If you‘re in the market for a new high-end TV, you‘ve likely come across LG‘s impressive lineup of 8K and 4K models. Both offer incredible picture quality that will elevate your viewing experience, but there are some key differences to be aware of.
As an expert in digital display technology, I‘m here to break down everything you need to know to decide whether an LG 8K or 4K TV is the right choice for your home theater setup. We‘ll compare specs, discuss pros and cons, and look at the factors you should consider before making a purchase. By the end, you‘ll have all the information you need to choose the best LG TV for your needs and budget.
Understanding 8K vs 4K Resolution
First, let‘s clarify what these terms actually mean. 8K and 4K refer to the resolution of the TV, which is measured by the number of pixels on the screen. The more pixels, the sharper and more detailed the image will be.
A 4K TV has a resolution of 3840 x 2160, which means there are 3840 pixels horizontally and 2160 pixels vertically for a total of over 8 million pixels. This is four times the resolution of Full HD (1920 x 1080).
8K, on the other hand, has a resolution of 7680 x 4320 – that‘s over 33 million pixels total. It‘s called 8K because the horizontal pixel count is roughly 8000. This is a massive jump up from 4K, quadrupling the total number of pixels.
To put it simply, 8K is the highest resolution currently available in consumer TVs and offers an unprecedented level of detail and clarity. However, 4K is still considered ultra-high definition and will look fantastic to most viewers, especially at typical seating distances.
LG 8K vs 4K: Side-by-Side Comparison
Now that we understand the basics of TV resolution, let‘s take a closer look at how LG‘s 8K and 4K models stack up in terms of specs and features:
| LG 8K TV | LG 4K TV | |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 7680 x 4320 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Pixel Density | 150 pixels per inch (88" model) | 50 pixels per inch (75" model) |
| Display Technology | NanoCell, QNED Mini-LED | OLED, QNED Mini-LED, NanoCell |
| Processor | α9 Gen5 AI 8K | α9 Gen5 AI 4K, α7 Gen5 AI |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz, 60Hz |
| HDMI | 4x HDMI 2.1 | 4x HDMI 2.1, 2.0 |
| Size Range | 65" – 88" | 43" – 86" |
| Price Range | $2,700 – $25,000 | $550 – $6,500 |
As you can see, LG‘s 8K TVs have some serious advantages on paper – most notably the much higher pixel density which translates to incredible sharpness and detail. The flagship 88" 8K model packs in a whopping 150 pixels per inch compared to around 50 PPI for a high-end 75" 4K TV.
LG‘s best 8K sets also use cutting-edge Mini-LED backlighting technology for exceptional brightness, contrast, and local dimming. All 8K models are equipped with LG‘s most powerful α9 Gen5 AI processor which can intelligently upscale lower resolution content and optimize picture and sound quality.
The other big plus in the 8K column is HDMI 2.1 support across the board. This allows passthrough of 8K video at 60fps or 4K at 120fps from a capable source like a high-end gaming PC. The newer HDMI standard also enables advanced gaming features like variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM).
However, the 8K models are only available in very large sizes (77" and up) and are considerably more expensive than their 4K counterparts. Even the "entry-level" 77" 8K set costs over $3000, while you can get a premium 77" 4K OLED for around $2500.
Speaking of OLED, that‘s one display technology you won‘t find in 8K yet due to manufacturing limitations. LG‘s 4K OLED lineup is widely considered the gold standard for picture quality thanks to OLED‘s perfect black levels, wide viewing angles, and excellent uniformity. A well-implemented Mini-LED TV like the 8K QNED99 can come close, but won‘t quite match the infinite contrast ratio of OLED.
8K vs 4K: Pros and Cons
So we‘ve seen how LG‘s 8K and 4K TVs compare on specs – but what are the real world pros and cons of each resolution?
Pros of 8K:
- Unparalleled detail and sharpness, especially at very large screen sizes
- More immersive viewing experience
- Futureproof as 8K content becomes more widely available
- Advanced AI upscaling can make even 1080p content look better than on a 4K TV
Cons of 8K:
- Very little native 8K content available currently
- Expensive, especially compared to 4K TVs
- Requires sitting very close to appreciate extra detail over 4K
- Higher bandwidth requirements for gaming and video
Pros of 4K:
- Noticeable step up in picture quality over 1080p HD
- Widely available content across streaming, physical media, gaming
- Significantly more affordable than 8K, especially in smaller sizes
- OLED models offer best-in-class black levels and contrast
- 120Hz refresh rate is great for smooth motion and gaming
Cons of 4K:
- Not as detailed as 8K, especially at screen sizes 75" and above
- May not be as futureproof as 8K in the long run
- Some cheaper models may lack advanced features like HDMI 2.1 and VRR
Factors to Consider When Choosing 8K or 4K
Now that we‘ve weighed the pros and cons, let‘s discuss the main factors you should consider when deciding between an LG 8K or 4K TV for your home:
1. Budget – There‘s no getting around the significant price difference between LG‘s 8K and 4K models. You‘ll pay a hefty premium for those extra pixels, especially if you want the biggest screen sizes. Consider how much you‘re willing to invest and whether the added cost of 8K is worth it for your needs.
2. Room size and viewing distance – To fully appreciate 8K resolution, you need to sit very close to the screen – around 1.5 times the screen height for a 88" TV according to the experts at RTINGS.com. If your couch is further away than that or your room simply isn‘t big enough for an 88" TV, you likely won‘t notice the extra detail 8K provides. Stick with 4K unless you have a huge space.
3. Available content – While 8K TVs can make everything look amazing thanks to advanced upscaling, the fact is there‘s very little native 8K content to watch right now. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+ top out at 4K, as do UHD Blu-ray discs. There are some 8K YouTube videos and demo reels, but that‘s about it. For most people, 4K provides plenty of native high-res content to enjoy.
4. Gaming – If you‘re a serious gamer, 4K is still the resolution to aim for. The newest consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X output at 4K, not 8K. And while a powerful PC could theoretically play games at 8K, you‘ll need an extremely high-end rig to pull it off. Stick with 4K for fluid, responsive gameplay.
5. Future-proofing – 8K is undoubtedly the future of TV technology. As the costs come down and more content becomes available, 8K will eventually become the new standard like 4K did. If you tend to keep your TV for a very long time, springing for 8K now means you‘ll be able to enjoy the higher resolution down the line. But if you upgrade every 5 years or so, 4K is still very much relevant.
Recent LG 8K and 4K Updates
LG continues to push the boundaries of both 8K and 4K technologies with each new product lineup. Here are some of the latest advancements found in LG‘s 2023 TVs:
-
α9 Gen 6 AI Processor 8K/4K – LG‘s newest flagship processor takes AI-based picture and sound optimization to new heights. It can analyze content in real time to apply the ideal settings, upscale lower-res video, and enable features like virtual surround sound.
-
Brightness Booster Max – Select high-end 8K and 4K models now offer LG‘s brightest panels ever, with peak brightnesses up to 3000 nits. This allows for even better HDR performance and visibility in well-lit rooms.
-
OLED evo – LG‘s latest OLED models use an advanced panel and processor that significantly boosts brightness and color volume compared to previous generations. This helps OLED better compete with high-end LED sets.
-
webOS 23 – The 2023 version of LG‘s smart TV platform introduces new personalization options, an updated home screen UI, and wider support for wireless Dolby Atmos. In my experience, webOS remains one of the most user-friendly and full-featured smart TV interfaces available.
The Future of 8K and 4K
So what‘s next for these two Ultra HD resolutions? Here are some key developments to watch for over the next year:
8K:
- More affordable 8K sets as manufacturing costs come down
- Smaller 8K sizes (65" and below) to fit more homes
- Increased 8K content, especially from streaming giants investing in higher-res productions
- Potential for a larger-than-88", 100"+ 8K model from LG
- 8K broadcasting for major sporting events like the Olympics and World Cup
4K:
- Even brighter OLED models closing gap with flagship LED sets
- More advanced LED dimming zones and smaller Mini-LEDs for improved contrast
- Higher refresh rates up to 240Hz for smoother motion
- Wider color gamuts covering more of the Rec. 2020 space
- Slimmer designs and smaller bezels
The Bottom Line: 8K or 4K?
After testing and comparing LG‘s latest 8K and 4K models as well as analyzing the market, here‘s my take on which resolution is the best choice for different people:
You should buy an LG 8K TV if:
- You have a very large room and sit close to the TV
- You want the absolute maximum detail and sharpness
- You‘re willing to pay a significant premium over 4K
- You plan to keep the TV for a very long time as 8K becomes mainstream
You should buy an LG 4K TV if:
- You want the best balance of price, performance, and features
- You mostly watch streaming content, movies, and TV shows
- You sit more than 7 feet away from the TV
- You want the best possible picture quality for gaming
- You have a more limited budget or want a smaller screen size
Ultimately, both of these resolutions deliver phenomenal picture quality. You really can‘t go wrong with any of LG‘s upper mid-range and premium TVs.
But for most people, I recommend sticking with 4K for now. It hits the sweet spot of detail, affordability, and available content. The OLED C2 is my top pick thanks to its infinite contrast, wide viewing angles, and excellent gaming features. It‘s considerably less expensive than an 8K set while still delivering a best-in-class viewing experience for all types of content.
That said, if you truly want the sharpest, most cutting-edge TV and are willing to pay for it, LG‘s latest 8K models are hard to beat. The 88" QNED99 Mini-LED is a sight to behold and will make everything from movies to sports look better than you‘ve ever seen before. 8K is undoubtedly the future, and these are some of the most impressive TVs that will usher in a whole new era of TV technology.
