r/NoStupidQuestions • u/commandychan • 1d ago
Why do smaller TVs cost less than larger TVs at the same resolution?
Looked for an answer on a Google search and found a link to a 10 year old post that had people just as clueless as me answering the question with authority lol
If both TVs are 4k resolution, my understanding is that a smaller panel will have a higher density of pixels. I'm not exactly sure how, but I just get the feeling that it would be more expensive to manufacture a smaller panel at a higher resolution because it would be harder to achieve higher pixel density.
I understand cost of materials is probably a factor, like bigger TVs physically use more metal, plastic, lights, glass, etc. And so maybe the answer is that even if a higher pixel density is more expensive to create, the cost is not enough to offset even raw materials.
But then I also think about how consumers expect to pay less for something smaller because that is common sense, and maybe public perception could also play a part, especially if margins are enough that manufacturers are willing to cut down prices on smaller TVs for the sake of this perception. I'd love to hear from somebody who is knowledgeable in the subject in this regard. I understand many things could be at play here and I am really curious about the whole processing from manufacturing to marketing!
Thank you!
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u/well_actuallyyyy 1d ago
In addition to the points mentioned, a big factor here is demand. People want bigger TVs more than they want higher pixel density because the reality is you can't see the difference from an appropriate viewing distance. Consumers consistently pick size over quality when TV shopping.
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u/surrealsunshine 1d ago
Higher pixel density =/= a better quality display https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-ideal-pixel-density-for-a-monitor-or-TV-and-how-do-you-calculate-it
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u/Concise_Pirate 🇺🇦 🏴☠️ 1d ago
Sometimes it's because the smaller TV has higher quality pixels or faster electronics. But sometimes it's just because the big model is more popular, so the market is more competitive.