Difference between rendering low and high poly

Support Lighting and Rendering
1

Hi

Google just answered my basic questions

  1. Polygon count - thus less memory is used up when using low poly
  2. Low poly - more textures / High poly - more shaders (probably)
  3. Low poly - mid-far range views and shots/ High poly - close ups and rather closer shots and views (not always true, depends)

BUT

My question, concerning Blender… and I could do a few tests, frankly, haven’t rendered almost anything yet, so don’t have any prepared setups…

But does it make a difference if you render a lower poly model with subdivision surface at 5, or, if you would apply that modifier, therefore render a very high poly? Concerning time and result?

Your advice is much appreciated

Cheers …