Purchasing a television in 2025 presents a surprisingly intricate challenge. With countless models available and varying terminologies used by manufacturers to describe similar technologies (like OLED vs. QLED, microLED vs. miniLED), the choices can be overwhelming.

One crucial factor in selecting a TV is its image quality. Currently, this involves deciding between 4K and 8K resolutions. While 4K has become the accepted standard—especially if you’re a fan of physical media with 4K Blu-rays being among the best options—8K is the latest and notably pricier upgrade. But is investing in an 8K television in 2025 worthwhile? In certain situations, definitely, but for the majority of viewers, a 4K TV is likely the more sensible choice.

Understanding 8K Resolution in Televisions

Your television operates on a grid of pixels, where more pixels yield finer details. Over the past decade and a half, television resolutions have evolved from basic standards like 480p (640 x 480 pixels) to 720p (1280 x 720 pixels), and then to 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels). Recent models have transitioned to 4K, or 3840 x 2160 pixels, while 8K boasts an impressive 7680 x 4320 pixels.

Nonetheless, pixel count is relative to screen size. For instance, a 100-inch 4K display will exhibit less detail compared to a 50-inch 4K screen because the smaller screen has its pixels packed more densely.

The source material—whether it’s a video game, streaming series, or a Blu-ray film—comes in a specific resolution, which may not align with your television’s capabilities. If you’re playing a game in 4K but your TV only supports 1080p, the content won’t look as sharp.

When viewing lower-resolution content on an 8K TV, the television must enlarge the image to fit the screen. If it displayed the content in its original resolution, only a small version would be visible, surrounded by black borders due to the abundance of pixels. As a solution, televisions employ a technique called “upscaling,” where additional pixels are generated based on the original video to fill the screen creatively.

The quality of this upscaling process can vary significantly between brands and models, and it is vital to check reviews to see how effectively a TV handles this feature.

4K vs. 8K: A Comparison

Mathematically, 8K content provides four times the resolution of 4K, offering what seems like a remarkable increase in detail. Viewing 8K material can impart an experience of “hyper-realism,” with unparalleled color clarity and impressive shadow depth. A few YouTube videos showcasing both resolutions highlight this difference distinctly.

However, as of 2025, 8K content remains scarce. Most streaming services and gaming platforms still predominantly provide 4K content. Over the past eighteen months of using an 8K TV, the only notable 8K content found consists of a few YouTube videos and selective gaming experiences. While it is logical to foresee an increase in 8K productions, this expansion hasn’t materialized yet.

Interestingly, the upscaling of 4K content on an 8K television is executed so skillfully that it can feel similar to the higher resolution. Observing the differences between the two screens—one being 4K and the other 8K—reveals a marked disparity when switching mid-series; moving from 8K to 4K can briefly appear grainy as one adjusts.

Tech Requirements for 8K Content

Higher-resolution displays demand more energy, given the increased number of pixels needing illumination and control. However, the upscaling chips also consume significant power, alongside the enhanced backlighting used to achieve these levels of detail. This can lead to surprising heat generation during use.

Furthermore, content at high resolutions demands higher data rates. For streaming, this translates to needing increased bandwidth from your internet service provider to facilitate the smooth delivery of content.

The Beauty of 8K Content

Upon installing an 8K TV last year—a 65-inch model from Samsung), the initial week felt almost magical; the details and dimensionality from the compact pixel arrangement were nothing short of fantastic. This display boasts around 33 million pixels compared to roughly 8.3 million pixels on 4K.

During that winter, I spent considerable time watching an 8K YouTube video showcasing a fireplace. The three-dimensionality and richness of colors compared to 4K were startling.

The Challenge of Finding 8K Content

Finding quality 8K content can be challenging. Japan features a dedicated 8K sports channel, while TCL TVs offer a high-definition channel hosting 4K and 8K videos, known as The Explorers. Additionally, RED features a website aimed at showcasing films shot in this high resolution. Notably, certain smartphones now support 8K video recording, with Samsung leading the way. However, presently, only Samsung continues to produce 8K television models.

The Upscaling Magic of 8K TVs

An essential point observed over the past year is the emphasis on upscaling abilities rather than solely focusing on native 8K content. Many 8K televisions utilize advanced AI-driven models and machine learning for upscaling precision. Rewatching classic shows, such as the ’80s sitcom Who’s the Boss, on an 8K TV was a revelation; although not filmed in 8K, the series appeared modern and vastly improved compared to its original release. This enhancement also applies to movies from the ’90s and beyond, giving them a contemporary feel despite their original resolutions.

It’s worth noting that 4K content benefits as well from this upscaling process; it becomes particularly evident in darker scenes where the added pixels enhance understanding of shadowy details. Watching gripping series like The Last of Us on an 8K television versus a 4K model dramatically highlights these improvements.

The Rising Cost of 8K TVs

It’s often advised to refrain from purchasing the latest or priciest models of technology; instead, aiming for older yet well-regarded models can lead to better value. Last year, the price difference between 8K and 4K TVs was minimal. Currently, however, a Samsung 65-inch 8K television is currently priced at $3,279, while a comparable 4K model costs $1,797. Given that televisions are akin to significant appliances, they are typically kept for several years; research indicates an average lifespan of around 6.6 years.

Purchasing a 4K television now essentially banks on the notion that 4K will remain the standard for several years to come. However, personal valuation may differ; not everyone prioritizes ultra-high resolution in the same manner. Making such a large investment entails considering multiple factors and avoiding a one-size-fits-all viewpoint regarding the costs associated with 8K TV acquisitions.

The Importance of Extended Warranties

Prior to setting up the Samsung 8K television, a 720p Panasonic from 2012 had consistently performed well without issues. Recently, however, my Samsung—just sixteen months old—dimmer. The remedy wasn’t a straightforward matter of replacing the backlight but often involved changing the entire screen, costing nearly as much as the TV itself. This revelation was shocking. For premium technology like an 8K TV, securing an extended warranty seems almost imperative.

8K: An Added Bonus Rather Than a Necessity

While experiencing 8K content can be genuinely awe-inspiring, the lack of available material makes it hard to justify a hurried purchase. For those not eager to upgrade, waiting is a viable option, as 4K content remains visually stunning. A high-quality 4K television will provide all the essential smart features, brightness, contrast, and remarkable native resolution available now, enabling enjoyment long after 8K becomes mainstream.