YouTube for Android now giving 4K playback option even if don't have a 4K screen

19 February 2021
This is a server-side update and it remains to be seen how many devices are supported.

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JustSomeRandomGuy, 19 Feb 2021Question I have a 1080p screen on my phone. Is there an ... moreHuge difference from 1080p too 2160P.

Why you worried for bandwidth? Don't you have unlimited WiFi or Internet?
I have unlimited Internet, so browsing a 4K 2160P video for 5 minutes consumes 1.9Gb data, that's sucks a lot off data, where's 1080P is half off that.

    I'm a premium user , I pay £11.99 a month.
    I always switchvto 1440P or 2160P on Sony XZP 4K screen.

      • J
      • JustSomeRandomGuy
      • EwD
      • 19 Feb 2021

      Question

      I have a 1080p screen on my phone. Is there an actual tangible difference if I watch Youtube in 4k? wouldn't that be just a waste of bandwidth?

        I have an A50, I noticed I had the option for 4K60fps when I opened the remastered version of Rickroll which was released 2 weeks ago. My friend with his note10 lite however cannot open 4k60fps on the same video

          i can barely play videos at over 360p (on phone or laptop) :3

            • ?
            • Anonymous
            • 39b
            • 19 Feb 2021

            I use Newpipe, much better for me.

              Socalteknique, 19 Feb 2021I saw this option last night on my P30 Pro. I'm not su... moreBelieve me you'll like it

                *Yawns in YouTube vanced*

                  Youtube Vanced had this a long time ago.

                    Whackcar, 19 Feb 2021Watching 4k content on 2k screen is pointless. Waste of ban... moreBecause youtube compresses video it will definitely look better, I tried it and it looks way better.

                      Works like a charm on s21U. And yes, I can see the difference

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                        • Techy
                        • X%7
                        • 19 Feb 2021

                        Yes, it does provide 4k playback even on fhd+ displays.

                          • S
                          • Socalteknique
                          • qNG
                          • 19 Feb 2021

                          I saw this option last night on my P30 Pro. I'm not sure it's even that helpful since it's only a 1080p screen.

                            made for graphic-whore people.

                            For me, no need for it, 480p enough for daily videos

                              • ?
                              • Anonymous
                              • Cxn
                              • 19 Feb 2021

                              Good for when running android on a streaming box connected to a 4k TV. Not much point for most android devices.

                                • D
                                • AnonD-871157
                                • r3a
                                • 19 Feb 2021

                                Watching in 1080p is quite okay for me. No need to go that far. 😄

                                  • j
                                  • jk
                                  • nTb
                                  • 19 Feb 2021

                                  On phones more than 360p makes no sense

                                    Watching 4k content on 2k screen is pointless. Waste of bandwidth, nothing more...

                                      Yes I noticed this on my phone on my break when I sat down to watch a video that was in 4k and I could play it at max resolution without lag. I think they implemented this nicely

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                                        • AnonD-973296
                                        • GYi
                                        • 19 Feb 2021

                                        cant tell if this is a good idea or not, the only phone that can take advantage of this feature would be Xperia 1 II, the entire sony "premium" line

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