Why do 1080p displays look pixelated unless the monitor is 4k when retina is 1080p? I had a 1080p monitor and it looked slightly pixelated. I bought the LG Ultrafine 4k display and it looks great. I asked my work to buy me a monitor for the office and they offered a 1080p monitor. I am a web and graphic designer so it looking good is important to me. I also noticed that the native display is 2560 x 1600 which isn't 4k. Am I going to have to convince them to get a cheaper 4k monitor? I have a 2017 Macbook Pro Touchbar.
Yes. You will have to convince them that you need the proper tool for your assigned task, one that offers 3840 x 2160 or 4096 x 2160 pixels.

You also need your display to be flexible enough to emulate the different resolutions your end-user may have.