By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man –Follow on Facebook & X.
Former Sony employee. Author of TV Dot Com.
TV Answer Man, I just got a 32-inch 4K TV but the 4K picture and HDR doesn’t look very good. It’s just like HD to me. Can you get a great 4K picture on a 32-inch TV? Or do you need a bigger TV? — Marcel, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Marcel, the short answer is no. 4K TV can deliver four times the resolution of a High-Definition TV, and a 4K program in HDR (High Dynamic Range) can add additional color and realism to the picture. But you need a large-screen 4K TV to fully appreciate the extra resolution of 4K. And you need a large-screen 4K, HDR-enabled TV to see all the benefits of HDR.
Buying a 4K TV? Get a Big Screen!
When I say a large-screen TV, I mean one that’s at least 55 inches. And if you can afford a bigger one, and have the proper-sized room, by all means get a 65-inch or 75-inch model.
People keep buying smaller 4K screens because they are less expensive, and the TV manufacturers are heavily promoting them to increase their volume sales. (I suspect the TV makers are also pushing smaller-screen 4K TVs because they know people will soon upgrade to a larger-screen when they discover 4K doesn’t look much better on the smaller set. That way, they sell two sets rather than one.)
When you look at a 4K show on a 43-inch or 32-inch 4K TV, the picture will be okay, but you will not notice a significant increase in detail, clarity or vividness, all elements of an enhanced 4K picture. Instead, the picture will largely look like something you would see on a decent high-def TV. That’s not bad, but it’s not what you are paying for.
Trust me on this, Marcel. I speak from personal experience.
Even an OLED TV Might Not Help
I purchased a 55-inch LG OLED 4K TV a few years ago. When I started watching 4K programming, I was disappointed. Even with the benefits of OLED, the 4K picture didn’t seem much better than HD unless I sat very close to the screen, as close as 2 or 3 feet, in fact.
As you can imagine, that got old after awhile, and I eventually upgraded to a Sony 75-inch 4K TV. And I’m glad I did. The 4K picture looks much better. While I still watch the OLED TV because it’s a great TV, it’s mostly for shows in high-def.
So, Marcel, if you like your 32-inch TV, that’s great. But if you’re looking for a eye-popping 4K experience, you won’t get it.
Happy viewing and stay safe!
Have a question about new TV technologies? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com Please include your first name and hometown in your message.
The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered the TV technology scene for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.
I just replaced a 32″ 720 TV with a 43″ 4K in my master bedroom. I see a marked difference. A larger TV would be too big, in my bedroom. I do not disagree with any of your points, but it can still be a great picture. Using WiFi for Netflix and Amazon is great and just as nice as my 55″ 4K in my living room. Just one opinion….
I am a photo printer,the general rule I studied 1.5 times the dioagnal of the print for clarity.if it applies to tv viewing the question arises doubtful for viewing distance
My 49″ LG looks great with both Directv and 4k disk player. Now, here is a trick: upgrade your HDMI cables to one that is “HDR” and you will see a big difference.
I have a 43 inch 4k tv and I notice a noticeable difference between hd and 4k when watching sport. The crowds in the stand are clearer, I can actually pick out faces. When watching football I can see the ball in a lot more detail.