1440p or 144Hz – Which Is Best For You?

Whether you are upgrading your PC for gaming or wondering about getting a new screened device, you must consider its screen resolution. With technology changing so quickly, it can take time to figure out what will work best for you.

For instance, while determining the best screen resolutions, you might come across various resolutions, mainly 1440p and 144Hz. Many of you might think, “What is the difference between 1440p and 144Hz?” So, without any further ado, let’s learn the prime difference between these two resolutions and choose the best one for you!

1440p Or 144Hz

But before we get into it, let’s define 1440p and 144Hz, so we know what we’re working with.

What is 1440p?

The ‘p’ after the resolution number indicates that it is drawn in a progressive mode (1440p) rather than an interlaced mode (1440i). Resolutions in the 1440p group have a vertical resolution of 1440 pixels and are used for video displays. To put it in another way, the vertical resolution of 1440 pixels is one-third (33.3%) higher than 1080p and quadruple (100%) that of 720p.

1440p, often known as QHD, is a high-quality resolution that falls between Full HD and 4K. Its superb picture quality and cost-efficiency have made it a favorite in portable devices like laptops and smartphones, but it is less widely used than 1080p or 4K.

The 1440p resolution was proposed for widespread adoption after the 1080p standard, but it was ultimately passed over in favor of the 4K resolution. Still, 1440p has a lot to offer, despite being the most underappreciated of the three resolutions.

What is 144Hz?

A display’s refresh rate is the frequency it updates to a new image. Since one hertz (Hz) is equivalent to one frame per second, a refresh rate of 144Hz is more than twice as fast as the industry norm, that is, 60 Hz. Therefore, a monitor’s refresh rate is what the “144Hz” designation indicates. The display will refresh the image 144 times per second, or “frames per second,” before displaying the next frame. 

Even though there are displays capable of refresh rates higher than 144 hertz, the 144Hz is where most gamers find their ideal setup because of the combination of an inexpensive cost, wide availability, and manageable hardware requirements.

What is the Difference Between 1440p and 144Hz?

Best 1440p Gaming Monitors

The first thing to note is that the 1440p vs. 144Hz rivalry involves two very different units of measurement. Thus, you might wonder, “comparing two other units doesn’t make sense!” But there is a reason why these two are being contrasted with one another. 

144Hz, first and foremost, relates to the refresh rate. The number of times your screen “refreshes” the display per second is referred to as the refresh rate. A refresh rate of 144Hz refers to 144 refreshes per second. More refreshes per second are preferable in terms of refresh rates. This implies that a 144Hz monitor is preferable if you’re an avid player who enjoys playing fast-paced games.

The second is that 1440p is a video resolution. It is widely known that the more pixels in the image, the greater the resolution. Naturally, this translates into an improvement in picture quality. However, pixel density ensures high-quality public displays, not only those with high resolution.

Actual pixels per inch are referred to as pixel density. Pixels per inch (PPI) or per centimeter are standard units of measurement (PPCM). For example, a 27-inch 1080p display has a lower PPI than a 24-inch 1080p monitor, which has a ratio of 93 PPI. In other words, the pixel density decreases as screen size increases while maintaining resolution.

Comparison Between 1440p vs. 144Hz

If you have to choose between improving your display’s resolution and refresh rate, the answer will depend on the games you play and the specifications of your personal computer.

Performance-wise, 144Hz is ideal for less demanding eSports titles, while 1440p is superior for games with a stronger focus on graphics. The good news is that currently, you can acquire a gaming monitor with both 1440p and 144Hz for a reasonable price.

Which One is Better?

The only thing you need to know is which is superior, but given that each has a unique set of advantages and disadvantages, it takes work to provide a clear response. However, in the following circumstances, you should choose one.

Analyzing 1440p

Compared to the 1080p 144Hz, the 1440p 60Hz offers a higher resolution and a slower refresh rate. The resolution certainly outweighs the graphics when comparing the two. The fact that 1440p displays high-quality visuals are why it is growing in popularity nowadays. This model will be excellent for you if graphics are important to you. Additionally, purchasing a 1440p 60Hz display makes sense if your games are more graphically intense than fast-paced.

The expense is one of the two most significant drawbacks of a 1440p 60Hz. Although it offers some of the most incredible visuals available, the price is high. Sometimes you’ll wonder if the graphics were that important as it is undoubtedly much more expensive than the 1080p 144Hz.

The response rate is, of course, 1440p’s other drawback. This can be incredibly sluggish while playing competitive or racing games where every millisecond counts because it only has a 60Hz refresh rate. However, the 60Hz response time is not that horrible if you don’t intend to play them frequently.

Analyzing 144Hz

The response rate is the main selling point of this display, as you are already aware. Since it responds quickly, the screen is refreshed more frequently. Compared to 60Hz, this is a vast improvement, and those who have experienced both can tell the difference. In addition, because the movements are smoother at 144Hz, you can react more quickly. Moreover, you’ll adore the price difference between this and the 1440p 144Hz display. Since it is more cost-effective, you can spend even more on other PC components.

The lesser resolution of the 1080p 144Hz is one of its drawbacks. You’ll notice how the picture quality is different if you enjoy graphics. The image quality is considerably worse if you invest in a 27-inch monitor with a 1080p resolution. As previously discussed, images on more extensive displays with a 1080p resolution typically need more clarity.

The debate over whether to use 1440p 60Hz or 1080p 144Hz depends on your own preference. You need to know which is more important at the end of the day. Knowing which games you play the most would be beneficial. 

You need a high response rate display if you enjoy playing games like Call of Duty, PUBG, Battlefield, and others. On the other hand, purchasing a display that can provide you with the best graphics if you enjoy games like CS: GO and Overwatch is best.

Although the 144Hz has a faster response time, it doesn’t matter if your graphics could be better. The 1440p will be your choice if you are more concerned with performance than graphics. However, if money is not an issue, you can search for a device with 1440p and 144Hz.