Which TV has the lowest input lag?
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When looking for a TV with the lowest input lag, there are several factors to consider, including the brand, model, and whether it supports features designed specifically for gamers. Input lag is the delay between pressing a button on your controller and the action occurring on the screen, which is crucial for fast-paced competitive gaming.
Here’s a breakdown of TVs known for having low input lag and features that make them ideal for gaming:
1. LG OLED C1 & C2 Series (OLED)
- Input Lag: Around 1ms (milliseconds) in Game Mode.
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Why It's Great: The LG OLED C1 and C2 are widely regarded as some of the best TVs for gaming due to their ultra-low input lag and excellent picture quality. They offer:
- 4K resolution at 120Hz (perfect for next-gen gaming consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X).
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for smoother gameplay.
- OLED technology for deep blacks and vibrant colors.
- Price: Starts around $1,000 (C1) or $1,200 (C2) depending on screen size.
2. Samsung QN90A & QN95A (Neo QLED)
- Input Lag: Around 5ms to 10ms.
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Why It's Great: Samsung's Neo QLED series, like the QN90A and QN95A, offers excellent gaming performance:
- 4K resolution with 120Hz refresh rate support.
- HDR support with Quantum HDR 32X for high brightness and great color accuracy.
- FreeSync Premium Pro support for tear-free gameplay.
- Game Mode optimization for lower input lag.
- Price: Starts around $1,300 and up for the 55-inch version.
3. Sony X90J & X95J (LED/LCD)
- Input Lag: Around 7ms to 8ms.
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Why It's Great: Sony's X90J and X95J are solid choices for PS5 owners, as they support 4K at 120Hz and have excellent input lag performance for gaming.
- XR Cognitive Processor for smooth and natural images.
- HDMI 2.1 support for 4K 120Hz gaming.
- Game Mode minimizes input lag and optimizes performance.
- Bravia Game Mode for lower latency and higher responsiveness.
- Price: The X90J starts at about $1,000 for the 55-inch model.
4. Vizio OLED 2020 & 2021 Series (OLED)
- Input Lag: Around 1ms to 4ms.
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Why It's Great: Vizio’s OLED series offers excellent gaming performance with a fast response time and low input lag:
- OLED technology with perfect blacks and high contrast.
- HDMI 2.1 support for 4K 120Hz gaming.
- Great value for money compared to other OLED models.
- Price: Starts at around $1,300 for a 55-inch model.
5. Hisense U8G (LED/LCD)
- Input Lag: Around 5ms.
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Why It's Great: The Hisense U8G offers fantastic gaming performance at a relatively lower price point:
- Quantum Dot technology for bright, vibrant colors.
- 120Hz refresh rate with HDMI 2.1 support.
- Game Mode for reduced input lag and improved responsiveness.
- Price: Starts around $750 for the 55-inch model.
6. TCL 6-Series (R635) 2020 Model (QLED)
- Input Lag: Around 10ms.
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Why It's Great: The TCL 6-Series is often seen as a budget-friendly gaming TV with solid gaming features:
- QLED technology with great color accuracy.
- HDMI 2.1 support for 4K at 120Hz.
- Game Mode for lower latency and better responsiveness.
- Low input lag for fast-paced games.
- Price: Starts around $650 for the 55-inch model.
How to Minimize Input Lag on Your TV:
- Enable Game Mode: Most modern TVs have a Game Mode setting that reduces input lag by disabling unnecessary image processing features like motion smoothing.
- Use HDMI 2.1: If you're gaming at 4K 120Hz (on PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC), make sure your TV and console both support HDMI 2.1 to ensure the best performance.
- Use a Wired Connection: While input lag is generally more related to the TV’s hardware, using a wired controller (instead of Bluetooth) can help minimize any additional delay.
- Check Refresh Rate: Make sure your TV supports 120Hz (or higher) refresh rate for smooth gameplay.
Where to Buy and Prices:
- Amazon: Often offers competitive prices and discounts on the latest models.
- Best Buy: Known for carrying all the major gaming TV models with in-store pickup options.
- Walmart: Frequently has sales on high-end TVs like Samsung, LG, and Sony.
- B&H Photo Video: Offers reliable shipping and excellent customer service, especially for high-end models.
Prices for Gaming TVs:
- LG OLED C1/C2: $1,000 - $1,800 depending on screen size.
- Samsung QN90A/QN95A: $1,300 - $2,000.
- Sony X90J: $1,000 - $1,500.
- Hisense U8G: Around $750 - $1,200.
- TCL 6-Series: $650 - $1,000.
Conclusion:
- For the lowest input lag with fantastic gaming performance, LG OLED C1/C2 and Samsung QN90A are excellent options, with 1ms or 5ms input lag, respectively.
- If you're on a budget, Hisense U8G and TCL 6-Series are affordable choices that offer great gaming performance at around 5ms to 10ms input lag.
- Consider factors like price, screen size, and features (e.g., HDMI 2.1, VRR) to find the best TV for your gaming setup.
Feel free to check Amazon or Best Buy for deals and customer reviews to make an informed decision based on your needs