384 vs 640 Thermal Resolution: Which Should You Buy?

The 384 vs 640 thermal resolution choice is the biggest decision when buying a thermal optic. A 640×512 sensor has roughly 2.8 times the pixels of a 384×288 sensor, giving more detail and longer identification range. A 384 sensor delivers strong performance for less. Here is how they compare.

384 vs 640 comparison

Feature	384×288	640×512
Thermal pixels	~110,000	~327,000
Image detail	Very good	Excellent
Identification range	Close to mid	Longer
Field of view at zoom	Good	Good, holds detail better
Relative price	Lower	Higher
Best for	Hogs close to mid range, value	Coyotes, long range, maximum detail

Which should you choose?

Choose 384 if

You mostly hunt hogs at close to mid range and want the best value. A 384 optic detects and identifies well inside typical hunting distances. See our hog hunting guide.

Choose 640 if

You hunt smaller predators like coyotes, shoot at longer range, or want maximum detail. Learn how resolution affects range in detection range, and browse thermal optics.