As you might have surmised, 8K TV’s offer the highest quality picture of any TV. To put it into perspective, 4K refers to the number of horizontal pixels across a screen—around 8.3 million pixels on a display. 8K, on the other hand, has over 33 million pixels—the sharpest image you’ve ever seen.
The first 8K TV was launched by LG in 2019, its $42,000 price tag making it accessible to only a few wealthy viewers who could afford to preorder it. A lot has changed in a year, though. Sony, Samsung, and LG have all produced much more affordable models that put 8k within reach of the average consumer. Here’s a look at the top 8K TV’s under $5000 available right now.
Samsung 82-inch Class Q800T 8K QLED TV
Is it redundant to say that the Samsung Q800T features breathtaking resolution? Because it does. It has a wide viewing angle so everyone in the room can see the picture clearly, and the Quantum HDR16X guarantees stunningly bright colors and deeper blacks. The Q800T also brandishes Object Sound Tracking+. This technology takes the action to the middle of your set, so that sound seems to come from the center of the screen, producing a “3D” effect. Speakers are built into all four sides.
The 82-inch Q800T 8K by Samsung is available under $5000 and is also available in less expensive 65 and 75-inch options. Customers can bundle the TV with a soundbar if desired. A Vesa wall mount support is included.
Samsung’s 8K AI upscaling uses deep learning to convert all your content into 8K resolution, creating the most stunning picture yet. Also, Alexa is built right in, and if you deploy hands-free mode, you can use it to change the channel, search for movies, run your smart home devices, play music, and more.
The Stats:
Screen size: 81.5 inches
Display Type: QLED
Connectivity: Wireless, Bluetooth, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
Ports: 4 HDMI, 2 USB, 2 USB2.0
Audio: 70-watt built-in speakers, Dolby Digital Plus
Smart Platform: Tizen
Size: 45 x 72.1 x 1.1 inches
Weight: 91.5 pounds
Samsung 75-inch Class Q900T Series 8K QLED TV
The black edges on the Q900T Series TV are minimized, so only an ultra-slim bezel remains. Samsung calls this edge-to-edge viewing the “infinity screen” and if you want to watch your favorite movie with zero distractions, it’s fabulous.
Of course, that’s not the only thing that sets the Q900T apart. It features Direct Full Array 32X—precisely controlled, densely concentrated backlight zones that adjust automatically for the brightest whites and the blackest blacks. This exceptional contrast may be the best you can get in an 8K television under five grand. The Quantum HDR 32X technology also impresses, providing the sharpest color money can buy. The detail is staggering, to say the least.
Like all of Samsung’s 8K TV,s the set works with Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can access your favorite content using just your voice. The smart technology also enables you to control other devices around the house.
The Stats:
Screen size: 74.5 inches
Display Type: QLED
Connectivity: Wireless, Bluetooth, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
Ports: 4 HDMI, 2 USB, 2 USB2.0
Audio: 70-watt built-in speakers, Dolby Digital Plus
Smart Platform: Tizen
Size: 12.2 x 65.1 x 1-inches
Weight: 79.8 pounds
Samsung 75-Inch Q900 8K QLED TV
Samsung’s Q900 series typically (although not always) retails for less than the Q900TS series and maintains all of the excellent features found on the TS, with a few minor exceptions. Rather than Direct Full Array 32X, it features 16X. It also comes with HDR 24X as opposed to 32X.
The Audio on the Q900 is not quite as cutting edge as it is on the TS, which uses Object Tracking Sound for a 3D experience. However, it still features Dolby Audio. Will you notice these differences? Probably not. But they are important to some.
Notably, the brand’s signature AI upscaling is intact in the unit, which means you don’t need to wait for the rest of the world to catch up with 8K in order to enjoy your new television. You can enjoy 4K and HD content right now, with awe-striking pictures.
Other sizes of the Q900 are available as well. The brand makes this model in a 55-inch, 65-inch, 82-inch, 85-inch, and a mind-blowing 98-inch option that, incidentally, retails for just under $60,000.
The Stats:
Screen size: 64.5 inches
Display Type: QLED
Connectivity: Wireless, Bluetooth, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
Ports: 4 HDMI, 3 USB
Audio: 60-watt built-in speakers, Dolby Digital Plus
Smart Platform: Tizen
Size: 38 x 66 x 1.4-inches
Weight: 134.3 pounds
LG 75-inch NanoCell 99 Series 75-Inch 8K TV
LG’s NanoCell gives Samsung’s QLED a run for its money in terms of display technology. It uses particles to absorb unwanted light wavelengths to enhance the purity of the onscreen colors, specifically, reds and greens. That, combined with a full-array backlight and local dimming provides smashing resolution.
The makers say it has four times the resolution of 4K, and natural lifelike Nano Color displayed at wide angles with exceptional accuracy. The balanced lighting contrasts perfectly with deeper blacks than ever before thanks to the brand’s Full-Array Local Dimming Pro that offers precise control from edge to edge.
Equipped with WebOS and ThingQ AI, you can simply hover over any app to get personalized recommendations and find exactly what you’re looking for to keep you entertained. In fact, the whole TV is powered by AI with the most advanced processor made. The a9 Gen 3 AI features 4-step noise reduction, AI Picture Pro, AI Sound Pro, and AI 8K Upscaling—it’s all done for you, no adjustment necessary.
Gamers will appreciate that the LG is outfitted with the latest tech, meaning you can enjoy highly responsible gameplay with high refresh rates and less lag. The TV is also available in a 65-inch model.
The Stats:
Screen size: 74.4 inches
Display Type: LED
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI, USB, Wireless
Ports: 4 HDMI, 3 USB
Audio: 60-watt built-in speakers, surround sound
Smart Platform: webOS
Size: 65.8 x 14.2 x 40.2 inches
Weight: 95 pounds
Sony Z8H 75 Inch TV: 8K Ultra HD Smart LED TV
While still pretty pricey, Sony’s Z8H is the brand’s most affordable 8K model to date. Retailing for just under $5k, there’s little doubt that the Z8H is spectacular, boasting amazing processing, rich true to life colors, and unparalleled brightness. You won’t sacrifice any of that brightness for less contrast either, thanks to the brand’s intuitive backlight management.
While the frame on the Z8H is not as narrow as Samsung’s Q950TS 8K TVs, it does look sleek and sophisticated. The enclosed metal feet can be attached two ways—flat toward the center of the screen or under the bottom corners, a feature that you’ll appreciate if you’re setting it up on a slim stand. You’ll also enjoy a premium, well-organized, metallic-finish remote with a special touch—backlit buttons.
For connectivity, the TV has three USB and four HDMI ports, along with gold-plated audio terminals. The terminals are designed so you can use this model’s built-in speakers as the main speaker in an expanded sound system.
The Z8H runs on Android, which already has a huge amount of apps and content. If you like choices, you will love the platform, but it may require a bit of a learning curve for some, the sheer number of apps to explore can be overwhelming. However, if you have an Android phone, you will love how this TV features set-up assistance.
The Stats:
Screen size: 74.5 inches
Display Type: LED
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI, USB, Wireless
Ports: 4 HDMI, 3 USB, 1 ARC
Audio: 60-watt built-in speakers, Dolby Digital
Smart Platform: Android TV
Size: 66.70 x 3.40 x 38 inches
Weight: 110 pounds
Is It Worth It to Purchase an 8k TV?
Not too long ago, the point of purchasing the best 8K television was lost on most people. While shiny new tech is always exciting, 8K requires HDMI 2.1 at the least, and your cables and various source devices must be able to handle a lot of bandwidth. This means for many people, an 8K TV is just not practical—yet.
That “yet” is what is driving sales of this TV that seems to do the impossible. Native content for 8K is still limited, but it won’t be for long. The Xbox Series X and Sony’s PlayStation 5 will both be 8K compatible. And once 5g gains traction, early adopters of 8K will be glad they got in first. Keep in mind that the best 8K TVs use upscaling to make 4K and HD content stand out so you can enjoy a truly cinematic experience right away.
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