Introduction
Gamers nowadays have multiple options when it comes to choosing their display technology. 4K has become the norm, but what happens when we add HDR and SDR into the mix? Which one should you choose? Fear not, Flare Compare team is here to provide an unbiased comparison between 4K HDR and 4K SDR.
What is HDR and SDR?
Before diving into the comparison, let's briefly explain what HDR and SDR stand for.
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, which is a technology that enhances the contrast and color accuracy of your display. It can produce a wider range of colors and shades than SDR, resulting in a more vivid and lifelike image.
SDR stands for Standard Dynamic Range, the legacy technology that's been around forever. It has a narrower range of colors and shades than HDR displays, which can result in a less vibrant image overall.
4K HDR vs 4K SDR: The Comparison
Now, let's dive into the actual comparison between 4K HDR and 4K SDR, and see which one is the better option for gaming.
Color Accuracy
One of the most significant differences between 4K HDR and 4K SDR displays is color accuracy. HDR displays are capable of producing a much wider range of colors and shades than SDR displays. According to Videomaker, HDR displays can produce up to 10-bit color depth and up to 1 billion colors, while SDR displays are limited to 8-bit color depth and can show up to 16 million colors.
Brightness
Another significant difference between the two technologies is brightness. HDR displays can produce brighter images than SDR displays, resulting in a more lifelike image. The difference can be up to 10 times brighter than SDR.
Contrast
The contrast ratio is another significant factor in image quality. HDR displays excel in this area as well. Their ability to produce a wider range of brightness levels between deep blacks and bright whites results in an image with a better contrast ratio than SDR displays.
Input lag
Finally, input lag is also important, especially for gaming. Input lag is the delay between when you make an action in a game, and when it appears on the screen. According to Rtings, 4K HDR displays tend to have slightly higher input lag than 4K SDR displays, but the difference is minimal, and not noticeable in most cases.
Conclusion
So, which one should you choose? It depends on your preference and budget. HDR displays provide an overall better image quality with wider color gamut, higher brightness, and better contrast ratio. However, they also tend to be more expensive, and not all games are optimized for HDR displays.
On the other hand, SDR displays are still prevalent and can still provide a great gaming experience. They are also more affordable than HDR displays, and most games are optimized for SDR displays.
References
- Videomaker - HDR vs. SDR: Which Should You Choose?
- Rtings - Input Lag Of TVs
- Forbes - What is HDR in TV Technology and Why Should I Care?