8K TVs Fail to Capture Market Interest

Taylor Keatsman

Published: February 2, 2026 12:59 PM ET

In recent years, the market for 8K TVs has struggled to capture consumer interest. Leading manufacturers have been reassessing their involvement in this high-resolution segment, with LG recently announcing its exit from the 8K TV market. This decision reflects a broader trend in the industry and underscores the lack of demand for 8K televisions.

LG Exits the 8K Market

LG, a significant player in the television and display industry, opted to halt its 8K TV production after evaluating current market trends and the state of 8K content availability. The company confirmed to FlatpanelsHD that it is putting its 8K initiatives “on ice” for now. This decision marks a noticeable retreat in the company’s 8K strategy.

The Discontinuation of the QNED99TUA

LG’s latest 8K model, the QNED99TUA mini LED, is being discontinued.
Currently, this TV retails for $2,500, down from its original price of $5,300.

The response to LG’s move from consumers has been muted, indicating a lack of enthusiasm for 8K TVs overall.

Samsung Remains Committed

Despite LG’s withdrawal, Samsung continues to produce 8K TVs. The company recently unveiled its QN990H model at CES 2026, although it has not released specific pricing or availability details. In recent years, Samsung has scaled back its 8K offerings, reflecting a general trend in the market.

The 8K Experience

Previous models like the QN900D, priced at $5,000, delivered impressive picture quality. However, many consumers found it challenging to differentiate between 4K and 8K content, especially on smaller screens. The additional clarity of 8K is often only noticeable on very large displays.

Limited 8K Content

Another significant barrier to 8K adoption is the scarcity of native content. Even major gaming consoles like Sony’s PlayStation 5 have failed to capitalize on their 8K capabilities, with only a handful of games offering true support. Recent reports indicate that Sony has begun downgrading the 8K branding on its packaging.

Market Statistics

Since 2015, only 1.6 million 8K TVs have been sold globally.
In contrast, the ultra high-definition (UHD) market was valued at $305.58 billion in early 2024.
Approximately 70% of UHD TV buyers in North America and Western Europe prefer 4K models.

Industry Shifts

Many brands have shifted their focuses away from 8K technology. TCL has publicly stated that market expectations for 8K have not materialized. In a strategic move, Sony recently transferred significant ownership of its TV division to TCL, reshaping the competitive landscape in the high-end TV market.

The Future of Television Technology

As consumer preferences evolve, manufacturers are prioritizing innovative screen types rather than focusing solely on higher resolutions. Developments in OLED and micro RGB technology suggest that features like color accuracy and local dimming may take precedence over pixel count.

In summary, while 8K TVs were anticipated to dominate the market, reality has shown a disconnect between consumer interest and product offerings. The focus for now appears to be on enhancing display technologies rather than merely increasing resolution.