The number one feature marketed on the best TVs is image quality. While many factors contribute to a screen’s display quality, manufacturers use the TV’s resolution as the primary spec to convince consumers of their device’s display capacity.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- 8K televisions are the highest TV resolution available for general consumption. They have four times the pixel count of 4K TVs and produce more detailed images.
- 4K TVs are still popular among consumers. Many say they cannot perceive a difference between 4K and 8K at an average viewing distance.
- Taking full advantage of an 8K TV depends significantly on the display size and viewing distance.
Curious why? Keep reading as we examine the differences between an 8K vs a 4K TV and their benefits. For more information covering other TV resolutions, you can check out our article covering 4K vs UHD TVs and 720 vs 1080 TVs.
Which Is Better: A 4K vs 8K Comparison
TV resolution is calculated by taking the number of horizontal rows of pixels and multiplying them by the number of vertical columns of pixels. The resulting number will tell you the total individual pixels on a screen. The higher the pixel density, the more detailed and sharper the image will be.
Insider Tip
To make the most of your 8K experience, consider buying the largest screen possible.
An 8K display has 7680 horizontal rows of pixels and 4320 vertical columns of pixels. The total comes out to just over 33 million pixels. It is four times the amount of a 4K television which has just over 8 million pixels.
Picture Quality
While the sheer difference in pixel count may sound impressive, many say that the dynamic range of the 8K display is hardly perceptible to the human eye. However, the actual effects of the additional pixels reveal themselves when images are shown on screen sizes above 65 inches. For the best results on an 8K display, experts recommend getting an 80-inch or even 100-inch television.
Compatible Content
While 8K TVs hold a definite edge over 4K when it comes to resolution, there is an unfortunate scarcity of content compatible with 8K TVs. Lower-resolution content is much easier to find, and this is a problem that often frustrates owners of 8K units.
However, with each passing month, more compatible content is made available in 8K.
Cost
It should come as no surprise that 8K display technology is still wildly expensive compared to well-established 4K models. On average, 8K units often cost up to $3,000-$5,000 more than 4K TVs.
Warning
An 8K image is an outstanding television resolution. However, many say the lighting system, such as LED or OLED, is more critical for image quality than extra pixels.
F.A.Q.S
Is it possible to find content compatible with 8K?
When 8K televisions were released in the mid-2010s, finding available content for these devices was difficult. However, many streaming platforms now support 8K content.
Is it a good time to buy an 8K TV?
The cost of 8K televisions has decreased steadily since their introduction to consumer markets. However, they are still significantly more expensive than 4K options and not entirely recommended for those looking to save money.
What is the size range for 8K TVs?
8K TVs come in a range of sizes. The smallest screen available widely for purchase is 35″, and the largest screens offered in 8K are 85″. Some 8K screens reach up to 110″, but these are hard to find, and many have to be specially ordered.
STAT: Sales forecasts show that 8K TVs will only account for 3% of the total UHD market by 2023. (source)
