P3 vs P4 LED Display: Complete Comparison
Indoor precision or versatile semi-outdoor performance — choosing the right pitch for your environment.
P3 is the workhorse of mid-range indoor LED displays; P4 straddles the line between indoor and semi-outdoor. At the same cost point, P4 offers greater brightness and robustness; P3 delivers better resolution at close range. This comparison breaks down every dimension.
Specification Comparison
| Specification | P3 LED Display | P4 LED Display |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel Pitch | 3.0 mm | 4.0 mm |
| Pixels per m² | 111,111 | 62,500 |
| Min Viewing Distance | 6 m | 8 m |
| Max Brightness | 4,000 nits | 6,000 nits |
| IP Rating (typical) | IP20–IP43 | IP43–IP54 |
| Relative Cost | Medium | Lower (~80% of P3) |
| Power Consumption | ~400W/m² avg | ~500W/m² avg |
| Suitable Outdoor? | Semi-outdoor only | Yes (semi-outdoor) |
= better in this category = tie
Pros & Cons
P3 LED Display
Advantages
- Better resolution for closer viewing (6–10m)
- Lower power consumption
- More cost-effective than P2 for large indoor areas
- Wide availability of quality modules
Limitations
- Not suitable for direct sunlight environments
- Lower maximum brightness than P4
- Less robust protection than outdoor-rated P4 variants
P4 LED Display
Advantages
- Higher brightness — suitable for indirect sunlight
- Greater weather protection ratings available
- More cost-effective for large-format installations
- Longer minimum viewing distance means larger walls look good
Limitations
- Pixelation visible below 8 metres
- Not suitable for content-dense environments (fine text, data)
- Higher power draw than P3
Which Wins by Use Case?
Indoor Shopping Mall Display
Shoppers view from 5–12m. P3 delivers excellent quality at mall distances.
Covered Outdoor Advertising
Under-canopy environments need higher brightness and IP protection — P4 delivers.
Hotel Ballroom
Event attendees seated 5–15m away. P3 resolution is appropriate and cost-effective.
Airport Concourse
High-ambient-light environments with 10–30m viewing. P4 brightness wins here.
Corporate Event Hall
Seated audience 6–12m away. P3 is the standard specification.
The Verdict
Choose P3 for indoor environments where viewers may be 5–10 metres away and content quality matters — hotel ballrooms, retail stores, corporate event halls. Choose P4 for semi-outdoor environments, covered areas with indirect sunlight, or large indoor spaces like airports and stadium concourses where viewing distance exceeds 8 metres and brightness is more important than pixel density.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can P4 be used indoors?
Yes, P4 is commonly used indoors in large venues like airports, stations, and stadium concourses where the minimum viewing distance is 8+ metres and higher brightness is needed for bright ambient lighting.
What is semi-outdoor in LED display terms?
Semi-outdoor refers to environments protected from direct rain and extreme weather but exposed to significant ambient daylight — covered car parks, building canopies, atria with skylights, and covered walkways.