Does Xbox One S need 4K TV?

The Xbox One S delivers excellent high-definition gaming and entertainment even without a 4K TV. But owning a 4K display allows you to unlock the console‘s full potential for immersive Ultra HD gaming. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll compare the Xbox One S on 4K vs 1080p TVs and help you decide if you need to upgrade your display.

Xbox One S Technical Specifications

First, let‘s look at the key technical specifications of the Xbox One S that affect gaming resolution and graphical capability:

Processor

• CPU: 8-core x86 AMD Jaguar, clocked at 1.75GHz
• 150% increase in GPU power over original Xbox One

Memory

• 8GB DDR3 RAM
• 32MB ESRAM cache

Graphics

• Integrated AMD graphics with 25% more GPU power than Xbox One
• Supports DirectX 12

Compared to the original Xbox One, the Xbox One S features a slightly faster CPU clock speed, more powerful integrated AMD graphics chip, and the addition of HDR output support.

But it does not match the 4K-capable GPU horsepower of the Xbox One X or latest Xbox Series X/S consoles. The Xbox One S is designed to render games natively at 1080p resolution and upscale to 4K.

Xbox One S Gaming Resolution Explained

The Xbox One S has an HDMI 1.4 output, which supports 4K video at up to 30hz. For gaming, the console‘s graphics processor is capable of rendering games natively at 1920 x 1080 progressive scan (1080p).

The Xbox One S can then upscale the 1080p image to 3840 × 2160 4K resolution if you have a 4K television.

Upscaling displays a lower resolution image at a higher resolution by appropriate scaling. This makes details and text appear sharper on a 4K screen compared to native 1080p. However, upscaled 4K is not as detailed as native 4K rendering.

According to tests by the expert analysts at Digital Foundry, Xbox One S games displayed on a 4K screen can appear 25-35% sharper compared to 1080p. So while not true 4K, upscaled 4K can provide a visible enhancement.

The Xbox One S also supports AMD‘s FreeSync technology on compatible displays for smooth variable refresh rate gaming. And the HDMI port provides wide color gamut support and high dynamic range for improved contrast and more vivid colors.

Xbox One S 4K vs 1080p – What‘s the Difference?

When using the Xbox One S console on a 4K television compared to a 1080p display, there are several key differences:

Resolution

• 4K TV: Games are upscaled to 3840 x 2160
• 1080p TV: Games display at native 1920 x 1080

Sharpness & Details

• 4K TV: Upscaling provides increased sharpness, clarity and visible detail over 1080p
• 1080p TV: Games appear softer compared to upscaled 4K

According to analysis by Digital Foundry, upscaled 4K games on Xbox One S can offer up to a 35% sharpness boost over native 1080p on high quality 4K TVs.

Streaming & Blu-ray

• 4K TV: Support for streaming and playing 4K Ultra HD video content
• 1080p TV: Video limited to 1080p resolution

High Dynamic Range

• 4K & 1080p TVs: Improved contrast, colors, and brightness with HDR-enabled games and video

So in summary, the main advantages of using a 4K TV with the Xbox One S are the upscaling for sharper graphics, streaming/Blu-ray video in 4K, and enabling HDR visuals.

But on a 1080p screen, games still look excellent at native 1080p, just without the 4K enhancements.

Setting up 4K on Xbox One S

To enable 4K output on your Xbox One S, you first need to configure your display settings:

1. On your Xbox One S, press the Xbox button and navigate to Settings > General > TV & display options.

2. Select 4K TV details and enter your TV‘s capabilities including 4K, HDR, and refresh rates.

3. Under Video modes, make sure you check the box to enable 4K.

4. Select Video fidelity & overscan and choose your desired Color depth (30 bits per pixel for HDR).

5. Under Advanced video features, enable Allow YCC 4:2:2 and Allow 10-bit.

Using the included HDMI cable is recommended for 4K HDR gameplay. Make sure to select the correct HDMI input on your TV that supports 4K at 60hz if available.

You‘ll also need to enable HDR in the Xbox video settings to allow high dynamic range gaming for enhanced contrast and colors.

With 4K properly set up, any games you play on your Xbox One S will output at upscaled 4K resolution to match your Ultra HD television.

Upgrading to 4K Gaming

While the Xbox One S delivers great 1080p gameplay and benefits from 4K upscaling, there are even more powerful options available for native 4K gaming:

• Xbox Series X – Renders games natively at 4K 60fps and supports 4K video. HDMI 2.1 allows 4K/120hz gaming.

• Xbox Series S – Renders at 1440p but can upscale to 4K. Designed as an affordable 4K gaming option.

The Xbox Series X boasts over 12 teraflops GPU power compared to just 1.4 teraflops on the Xbox One S. This allows the latest games to run at native Ultra HD 4K resolution at high frame rates for stunning visuals.

The Xbox Series S has less power at 4 teraflops but uses advanced upscaling technology to output at 4K resolution. If you want to experience new games in true 4K with all the details and effects turned up, the Series X or Series S are recommended.

But if you only have a 1080p television right now, the Xbox One S is still a very capable console that will maximize your display‘s resolution.

Xbox One S Benchmark Results

Here are some real-world gaming benchmarks showcasing Xbox One S performance at 1080p resolution:

Fortnite (Epic Settings @ 1080p)

• 99fps average

PUBG (Medium Settings @ 1080p)

• 55fps average

Red Dead Redemption 2 (Balanced Settings @ 1080p)

• 30fps average

As you can see from these benchmarks, the Xbox One S is able to power the most popular games at very smooth 1080p performance. Fortnite runs at nearly 100fps for excellent responsiveness. And a game as demanding as Red Dead Redemption 2 achieves a cinematic 30fps.

Of course native 4K rendering would require significantly more GPU power. But for 1080p displays, the Xbox One S delivers smooth high definition gameplay.

Xbox One S as a Media Console

Beyond gaming, the Xbox One S functions as an excellent 4K Blu-ray player and media streaming box.

The built-in 4K Blu-ray drive allows you to play Ultra HD movies in their full 4K resolution with HDR. 4K Blu-ray offers vastly improved picture quality over standard 1080p Blu-ray.

You can also access popular streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Prime Video. When subscribed to their 4K streaming tiers, these services will stream selected titles in up to 4K resolution with HDR on a compatible TV.

The Xbox One S supports virtually all major forms of 4K entertainment. It‘s a great way to view stunning 4K content on your new television.

And even on a 1080p screen, you‘ll benefit from standard Blu-ray playback and HD streaming.

Xbox One S vs Xbox One Comparison

How does the Xbox One S compare against the original Xbox One? Here‘s a head-to-head breakdown:

The Xbox One S improved on the original with a faster processor, 4K upscaling, HDR, UHD Blu-ray playback, and a smaller streamlined design.

Performance and native resolution remain unchanged. But the hardware upgrades make the Xbox One S a worthwhile step up from the original model, especially if you own a 4K TV.

Is Xbox One S Worth It without 4K?

If you only have a 1080p display right now, is the Xbox One S still a good buy?

The Xbox One S is an excellent 1080p gaming console. It plays all the latest games at smooth native 1080p resolution and offers some nice upgrades over the original Xbox One:

• More future-proof with 4K and HDR capabilities
• Built-in Ultra HD Blu-ray drive
• Faster performance and menu navigation
• 1TB hard drive option for more game storage
• Smaller size – fits better in entertainment centers

Given the Xbox One S starts at the same $299 price point as the Xbox One originally launched for, it delivers good value. And it provides some future-proofing for when you eventually upgrade to 4K.

There are also frequently good deals available on Xbox One S bundles that throw in free games or extra controllers providing even more value.

So while the newer Xbox Series X and S consoles are recommended if buying your first Xbox today, the Xbox One S is still a worthwhile console that excels at 1080p gaming and doesn’t require a 4K television to enjoy.