Dive into the Future: The Best 8K TVs of 2024
Ready to elevate your home entertainment to a whole new level? 8K TVs are here to blow your mind with four times the pixels of 4K, delivering stunningly detailed images that make every scene pop. Prices have dropped as the tech has matured, so now’s the perfect time to make the leap into 8K. But with so many options, which one should you choose? We’ve done the legwork and tested the top models to bring you the ultimate guide for 2024.
1. Samsung QN900D – The Ultimate 8K TV
Specs:
- Screen Sizes: 65, 75, 85 inches
- Resolution: 8K
- Panel Tech: Neo QLED / Mini LED
- Smart TV: Tizen
- HDR: HDR10, HLG, HDR10+
Why You’ll Love It:
- Exceptional brightness
- Top-notch 8K upscaling
- Sleek Infinity Air Design with a floating stand
Looking for the pinnacle of 8K technology? The Samsung QN900D stands out as the best 8K TV you can buy right now. It surpasses its predecessor, the QN900C, thanks to an advanced NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor and a unique motion enhancement algorithm that makes fast action scenes look flawless. Furthermore, its blacks are incredibly deep, and its brightness is among the best. For gamers, it supports up to 4K 240Hz on all HDMI 2.1 ports, making it a standout choice. The Infinity Air Design, combined with Samsung’s One Connect Box and a solid Dolby Atmos setup, ensures it’s not just a TV but a centerpiece of your living room. However, this excellence comes at a high price.
2. Samsung QN800B – Best Affordable 8K TV
Specs:
- Screen Sizes: 65, 75, 85 inches
- Resolution: 8K
- Panel Tech: Neo QLED
- Smart TV: Tizen
- HDR: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Why You’ll Love It:
- Slim, stylish design with One Connect Box
- Bright and vibrant display
- Good for gaming
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly entry into the 8K world, the Samsung QN800B is a fantastic choice. It combines a sleek design with impressive brightness and vibrant colors. Plus, it offers good gaming features and a solid smart TV experience. Nevertheless, its backlight control isn’t flawless, and it struggles a bit with non-8K content. Priced under £2,000 for the 65-inch model, it offers significant value, making it an excellent second choice if the QN900D is out of reach.
3. LG Z2 – The Best 8K OLED
Specs:
- Screen Sizes: 77, 88 inches
- Resolution: 8K
- Panel Tech: OLED
- Smart TV: webOS
- HDR: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
Why You’ll Love It:
- Stunning OLED picture quality
- Dolby Vision and Atmos support
For those who crave the ultimate in 8K visuals with OLED’s legendary contrast, the LG Z2 is a dream come true. It delivers breathtaking picture quality with vivid colors and exceptional brightness. Additionally, the sound quality is surprisingly good for a slim TV, and it supports Dolby Vision and Atmos. However, the steep price tag and lack of HDR10+ support might be a downside. If you can stretch your budget and have space for a massive screen, the LG Z2 offers an unparalleled viewing experience.
4. Sony Z9K – Sony’s 8K Masterpiece
Specs:
- Screen Sizes: 75, 85 inches
- Resolution: 8K
- Panel Tech: Mini LED
- Smart TV: Google TV
- HDR: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
Why You’ll Love It:
- Incredible brightness and color
- Superb detail and clarity
Sony’s Z9K is a high-end 8K TV that will leave you in awe. With its mini-LED panel, it delivers outstanding brightness, detail, and color reproduction. The Cognitive Processor XR enhances the lifelike experience, while XR Backlight Master Drive ensures dynamic range without halos. Acoustic Multi-Audio and Bravia Cam add to the immersive experience by optimizing picture and sound based on your seating position. It’s a premium choice with a premium price, but it’s worth every penny for those who want the best.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About 8K TVs
How to Pick the Best 8K TV?
When considering the purchase of an 8K TV, first ask yourself if you really need it. Given that native 8K content is still limited, you might find that a high-quality 4K TV suits your needs better until more content becomes available. However, if you are set on 8K, focus on finding a TV with excellent upscaling capabilities. This will ensure that 4K and HD content still look impressive. Moreover, size matters when investing in an 8K TV; you’ll want a large screen to fully appreciate the enhanced resolution. Make sure the TV fits in your space, whether it will be placed on a cabinet or mounted on the wall.
Which TV Brand is Best for 8K?
Currently, Samsung stands out with its QN900B Neo QLED, which offers phenomenal 8K performance and value. This model’s advanced QLED technology and high brightness levels make it a top choice. Additionally, Samsung’s latest models provide an excellent balance of performance and price. On the other hand, while LG’s Z2 OLED and Sony’s Z9K also deliver outstanding 8K experiences, they come at a higher price. Thus, Samsung is generally considered the best brand for 8K TVs in terms of overall value.
What is the Most Affordable 8K TV?
In the realm of 8K TVs, “affordable” is relative, as these models are considerably pricier than 4K TVs. Nonetheless, the Samsung QN800B is the most budget-friendly option available, typically costing under £2,000 for the 65-inch version. While this model provides a good balance of features and performance for the price, it’s important to note that even at this lower price point, 8K TVs are still a significant investment. As technology evolves, prices are expected to decrease, so keeping an eye on market trends could be beneficial.
Is 8K Better than 4K?
8K TVs indeed offer four times the pixel count of 4K TVs, which translates to significantly greater detail. However, the benefit of this higher resolution is most pronounced on larger screens or when viewed up close. For now, the lack of native 8K content means that the difference may not be as noticeable for everyday viewing. Hence, while 8K provides exceptional clarity, the practical advantages over 4K are currently more evident in specific scenarios and larger display sizes.
Does Netflix Support 8K?
At present, Netflix does not support 8K streaming. Due to current bandwidth limitations, streaming 8K content is not feasible on most services. However, this landscape could change in the future as streaming technology and bandwidth capacities improve. Consequently, while 8K TVs offer future-proofing for content that may become available later, today’s streaming options do not yet take full advantage of this technology.
Do I Need an 8K OLED TV?
If you are seeking the highest level of detail and have room for a large screen, an 8K OLED TV can offer an extraordinary viewing experience. OLED technology excels in delivering deep blacks and vibrant colors, enhancing the overall visual quality. Nevertheless, if your priority is more about superior contrast and color accuracy rather than the highest resolution, opting for a high-quality OLED or Mini LED TV without 8K may still meet your needs. Thus, while 8K OLEDs provide unmatched quality, they come at a premium, and you might choose based on your specific requirements and budget.
That’s It : Your Next 8K TV Awaits
In summary, selecting the right 8K TV involves evaluating your needs and budget, given the current content availability and technological advancements. Whether you prioritize cutting-edge resolution, advanced features, or value for money, there’s an 8K TV that fits your criteria. As you consider your options, keep in mind how these features align with your viewing habits and space to ensure you make the best choice for your home entertainment setup.