Latest news with #1080p
Digital Trends
6 days ago
- Digital Trends
Are 1080p monitors still worth buying for gaming? You'd be surprised
These days, many of the best gaming monitors fall in the 1440p to 4K category — but does that make 1080p displays obsolete? Many users and manufacturers alike might want you to believe that, but fortunately, there's still a lot to be said about the humble (or not-so-humble, as expensive options exist) 1080p monitor. While 1080p monitors have their charms, gamers tend to go for top-shelf hardware instead, which is why their popularity in those circles is slowly waning. Personally, I think there's a lot to love about 1080p, but it's not all sunshine and rainbows. I'll walk you through whether 1080p is still worth buying in 2025, and how to pick the right monitor for your needs. Why 1080p refuses to die Check any tech outlet or electronics store, and it's all jaw-dropping 4K OLEDs as far as the eye can see. But, for many gamers and casual users alike, the reality is quite different. 1080p monitors are still far from being buried in the tech graveyard alongside CRTs and VGA cables, and with good reason. Recommended Videos For a lot of gamers, 1080p still does exactly what they need it to do, and it does so without setting their bank accounts on fire. You can play just about every game in 1080p and make the most of it, and while many will tell you 1440p looks and feels better, it's not going to make or break your whole setup. It's true that higher resolutions tend to offer better immersion, and more importantly, more screen real estate. But, speaking as someone who only made the 1080p to 1440p switch in the last couple of years, I didn't suddenly become a better player just by switching my monitor. However, I can't deny that I enjoy the extra pixels. However, those extra pixels come at a staggering cost: a hit to raw performance. Rendering fewer pixels means your graphics card doesn't have to work as hard, freeing up frames for smoother gameplay. That's why competitive esports pros still swear by 1080p — you're more likely to get those ultra-high refresh rates on a 1080p monitor. Take this 500Hz Alienware monitor, for example. In our review, we were impressed by how fast it was, and that kind of refresh rate would be infinitely harder to achieve on a 1440p display. And because the technology is so mature, you can get those blistering refresh rates, solid color accuracy, and low input lag for a fraction of the price of a high-refresh 1440p or 4K display. Scaling up to 1440p or 4K is really taxing on the GPU, so you'll often need one of the best graphics cards to comfortably hit 60 frames per second (fps) and more in every title at 1440p and more. That explains why a whopping 54% of all Steam Hardware Survey participants are still using 1080p, although 1440p is at 20% and rising every month. Some trade-offs are hard to ignore It's impossible to fully ignore the benefits of 1440p, though. I currently run a dual-monitor setup consisting of two identical 1440p screens (although I'm considering switching to an ultrawide). The extra screen real estate is nothing to turn your nose up at. Switching to 1440p gives you roughly 78% more pixels on your screen. This feels great, both when you just look at your desktop and when you play games, and having used 1440p and 4K, scaling back to 1080p feels jarring. However, that's also 78% more pixels that your GPU needs to render, making it work extra hard. The benefit of 1440p also lies in the fact that you can easily upgrade to a bigger display while keeping the image perfectly sharp. 1080p monitors do just fine at 24 inches or less, but if you want a display that's 27 inches or bigger, you might notice jagged edges or softer text. Textures don't look anywhere near as nice as they do on a higher resolution display. If you've ever gone from playing a visually rich single-player game on a 4K panel to the same title at 1080p, the downgrade is immediately obvious: less fine detail, more aliasing, and a general sense that the world you're looking at is just a bit blurrier. There's also the question of future-proofing. You might want to buy a budget GPU right now (and who can blame you, considering the current GPU prices), and for that, a 1080p monitor will do just fine. But if you one day upgrade to a high-end model, all that extra firepower will be slightly wasted on a worse display. Conversely, if your GPU can't handle it, buying a 1440p monitor will just result in lower frame rates and a lot of frustration. It's certainly a balancing act, but the fact remains that 1440p and 4K have their benefits — but so do 1080p displays. When 1080p makes perfect sense While there are some downsides, if you're still using 1080p, don't let the FOMO (fear of missing out) get to you. There are still a lot of situations in which 1080p makes perfect sense. As things stand now, pretty much every GPU under $300 is made for 1080p gameplay — meaning that a lot of budget-oriented gamers are better off with a 1080p monitor. There are GPUs like the Intel Arc B580 that are cheap but also equipped with plenty of VRAM, giving them more merit at higher resolutions. Even then, you'll enjoy smoother gameplay at 1080p than if you brute-force your GPU to go up to 1440p or 4K. No one's stopping you from upgrading, of course. A friend of mine uses a 4K 34-inch monitor with an Nvidia GTX 1060 GPU. It works, and he claims he's happy with it even in games like Red Dead Redemption 2, but this is achieved through dialing it back as far as settings go. If you like to play at max settings, you'll need a GPU that can handle higher resolutions and modern AAA gaming. Then, there are the times when you might have the hardware, but may not actually need a bigger display. Gamers who like esports titles are often better off with a snappy 1080p monitor than with a bigger display. After all, you need your monitor to be fast, and pixel density plays a smaller role in winning matches. At 1080p, even a modest GPU can push 200 fps in games like League of Legends. And then there's the price-to-performance sweet spot. High-refresh 1080p monitors are significantly cheaper than their 1440p or 4K counterparts, which means you can invest more of your budget into other parts of your setup. You can get a 240Hz 1080p monitor for $150 or less — this AOC model is a good one. Standard 60 to 75Hz displays can be bought for well under $80. 1440p and 4K monitors are cheaper now than ever before, but you'll still spend extra, especially if you want to invest in a good IPS (or OLED) panel. The bottom line is: Yes, 1080p monitors are still relevant for gamers, and they're still worth buying. If you're a mainstream gamer on a budget and your hardware might struggle with higher resolutions, stick to 1080p. If there's one thing that might force you to upgrade, it's trying out a higher resolution and then going back down. Personally, I know that I'm forever stuck with 1440p or more, because once you try it out, it's hard to go back.
WIRED
20-06-2025
- WIRED
The Radeon RX 9060 XT Is a Great Affordable Video Card for Gamers
It's AMD's turn. After months of $2,000+ GPUs and long discussions of DLSS, we're finally on the red team's turf. AMD's strength historically lies at the budget end of the spectrum, where the majority of gamers are playing at 1080p, and spending $1,000 or less for their entire system. Even though we really recommend splurging on a GPU, that's just not the reality for most folks. An $800 GPU needs $1,200 in other parts, and at that point most people who aren't into PC gaming will start shopping for an Xbox. For under $400, the Radeon RX 9060 XT manages to trade blows with the similarly priced RTX 5060 at 1080p, and pushes ahead in 1440p performance. If you're looking at both on the shelf, this card has a longer life ahead of it, and better performance in demanding games and at higher resolutions. Form Factor and Power Photograph: Brad Bourque I know folks want to get right into performance, so I don't want to spend forever on the physical aspects of the card. This Gigabyte Windforce OC model is somewhat premium, with a full metal backplate that has a nice cut-out for cooling, and three full-sized fans. If you have the room, the extra fan will keep your system quieter and reduce the risk of thermal issues. It still uses the standard eight-pin PCIe power that you're used to, so don't worry about upgrading your power supply or buying an adapter. I think this will make it a much easier upgrade path for most, which is crucial for the budget GPU world. One interesting note about the Gigabyte model I received is that there's an RGB LED on the upper/outer corner. There's a little sliding piece of plastic with the Gigabyte logo you can put over it to reduce the light, but you'll need to use the Gigabyte software or other RGB LED controller to turn it off. Benchmarks Comparing cards with the same GPU manufacturer is more straightforward than crossing lines. Individual developer choices and use of different tech can shift the meter a few percent, and that's often the difference between GPUs at the same price. Synthetic benchmarks can help us get a more precise view of the relative performance in a vacuum, with the least possible variance from game optimization. Courtesy of Brad Bourque
Gizmodo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
This Huge 18.5-Inch FHD Portable Monitor Is 40% Off, Amazon Clearing Stock at Record Low
There's nothing quite as frustrating as trying to work or multitask on a cramped laptop screen. Whether you're crunching numbers in Excel, editing photos, or just want to stream a video while keeping an eye on your inbox, a second screen can make all the difference. And not just any second screen: this 18.5-inch portable monitor on sale at Amazon is a true game-changer. Whereas the majority of portable monitors top out at about 15 inches, this one comes in an XXL format that is notable for its dimensions and functionality. It's compact, transportable, and large enough to make a substantial difference in your productivity. Currently, Amazon has this incredible portable monitor on sale for an all-time low price of only $119, a full 40% discount from its standard price of $199. See at Amazon Huge 1080p Monitor The 18.5-inch laptop portable monitor is designed for anyone who needs extra screen real estate in mind: Its Full HD 1080P IPS display offers vibrant colors and sharp images, due to a 1920×1080 resolution and a 2000:1 contrast ratio. With 100% sRGB color gamut and 178-degree viewing angle, you get an immersive view that's easy on the eyes. The monitor also comes equipped with eye-care tech that filters out blue light so that your eyes remain relaxed and reducing fatigue when used for extended use. The biggest advantage of this portable monitor is perhaps its size, and it is compact enough to take around anywhere. At 18.5 inches, it's significantly larger than most portable displays which average about 15 inches. That additional real estate makes a huge difference when editing spreadsheets, cutting up files on Photoshop or jumping between apps. The monitor features multiple modes of display like duplicate mode, extend mode, and second screen only mode, which gives you the flexibility to use it according to your needs. There is also a 3.5mm audio output which enables you to connect speakers to enjoy an even better sound experience. The included smart case is made of sturdy PU magnetic material which protects the screen from scratches and can also be used as a stand for easy positioning. For added flexibility, the screen is VESA mountable with standard-sized 75x75mm holes at the back for wall or arm bracket mounting. The monitor has two USB-C ports and a mini HDMI port so you can connect it to pretty much any PC, laptop, smartphone, and gaming console like the Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation. Keep in mind, however, that if the USB-C port on your device is not USB 3.1 or Thunderbolt 3 compatible, it will power the monitor but not have a signal. If you've been thinking about adding a second screen to your setup, now is the perfect time to act. See at Amazon
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Forbes
Xgimi MoGo 4 Series Gets A Crucial Upgrade For Real Portability
Xgimi MoGo 4 portable projector Xgimi has announced two new portable projectors in the MoGo lineup. With the MoGo 4 and MoGo 4 Laser, you no longer need to bring your own battery with Xgimi's new projectors. The MoGo 4 series introduces several firsts for the brand's entry-level lineup, including a built-in battery and support for magnetic color filters that lets you adjust the mood and tone of your projection environment. The standard MoGo 4 features 1080p resolution and 450 ISO Lumens brightness, with support for up to a 120-inch screen. It includes dual 6W Harman/Kardon speakers, auto keystone correction, and 360-degree rotation. A new ambient speaker mode allows the device to act as a standalone Bluetooth speaker, while the included detachable lanyard and gesture controls add to the portability and ease of use. The Xgimi MoGo 4 Laser brings a more premium visual experience with triple-laser projection technology. It outputs 550 ISO Lumens of brightness and same resolution but is said to offer improved clarity and color performance over the standard model. It also features a native 1000:1 contrast ratio. The Laser model includes a full set of four magnetic filters called Sunset, Ripple, Lunar, and Dreamscape, which attach to the lens and create varying lighting effects. The MoGo 4 Laser also has a more refined design that includes a transparent base with an illuminated power light and brushed metal side rails. Both new Xgimi portable projectors offer gesture control support to switch between filter modes with a wave of the hand. They are powered by Google TV with licensed Netflix support, and include HDMI (ARC), USB, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. Xgimi MoGo 4 Laser The Xgimi MoGo 4 is priced at £509, while the MoGo 4 Laser is available for £679. Bundle options include the MoGo 4 with a PowerBase Stand (an accessory that doubles battery life) for £579, and the MoGo 4 Laser paired with both the PowerBase Stand and Outdoor Screen for £799. Both models are available now on the company's official website and Amazon.
Gizmodo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
Amazon Is Going All In, This 15″ Portable Monitor That Works as a Second Screen Now Costs Almost Nothing
If you ever tried to get real work done on a 13-inch laptop while traveling, you probably know the agony: You're hunched over a tiny screen, juggling incessantly between tabs and just hoping you had a bit more space to breathe. That's where a second (portable) screen can be a game-changer on the road, transforming your productivity and comfort overnight. And thanks to a belated Memorial Day sale on Amazon, you can grab the fantastic Anyuse 15.6″ 1080p portable monitor for under $50, down from $69, which is a price that's essentially unheard of for a product like this. See at Amazon Normally, portable monitors of this quality land somewhere in the $90 to $140 range and even on sale it's rare to see them go for less than $70. That makes this $49 deal truly stand out. It's not every day you see a full HD, ultra-thin travel monitor go for a price that's almost impulse-buy territory. Great For Performance and Convenience This 15.6″ portable monitor features a crisp 1920×1080 full HD resolution for sharp text and vibrant images whether you're working on spreadsheets or streaming your favorite shows. The IPS panel provides a wide 178-degree viewing angle and colors stay true and clear no matter where you're sitting. With HDR support, your visuals get an extra boost in brightness and realism. The screen also includes low blue light technology which helps reduce eye strain and fatigue during long sessions. Weighing in at only 1.37 pounds and measuring 0.04 inches thick, this Anyuse monitor slips into any backpack or laptop bag effortlessly. The built-in kickstand means you can prop it up anywhere from a small airplane tray table to a hotel desk without needing any extra accessories. It's the kind of device that makes working from anywhere not just possible, but actually pleasant. This monitor comes with two fully-functional USB-C ports and a mini HDMI port which makes it so convenient to connect to all sorts of devices. Whether you are working with a laptop, MacBook, PC, smartphone, gaming console, just plug and play without any problem. Just make sure your device supports. This display is also super useful: You can mirror your laptop display for making presentations in meetings, extend your desktop for multitasking or use it as a gaming display. Two built-in speakers also provide decent audio for calls. If you're tired of being limited by your laptop's small screen when you travel or work on the road, don't hesitate. See at Amazon
