- Matching (Score)
- Our verdict
- Competing TVs
- TV appearance
- Where to buy
- Contrast and black detail
- HDR effect quality
- Factory color reproduction
- Color reproduction after calibration
- Smoothness of tonal transitions
- Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
- Blur and motion smoothness
- Console compatibility and gaming features
- Input lag
- Compatibility with PC
- Viewing angles
- TV efficiency during daytime
- Details about the matrix
- TV features
- Playing files from USB
- Apps
- Sound
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Panel technology: LCD VA Brand: SHARP Resolution: 3840x2160 Operating system: Google TV Model year: 2024
Our verdict
6.4
Overall rating
The Sharp GR8 is a television created primarily for those who expect a maximally smooth image. It is somewhat of a successor to the FQ8 model, and it's clear that the manufacturer has strongly focused on the dynamics of motion. 144 Hz makes a difference – and not just in games. Sports broadcasts can also look stunning, without those annoying blurring or "stutters" that can detract from the enjoyment of watching. In terms of image quality, Sharp has opted for a VA panel. While there is no local dimming, one can still count on pleasant contrast. Additionally, there's Dolby Vision, which gives evening movie screenings depth – even if the television does not reach the brightness promised by the manufacturer. It must be said that when the lights in the room are dimmed, the overall presentation is truly pleasing to the eye. One of the biggest advantages of the GR8 is Google TV. We have access to a full range of applications, voice search in Polish, and a simple, intuitive interface. This means we are not limited to the standard functions of the television, as there is always the possibility to install additional programs and customize the system to our own needs. Of course, a few things could have been refined. The declared HDR brightness is higher on paper than in reality, which may leave the most demanding cinema enthusiasts wanting more. Additionally, a few useful features known from other models are missing: there is no USB recording or PiP function, and Apple device owners will be disappointed by the lack of AirPlay. Nevertheless, this is a television primarily aimed at those who value smooth images and high refresh rates. If we primarily care about dynamic gameplay and good support for games, and in the evenings we want to quietly watch a movie with pleasant image quality, the Sharp GR8 should meet those expectations.
Advantages
VA matrix with decent contrast
144 Hz refresh rate and two HDMI 2.1 ports – a great option for gamers
Support for VRR and ALLM, low input lag
Supports Dolby Vision
Google TV with a rich selection of apps, voice search in Polish, and an intuitive interface
Decent sound
Disadvantages
Brightness in HDR lower than claimed by the manufacturer (about 360 nits instead of 500)
In PC mode, it does not support chroma 4:4:4 - text and fonts are less readable because of this
No USB recording and PiP function
Lack of support for AirPlay - Apple device owners may feel unsatisfied
Movies and series in UHD quality6.2
Classic TV, YouTube6.1
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)6.4
Gaming on console7.8
TV as a computer monitor4.0
Watching in bright light4.5
Utility functions6.5
Apps9.5
Sound quality7.0
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Competing TVs in this price range
TV appearance
HDMI inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps) Other inputs: RCA (Chinch) Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones) Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
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Contrast and black detail
5.9/10
Funkcja lokalnego wygaszania: No
Contrast between the black background and the bright spotlight illuminating Jack. Scene from the movie Oblivion (Universal Pictures).
Result
5,300:1
Contrast between the glare on the chameleon's skin and the black near the edge of the screen below. Scene from the Spears&Munsil test disc.
Result
5,800:1
Contrast between the reflection on the helmet and the black on the black film strip. Scene from the movie Arrival (Paramount Pictures).
Result
6,600:1
Contrast between the actress's face and the black film strip at the top edge of the TV. Scene from the movie Gravity (Warner Bros. Pictures).
Result
5,650:1
Contrast between the colorful balloon and the black slice between the falling objects. Scene from the Pioneer Kuro test disc (2008).
Result
4,700:1
The Sharp GR8 utilizes a VA panel that can provide quite decent contrast. In the tested film scenes, for example in “Arrival”, the television demonstrated that it can achieve really good results. A contrast ratio of 6600:1 is a result that can be considered solid in this price segment. However, it should be mentioned that the television is not equipped with local dimming technology. This is quite obvious, considering the class of the equipment. Nonetheless, the Sharp GR8 handles the separation of bright and dark elements well, which definitely deserves recognition. It is worth noting that televisions without local dimming have their limitations. In very dark conditions, such as during a screening in a completely dark room, blacks can take on shades of navy blue instead of appearing deep and pitch black. In general, the Sharp GR8 offers quite solid contrast that should satisfy most users.
Halo effect and black detail visibility:
HDR effect quality
4.8/10
Supported formats: HDR10, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 95.2%, Bt.2020: 74.5%
Luminance measurements in HDR:
The measured point is the setting sun against a bright sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).
Result
305 nit
The measured point is the moon against a dark, starry sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).
Result
332 nit
The measured point is the flashlight on the rifle, which shines directly at the camera. Scene from the movie Gemini Man (Paramount Pictures).
Result
369 nit
The measured point is the tail light of a helicopter flying at night. This is a very small light point, the essence of the HDR effect. Scene from the movie Sicario 2: Soldado (Lionsgate).
Result
365 nit
The measured point is the sun visible directly between the clouds. The scene is very bright and should blind the viewer as in nature. Scene from the movie The Meg (Warner Bros. Pictures).
Result
367 nit
Sharp GR8 boasts "very high brightness" at a level of 500 nits in its promotional materials. Unfortunately, our tests showed that the reality is somewhat different – the average luminance value we managed to achieve was around 360 nits. This is rather an average result, especially in the context of the manufacturer's claims. Such brightness does not allow for a full enjoyment of HDR effects. The image is somewhat sharper than in standard SDR, but it is difficult to speak of true juiciness and depth in bright elements. However, the coverage of the DCI-P3 color palette at 95% deserves praise. This is the result of applying an additional PFS coating, known from QLED technology. As a result, colors are vivid and have a pleasant, natural tint, which partially compensates for the deficiencies in brightness.
Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)
Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)
We decided to check how the Sharp GR8 performs with demanding movie scenes that often reveal the shortcomings of televisions. Unfortunately, the results turned out to be average. A scene from the movie Pan quickly exposed the weaknesses of this model. Very bright elements, such as the sun in the distance, blended into a uniform blotch, and the overall image appeared overly brightened and lacking depth and "juiciness." The television fared slightly better in a scene from the movie Billy Lynn. The skin tones of the main character were rendered quite decently, but the issue with separating intense light effects reared its head again. Fireworks, which should dazzle with details, also merged into a uniform, bright area. Dynamic tone mapping could improve this situation, but unfortunately, this feature is simply not found in the Sharp GR8. As a result, the television leaves a considerable sense of dissatisfaction in more demanding HDR scenes.
HDR luminance chart:
The Sharp GR8 is equipped with a quite solid set of supported HDR formats. Here we find both the standard HDR10 and Dolby Vision – one of the most popular formats for dynamic metadata, widely used on streaming platforms. The differences between these formats are clearly noticeable. In scenes using Dolby Vision, such as the one with the horses, the image gains depth and detail. Details such as blades of grass, trees in the distance, or the subtle play of light filtering through the leaves are visible. All of this makes the scene look more realistic and engaging. Unfortunately, standard HDR10 does not perform as well. The image appears flat, details in bright and dark areas often blend together, and the overall effect is simply less impressive. It is worth emphasizing that the presence of Dolby Vision is a significant advantage of this model, especially for those using streaming services. Thanks to dynamic metadata, the Sharp GR8 can showcase its better side, offering a much more refined HDR effect.
Static HDR10
Dynamic: Dolby Vision
Factory color reproduction
5.4/10
At the outset, it is worth noting that color reproduction tests are always conducted in the best factory picture mode. In the case of the Sharp GR8, this is the "Film" mode. As for the white balance, which is a characteristic that affects how we perceive colors on the screen, in SDR mode, the strong dominance of blue immediately stands out. This results in an unnatural cooling of the image—blue elements take on a purple hue, and skin tones acquire a pink glow, which we can see in the comparative photo from the movie STAR WARS. During the Color Checker test, it was clearly visible how the color samples deviated from the reference values, confirming significant errors in color reproduction. Gamma was not perfect either—it caused excessive brightening of the entire image, causing the scene to lose depth and proper tonal transitions.
In 4K HDR mode, the situation looks much better. The dominance of blue is much less noticeable, although there are minor issues with the combination of red and blue. This makes some shades look somewhat unnatural. The EOTF curve, responsible for the brightness of the image in 4K HDR content, showed another problem—the television tends to excessively darken the image across the entire screen.
In summary, the "Film" mode on the Sharp GR8 would require some adjustments to fully utilize the potential of this television. Fortunately, we addressed this and proceeded to calibration.
Color reproduction after calibration
8/10
Sharp GR8 is one of those televisions that really gains a second life after proper calibration. Both in HD and 4K content, the white balance performs very well, especially considering the price segment of this model. The image becomes much closer to what the director wanted to show – colors look natural, and skin tones acquire the appropriate depth and warmth. The brightness characteristics also leave a very positive impression. Both gamma and the EOTF curve show really solid values. Although minor imperfections can be noticed, they are subtle enough that it's hard to see them during everyday viewing. In summary, calibration makes the Sharp GR8 show its best side, offering an image that is not only pleasant to the eye but also faithfully conveys the creators' intentions.
Smoothness of tonal transitions
8/10
When it comes to the fluidity of tonal transitions in high-quality materials such as 4K, the Sharp GR8 performs really well. Color gradients are smooth, and the transitions between shades are natural and free of visible artifacts. The TV has no problems reproducing subtle differences in colors, even in demanding scenes. Only the most discerning users, who examine the image closely, may notice minor imperfections in the darkest shades. For most viewers, the quality of tonal transitions in the Sharp GR8 will be more than satisfactory and will not negatively affect the perception of the image.
Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
5.5/10
Smooth transition function
Image without overscan on the SD signal
The Sharp GR8 is equipped with the "10-bit color reproduction" feature, which theoretically should improve the smoothness of tonal transitions. In practice... well, the effect is surprising, but not in a very positive way. Even at the highest settings, it's hard to notice any impact on the actual tonal transitions. Instead, the function surprisingly smooths out things it shouldn't – walls, shirts, or other flat surfaces look almost like they have been steam-pressed. In the test, we had to note that there is simply no actual impact on tonal transitions.
When it comes to image scaling, the Sharp GR8 performs significantly better here. The television is capable of giving the image a plastic, smooth characteristic, making even lower resolution content look quite good. Of course, with more demanding details, such as thin tree branches in the background, you can see slight jaggedness, but this is not something that would significantly affect viewing comfort.
Blur and motion smoothness
7.4/10
Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 144Hz
Film motion smoothing option: Yes
Blur reduction option: Yes
BFI function 60Hz: No
BFI function 120Hz: No
This is where the Sharp GR8 has the chance to stand out against the competition in its price segment. The TV is equipped with a 144 Hz refresh rate panel, which is an impressive result, especially if we plan to use it for dynamic content such as action movies, sports broadcasts, or video games. Additionally, the manufacturer has included a motion smoothing feature, commonly referred to as a "smoothener." The user has three levels of adjustment available, allowing them to tailor the effect to their own preferences – from subtle smoothing to more aggressive intervention in motion fluidity. This is a nice addition, especially for those who mainly watch movies and value smooth, cinematic sequences without annoying stuttering or frame drops.
Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):
In terms of smearing, the Sharp GR8 performs really well. During our standard test with the "UFO" animation, the TV showed its strengths – the lag is minimal, and the overall effect is smooth and clear. Of course, on the darkest backgrounds, you can notice slight issues with the clarity of our "little alien" silhouette, but this is a detail that is hard to consider significant in everyday use.
Console compatibility and gaming features
7.8/10
- ALLM:
Yes
- VRR:
Yes
- VRR range:
48 - 144Hz
- Dolby Vision Game Mode:
Yes
- Correct implementation of HGIG:
No
- 1080p@120Hz:
Yes
- 1440p@120Hz:
Yes
- 4K@120Hz:
Yes
- Game bar:
No
If a television has a 144 Hz display and two full HDMI 2.1 ports, it is clear that it has been designed with gamers in mind. The Sharp GR8 offers exactly that – high refresh rates and the right connections to maximize the performance of modern consoles and PCs. It also features ALLM, which automatically switches the television to low-latency mode, and VRR, which prevents screen tearing even in more demanding moments. In practice, everything works as it should, and it is hard to find any faults. However, there are some shortcomings. It lacks support for HGiG, which is a feature that better adjusts HDR for games, as well as a Game Bar that makes it easier to quickly adjust settings without leaving the game. Despite these downsides, the Sharp GR8 is a really solid option for gamers.
Input lag
9.7/10
The Sharp GR8 performs really well in terms of latency. At a refresh rate of 120 Hz, the input lag is only 9 ms, and at 60 Hz - about 18 ms. These are practically imperceptible values even for the most demanding gamers, where every millisecond counts. Importantly, the Dolby Vision mode also works responsively, which is not at all standard in TVs in this price range. This is definitely a big plus for those who want to enjoy not only smoothness but also better HDR effects while gaming.
| SDR | HDR | Dolby Vision |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p60: 18 ms | 2160p60: 16 ms | 2160p60 DV: 17 ms |
| 1080p120: 9 ms | 2160p120 DV: 9 ms | |
| 2160p60: 18 ms |
Compatibility with PC
4/10
Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): No
Font clarity: Good
Readability of dark text and shapes: Average
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 18ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement: BGR
Max refresh rate: 144Hz
G-Sync: Yes
The Sharp GR8 performs quite well as a screen for PC gaming. The 144 Hz refresh rate, low input lag, and support for G-Sync and FreeSync technology provide a setup that guarantees smooth and responsive gameplay. Games look dynamic, and the image remains stable even in the most demanding moments. However, a problem arises when it comes time to work with text. The TV does not support chroma 4:4:4, which means that fonts are blurred and poorly readable. Longer work with documents or browsing websites can simply become tiring for the eyes.
The Sharp GR8 is a great choice for PC gamers, but rather poor for office work. If we plan to use this TV mainly for gaming, we should be satisfied. However, if we think of it as a monitor for daily work, it’s better to look for another solution.
Viewing angles
3.2/10
Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 75%
In terms of viewing angles, the Sharp GR8 does not surprise – and it is hard to blame it, considering the use of a VA panel. When watching from a wider angle, the image loses quality, colors become faded, and contrast clearly decreases. Additional coatings that widen viewing angles could improve this aspect, but that is a solution we typically encounter in more expensive LCD TV models. If we plan to watch television mainly straight on, there won't be a major problem. However, in the case of a larger number of viewers sitting at different angles, it is worth being aware of this limitation.
TV efficiency during daytime
4.5/10
Matrix coating: Satin
Reflection suppression: Average
Black levels during daytime: Good
The Sharp GR8 has a satin finish display that handles reflections moderately. Bright surrounding elements, such as windows or lamps, are quite noticeable on the screen and can be distracting while watching. The brightness level of 330 cd/m² in SDR content is also unimpressive. As a result, the television performs best in rooms with not too much natural light. One could say that the GR8 manages during the day, but it is definitely not equipment designed for heavily sunlit living rooms. If we watch mainly in the evenings or in controlled lighting, this will not be a major issue.
Matrix brightness
Average luminance SDR
Sharp GR8: 329 cd/m2
Details about the matrix
Backlight Type: PFS LED
TV features
6.5/10
System operacyjny: Google TV
TV reception: DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
- Recording to USB (terrestrial TV):
No
- Recording programming:
No
- Picture in Picture (PiP):
No
- Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast):
Yes
- AirPlay:
No
- Voice search in native language:
Yes
- Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse:
Yes
- Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV:
Yes
- Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker:
No
- Audio only mode:
Yes
- RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen):
RF
- Backlit remote control:
No
- Teletext:
Yes
Google TV is definitely the biggest advantage of the Sharp GR8. This system is a true multimedia machine - it features almost all popular streaming applications, such as Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+. Voice search works in Polish and, importantly, is really responsive. We can tell the TV what we want to watch, and it quickly finds the appropriate content. Moreover, the interface is clear and intuitive, so even those who are not fond of technological novelties can handle it without any problems. In short, Google TV gets the job done.
Unfortunately, when it comes to more classic features, the GR8 is fairly average. There are no options for USB recording or PiP (picture-in-picture) functionality. Moreover, although the TV supports Bluetooth connectivity, iPhone users may feel disappointed as there is no support for AirPlay.
The remote included in the package is simple yet well thought out. It has a solar panel on the front, which allows it to be charged by light, and the additional charging port means we don't have to worry about changing batteries. It is also a plus that the remote does not require pointing at the screen - it works regardless of the direction it is facing.
Playing files from USB
9.1/10
| Maximum photo resolution: | Supported photo formats: |
|---|---|
| 4 Mpix | JPEG |
| 6 Mpix | HEIC |
| 8 Mpix | PNG |
| 10 Mpix | GIF |
| 12 Mpix | WebP |
| 16 Mpix | TIFF |
| 20 Mpix | BMP |
| 24 Mpix | SVG |
| 28 Mpix | |
| 32 Mpix |
The Sharp GR8 performs really well when playing multimedia files from USB. It supports almost all popular audio and video formats, so we don't have to worry about any file not launching.
However, the built-in player has its limitations – for example, we won't find the option to change the font color in subtitles here. Fortunately, the Google TV system allows us to bypass this problem. You just need to download an alternative multimedia playback app from the Google Play Store, which offers more advanced configuration options.
Apps
9.5/10
Sound
7/10
7/10
Subjective sound quality
Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
Dolby True HD 7.1
Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)
Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD
DTS:X in DTS-HD MA
DTS-HD Master Audio
Sharp GR8 positively surprises with its sound quality. Although it is equipped with a standard set of speakers, the influence of collaboration with Harman/Kardon is evident. The sound is clear, dialogues are well emphasized, and the overall sound characteristic is pleasant to the ear. It is not on the level of flagship models with advanced audio systems, but for this price segment – it is really good.
Unfortunately, Sharp decided to remove the built-in soundbar that we could see in the previously reviewed model Sharp FQ8. It’s a pity, because this solution significantly improved sound quality and gave the television an advantage over the competition.