4K vs 8K TVs: the Visual Differences Plus Pros and Cons

Introduction

Picture quality is crucial when watching a movie or your favorite television show, which is why terminology like 4K and 8K is important. 4K and 8K TVs are the latest in television technology. However, what's the difference between these two? In this article, we explain everything from the resolution to pixel count. By the end of it, you'll have a better understanding of which television is the best for your home theater setup! 

What is 4K resolution?

The most recent terms to understand when comparing the finest TV companies are 4K and 8K, which relate to the number of pixels on your TV. In general, the more pixels, the higher the picture quality. This is because each pixel on your screen can show a different color, allowing for more complex and more detailed images.

Leading TV makers TCL have all introduced 4K and 8K TV models. Additionally, a 4K TV is a requirement at the very least if you want a TV that will make even the most routine weeknight feel special. 

The term "4K resolution" refers to a horizontal display resolution of about 4,000 pixels. Digital cinematography and television frequently employ a variety of 4K resolutions. The predominant 4K format in television and consumer media is 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD. It has four times as many pixels as Full HD TV, which is considered high definition (HD).

The extra pixels allow for greater detail in both video games and movies, but 8K sets are even sharper.  

What is 8K resolution?

The successor to the 4K display resolution is 8K resolution. 8K resolution has four times the number of pixels as a 4K display while 8K TV has a resolution of 7680 x 4320, so an 8K screen will be able to show images with much more detail and clarity than a 4K TV.

The first 8K TVs were introduced at CES 2019. According to Strategy Analytics' 2018 prediction, with annual global sales of 11 million units, 8K-ready devices will still only represent 3% of UHD TVs by 2023. TV manufacturers are nevertheless upbeat because the 4K market expanded far quicker than anticipated, with real sales exceeding forecasts by almost six times in 2016.  

The exact amount of pixels in an 8K display varies depending on the size of the screen. While 4K currently offers an image that is very amazingly detailed, 8K TVs offer a picture that is much more realistic. The more detail the TV has, the more you'll like it. An 8K TV will be able to show more colors and a more natural-looking image thanks to improved HDR capabilities. Like unlike you've ever seen before, every little detail will stand out on the screen.

Pros and cons

4K:

The cost of 4K televisions has decreased recently, making them more accessible to the typical family. The time to get 4K is now if you want a clear, realistic image for your shows and movies without breaking the bank.

Pros:

Compared to prior HDTVs, the image is more realistic, smooth, and sharp. There is more content than just 8K content (Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc). It gives the viewer a more cinematic, engaging experience than HD displays.

Cons:

It's more expensive than a standard HDTV. 4K TVs use more power than regular HD TVs.

8K:

An 8K television can be all you need if you want the newest technology for your home theater. 8Ks are excellent for actual home theaters due to the higher resolution will reveal more detail and a more natural picture. There won't be any bad seats in your home theater because these televisions support 120-degree viewing angles, which means the picture won't suffer from where you sit in regard to the screen.

Pros:

Due to the wider range of colors available, the image appears more natural. Having clear and rich audio enhances the viewing experience. It enables a 120-degree viewing angle.

Cons:

There isn't much 8K content accessible. It's more pricey than 4K displays. Also, it's not ideal for smaller TVs; a small screen wouldn't show any difference in the picture.

400% more than 4K. TCL QLED 8K TVs

How far away do I need to sit with a 4K/8K TV?

This is where things get a little complicated: The ideal viewing distance for an 8K set's resolution depends on the viewer's position. Instead, it's preferable to consider the type of content you're watching (as well as its resolution) when determining how near you should sit. Make sure you're sitting at least six feet away from your new purchase if you're watching something on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video in 4K or lower (or closer). Move even closer to avoid missing any details owing to blurriness or lag time between images if there is a material that is running at 60 frames per second and 10-bit color depth (such as on high-end gaming consoles).

If you need more information about how to choose the best viewing distance for you, please check the article How To Pick The Perfect TV Size And Distance For Your Living Room on our website which could be helpful!

Takeaway

There are still some questions about whether or not 8K will be adopted by the general public in the same way that 4K has been so far. However, there's no denying that 8K offers more detail and visual clarity than 4K. If you're looking for the best possible picture quality, then 8K is worth considering over any other resolution right now (unless you're planning on buying an IMAX theater).

Once you see the difference in picture quality between an 8K and a 4K TV, you'll never want to downgrade again. If you're looking for the best possible picture quality on your new flat screen, go all out with one of these beasts and enjoy every second of it—you're future-proofing yourself!

Check out TCL 4K and 8K TVs and start the experience!

TCL 4K TVs: 4K Mini LED TV, 4K QLED TV, 4K HDR TV

TCL 8K TVs: 8K Mini LED TV

Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube for the latest updates on our TCL products and events.