Selecting the perfect smart TV for gaming means navigating a wide range of resolutions and display technologies. The decision can be challenging, especially if you're uncertain about how each display type impacts your gaming experience.
A common dilemma is choosing between OLED and QLED displays. Let’s see which one truly excels for gaming and what unique advantages each option brings to the table:
OLED
Benefits:
Highly Responsive
OLED TVs are an excellent choice for professional gamers due to their exceptional performance features. They offer ultra-high refresh rates combined with remarkably low latency, enabling the screen to refresh rapidly and display hundreds of frames per second. This results in incredibly smooth visuals, especially when paired with high-frame-rate content.
What sets OLED displays apart is their self-illuminating pixel technology. Each pixel produces its own light, allowing for lightning-fast responsiveness to player input. This precision gives pro gamers the edge they need to maintain optimal control and performance during gameplay.
VRR Support
VRR, or "Variable Refresh Rate," is a technology that enables a TV to synchronize its refresh rate with the frame rate of the input source. For example, if you're gaming at 40 frames per second on a 60Hz TV, VRR adjusts the screen's refresh rate to 40Hz. This dynamic adjustment helps eliminate screen tearing and ensures smoother gameplay.
OLED TVs are particularly well-suited for VRR, maximizing its benefits for an enhanced gaming experience.
Though OLED TVs are a great pick for gaming their only drawback is that they are vulnerable to screen burn-in which happens when elements on the screen are left static for extended periods if not cared for just right.
The best OLED TVs to buy are:
1. Sony TV OLED 164 cm (65 inches)
2. LG TV OLED 139 cm (55 inches)
3. Sony TV OLED 139 cm (55 inches) Bravia
QLED
Benefits:
Richer Color
QLED TVs utilize quantum dot technology, featuring a sophisticated layer of microscopic quantum semiconductors beneath the screen. When electrically activated, these semiconductors emit light in precise colors.
This allows QLED TVs to deliver exceptionally accurate and lifelike colors, making them ideal for HDR content. For gamers seeking a fully immersive experience, QLED TVs are an outstanding choice.
Richer Brightness Levels
QLED TVs deliver outstanding brightness, ensuring your favorite games look vibrant and lifelike, even in well-lit rooms. This makes them an excellent choice for daytime gamers, as sunlight streaming through your windows won’t diminish the picture quality.
Additionally, QLED TVs handle high brightness levels effortlessly, without the risk of screen burn-in. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the action, no matter how bright the display is.
Unfortunately, QLED TVs typically have higher input latency compared to OLED TVs, which can make them less ideal for professional gamers who require precise control at every moment. QLED TVs often experience around one to two seconds of input lag, while OLED TVs offer near-instant responsiveness, with latency as low as 0.2 milliseconds.
The best QLED TVs to buy are:
1. Samsung Frame TV QLED 163 cm (65 inches)
2. TCL TV (65 inches) 165 cm QLED Android
3. LG TV (55 inches) 139 cm OLED
4. Haier TV QLED 190 cm (75 inches) Android
Hence, Choosing between OLED and QLED for gaming depends on your needs. OLED offers superior responsiveness, ultra-low latency, and smooth visuals, making it ideal for professional gamers, though it requires care to avoid burn-in. QLED, with its vibrant colors and high brightness, is perfect for well-lit rooms and immersive experiences, but it has slightly higher input lag. Both offer great gaming experiences, so the best choice depends on whether you prioritize performance or picture quality.