To accurately verify whether a smart TV is true 4K, you need to comprehensively check through the following methods:
1. Check Physical Resolution and Pixel Structure
- Native Resolution: A true 4K smart TV must have 3840×2160 pixels (approximately 8.29 million pixels), meeting the Ultra HD (UHD) international standard. Anything below this is fake 4K.
- Pixel Arrangement:
- True 4K: Uses RGB subpixels (Red, Green, Blue), with each pixel independently displaying full color.
- Fake 4K (RGBW): Adds a white (W) subpixel, reducing effective color pixels to about 6.15 million and degrading image clarity.
- Verification Methods:
- Use a smartphone macro mode to photograph the turned-off screen. True 4K shows uniform RGB dots, while fake 4K displays white subpixels.
- Check the product manual or specifications. Terms like “RGBW” or “4-Color 4K” indicate fake 4K.
2. Test Decoding Capability and Picture Quality
- H.265/HEVC Decoding: True 4K must smoothly play H.265-encoded 4K videos (e.g., the “Ducks” demo). Stuttering or failure to play suggests fake 4K.
- HDR Performance:
- True 4K supports HDR10/Dolby Vision with >90% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage.
- Play 4K HDR content from Netflix/YouTube: True 4K shows smooth gradients (e.g., starry skies without color banding), while fake 4K exhibits color artifacts or dullness.
- Edge Sharpness Test: Display a 4K test pattern (e.g., from Sofa Butler). True 4K shows sharp text edges without aliasing.
3. Verify Technical Specifications and Ports
- HDMI 2.1 Port: True 4K requires HDMI 2.1 with 48Gbps bandwidth to support 4K/120Hz input. HDMI 2.0 alone may not transmit true 4K signals.
- System Information Check:
- Navigate to the TV’s “Picture Settings” menu and confirm the display mode is native 3840×2160.
- Use tools like Dangbei Assistant to detect “effective resolution.” Values below standard indicate fake 4K.
4. Avoid Common Pitfalls
- Price Warning: The reasonable price for a true 65 inch 4K smart TV is ≥$370 (≈¥2,699). Lower prices may indicate RGBW panels.
- Marketing Terms:
- Beware of vague terms like “4K Xpress” or “4K Enhanced,” which often indicate upscaled fake 4K.
- Ask customer support directly: “Is the panel true RGB 4K?” Evasive answers or “RGBW” confirm fake 4K.
Quick Identification Guide:
Test Item | True 4K Indicators | Fake 4K Signs |
---|---|---|
Pixel Arrangement | Uniform RGB distribution | RGBW (includes white) |
H.265 Playback | Smooth, no stuttering | Fails to decode or stutters |
Port Specs | HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps) | HDMI 2.0 or unlabeled |
As a professional smart TV manufacturer, most of our size models support 4K.