4K vs 8K | What Difference Does an 8K TV Make?

2020-12-18

2020-12-18

If you’re in the market for a new TV, you may be trying to decide between 4K vs 8K resolution. There are lots of complex technology considerations that drive this decision, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Panel technology developments are hitting the market at a dizzying rate. The next resolution wave has arrived, and it's taking the audiovisual experience to a whole new level. Stunning colour palettes and vibrant contrasts are brought to life with the help of HDR technology in the crisp resolution of 8K. 

Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious to learn more about 8K TVs, our guide has everything you need to know to stay ahead of the game.

 

What are 4k and 8k?

 

With 8K and 4K TVs, picture-perfect resolution is the name of the game. The "K" in 4K is short for Kilo, which is a thousand pixels packed into your screen. But when it comes to pixel power, 8K reigns supreme with four times as many pixels as 4K and a whopping 160 pixels per inch for jaw-dropping detail.

Both offer superior picture quality and improved viewing experiences compared to traditional display technologies such as 1080p and 720p. MiniLED and OLED are two types of display technology often used in combination with 4K and 8K resolutions. Audiences using either 4K or 8K benefit from:

  • Greater colour accuracy
  • Sharper images
  • Broader contrast ratios
  • Reduced motion blur
  • Reduction in video noise

These improved features make it easier for viewers to watch live sports events or full-length films with exceptional picture quality.

 

Is there a big difference between 4K vs 8K?

The differences between 4K and 8K are important to consider for anyone looking for the highest-quality visuals available today. 4K resolution offers a high image quality due to its 3840x2160 resolution with four times as many pixels compared to standard HD, but 8K resolves that difference even further.

With 7680x4320 resolution, 8K displays have 16 times the pixel count than standard HD and represent a whole new level of detail and better picture quality for digital images and videos. For those hoping to get the most lifelike picture possible, though, 4K may not be enough.

8K could mean the difference between appreciating a natural view and feeling like you're right there in person. While it is important to choose wisely between QLED and UHD, it is as important to understand different resolutions to get your money’s worth.

 

4K vs 8K - Which One Is Best?

The debate between Android TV and Smart TV has now been extended to the discussion of which resolution is best - 4K vs 8K. In many areas, 4K is still the industry standard, but 8K has come a long way over the past few years and offers a lot of benefits in terms of sharpness and colour accuracy.

4K TVs tend to be more affordable, while 8K TVs can provide a significantly better picture.

Ultimately, it boils down to what you intend to use the television for and how much you are willing to spend. 4K is more than enough for most viewing needs and will likely save you some money in the process. But if you have the budget for an 8K, then it may be worth looking into.

 

Can the human eye tell the difference between 4K and 8K?

With horizontal display resolution being the key factor, many people wonder if the human eye can actually spot the difference between 4K and 8K quality. The difference between 4K and 8K is quite remarkable.

You might think that it would be difficult for the average human eye to detect, but this isn’t entirely the case. While it may take some getting used to on television screens, the difference in quality between 4K vs 8K TVs becomes much more obvious when it comes to larger displays, such as movie theatre screens or large monitors. 

Of course, as technology continues to progress and 8K becomes more widely available on televisions, our eyes will learn to discern the difference between, for example, ULED vs. QLED, better, but until then, a dedicated viewer should still have no difficulty noticing the upgrade from 4K to 8K.

 

Features of the TCL 8K TV

While a few other brands have started testing the waters of 8K, the TCL X915 8K QLED Android TV is among the best in the market.

Below are some of the features of the TCL 8K TV that will give you a sneak peek into why this TV is all the rage:

  • Quantum technology: The TV boasts an excellent 8K resolution with Quantum Technology. While this term may seem like mere tech jargon, it translates to much more in real life. With these resolution pictures, your TCL 8K TV lets you enjoy high picture quality and images that almost seem to come to life. The 8K QLED technology allows a better sense of depth and shading to the image, working to improve aspects such as luminance and contrast.
  • Theatre-like sound: The TCL 8K series also features a theatre-level soundbar (Onkyo Audio) that does the job, as you would expect. This eliminates any need for a separate soundbar.
  • Roku TV interface: It also features a Roku TV interface. If you know anything about Roku, it is that it is user-friendly and supports apps from Android TV/Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. 

Since the 8K feature is best expressed on larger screens, the TCL 8K TV is available in both 65 & 75-inch variations and maintains a simplistic and thin design. In every way, this 8K TV is a showstopper.

Is 8K worth the money?

Spending the extra money on 8K worth can make a huge impact on how we view our entertainment. While 4K may be the current norm, 8K is worth it because of the unprecedented smoothness and clarity it provides.

The difference between 4k and 8K resolution is not just a step up, but instead, an entire level up that takes us to a whole new realm of the viewing experience.

And with 8K TVs being more future-proof than 4k, investing in this resolution makes good financial sense too. This added worth comes at a price, but for those who want the best out of their TVs and movies, splurging on 8K is worth it.

Summing Up 4K vs 8K TV Resolution

4K resolution is certainly impressive and provides a substantial improvement over HD resolution. However, 8K resolution takes the viewing experience to a whole new level, regardless of which TV platforms you prefer.

With about four times the resolution of 4K, 8K TVs offer stunning picture quality, almost lifelike colors, and details so realistic that it looks like you could almost reach out and touch them. 

This doesn’t mean the 4K vs 8K debate ends with completely disregarding 4K TVs. When budget is factored in, a 4K TV might make more financial sense for some people.

Overall, 8K TVs are an amazing feat of technology and an incredible advancement from ordinary TVs.

Although expensive, more affordable models will eventually become available over time, making this new generation of screens accessible to everyone who wants to enjoy a truly unrivalled viewing experience.

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