In shortP4 and P8 are two of the most popular outdoor SMD screens in Pakistan. Here is a clear comparison of resolution, viewing distance, size and cost to help you choose.
When businesses in Pakistan ask Adview for an outdoor SMD screen, the choice very often comes down to P4 or P8. Both are excellent weatherproof screens, but they are designed for different viewing distances. Choosing the wrong one means either paying for detail nobody can see or installing a screen that looks grainy to people walking past.
The short answer
Choose P4 when people will see the screen from about four to fifteen metres, such as a shop front, plaza entrance or college gate. Choose P8 when the screen is a roadside billboard or building facade and most people will see it from eight metres or more.
What the numbers mean
The number after P is the pixel pitch in millimetres. A P4 screen has pixels 4 millimetres apart, and a P8 screen has pixels 8 millimetres apart. That means a P4 screen has four times as many pixels in the same area as a P8 screen. More pixels means a sharper image up close, and also a higher cost.
P4 vs P8 comparison table
| Feature | P4 outdoor SMD screen | P8 outdoor SMD screen |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel pitch | 4 millimetres | 8 millimetres |
| Pixels per square metre | 62,500 | 15,625 |
| Module size and resolution | 320 by 160 mm, 80 by 40 pixels | 320 by 160 mm, 40 by 20 pixels |
| Best viewing distance | 4 metres and more | 8 metres and more |
| Weather protection | IP65 front | IP65 front |
| Typical use | Shop fronts, plazas, gates | Roadside billboards, facades |
| Cost per square foot | Higher | Lower |
When P4 is the right choice
- Shop fronts on busy footpaths where customers walk close to the screen
- Plaza and mall entrances
- Petrol station canopies and drive through counters
- Hospital, school and college gates with announcements
- Smaller screens where text and prices must stay readable
Explore options on our outdoor SMD screens page.
When P8 is the right choice
- Roadside billboards seen from passing cars
- Building facades and rooftops
- Large screens at markets and chowks
- Any screen where most viewers are far away
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using an indoor screen outdoors. Indoor modules are not waterproof and are not bright enough for sunlight. They fail quickly.
- Choosing P8 for close viewing. At two or three metres, P8 looks grainy and text is hard to read.
- Paying for P4 on a far away billboard. If nobody stands close, the extra pixels add cost without visible benefit.
What about P5 and P10?
P5 sits between P4 and P8 and is popular for wider shop fronts and markets where people pass at medium distance. P10 is ideal for very large screens and highways. For indoor spaces we recommend P1.5, P1.53 or P2.5 indoor SMD screens. See the full pitch guide on our SMD screen FAQ.
Still not sure?
Adview offers a free site survey in Multan and video consultations for other cities. Send your location photo and measurements on WhatsApp at 0306 6301610, and we will recommend P4, P5, P8 or P10 with a written quotation. You can also read our SMD screen price guide to understand cost factors.
