The Difference Between 4K and 8K

When evaluating digital devices, there is one parameter that really matters: Resolution. But the rapid improvements in resolution range have happened so quickly that buyers can't tell the difference.

The Difference Between 4K, 8K and 1080p

The main difference between 4K and 8K is the number of pixels included in the resolution. 4K has 3840 pixels and 8K has 7680 pixels. Since the vertical resolution is also doubled, 8K has four times as many pixels as 4K. Here's a comparison of 4K, 8K, and 1080p.

Should I choose 4K or 8K resolution?

Today's digital devices offer a wide range of resolution options. For better picture quality and vivid detail in TVs, printers, cameras, and other devices, consumers are torn between 4K and 8K resolution. Deciding which is best for you may depend on the type of device you're buying. Here's some guidance.

For TV

8K resolution is making its debut in TVs. Big brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony are selling 8K TVs, but is 8K right for you? Here are the factors to consider.

1. Picture quality : You might assume that higher resolution automatically means better picture quality, but that's not necessarily true. The difference in pixel count sounds impressive, but it's barely noticeable to the human eye. It's only when 8K TVs are larger than 65 inches that 8K's picture quality really becomes noticeable.
2. Compatible content : 4K TVs can display a ton of compatible programming and content, but that's not yet the case with 8K. Right now, the only 8K content being produced are test recordings and broadcasts of major events like the Olympics and World Cup Finals, but they're not free to the public.
3. OLED or QLED : TV display technology can influence your choice. OLED stands for 'Organic Light-Emitting Diode,' the most commonly used TV technology, while QLED stands for 'Quantum-Dot Light-Emitting Diode.' This type of display uses quantum dot film to enhance the TV's color display. Most use OLED, while 8K TVs typically use QLED.
4. Cost : While there are plenty of 8K products on the market, they're still much more expensive than established 4K models (the average price is $3,000 to $5,000 more than a 4K OLED TV, which is too high for most consumers).

For gaming

Resolution and image quality are important to gamers, but the resolution of most games is still Full HD 1080p, largely because lower resolutions don't eat up as much bandwidth. 4K gaming isn't yet available for every game and every system, but the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X both claim to be 8K capable. Sony and Microsoft's latest consoles will also support 8K content, including video games, but that hasn't been released yet.

For camera

Security camera manufacturers know that consumers want higher resolution and higher accuracy, but there are very few 8K cameras available right now. When shopping for a high-resolution security camera, consider the following.

1. Image Quality : The resolution of a security camera determines the image quality of the camera. The higher the resolution, the better the image quality the camera can provide and with more pixels in an image. 8K security cameras will definitely provide more clarity and detail than 4K security cameras.
2. Storage and Bandwidth Consumption : There's an old adage that every coin has two sides, and that's true when considering the benefits of different high-resolution cameras. The higher the resolution, the more storage space they require and the more bandwidth they take up. 4K security cameras require 10-80MB of storage per minute and consume at least 25MB of bandwidth per minute. The storage and bandwidth requirements of 8K security cameras are likely to be double that of 4K.

For resin printers

For 3D resin printers, 4K and 8K are used to measure the resolution of liquid crystal displays (LCDs). The higher the resolution of the LCD, the more detail the printed models will provide. For more density and detail, 8K 3D resin printers will be better than 4K but will take longer to print and will be more expensive.

Jessica Tanner

Update 02 February 2025