Resolution describes the pixel grid; bitrate describes how much compressed data is used over time. A well-encoded 1080 p stream can look cleaner than a heavily compressed 4K version, especially during sport, rain, smoke or fast camera movement.
Look beyond the largest number
A higher-resolution frame contains more samples for the encoder to describe. If too little data is available, the encoder must discard detail or create visible artefacts. Codec efficiency and the complexity of the scene also matter, so there is no universal bitrate that guarantees a particular picture quality.
Use demanding scenes for comparison
A presenter against a plain studio background is relatively easy to compress. Grass, confetti, water and crowds are much harder. Compare a moving sequence rather than a paused logo. Watch whether fine texture stays consistent or turns into blocks when the camera pans across the pitch or audience.
Choose a sustainable stream
The best option is one your connection and decoder can play reliably with acceptable detail. A cleaner lower-resolution feed may be more enjoyable than a higher-resolution feed that repeatedly stalls. Record the channel, time and visible symptom when asking for help, rather than reporting only that the stream is labelled 4K.