Blimey, if you’re eyeing up a massive telly upgrade and wondering whether 8K is finally worth the dosh in 2026, you’re not alone. With prices dropping like a stone thanks to last-gen clearances and streaming giants teasing more native content these pixel-packed beasts are tempting for footy fans, gamers, or anyone who wants their living room to feel like a cinema. But is the jump from 4K really noticeable, or just a marketing gimmick? This no-nonsense chat walks you through the pros, cons, top picks available at Currys or John Lewis, real-world tests, and a buyer’s table so you can decide without FOMO. Spoiler: For big screens over 75 inches, yeah, it’s starting to make sense.
The 8K Buzz: What’s Changed by 2026?
Remember when 8K launched as this ultra-premium fad? Fast-forward to 2026, and Samsung’s Neo QLEDs and LG’s OLED experiments have slashed prices by 40-50% from peak. Native 8K content? YouTube’s got demos, BBC trials for nature docs, and PS5 Pro owners are rendering games at eye-watering detail. Upscaling’s the real hero AI processors like Samsung’s NQ8 Gen3 turn blurry Netflix shows into near-native sharpness. Sitting 1-2 meters from a 65-inch? Meh. But slap it on an 85-inch wall-mount? Textures pop, crowds in matches feel alive. Power draw’s down too, with efficient Mini-LED backlights sipping less juice than your old plasma.
Downside? Content drought persists no full 8K Sky Sports yet, and Blu-rays are rare. But if you’re gaming on PC with RTX 50-series or future-proofing a man-cave, it’s a solid bet.
Picture Quality: Does 8K Actually Look Better?
Short answer: Yes, on huge screens. Blind tests from tech sites show 70% of viewers spot differences in motion-heavy stuff like rugby scrums or Hollywood explosions, especially with HDR10+ or Dolby Vision IQ. Blacks? Samsung QN990F crushes with 2,000+ dimming zones, no OLED burn-in risk. Colors? Quantum dots deliver billion-shade palettes that make 4K look washed out side-by-side.
Real chat from a mate in Manchester: “Swapped my 75-inch 4K Sony for a QN900F footy’s sidelines are razor-sharp now, no more pixel mush on replays.” Caveat: From your sofa at normal distance, upscaling wizardry blurs the line unless you’re a detail nerd.
Gaming and Smart Features: 8K’s Power Play
Gamers, rejoice. 2026’s 8K TVs pack 144Hz panels, VRR, ALLM, and four HDMI 2.1 ports for PS5 Pro or Xbox Series X at 8K/60fps. Samsung’s Game Bar tweaks input lag to 5ms; LG’s OLEDs hit true black for immersive shadows in Cyberpunk. Streaming? Tizen or webOS with AI scene optimization voice search finds “that Bake Off episode” instantly.
Smart home ties? Alexa, Google, Matter-ready. One gripe: Remote bloat too many buttons.
2026 UK Price Table: Top 8K TVs Compared
Here’s the rundown on best buys at UK retailers (prices incl. VAT, Jan 2026 estimates; check Black Friday deals). Focused on 65-85 inch sweet spot.
| Model | Screen Size Options | Tech Type | Price (65in / 75in / 85in) | Peak Brightness (HDR) | Upscaling Score | Gaming Lag | Best For |
| Samsung QN900F Neo QLED | 65-98in | Mini-LED | £2,200 / £3,500 / £5,000 | 2,500 nits | Excellent | 9ms | All-rounder, value |
| Samsung QN990F (Wireless) | 75-110in | Neo QLED | £4,000 / £6,500 / £9,000 | 3,000 nits | Outstanding | 5ms | Premium, big rooms |
| LG Z3 OLED | 77-88in | WOLED | £12,000 / £15,000 / N/A | 1,300 nits | Very Good | 12ms | Cinema purists |
| Sony Bravia XR Z9K | 75-85in | Mini-LED | £7,500 / £10,000 / N/A | 2,800 nits | Excellent | 8ms | Realism, movies |
| TCL 98QM8K Mini-LED | 98in only | QD-Mini LED | N/A / N/A / £4,500 | 2,200 nits | Good | 10ms | Budget giant |
Notes: Prices from Currys/Amazon UK; add £200-500 for stands. Energy rating A/B efficient.
Pros of Jumping to 8K Now
- Future-Proof Flex: 8K streaming ramps up Samsung’s 8K YouTube channel, expected UHD Blu-ray shift.
- Upscaling Magic: Turns iPlayer HD into “wow” foliage in countryside docs feels textured.
- Big Screen Bliss: Over 80 inches, 4K pixels show; 8K vanishes for immersive walls.
- Deals Galore: 2025 clearances mean 2026 entry-level under £2k half 2023 prices.
- Gaming Edge: PS5 Pro demos at 8K/120fps; PC rigs with DLSS3.5 render effortlessly.
Energy bills? Modern ones use 20% less than flagships from two years back.
Cons: Why Skip and Stick with 4K?
Harsh truth: Most homes don’t need it. Average UK viewing distance (2.5m) on 55-inch? Indistinguishable. Native content? Slim wait for Super Bowl 8K trials. Cost? Still premium vs. insane 4K like LG C5 at £1k. Bandwidth hog too 8K streams need 100Mbps fibre.
Blind test verdict: Casual viewers pick 4K 60% time. Burn-in risk on OLEDs for static HUDs. Wallpapering your wallet if you go 98-inch TCL impulse buy.
UK Buying Tips: Where and When to Snap One Up
Hit Currys, Richer Sounds, or Sevenoaks for demos sit the distance you’d watch at home. January sales post-CES dump leftovers cheap. AO recycles old TVs free. Warranty? Five years from Samsung beats Panasonic’s three.
Budget hack: QN900F over QN990F unless wireless One Connect blows your mind. Size up 75-inch minimum for 8K payoff.
Power setup? 8K beasts need sturdy mounts; check wall voltage.
Real User Stories: Worth It or Wallet Drain?
London gamer: “QN900D for PS5 Pro explosions in Battlefield have insane debris detail. Paired with eARC soundbar, mind blown.” Worth £3k? “Absolutely, traded 4K no regrets.”
Mum in Bristol: “85-inch TCL for family movies kids spot Pixar hairs now. Upscaling saves Sky sub hassle.” Bargain at £4.5k.
Regret tale: “Bought LG Z2 early stunning but content-starved. Sold loss, happy with 4K OLED now.”
Forums agree: Gamers/media buffs yes; Netflix-only nah.
Setup Secrets for Max 8K Bang
- Calibrate: Use built-in patterns or THX app boost shadow detail.
- Sources: Chromecast 8K dongle, Nvidia Shield for upscaling.
- Sound: Dolby Atmos via eARC don’t skimp.
- Room: Darker better for contrast; anti-glare panels shine in lounges.
- Maintenance: Dust filters yearly; firmware auto-updates fix bugs.
Pro move: HDMI 2.1 cables certified dodgy ones cap at 4K.
2026 Trends: 8K’s Next Chapter
CES whispers: Micro-LED 8K panels brighter/cheaper. Apple TV rumoured 8K support. Football rights push native broadcasts. Prices dip below £1k for 65-inch by 2027? Streaming services mandate 8K for premium tiers.
Eco angle: Efficient panels cut emissions vs. multiples of 4K screens.
Read More: Smart Home Hubs: Google vs Amazon in uk 2026
FAQs: Straight Answers
See difference from 4K? Yes on 75in+, no on smaller.
Gaming ready? PS5 Pro yes; base PS5 caps 4K.
Streaming 8K? YouTube, select UHD discs growing.
OLED or QLED? QLED for brightness/no burn; OLED perfect blacks.
Return policy? 30 days at Currys test thoroughly.
Bottom line: 8K TVs worth buying in 2026 UK? Hell yeah for big-screen gamers or cinephiles QN900F steals show under £3k. Casual? Stick 4K savings. Measure room, budget table, demo locally. Eyeing specific size or use? Spill for picks.