Katarzyna Petru
The latest research from scientists at the University of Cambridge debunks one of the biggest myths regarding screen resolution: that the human eye cannot notice the difference between 4K and 8K. It turns out that it can — and quite clearly. According to a publication described, among others, by Tom’s Hardware, the average person can discern as much as up to 89 pixels per degree (the so-called pixels per degree), while earlier studies assumed a limit of around 60 PPD. This is a significant leap that could change the way we view next-generation screens.
8K makes sense — but only if you sit close
Researchers have prepared a practical table showing at what distance and screen size our eyes can actually "see" additional details.
Example:
If you have a 50-inch television and sit 3 meters away from it, your eyesight will distinguish details corresponding to a maximum resolution of 1440p. In other words — 4K or 8K won't provide a visually better effect.
To really see the difference:
for 4K a screen of 60 inches or larger is needed,
for 5K — 100 inches,
and with a 50-inch screen, you need to sit a maximum of 2 meters from the TV to fully take advantage of 4K.
For 8K, the distance is even reduced to 1 meter.
Monitors are a different story
In the case of monitors, the rules change because we sit much closer — an average of 40 cm from the screen.
At such distances, even 8K is not the limit. According to researchers, 16K on 30–40 inches still brings noticeable benefits in sharpness and detail, and for screens above 60 inches, even 32K would make sense. This means that large panels, such as the Acer Predator Z57 (57”, 8K), can actually provide real benefits for gamers and designers who work with graphics or very detailed images.
8K – who does it really matter to
On the other hand, if you mainly use your monitor for browsing the web, office work, or watching movies, investing in 8K might be an overkill. The benefits will mainly be seen by:
graphic designers, editors, and photographers,
gamers, especially in titles with realistic graphics,
technology enthusiasts and researchers testing new visual standards.
What about TV and VR?
The conclusions from the study are important not only for monitors.
100” TVs and larger can indeed benefit from higher resolutions — even above 8K.
VR headsets, with screens right next to the eyes, require extreme pixel density – researchers indicate that 16K could provide a noticeable leap in quality.
In summary
A new study from Cambridge clearly shows: the human eye sees more than previously thought.
In a world where many considered 8K to be a marketing ploy, science has a different message – the difference exists, you just need to know when it is visible.
The human eye can recognize up to 89 pixels per degree.
8K makes sense for monitors and large TVs from the appropriate distance.
16K and 32K are a real future for VR and large screens.
