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What's the difference between 4K and 8K? Do I really need a 8K TV?
These are the questions most of us probably have while shopping for a new TV, walking along the aisle of the appliance store. In this article, we will answer your questions and talk more about 8K TVs, as well as what is currently available in the market.
What is an 8K TV?
The terminology 8K, or 4K, that we commonly see, refers to the number of pixels on the screen. In simplified terms, 8K TVs have twice the number of pixels on the screen as 4K TVs - which results in sharper and higher picture quality. Each pixel on the screen shows a different colour, hence the more pixels there are, the more realistic the images on screen are.
The first 8K TVs were introduced in 2019, and as time passed they have become more affordable and accessible to the general audience. However, one caveat of 8K TVs is the lack of 8K content available in general - online streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ and even Youtube still do not support 8K. Nonetheless, 8K TVs have much more powerful processors that can scale 4K or even HD content, resulting in a better viewing experience.
Should I invest in an 8K TV?
At the moment, 4K TVs seem to be good enough for our eyes - for now. But we believe that once you go 8K, you won't be able to go back. 8K content will become more commonplace as time goes on, for example Sony's PlayStation 5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series X are now capable of supporting 8K. So if you're very big on visual enjoyment, it may be a good idea to future-proof your home-entertainment system with an 8K TV.
5 Best 8K TVs in Singapore
Here are some of the best 8K TVs currently available in Singapore. When you're done, click here to jump to the bottom of this article to find out if 8K TVs are worth buying at the moment.
| 8K TV | Price | Best... |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung QN900C 65-Inch Neo QLED 8K | $9,899 | Overall daily use |
| Samsung QN700B 65-Inch Neo QLED 8K | $4,999 | Value 8K TV |
| LG Signature OLED 8K Z3 88-Inch | $59,999 | OLED 8K TV |
| LG 75-Inch QNED99 8K Smart Mini LED | $11,999 | 8K TV for Gaming |
| Sharp 60-Inch 8K UHD HDR | $2,774 | Affordable 8K TV |
Samsung QN900C 65-Inch Neo QLED 8K, $9,899
Best Overall daily use 8K TV
Back to Samsung’s newest screens for 2023, we managed to get some screen time with the new Samsung QN900C, which is a Neo-QLED class TV. It replaces conventional LED backlighting with tinier and more precise mini-LED backlighting that is just as bright, or brighter because Samsung can pack quite a lot of mini-LEDs behind the screen. Plus, mini-LEDs are less than 0.2mm in size and can offer far more precise control of the screen’s backlighting which leads to better image quality.
It supports high dynamic range (HDR) content in HDR10, HDR10+, and hybrid log gamma (HLG). The QN900C’s Quantum Matrix Ultimate backlight technology uses 14-bit processing, while its Neural Quantum 8K processor employs machine learning to enhance both video and audio performance.
Check out the bezel-free design on the new 2023 Samsung QN900C 65 inch Neo QLED 8K TV! It's truly breathtaking when you consider the front face is almost all screen. In our case, all 65 inches.
New AI Auto HDR Remastering feature
This 2023 Neo-QLED TV comes with a new Auto HDR Remastering feature, which uses AI to convert standard dynamic range (SDR) content into high dynamic range (HDR) on a scene-by-scene basis.
his means that it uses AI deep learning technology to analyse and apply real-time High Dynamic Range (HDR) effects on SDR content scene-by-scene, making SDR content brighter and livelier.
Working in tandem with auto content upscaling techniques to ensure your HD or 4K content sources look even better on the 8K screen, Auto HDR Remastering now adds an additional layer of improvements. We don’t have a 2022 8K TV of similar calibre to compare and contrast alongside the new QN900C.
The many connection options you get access to on the Smart One Connect Box from the new 2023 Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K TV
From the front, the Samsung QN900C looks sleek and slim with a virtually bezel-free form factor.Now, this comes with Samsung’s One Connect Box where you plug all your AV devices into. But while it is slim, small it is not, coming in larger than a typical laptop. I have to admit that it is handy having access to the box and all the connectivity options than having to struggle with TV screens that usually manage connections from behind the screen.
A compact, do-it-all remote for the new 2023 Samsung QN900C 65 inch Neo QLED 8K TV. You would be surprised by its functional versatility, given the limited buttons it has.
Samsung Remote Control with Solar Panel
Now the remote has a very familiar look and feel, but it isn’t as long as its predecessor. One handy feature is the solar panel charging capability built on its back, in addition to USB charging if you need a quick boost.
The Samsung QN900C 65-Inch Neo QLED 8K TV QA65QN900CKXXS is priced at $8,999 at Harvey Norman.
Samsung QN700B 65-Inch Neo QLED 8K, $4,999
Best Value for money 8K TV
Even though it is an older model released in 2022, the Samsung QN700B Neo QLED 8K is still comparable to the latest model - which makes it a great value buy as the price has dropped.
The QN700B comes with Quantum Matrix Technology, which brings out the details in bright scenes and deepens the blacks on screen. It also has Neural Quantum Processor Lite 8K which is still powerful enough to upscale content to 8K, optimising videos and enhancing your viewing experience. Samsung's Anti Reflection feature is also available in this model so you can see the screen clearly from any angle without having to turn off lights or closing windows to keep light out.
As with the QN900C, the QN700B also comes with Dolby Atmos so you can enjoy an immersive experience even without having to invest in a sound system. The channel speakers can bring you right into the scene with sounds coming from different directions.
With a much smaller price tag, the Samsung QN700B Neo QLED 8K is definitely value-for-money.
The Samsung 65-Inch QN700B Neo QLED 8K Smart TV QA65QN700BKXXS is priced at $4,999 at Harvey Norman.
LG Signature OLED 8K Z3 88-Inch, $59,999
Best OLED 8K TV
The Signature OLED Z3 is LG's latest offering, featuring their latest Alpha-series processor. It utilises AI-assisted deep learning technology to upscale content, allowing for brighter and more detailed images. In addition, the OLED Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro uncovers hidden details in dark scenes, creating a more realistic and immersive viewing experience. The processor also has a HDR Expression Enhancer, which detects and refines important details on the screen, such as faces. It has generally been reviewed to have stunning picture quality and incredible colours and brightness.
In terms of sound quality, the LG OLED Z3 is supported by LG's AI Sound Pro, which delivers amazing surround sound despite the TV having a slim profile. The TV also comes equipped with LG's webOS operating system, which provides access to a range of apps and streaming services, making it easy to find and watch your favorite content.
If you have a cool $59,999 to splash out, the LG Z3 is definitely a top-tier upgrade for your home entertainment system.
The LG Signature OLED88Z3PSA 88-inch 8K Smart TV is priced at $59,999 at Harvey Norman.
LG QNED99 8K Smart Mini LED, $11,999
Best 8K TV for Gaming
The LG QNED99 8K Smart Mini LED is an excellent choice for gamers looking for the best 8K TV for gaming. Picture quality is enhanced by LG's Quantum Dot NanoCell technology, which delivers excellent color accuracy, deep blacks, and an outstanding contrast ratio, resulting in an incredibly immersive gaming experience.
The LG QNED99 also features a 120Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 connectivity, making it an excellent choice for gaming. The Game Optimizer also automatically adjusts picture settings, and these overall reduce input lag and ensure a smooth and responsive gaming experience, even in fast-paced games.
The LG 75QNED99TPB 75'' QNED99 8K Smart QNED Mini LED TV is priced at $11,999 at Mega Discount Store.
Sharp 60-Inch 8K UHD HDR, $2,774
Best Affordable 8K TV
If you are looking for an 8K option that is more affordable, the Sharp 8K UHD HDR is an option for you. At only $2,774, it is much cheaper than the average 8K TV you can find in Singapore. Sharp's proprietary AQUOS technology delivers excellent color accuracy and deep blacks, and their Z2 Revelation Processor promises faster CPU performance and faster graphics for noise reduction and tone correction for video streaming on Netflix or Youtube.
Another plus point is that it is an Android TV, which provides access to a range of apps and streaming services, making it easy to find and watch your favorite content.
The Sharp 8T-C60DW1X 60-inch 8K UHD HDR Android TV is priced at $2,774 at Harvey Norman.
Are 8K TVs worth buying?
Despite the fact that there is little to no native 8K content currently available, TV manufacturers are telling us that 8K is where we need to be. Almost all of the major brands have released an 8K TV touting the clarity and brightness it delivers. So when Samsung asked us to try out their 65-inch QN900C 8K TV, I took it with a pinch of salt.
A 1080p TV has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, a 4K TV has 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, and an 8K TV has an incredible 7,680 x 4,320 pixels.
That’s four times more pixels than a 4K TV! But do you really get to enjoy it all? Size and viewing distance from the screen come into play here because the ability to resolve details onscreen is crucial in figuring out should you need to get an 8K TV.
Simply said, 4K resolution is sufficient for screens up to 55 inches or even 65 inches if you sit much further away from it.
However, if you’re going to be sitting at distances less than two meters with a 65-inch screen or have a larger screen, that’s when you can really enjoy 8K resolution in all its glory.
Part of this article first appeared on HardwareZone.