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?
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.