The labels explained
480p is standard definition, comfortable on a phone and light on data. 720p is HD, sharp on a tablet or laptop. 1080p is Full HD, the sweet spot for most TVs, and 4K is Ultra HD for big screens.
How streaming handles it
Streaming apps adjust the picture to your connection automatically, and let you set it yourself. On a phone plan, choose Data Saver or Standard in the app's settings; on home Wi-Fi, choose High or Best for 1080p and 4K.
Where 4K lives
Big films like Dune: Part Two, Oppenheimer, Top Gun: Maverick and Avatar: The Way of Water stream in 4K on the premium plans of the major services, and many Indian blockbusters like Kalki 2898-AD do too.
Saving data
Downloading an episode on Wi-Fi and watching it later on the train is the easiest way to enjoy full quality while keeping your mobile data for the day.
