Is 8K better than OLED? This is a question that has been debated among tech enthusiasts and consumers alike. While both technologies have their own strengths and weaknesses, it can be argued that OLED offers a superior viewing experience compared to 8K.
Firstly, let’s talk about OLED technology. OLED, which stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode, utilizes individual pixels that emit their own light. This allows for each pixel to be turned on or off independently, resulting in perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratios. The LG CX OLED, for example, is known for its exceptional black levels, which enhance the overall picture quality and make colors appear more vibrant and lifelike.
On the other hand, 8K refers to the resolution of the display, specifically, 7680×4320 pixels. While 8K panels have a higher pixel density compared to 4K or Full HD displays, the benefits of this increased resolution may not be as noticeable as one might think. In order to fully appreciate the benefits of 8K, you would need to sit quite close to a large screen, which is not practical for most living room setups. From a normal viewing distance, the difference in sharpness between 8K and lower resolutions may not be easily discernible.
Now, let’s compare the LG CX OLED to the Samsung Q800T 8K QLED. The LG CX OLED has a significant advantage when it comes to black levels. Due to its pixel-level control, each pixel can be turned off completely, resulting in true blacks. This is something that QLED technology, which relies on a backlight, cannot achieve. The Samsung Q800T 8K QLED, while capable of producing vibrant and accurate colors, may struggle to display deep blacks, leading to a less immersive viewing experience.
Another area where OLED outshines 8K QLED is in viewing angles. OLED panels have wide viewing angles, meaning that the picture quality remains consistent even when viewed from the sides. QLED panels, on the other hand, tend to exhibit color and contrast degradation when viewed off-axis. This is an important consideration, especially for larger screens or if you have a wide seating arrangement in your living room.
In terms of response time, the LG CX OLED also has the upper hand. OLED panels have faster response times compared to QLED, resulting in smoother motion and reduced motion blur. This is especially beneficial for watching fast-paced action scenes or playing video games.
Color accuracy is another aspect where OLED excels. LG’s OLED panels are known for their excellent out-of-the-box color accuracy, requiring minimal calibration to achieve accurate colors. QLED panels, while capable of producing vibrant colors, may require more calibration to achieve optimal color accuracy.
Lastly, OLED panels generally handle reflections better than QLED panels. The individual OLED pixels can turn off completely, reducing the impact of ambient light reflections on the screen. This is particularly advantageous if you have a bright room with windows or light sources that may cause glare on the screen.
While 8K resolution may offer a higher pixel density, OLED technology provides a superior viewing experience overall. The LG CX OLED, with its perfect blacks, wide viewing angles, fast response time, excellent color accuracy, and superior reflection handling, outperforms the Samsung Q800T 8K QLED in several key areas. When it comes to choosing between 8K and OLED, it ultimately depends on your priorities and viewing preferences.