Zoom in x200
Left: 720p x264 --> 0.25 GB
Right: 1080p x265 --> 1.11 GB
I tested watching both on my phone:
- Without zoom, I didn’t notice much difference in visuals.
- The audio is stronger at the same level on the x265 version.
- I need +15 volume level (Android) to make the x264 sound equal.
What do you think, guys? Is it worth 4 times the file size?
For watching on a phone, probably not.
For watching on a real TV, definitely.
If you're downloading for a permanent collection, I'd get the 1080p version. If you're downloading temporarily to keep on your phone, then save the space.
Based on the TRaSH Guides, x264 is better for 1080p content and x265 is only worth it for 2160p and above. But I don't know how they would compare in the case of 720p x264 vs 1080p x265. I think I would prefer 720p x264 if it had a higher bit rate.
The biggest issue with downloading x265 stuff from the high seas is that so many of them are just x264 that's been re-encoded in x265, resulting in smaller file sizes but reduced quality as well. x265 is superior in almost every way technically speaking but it needs a good source material, not an x264 reencode. Their "golden rule" is more like a rule of thumb and I absolutely wouldn't use some blanket criteria like resolution or dynamic range.
I checked out this guide, it's actually really informative, thanks.
I'll just watch and delete, I should get 720p version then
I've noticed that things recorded on film hold up much better to low resolution compared to digitally filmed content.