What’s the best 8K TV?
When you gather around with your family and friends to watch the Super Bowl, you’ll want to make sure you catch all the action. That’s where an 8K TV comes in. Not only can you catch the big game in excellent detail, but you’ll have a lasting appliance that can handle all the latest content in TV shows, video games and more as it comes out.
If you want to watch content at the highest and clearest resolution possible, the Samsung 85-Inch Neo QLED 8K is an excellent choice.
What to know before you buy an 8K TV
Content will be a challenge
A large display that produces stunning visuals is excellent, but the TV can only do so at its full potential if 8K content is available. That is the biggest stumbling block today, as there simply isn’t enough content to justify 8K resolution for most people. However, early adopters investing in an 8K TV now may be the first to access more 8K content as it comes out.
It’s a contentious issue, especially for early adopters, and while the TV can upscale 4K content to 8K, it’s still 4K at its heart. The only way you can view anything is when the content was filmed in 8K or the broadcast or streaming is in 8K. That creates two problems in the creation process: filming and post-production of 8K footage are incredibly expensive, and you’ll need an ultrafast internet connection to stream it.
With only a very small percentage of streaming users having both the right TV and connection, it simply isn’t worth it if you’re getting it for the streaming platforms. No streaming services currently offer content in native 8K. Some YouTube channels provide 8K videos, but most are only technical demonstrations.
If you play video games on a console, you might want to get an 8K TV for the increase in quality. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. As with films, very few video games are currently coded in 8K resolution, so you’ll get no benefit from such a TV. And while Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X can output in 8K, the functionality will only be unlocked with future updates.
8K vs. 4K
To understand why 8K content is so rare, it’s important to know how it differs from its nearest resolution, 4K. The most common resolution is 1080p, which has 1,920 by 1,080 pixels. A step up from that is 4K, which has 3,840 by 2,160 pixels. The term 4K comes from the resolution of digital cinema, but in TVs, it’s technically ultra high definition.
A TV with an 8K resolution has twice the number of pixels as a 4K in each direction, measuring 7,680 pixels horizontally and 4,320 pixels vertically. In total, an 8K TV has over 33 million pixels, compared to the 8.2 million pixels of 4K and 2 million pixels of 1080p.
What to look for in a quality 8K TV
Sturdy base vs. wall mountable
Typically, the entry-level dimensions of 8K TVs are larger than those of other resolutions and coupled with their expensive cost, they need to be sturdy on their feet. A good-quality 8K TV has a solid base or a wide-set stand to prevent it from toppling.
The better solution, though, is to mount the set on a wall. Look for a TV that’s compatible with the mounting system of the Video Electronics Standards Association. VESA is a universal specification that ensures the bracket perfectly fits on the TV’s backplate.
Several input connections
If you splurge on an 8K TV, there’s a good chance you have a home theater system or some gaming consoles. Nobody wants to struggle with cables when switching playback mediums, so a good-quality TV has multiple input connections, such as the 8K-capable HDMI 2.1, an optical audio port, multiple USB ports to charge devices and a DisplayPort.
Smart functions and voice assistance
Amazing visuals are one thing, but it’s better when you can automate actions through your TV. A good-quality 8K TV has a Wi-Fi receiver and smart functions so you can stream content through built-in apps. If the TV is compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, you can use your voice to control other smart gadgets in your home.
How much you can expect to spend on an 8K TV
The price largely depends on its manufacturer, size and additional features. An entry-level 65-inch TV costs $1,500-$2,000, while a large display from a top-tier maker costs $2,000-$2,500.
8K TV FAQ
Can the human eye even see 8K resolution?
A. Technically, it can, but it’s a complex issue. Beyond a certain viewing distance, it’s almost impossible for the human eye to differentiate between individual 4K and 8K pixels.
What is the best viewing distance for an 8K TV?
A. It’s difficult to determine, as it depends on the size of the TV. Sony, one of the world’s largest electronics manufacturers, recommends a minimum viewing distance of 1.5 times the TV’s vertical measurement. For example, the viewing distance for a 55-inch TV is 3.2 feet, while the minimum distance for an 85-inch TV is about 5.2 feet.
What’s the best 8K TV to buy?
Top 8K TV
What you need to know: This TV has striking visual clarity using Samsung’s quantum matrix technology of hyper-focused light cells.
What you’ll love: The incorporated multi-layered neural networks can upscale any content to an 8K resolution. The TV’s built-in speakers have dynamic object tracking to follow the on-screen action sound, and it’s compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
What you should consider: It’s got a hefty price tag.
Top 8K TV for the money
TCL 65-Inch 6-Series 8K QLED TV
What you need to know: To deliver the best possible visuals, this TV uses TCL’s AiPQ Engine to enhance content intelligently.
What you’ll love: The internal mini-LED technology creates uniform brightness and contrast across the screen by tweaking up to 240 individual zones. It has an Ethernet port, three HDMI inputs, optical audio and one USB port.
What you should consider: Some users said the construction isn’t as sturdy as expected.
Worth checking out
Sony 75 Inch 8K Ultra HD TV Z9K Series: BRAVIA XR 8K Mini LED Smart Google TV
What you need to know: With a native refresh rate of 120 hertz and 8K, the visuals on this TV are stunning.
What you’ll love: It has impressive auto-HDR, which is great for playing video games and watching sports in vibrant color. The mini-LED technology provides vivid colors and clear details. The built-in Google TV makes streaming easy.
What you should consider: It’s expensive.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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