Needless to say, PlayStation 5 (PS5) is truly a next-gen console. It comes with highly capable hardware that can offer great experience in high resolutions, such as 4K. On the note of gaming in high resolutions, do you need a 4K TV for PS5?
No, a 4K TV is not required for PS5 gaming. A 1080p TV can run PS5 games and stream content just fine. FullHD resolution also allows the PlayStation 5 to run games in higher FPS. However, a 4K TV offers advantages like higher resolution, better refresh rates, and a wider color range.
Now, the question is, is purchasing a 4K TV worth it for PS5? If so, what things should you consider before getting a 4K UHD TV for your PlayStation 5? This guide covers everything about the topic. So, keep on reading!
Is PS5 Worth It Without 4K TV?
While the PS5 supports 4K games and movies, it doesn’t necessarily require a 4K TV to function. A 1080p TV can still deliver an enjoyable gaming experience. Here’s why:
Better Performance
As mentioned earlier, PS5 performs remarkably well on a 1080p TV. In this resolution, the console can run next-generation games at 60 FPS and even higher.
On that note, some gamers prioritize frame rate over resolution. For example, if you are a competitive gamer, you will need more FPS than better visuals to play better.
So, if you don’t prioritize visuals more than performance, it’s better not to get a 4K TV for playing games on your PS5.
Faster Load Times
On a 1080p TV, you’ll experience faster load times with the PS5. After all, the console does not need to load resource-intensive visuals for the game.
Cost Savings
Even though 4K TVs have become more budget-friendly, if you already own a 1080p TV, there’s no need to get a 4K unit just for gaming. As already established, PS5 offers a great experience with FullHD TVs. So, yes, PS5 is definitely worth it without a 4K TV.
Why Should You Consider Getting a 4K TV for PS5
While a 1080p TV is sufficient for PS5 gaming, there are some compelling reasons to consider upgrading to a 4K TV. Take a look:
Higher Resolution and Crisp Game Visuals
4K TVs offer four times the resolution of 1080p, providing sharper and more detailed graphics. In short, a 4K TV will take your gaming experience to the next level.
Smooth Experience
Some 4K TVs come with higher refresh rates, allowing for smoother gameplay with frame rates up to 120 FPS. You can get a significantly better competitive gaming experience with these high refresh rate TVs.
HDR and Dolby Vision
Most 4K TVs with HDR or Dolby Vision support offer a wider color gamut and improved contrast. These features deliver stunning visual enhancements.
Future-Proofing
As game developers continue to optimize for 4K displays, upgrading to a 4K TV ensures you won’t miss out on the best gaming experiences. On that note, there’s already a great number of 4K games available for PS5. Many even support 4K 120Hz. If you are unaware, you can find a complete list here.
What Should You Look for in a 4K TV for PlayStation 5
Selecting the right 4K TV for your PS5 gaming setup requires careful consideration of various features to ensure you get the most immersive and enjoyable experience. Here are additional aspects to look for when shopping for a 4K TV for your PlayStation 5:
Display Technology
Choosing the right display technology for your PS5 gaming setup is crucial. OLED TVs offer unparalleled picture quality, perfect blacks, and wide viewing angles, ideal for dark-room gaming.
On the other hand, QLED enhances color reproduction and brightness, excelling in well-lit gaming spaces. But QLED TVs are more expensive than OLED TV models.
Lastly, LED provides a budget-friendly option without compromising too much on visual performance. Some LED TVs even come with advanced technologies to offer a superb gaming experience.
In short, when it comes to choosing a 4K TV for your PlayStation5, you should consider your gaming preferences, room lighting, and budget.
Refresh Rate and Motion Handling
The refresh rate of a 4K TV is a crucial factor that significantly impacts your gaming experience. It refers to how many times the TV’s display refreshes the image per second, measured in Hertz (Hz).
A higher refresh rate translates to smoother motion and reduced motion blur during fast-paced gaming sequences.
For gaming, look for a 4K TV with a high refresh rate, preferably 120Hz. This higher refresh rate ensures that your games appear exceptionally smooth, providing an advantage in competitive gaming where split-second reactions can make all the difference.
Titles that support higher frame rates, such as 120 FPS, will be fully enjoyable on a 120Hz 4K TV, resulting in a more responsive and immersive gaming session.
Size and Viewing Distance
Consider the size of the TV in relation to your gaming setup and the viewing distance. A larger screen can enhance immersion, but it’s essential to find the right balance between size and viewing distance to avoid straining your eyes.
For most living rooms, a 55-inch or 65-inch 4K TV is a good choice. These TV models can provide an immersive gaming experience without taking up too much space.
Audio Quality
While the focus is often on the visual enhancements of a 4K TV, audio quality is equally important for an immersive gaming experience.
Look for a TV with good built-in speakers or consider investing in a soundbar or surround sound system to complement the stunning visuals with impressive sound.
Input Lag and Gaming Mode
Don’t know what input lag refers to? It is basically the delay between pressing a button on your controller and seeing the corresponding action on the screen.
For responsive gaming, it’s crucial to find a TV with low input lag, especially in fast-paced games. Many modern 4K TVs have a dedicated gaming mode that optimizes the display settings to reduce input lag, ensuring smooth and precise gameplay. You should consider this before getting a 4K TV for your PlayStation 5.
Additionally, verify that the TV supports other essential features, such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). These features further improve gaming performance.
How to Enable 4K Output In PS5
The PS5 indeed offers an exceptional gaming experience on a 4K TV. While it supports 8K displays, it currently outputs resolutions up to 4K. It also has support for 1440p displays.
Nonetheless, enabling 4K output on your PS5 is pretty easy. Take a look at the steps:
1. Check TV Compatibility
Before anything else, ensure your TV supports 4K resolution and has an HDMI 2.0b or higher port.
2. Adjust Video Output Settings
On your PS5, go to Settings, then Screen and Video, and finally, head to Video Output options. There, you will need to choose 4K.
3. Choose the Right PS5 Version of Games
As you might know, you can play PS4 games on PlayStation 5. However, the PS4 games don’t have proper support for 4K UHD resolution. So, select the PS5 version for the best resolution and performance.
Final Words
In conclusion, a 4K TV is not a necessity for enjoying the PS5, as it works excellently on 1080p TVs as well. However, upgrading to a 4K TV will undoubtedly elevate your gaming experience, offering higher resolution, smoother frame rates, and enhanced visual fidelity.
So, the answer to the question of do you need a 4K TV for PS5 ultimately depends on your preferences and budget. Still, investing in a 4K TV is worth considering if you want the best possible gaming experience with your PS5.
Meet Abid Ahsan, the trusted luminary behind BitsFromByte. With a degree in Computer Science and over a decade of experience, Abid’s authoritative expertise shines through his in-depth guides, meticulous reviews, and timely news coverage on software, operating systems, consumer tech products, phones, PCs, and laptops. His dedication to accuracy, transparency, and unbiased reporting makes it easy for our readers to stay informed in this rapidly evolving tech landscape.