, now I don't know what to do.

[@canarinis]

So I should buy a monitor with inferior features just because the Mac poorly digests 4K? Interesting... especially for people who maybe work on that same monitor or just want to watch movies or video content in high quality. Are you serious?

[@blaidd-ppga]

watch the video again lol

[@jaZzyjeff818]

Thank you!

[@siwapongchartwanit4097]

Thank so much

[@jaimin.rathod]

Thank you :)

[@HalfManHalfTech]

@@jaimin.rathod 🤜🏾🤛🏾

[@Adgale]

You're a genious

[@HalfManHalfTech]

@@Adgale really?

[@Adgale]

@@HalfManHalfTech For sure ;)

[@Leo-bi4he]

noice work

[@HalfManHalfTech]

Thanks. Hopefully it makes sense.

[@alpgencgil4936]

Guys help me im brand-new in this ecosystem I have 4k 27" this fuckin macos doesnt show than one scale for 4k resolution.

[@mosfear]

Thanks for posting. Very informative. Careful with the ageism though. lol

[@SebastianBeckerPhoto]

Use better display. Problem solved...

[@HalfManHalfTech]

Even with better display, 4K native is still better in clarity than 1440p using better Display or 1080p using better display. I tested it. I think I mentioned it in the video under the HiDPI section

[@SebastianBeckerPhoto]

@@HalfManHalfTech ofcause always use 4k if you can afford it. But even 4k is better with better display, cause macos is just optimized for 5k externals. But people get way to serious about their scaling. I‘ve seen people return their macs because of it and that’s just silly.

[@satyanarayana7655]

@@SebastianBeckerPhoto your are right i have stopped using my mac as i have sever headaches due to this scaling issue which monitor you would suggest me

[@SebastianBeckerPhoto]

@@satyanarayana7655 can't really give a recommendation there, since I can't speak for your specific condition, but I would probably go to an Apple store and have a look at their displays there. There are also some 5k2k screens from other manufacturers, maybe also take a look at those.

[@bunty672744]

​@@SebastianBeckerPhotoNot everyone can afford 5K display. I have an existing setup of two monitors running at 1440p and 1080p. Works flawlessly with my windows laptop. But when I plug in my Mac, I get blurry text and bad scaling. When windows can adapt any display size and resolution, why can't Mac? And if not, they should say so, optimised for 5k and above display only

[@itshadouken]

It’s called 5k 😂