Are 4K 120Hz TVs Worth It for Gaming?

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that 4K 120Hz TVs are a game-changer for those who take their gaming to the next level. Having recently upgraded to one myself, I must admit it has revolutionized my gaming experience. The visual clarity, combined with the smooth motion handling, is simply unparalleled.

Top-tier televisions often surpass assumptions in multiple scenarios such as streaming, watching live sports, and gaming. Given that game creators emphasize visual aspects, it’s only right to own a potent TV capable of accurately portraying a game’s immersive setting with both stunning visuals and realistic sounds. While gaming TVs are well-equipped for the task, not every model offers a 120Hz refresh rate, which is crucial for seamless motion management.

If you prioritize high-quality graphics and smooth gameplay in your gaming experience, it’s definitely worth considering Game Rant’s top-tier 4K 120Hz TVs. These TVs are renowned for their superior features that significantly enhance gameplay, making them an ideal choice for players who seek the ultimate TV gaming experience. Notably, their impressive specifications even rival some high-end gaming monitors. As these TVs gain traction in the market, a significant question arises: Is it worth investing in a 4K 120Hz TV for gaming?

Significantly Better Picture Quality

If you’re aiming for an exceptional gaming experience on your television and budget isn’t a concern, it could be beneficial to investigate 4K 120Hz TV models. Unlike lower-priced 1080p 60Hz sets and mid-range 4K 60Hz televisions, 4K 120 Hz models provide a more captivating viewing experience. This is due to their high-end features, such as QLED or OLED displays, coupled with enhanced brightness. For example, the Vizio Quantum Pro offers a QLED display that boasts remarkable brightness, sometimes matching or exceeding premium OLED TVs like the LG C3 and Samsung S90C. Additionally, QLED TVs provide superior viewing angles, making them ideal for group settings, particularly for live sports broadcasts.

On a 4K 120Hz OLED television while gaming, you can expect flawless blacks and pristine whites across every scene. Regardless if you’re drawn to expansive game worlds like “Days Gone” or prefer the structured progression of titles such as the “Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection”, the screen will shine with the perfect balance of contrast. Depending on the specific TV model you choose, it may even include a dedicated Game Mode. Activating this mode automatically adjusts the display settings to ensure your games appear exceptionally smooth.

Better Motion Handling for More Responsive Gameplay

No matter how good a game looks on the screen, if it’s a laggy mess, then there’s no point in playing it. Fortunately, stunning visuals and buttery smooth gameplay go hand in hand for 4K 120Hz TVs. Video games often comprise fast-paced scenes, such as car chases or heated gun battles. These moments require a powerful TV to render the action perfectly. That’s where 120Hz TVs come into the picture. During action-packed scenes, 4K 120Hz TVs are better positioned to render the fast-moving images without any noticeable input lag. Most of these premium TVs come with a response time of below 5 ms, ensuring that games, movies, and virtually any content will run cohesively.

The LG C3 model stands at the forefront of the industry with an exceptionally swift 0.5 millisecond response time, delivering players a clear and seamless motion experience. Notably, this superior motion management is also beneficial for watching live sports, such as football games where fast-paced action might overwhelm standard TVs with their native 60Hz refresh rate. This characteristic holds true for movies too. The capacity of 4K 120Hz TVs to display lifelike content without significant issues makes them an excellent choice for those seeking top-tier television technology. While they may still be outmatched by high-refresh rate monitors like the Alienware AW3423DWF, the LG C3 represents the pinnacle of what modern TVs have to offer today.

Comes with Advanced Gaming Features

An intriguing aspect of 4K 120Hz TVs lies in their advanced gaming capabilities. Unlike standard 60Hz TVs which may include basic specs and a few gaming-oriented features, 120Hz models boast premium gaming functions like Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), HDMI 2.1 compatibility, AMD FreeSync Premium, and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility. The Sony Bravia A80L is a top-tier model that incorporates many of these gaming features.

As a gamer, I can tell you that having Allowed Video Output (ALLM) activated on my A80L means I never have to worry about lag or significant frame drops ruining my gaming experience. Plus, this TV takes things to the next level by providing unique PS5 features that really boost my console’s performance. The combination of Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode gives my TV a visual upgrade by automatically optimizing its HDR settings for the best picture quality while switching to Game Mode for maximum speed and smoothness.

High-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) 2.1 ports in modern televisions significantly boost the performance of contemporary gaming consoles, providing an exceptional visual experience during gameplay. This feature is often found in 4K 120Hz TVs, suggesting that an upgrade might be needed for those seeking optimal quality. Additionally, many of these models include FreeSync Premium and G-Sync technologies, ensuring smooth and lag-free gaming sessions. Overall, these improvements guarantee your television functions at its maximum capacity without any performance issues.

The Verdict

As a gaming enthusiast, if you’re solely relying on your TV for your gaming fix and crave a more immersive visual experience along with smoother gameplay, then it might be high time to think about investing in a 4K 120Hz TV. However, it’s essential to remember that this isn’t a necessity for every gamer out there. These advanced TVs are often pricey, and even during sales, you could end up spending close to a thousand dollars. So, unless you’re prepared to save up for it, this might not be the most budget-friendly choice for frugal gamers.

For those who prefer leisurely gaming with titles like Minecraft or Stardew Valley, an upgrade might not be essential. If your reason for purchasing a 4K 120Hz TV is to enhance the visuals in movies and shows, you may want to reconsider. Few films are actually available in native 4K resolution, so upgrading from a 60Hz TV may seem unnecessary.

4K 120Hz TVs are ideal in specific scenarios, such as for gamers who prioritize high-definition visuals and seamless motion rendering. If you’re planning to maximize the capabilities of your PS5 or Xbox Series X, then investing in one could be beneficial. However, if you’re seeking enhanced audio for an immersive gaming experience, a gaming soundbar might provide a more suitable solution overall.

The Best 4K 120Hz TVs

FAQ

Q: Can I use a 4K TV for gaming?

Absolutely! Upgrading to a 4K TV significantly enhances your visual experience. Compared to a 1080p display, it offers four times the resolution, making games appear sharper and more immersive. Moreover, opting for a larger 4K TV expands your viewing area, making open-world games seem more expansive and lifelike.

Q: Is a 120Hz refresh rate good for gaming?

For enthusiastic gamers seeking top-notch visual quality on their TV screens, it’s advisable to invest in a TV with a native refresh rate of 120Hz. Gamers who are accustomed to monitors understand that a higher refresh rate translates to improved performance. Consequently, competitive gamers should strive for monitors that can deliver at least 144Hz refresh rates.

Q: Is Hisense or TCL good for gaming?

As a gamer myself, I’ve found that Hisense and TCL are budget-friendly TV brands offering some fantastic models perfect for console gaming. While they may not deliver the same performance as high-end brands like Samsung or LG, they more than hold their own in terms of quality and affordability.

2024-10-10 22:06