If you’ve seen a 8K TV on a showroom floor and thought, "That looks insane," you’re not alone. The jump from 4K to 8K means four times the pixels, sharper text, and more detail in big‑screen movies. But does the extra resolution really matter in a typical living room? Let’s cut through the hype and give you the info you need to decide if an 8K TV is worth your money.
First up, pixel count. An 8K screen packs 33 million pixels, while 4K tops out at 8 million. That difference shines on screens 65‑inches and larger – you can sit closer without seeing individual pixels. If you mostly watch on a 55‑inch set, the benefit shrinks.
Second, HDR. Look for HDR10+, Dolby Vision, or at least HDR10. These standards boost contrast and colour, making the extra detail pop. A TV with great HDR can look amazing even at 4K, so don’t ignore it.Third, connectivity. You need HDMI 2.1 ports to run true 8K video at 60 Hz. Older HDMI 2.0 cables cap out at 4K, so double‑check the specs before you buy the TV or the cable.
Finally, refresh rate. While most movies are 24 fps, gamers love 120 Hz. If you game on a PC or next‑gen console, pick a model with low‑input‑lag and a high refresh rate – it makes the 8K experience smoother.
Brand‑wise, Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL dominate the market. Samsung’s QN900 series offers bright panels and solid upscaling, while LG’s Z9 line shines with OLED‑style contrast. Sony’s Master Series mixes accurate colour with great motion handling. If you’re on a tighter budget, TCL’s 8K QLEDs give decent performance for less cash.
Size matters too. A 75‑inch TV is a sweet spot for a home‑theater setup – you’ll see the extra detail without maxing out your room’s space. For smaller apartments, a 65‑inch model still feels premium and won’t dominate the wall.
Price is the biggest blocker. 8K TVs typically start around £3,000 and can climb past £10,000 for flagship models. Keep an eye on sales around Black Friday, Boxing Day, or when new models arrive. Those clearance deals can shave a few hundred pounds off the tag.Don’t forget future‑proofing. Most 8K TVs include AI upscaling that improves 4K and even 1080p content, so you’ll still get a boost if 8K streaming isn’t mainstream yet. Check if the TV supports HDMI‑ARC or eARC for better sound integration with your soundbar or AV receiver.
Bottom line: buy an 8K TV if you have a large screen, love top‑tier picture quality, and can afford the price swing. If you mostly binge Netflix on a 55‑inch set, a good 4K TV will save you money without a noticeable loss. Whatever you choose, use a reputable retailer, read the return policy, and make sure the TV comes with a solid warranty – that’s the real safety net for any big‑ticket purchase.
Wondering if anything beats 4K TVs? This article breaks down how 4K became the new standard, what upgrades are out there, and if they're actually worth your money. You'll get the scoop on picture quality, where 8K and OLED fit in, and insider tips to make smart TV choices. We'll even look at what matters more—a fancier panel or solid everyday use. No tech talk overload, just what really matters on your screen.