BEST SMART TVs REVIEWS GUIDES & INSIGHTS

With the constant advancements in TV technology, 8K Smart TVs are becoming more prominent in the market. Promising an ultra-high resolution that’s four times sharper than 4K and 16 times sharper than 1080p, these TVs are undeniably impressive on paper. But with their higher price tags and the relative lack of native 8K content, many consumers wonder: Are 8K Smart TVs really worth it?

In this article, we’ll explore what 8K technology offers, review some of the best 8K Smart TVs currently available, and help you decide whether investing in an 8K TV is the right move for you.

What Is 8K Resolution?

An 8K TV has a resolution of 7680 x 4320 pixels, totaling over 33 million pixels on the screen. This provides an incredibly sharp and detailed picture, with more pixel density than 4K or 1080p TVs. The high resolution results in more defined textures, greater depth, and superior clarity, especially on larger screens.

For comparison:

• 1080p (Full HD): 1920 x 1080 pixels
• 4K (Ultra HD): 3840 x 2160 pixels
• 8K: 7680 x 4320 pixels

The idea behind 8K is that it delivers the clearest and most immersive picture possible, even at very close viewing distances, making it especially suitable for very large screens (65 inches and above).

Best 8K Smart TVs on the Market

If you’re considering an 8K Smart TV, there are several excellent options available from top brands, each offering cutting-edge technology and features. Below, we highlight some of the best models on the market today.

1. Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K TV

Samsung’s QN900C Neo QLED is one of the most highly regarded 8K Smart TVs available. It combines the brilliance of Quantum Dot technology with Mini-LED backlighting for exceptional brightness and contrast control.

Key Features:

• Quantum HDR 64X: Offers stunning brightness and vibrant color reproduction.
• Infinity Screen: Ultra-thin bezels for a more immersive viewing experience.
• Neo Quantum Processor 8K: Utilizes AI to upscale 4K and even lower-resolution content to near-8K quality.
• Object Tracking Sound Pro: Creates immersive 3D sound that follows the action on the screen.

Why It’s Great: The QN900C offers some of the best picture quality available, with a sleek design and powerful AI upscaling capabilities. If you’re looking for top-tier performance, this TV is a standout choice.

2. LG Z3 OLED 8K TV

The LG Z3 OLED 8K TV takes the renowned OLED technology and enhances it with an 8K resolution. OLED displays are known for their perfect blacks and infinite contrast, and the Z3 combines that with breathtaking 8K clarity.

Key Features:

• OLED Evo: Self-lit pixels deliver true blacks, infinite contrast, and vibrant colors.
• Alpha 9 Gen 6 Processor: Uses deep learning to upscale content and optimize the picture for 8K viewing.
• Dolby Vision IQ & Dolby Atmos: Provides a cinema-like experience with stunning visuals and immersive sound.
• WebOS: Offers a user-friendly interface with access to a wide variety of streaming services.

Why It’s Great: The LG Z3 combines OLED’s unbeatable picture quality with 8K resolution, making it perfect for those who value image precision and lifelike colors. It’s one of the best choices for movie lovers and home theater enthusiasts.

3. Sony Z9K 8K LED TV

Sony’s Z9K is another top contender in the 8K space. This TV uses Mini-LED technology to deliver incredible brightness and detailed contrast, ideal for brightly lit rooms or HDR content.

Key Features:

• Cognitive Processor XR: Mimics human vision and sound processing to enhance realism.
• XR 8K Upscaling: Uses AI to upscale non-8K content to near-8K quality, making everything you watch look sharper.
• Acoustic Multi-Audio: Provides a multi-dimensional sound experience by positioning speakers across the TV for immersive audio.
• Google TV Interface: Easy access to streaming apps, personalized recommendations, and smart home control.

Why It’s Great: Sony’s Z9K offers stunning 8K picture quality with bright, vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Cognitive Processor XR ensures that even non-8K content looks fantastic, making it a great option for users who want to future-proof their TV.

The Content Dilemma: Where’s the 8K Content?

One of the biggest hurdles to adopting 8K TVs is the lack of native 8K content. While 8K cameras exist, and some films and shows have been produced in 8K, most streaming platforms and TV broadcasters have yet to widely adopt 8K resolution. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ currently offer a wide range of 4K content, but 8K content is still scarce.

That said, 8K TVs come equipped with advanced upscaling technologies. AI-driven processors, like Samsung’s Neo Quantum Processor or LG’s Alpha 9 Processor, can upscale lower-resolution content to near-8K quality. While this doesn’t quite match true 8K resolution, it significantly improves the appearance of 4K and even 1080p content on larger 8K screens.

Is an 8K TV Future-Proof?

Investing in an 8K TV now may seem like a move toward future-proofing your home entertainment setup. As streaming services, gaming consoles, and broadcasters gradually embrace 8K, having a compatible TV ensures you’ll be ready for the next wave of content.

For example, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X gaming consoles are designed to support 8K gaming, and YouTube already offers some 8K videos. As technology evolves, 8K content will likely become more accessible, and having an 8K TV will allow you to take advantage of these advancements without needing to upgrade again soon.

Upscaling: Making the Most of 4K Content on an 8K TV

Since native 8K content is limited, upscaling plays a critical role in the 8K TV experience. Fortunately, modern 8K TVs come equipped with powerful upscaling technology that enhances 4K and 1080p content, making it look sharper and more detailed than it would on a 4K TV.

AI upscaling analyzes each frame of the content, improving its resolution and enhancing details in real-time. While it’s not a substitute for true 8K content, it allows you to enjoy most of your favorite shows and movies in better quality than ever before. Brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony are leading the charge with advanced upscaling technologies that significantly improve content quality on their 8K models.

Should You Buy an 8K TV?

Before deciding whether an 8K TV is worth the investment, consider the following:

Advantages of 8K TVs:

• Incredible Picture Quality: If you’re using a very large TV (75 inches or more), the extra pixel density in 8K TVs can make a noticeable difference, especially at closer viewing distances.
• Future-Proofing: As 8K content becomes more available, having an 8K TV ensures that you’re ready to experience the best visual quality possible.
• Upscaling Technology: Even though native 8K content is limited, AI upscaling ensures that your 4K and 1080p content looks fantastic on an 8K screen.

Disadvantages of 8K TVs:

• High Cost: 8K TVs are more expensive than their 4K counterparts, and the price may not be justifiable given the limited amount of 8K content available today.
• Lack of 8K Content: Currently, there is very little native 8K content available. Most of what you’ll watch on an 8K TV will be upscaled 4K or 1080p content.
• Requires a Very Large Screen: The benefits of 8K are most noticeable on screens larger than 75 inches, so if you’re buying a smaller TV, you may not see a significant difference compared to a 4K model.

Conclusion: Are 8K TVs Worth It?

While 8K Smart TVs offer cutting-edge technology and unrivaled picture quality, they are still a premium option with a limited content library. If you’re looking to future-proof your setup and want the best visual experience for large screens, an 8K TV may be worth the investment—especially if you enjoy having the latest technology.

However, for most people, a high-end 4K TV will still provide an excellent viewing experience at a more affordable price point. Unless you’re set on having the latest display technology or are planning for a massive screen size, 8K TVs might be a luxury you can hold off on for now.