Are OLED TV Input Lag the Same as Gaming Monitors for PS5?
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When it comes to gaming on the PlayStation 5 (PS5), choosing the right display is essential to getting the most out of your gaming experience. Two popular options are OLED TVs and gaming monitors. While both can deliver a fantastic gaming experience, there are differences, particularly when it comes to input lag—which is a key factor for any serious gamer.
In this post, we'll explore whether OLED TV input lag is the same as gaming monitors for PS5, and help you decide which display is best for your gaming needs.
What is Input Lag?
Input lag is the delay between pressing a button on your controller and seeing the corresponding action on the screen. For competitive gaming, or for fast-paced genres like FPS (First-Person Shooters), fighting games, or racing games, minimizing input lag is essential for a smooth experience. Too much input lag can result in sluggish gameplay and can even affect your performance, especially when playing against other skilled players.
Gaming Monitors: Designed for Low Latency
Gaming monitors are designed with a primary focus on performance and low latency, making them the top choice for competitive gamers and those looking for the fastest response times. Here's why:
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Low Input Lag (1ms - 5ms): Many gaming monitors boast ultra-low input lag in the range of 1ms to 5ms. This makes them ideal for fast-paced competitive games where split-second decisions matter.
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High Refresh Rates (120Hz to 360Hz): Gaming monitors typically offer high refresh rates, such as 144Hz, 240Hz, or even 360Hz, which allow for smoother gameplay, especially in fast-paced titles. This contributes to a more responsive feel, reducing motion blur and screen tearing.
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Fast Response Times: Gaming monitors have faster response times, often as low as 1ms, ensuring that pixels change as quickly as possible to display sharp images during fast-moving gameplay.
For PS5 gamers, gaming monitors are a strong choice if you need the lowest input lag and are looking for an ultra-responsive experience.
OLED TVs: Stunning Picture Quality with Good Input Lag
OLED TVs are a popular choice among gamers who prioritize visual quality over performance. OLEDs have amazing contrast ratios, perfect blacks, and vibrant colors, making them ideal for single-player, story-driven games and cinematic experiences. But when it comes to input lag, are OLEDs as fast as gaming monitors?
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Input Lag on OLED TVs: Modern OLEDs, like LG OLED CX and Sony A80J, have made significant improvements in reducing input lag. With Game Mode enabled, OLED TVs can offer input lag as low as 10ms to 20ms, which is good for most casual gaming and many types of single-player games.
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Game Mode: When you activate Game Mode on an OLED TV, the TV disables certain post-processing features (like motion smoothing and image enhancement), which can introduce extra delay. In Game Mode, the input lag can be reduced to levels that are perfectly acceptable for most console gaming, including PS5.
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Picture Quality: One of the standout advantages of OLED TVs is their superior picture quality. The infinite contrast, deep blacks, and vivid colors make games with rich visuals, such as Horizon Forbidden West, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, or Spider-Man: Miles Morales, look absolutely stunning. If you love immersive gaming with breathtaking visuals, OLEDs are hard to beat.
Key Differences Between OLED TVs and Gaming Monitors for PS5
| Feature | OLED TV | Gaming Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Input Lag | 10ms to 20ms (with Game Mode) | 1ms to 5ms (optimized for low latency) |
| Refresh Rate | Typically 60Hz to 120Hz | 120Hz to 360Hz, sometimes up to 480Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms (variable depending on model) | 1ms to 2ms (faster than OLEDs for most models) |
| Picture Quality | Best for cinematic games with vibrant colors and blacks | Good, but OLEDs generally offer better visual fidelity |
| Price | Higher cost due to superior display tech | More affordable options available |
| Console Features | Supports HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz gaming | Often supports HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 depending on model |
Which Is Better for PS5 Gaming?
For Competitive Gaming
If you're into competitive gaming, where ultra-low input lag is crucial, a gaming monitor is generally the better option. Here's why:
- Gaming monitors provide faster response times (1ms), high refresh rates (up to 240Hz+), and ultra-low input lag (1ms to 5ms), which can make a noticeable difference in fast-paced games like Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, or FIFA 22.
- If you're a hardcore competitive player, you’ll appreciate the responsiveness and clarity that a high-quality gaming monitor provides.
For Casual and Immersive Gaming
If you're a casual gamer who enjoys cinematic or story-driven games like The Last of Us Part II, Ghost of Tsushima, or Ratchet & Clank, an OLED TV might be the better choice. Here's why:
- OLED TVs deliver superior picture quality with perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and vibrant, lifelike colors that enhance the immersive experience of single-player games.
- With Game Mode enabled, the input lag on modern OLED TVs has been drastically reduced, making them sufficiently responsive for casual gaming, even in fast-paced titles.
- For gamers who prioritize visual quality and an immersive gaming experience, the OLED display is a standout choice.
For Console Gaming on PS5
The PS5 supports 4K gaming at 120Hz, and both OLED TVs and gaming monitors are capable of supporting this feature (as long as they support HDMI 2.1). Here's how each option performs:
- OLED TVs provide an exceptional visual experience with their deep blacks and vibrant colors, which is perfect for experiencing the graphical fidelity of the PS5’s titles.
- Gaming monitors with HDMI 2.1 also deliver excellent 4K at 120Hz gaming, though they may not have the same picture quality as OLEDs. However, their lower input lag is especially noticeable in fast-paced games.
Conclusion: OLED TV vs Gaming Monitor for PS5
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For competitive gaming: A gaming monitor is likely the better option due to its low input lag and high refresh rates. It’s ideal for gamers who need maximum responsiveness and fast reaction times.
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For casual or immersive gaming: An OLED TV is a great choice, especially for story-driven games where picture quality is a priority. The low input lag of modern OLED TVs (around 10ms to 20ms) is more than enough for most gaming genres, and the visual experience is second to none.
Ultimately, the choice between OLED TV and gaming monitor for your PS5 depends on your gaming style. If performance is your main concern, opt for a gaming monitor. If you prefer cinematic visuals and immersive gaming, then an OLED TV will likely be the better choice. Both options offer a fantastic gaming experience on the PS5, but understanding what matters most to you—whether it's input lag or visual fidelity—will guide your decision.
