Sharp GR8

GR8765E / GR8465E / GR8265E

Info

Available screen sizes: 43”50”55”65”

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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

Sharp GR8 is a television primarily designed for those who expect the smoothest possible image. It is in a way the successor to the FQ8 model, and it is evident that the manufacturer has strongly focused on the aspect of motion dynamics. 144 Hz makes a difference – and not just in games. Sports broadcasts can also look stunning, without those annoying smudges or "jumps" that can spoil the enjoyment of watching. In terms of picture quality, Sharp has opted for a VA panel. Although there is no local dimming, one can still count on pleasant contrast. Added to this is Dolby Vision, which gives evening film sessions depth – even if the television does not achieve 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. Thanks to this, we are not limited to the standard functions of the television, as there is always the possibility to install additional programmes and adapt the system to our own needs. Of course, a few aspects could have been refined. The declared HDR brightness is higher on paper than in reality, which may leave the most demanding cinema enthusiasts feeling unsatisfied. Besides that, there are a few useful features missing that we are familiar with from other models: there is no recording to USB or PiP functionality, and Apple device owners will be disappointed by the absence of AirPlay. Nevertheless, this is a television mostly 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 calmly watch a film with pleasant quality for the eyes, 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

  • Supports VRR and ALLM, low input lag

  • Supports Dolby Vision

  • Google TV with a rich selection of applications, voice search in Polish and an intuitive interface

  • Decent sound

Disadvantages

No like

  • HDR brightness is lower than the manufacturer claims (around 360 nits instead of 500)

  • In PC mode, it does not support chroma 4:4:4 – text and fonts are less readable as a result

  • No recording to USB and no PiP function

  • No support for AirPlay – Apple device owners may feel deprived

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    6.2

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    6.1

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.4

  • Gaming on console

    7.8

  • TV as a computer monitor

    4.0

  • Watching in bright light

    4.5

  • Utility functions

    6.5

  • Apps

    10.0

  • Sound quality

    7.0

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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

Review Sharp GR8 Appearance of the TV Review Sharp GR8 Appearance of the TV Review Sharp GR8 Appearance of the TV Review Sharp GR8 Appearance of the TV Review Sharp GR8 Appearance of the TV Review Sharp GR8 Appearance of the TV Review Sharp GR8 Appearance of the TV

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Contrast and black detail

5.9/10

Local dimming function: No

Review Sharp GR8 Contrast and black detail

Result

5,300:1

Review Sharp GR8 Contrast and black detail

Result

5,800:1

Review Sharp GR8 Contrast and black detail

Result

6,600:1

Review Sharp GR8 Contrast and black detail

Result

5,650:1

Review Sharp GR8 Contrast and black detail

Result

4,700:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

Review Sharp GR8 Visibility of details in the lights

Sharp GR8 uses a VA panel, which can provide quite commendable contrast. In the tested film scenes, for example in "Arrival", the television showed 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. Nevertheless, Sharp GR8 performs well in separating light and dark elements, which definitely deserves recognition. It is worth remembering, however, that televisions without local dimming have their limitations. In very dark conditions, for example during a screening in a completely darkened room, blacks can shift to shades of navy blue instead of appearing deep and pitch black. Generally, 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:

Review Sharp GR8 Brightness measurement

Result

305 nit

Review Sharp GR8 Brightness measurement

Result

332 nit

Review Sharp GR8 Brightness measurement

Result

369 nit

Review Sharp GR8 Brightness measurement

Result

365 nit

Review Sharp GR8 Brightness measurement

Result

367 nit

Sharp GR8 in its promotional materials boasts of "very high brightness" at a level of 500 nits. 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 a bit more defined than in standard SDR, but it is difficult to speak of true richness and depth in bright elements here. However, praise is due for the DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage at a level of 95%. This is a result of the application of an additional PFS layer, known from QLED technology. As a result, the colours are vivid and have a pleasant, natural tone, which somewhat compensates for the deficiencies in brightness.

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Review Sharp GR8 Scene from movie PAN

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

Review Sharp GR8 Scene from movie Billy Lynn

We decided to check how the Sharp GR8 handles demanding film scenes that often highlight the imperfections of televisions. Unfortunately, the results turned out to be average. A scene from the film Mr quickly revealed the weaknesses of this model. Very bright elements, such as the sun in the distance, merged into a uniform blot, and the overall image appeared excessively bright and lacking depth and "juiciness". The television performed somewhat better in a scene from the film Billy Lynn. The skin tones of the main character were reproduced quite decently, but the problem with separating intense light effects made its presence felt again. The fireworks, which should dazzle with their details, also merged into a uniform, bright area. Dynamic tone mapping could have improved this situation, but unfortunately, this function simply cannot be found in the Sharp GR8. As a result, the television leaves a considerable desire for more in more demanding HDR scenes.

HDR luminance chart:

Sharp GR8 is equipped with a quite solid set of supported HDR formats. Here we find both standard HDR10 and Dolby Vision – one of the most popular dynamic metadata formats, widely used on streaming platforms. The differences between these formats are clearly noticeable. In scenes utilizing Dolby Vision, such as the one with the horses, the image gains depth and detail. Details like blades of grass, trees in the distance, and the subtle play of light filtering through the leaves are visible. All of this makes the scene appear more realistic and engaging. Unfortunately, standard HDR10 does not perform as well. The image seems flat, details in bright and dark areas often merge, and the end result is simply less impressive. It is worth highlighting 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 significantly more refined HDR effect.

Static HDR10

Review Sharp GR8 Static HDR 10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Review Sharp GR8 Dynamic HDR 10+

Factory color reproduction

5.4/10

At the outset, it is worth noting that colour reproduction tests are always conducted in the best factory picture mode. In the case of Sharp GR8, this is the “Film” mode. As for white balance, which affects how we perceive colours on the screen, in SDR mode, there is an immediate noticeable dominance of blue. This results in an unnatural cooling of the image – blue elements take on a purple hue, and skin tones acquire a pinkish glow, as we can see in the comparative photo from the film STAR WARS. During the Color Checker test, it was clear that the colour samples deviated from the reference values, confirming considerable errors in colour reproduction. The gamma was also not ideal – it caused excessive brightness throughout the entire image, resulting in a lack of depth and appropriate tonal transitions in the scene.

In 4K HDR mode, the situation looks significantly better. The dominance of blue is much less noticeable, although there are minor issues with the combination of red and blue. This causes some shades to appear somewhat unnatural. The EOTF curve, responsible for the brightness of the image in 4K HDR content, revealed another problem – the television tends to excessively dim the image across the entire surface of the screen.

In summary, the “Film” mode in Sharp GR8 would require a few adjustments to fully utilise the potential of this television. Fortunately, we took care of that and proceeded with calibration.

Factory Mode

After calibration

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Color reproduction after calibration

8/10

Sharp GR8 is one of those televisions that truly gains a second life after proper calibration. Both in HD and 4K content, the white balance performs very well, especially when considering the price segment of this model. The image becomes much more aligned with what the director intended to show – colours look natural, and skin tones acquire the appropriate depth and warmth. The brightness characteristics also make a very positive impression. Both gamma and the EOTF curve display really solid values. While minor imperfections can be noticed, they are subtle enough that they are difficult to detect during everyday viewing. In summary, calibration allows the Sharp GR8 to showcase its best features, offering an image that is not only pleasant to the eye but also faithfully reflects the creators' intentions.

Review Sharp GR8 Color reproduction before calibration
Review Sharp GR8 Color reproduction after calibration

Smoothness of tonal transitions

8/10

When it comes to the smoothness of tonal transitions in high-quality materials such as 4K, Sharp GR8 performs exceptionally well. The colour gradients are smooth, and the transitions between shades are natural and free of visible artifacts. The television has no trouble reproducing subtle differences in colours, even in demanding scenes. Only the most discerning users, who scrutinise the image closely, may notice slight 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 viewing experience.

Review Sharp GR8 Smoothness of tonal transitions Review Sharp GR8 Smoothness of tonal transitions Review Sharp GR8 Smoothness of tonal transitions Review Sharp GR8 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Sharp GR8 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Sharp GR8 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Sharp GR8 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Sharp GR8 Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5.5/10

No Smooth transition function

Review Sharp GR8 Smooth transition function

OK Image without overscan on the SD signal

Review Sharp GR8 Image without overscan on the SD signal

Sharp GR8 has been equipped with the "10-bit colour reproduction" feature, which theoretically should improve the smoothness of tonal transitions. In practice… well, the effect is surprising, but not in a particularly positive way. Even at the highest settings, it is difficult to notice any impact on the actual tonal transitions. Instead, the feature surprisingly smooths out what it shouldn't – walls, shirts, or other flat surfaces look almost like they have been freshly ironed. In the test, we had to note that there is simply no actual impact on tonal transitions.

As for image scaling, here Sharp GR8 performs significantly better. The television can give the image a plastic, smooth characteristic, meaning even lower resolution content looks quite good. Of course, with more demanding details, such as thin tree branches in the background, one can notice slight jaggedness, but it 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

Review Sharp GR8 Blur and motion smoothness

This is where Sharp GR8 has the chance to stand out from the competition in its price segment. The television is equipped with a 144 Hz refresh rate panel, which is an impressive achievement, especially if we plan to use it for dynamic content such as action films, sports broadcasts, or video games. Additionally, the manufacturer has ensured the presence of motion smoothing technology, commonly referred to as a “smoothness enhancer.” The user has three levels of adjustment at their disposal, allowing them to tailor the effect to their own preferences – from subtle smoothing to a more aggressive intervention in the smoothness of the image. This is a nice addition, particularly for those who mainly watch films and care about smooth, cinematic sequences without irritating stutters or frame drops.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Review Sharp GR8 Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate)
Review Sharp GR8 Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate)
Review Sharp GR8 Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate)

In terms of motion blur, Sharp GR8 performs quite decently. During our standard test with the “UFO” animation, the television demonstrated itself well – the delays are minimal, and the overall effect is smooth and clear. Of course, on the darkest backgrounds, one can notice minor issues with the clarity of our “little green man” silhouette, but this is a detail that is hard to consider significant in everyday use.

Console compatibility and gaming features

7.8/10

  • Yes ALLM: Yes
  • Yes VRR: Yes
  • Yes VRR range: 48 - 144Hz
  • Yes Dolby Vision Game Mode: Yes
  • No Correct implementation of HGIG: No
  • Yes 1080p@120Hz: Yes
  • Yes 1440p@120Hz: Yes
  • Yes 4K@120Hz: Yes
  • No Game bar: No
Review Sharp GR8 Console compatibility and gaming features
Review Sharp GR8 Console compatibility and gaming features

If the television has a 144 Hz panel 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 appropriate connections that will allow you to get the most out of modern consoles and PCs. It also features ALLM, which automatically switches the television to low latency mode, and VRR, which ensures the image does not stutter even during more demanding moments. In practice, everything works as it should, and it is hard to find fault with anything. However, there are some shortcomings. It lacks support for HGiG, which is a feature that better adjusts HDR for games, as well as Game Bar, which makes it easier to quickly adjust settings without leaving the game. Despite these drawbacks, the Sharp GR8 is truly a solid option for gamers.

Review Sharp GR8 Console compatibility and gaming features
Review Sharp GR8 Console compatibility and gaming features

Input lag

9.7/10

Sharp GR8 performs really well in terms of latency. With a refresh rate of 120 Hz, the input lag is just 9 ms, and at 60 Hz – about 18 ms. These values are practically imperceptible even for the most demanding gamers, where every millisecond counts. Importantly, the Dolby Vision mode also works responsively, which is by no means a standard feature in televisions 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

Review Sharp GR8 Compatibility with PC

Sharp GR8 performs quite well as a screen for PC gaming. With a refresh rate of 144 Hz, low input lag, and support for G-Sync and FreeSync technology, it offers a combination 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 television does not support chroma 4:4:4, which means that fonts are blurred and poorly legible. Prolonged work with documents or browsing websites can prove simply tiring for the eyes.

Sharp GR8 is a great choice for PC gamers, but rather poor for office work. If we plan to use this television mainly for gaming, we should be satisfied. However, if we are considering it as a monitor for everyday 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, Sharp GR8 is not surprising – and it's hard to blame it, considering the use of a VA panel. When viewed from a greater angle, the image loses quality, colours become washed out, and contrast clearly drops. Additional coatings to widen the viewing angles could improve this aspect, but that is a solution typically found in more expensive LCD TV models. If we plan to watch television mainly head-on, there won't be a major issue. However, for a larger number of viewers sitting at different angles, it is worth being aware of this limitation.

TV efficiency during daytime

4.5/10

Review Sharp GR8 TV efficiency during daytime
Review Sharp GR8 TV efficiency during daytime

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Average

Black levels during daytime: Good

Sharp GR8 has a satin display that performs moderately well with reflections. Bright elements in the environment, such as windows or lamps, quite clearly reflect 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 is best suited for rooms that do not receive too much natural light. Therefore, it can be said that the GR8 holds its own during the day, but it is certainly not equipment designed for heavily sunlit living rooms. If we mostly watch in the evenings or in controlled lighting, it won't be a major issue.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Sharp GR8: 329 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: v1.19 SHARP-FV1

Image processor: mt5889 3gb ram

Subpixel Structure:

Review Sharp GR8 TV details about the matrix

Panel uniformity:

Review Sharp GR8 TV 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

  • No Recording to USB (terrestrial TV): No
  • No Recording programming: No
  • No Picture in Picture (PiP): No
  • Yes Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast): Yes
  • No AirPlay: No
  • Yes Voice search in native language: Yes
  • Yes Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse: Yes
  • Yes Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV: Yes
  • No Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker: No
  • Yes Audio only mode: Yes
  • Yes RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen): RF
  • No Backlit remote control: No
  • Yes Teletext: Yes
Review Sharp GR8 TV features
Review Sharp GR8 TV features
Review Sharp GR8 TV features Review Sharp GR8 TV features

Google TV is definitely the biggest advantage of Sharpa GR8. This system is a true multimedia powerhouse – it includes practically all popular streaming applications, such as Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+. Voice search works in Polish and, importantly, is really responsive. We can simply tell the television what we want to watch, and it quickly finds the appropriate content. Furthermore, the interface is clear and intuitive, so even those who are not keen on technological innovations will manage without any problems. In short, Google TV does the job.

Unfortunately, when it comes to more classic features, the GR8 is rather average. There is no option for USB recording or PiP (picture-in-picture) functionality. Moreover, although the television supports Bluetooth connectivity, iPhone users may feel disappointed as there is no support for AirPlay.

The remote included in the package is simple but well thought out. It has a solar panel on the front, allowing it to be charged by light, and the additional charging port means we don’t have to worry about changing batteries. It’s also worth noting that the remote does not require aiming at the screen – it works regardless of which direction it is pointed.

Playing files from USB

9.1/10

Review Sharp GR8 Playing files from USB
Maximum photo resolution:Supported photo formats:
Yes 4 Mpix
Yes JPEG
Yes 6 Mpix
Yes HEIC
Yes 8 Mpix
Yes PNG
Yes 10 Mpix
Yes GIF
Yes 12 Mpix
Yes WebP
Yes 16 Mpix
No TIFF
Yes 20 Mpix
Yes BMP
Yes 24 Mpix
No SVG
Yes 28 Mpix
Yes 32 Mpix

Sharp GR8 performs really well when playing media files from USB. It supports virtually all popular audio and video formats, so we don't have to worry about any files not playing.

However, the built-in player has its limitations – for example, we won't find an option to change the font colour in subtitles here. Fortunately, the Google TV system allows us to work around this issue. All you need to do is download an alternative media playback app from the Google Play Store that offers more advanced configuration options.

Apps

10/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
OK
Kodi

Sound

7/10

7/10

Subjective sound quality

Yes Dolby Digital Plus 7.1

No Dolby True HD 7.1

Yes Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)

No Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD

Yes DTS:X in DTS-HD MA

Yes 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 can be heard here. The sound is clear, dialogues are well highlighted, and the overall tonal characteristics are pleasant to the ear. It is not at the level of flagship models with advanced audio systems, but for this price segment – it is really good.

Unfortunately, Sharp has decided to remove the built-in soundbar that we could see in the previously reviewed model Sharp FQ8. It's a shame, as this solution significantly enhanced sound quality and gave the TV an edge over the competition.

Sharp GR8 TV – advanced features for gamers

As the test indicates, Sharp GR8 offers impressive capabilities for gaming enthusiasts. With a refresh rate of 144 Hz and support for VRR, GR8 TV ensures smooth image delivery, eliminating stuttering and motion blur during dynamic gameplay. Additionally, the presence of two HDMI 2.1 ports allows for the connection of modern consoles, providing full support for the latest gaming technologies. The Sharp GR8 test highlighted its compatibility with ALLM features, which automatically optimises the picture settings during gaming.

Sharp GR8 test – picture quality and smart TV features

The Sharp GR8 test shows that this television offers solid picture quality thanks to its VA panel, delivering decent contrast and depth of black. Dolby Vision support elevates evening movie experiences, providing rich and vibrant colours. However, as the test reveals, the HDR brightness is lower than what the manufacturer claims, which may affect the viewing of content in brightly lit rooms. To compare the Sharp GR8 with other models, it's worth checking out other conducted TV tests.