Are OLED TVs Good For Gaming? (Explained)

If you’ve been on the lookout for a new TV, you have probably heard of OLED screens.

OLED, or Organic Light Emitting Diode, screens are a newer technology that offers improved image clarity and color accuracy, low input lags, and better refresh rates for TVs.

While originally manufactured by LG, other companies have started to adopt OLEDs to make their product more suitable to a host of different applications.

But are OLED TVs the right choice for gaming?

Here’s What You Need to Know About OLED TVs and Gaming.

OLED TVs deliver clearer image quality and better response times than LED TVs, which improves the gaming experience. Be aware that OLEDs have a high risk of burn-in, so be sure not to leave a static image onscreen for too long.

How Much Input Lag Do OLED TVs Have?

OLED TVs have input lags that range from 5.8 ms with 1080p resolution and the variable refresh rate feature, all the way up to 133.6 ms at 4k resolution at 60 Hz with Interpolation.

With 4k resolution and Variable Refresh Rate, you can get input lag as low as 13.8 ms.

What Are The Refresh Rates On These Models?

The refresh rates of OLED TVs are set at 60 Hz or 120 Hz.

Some OLED TVs feature a Variable Refresh Rate.

What is Variable Refresh Rate?

Variable Refresh Rate is a feature found in many gaming monitors and TVs that accurately and smoothly displays the rate of frame updates per second.

This feature is essential for gamers because, unlike movies, video game frames are made on the spot as you input commands.

Variable Refresh Rates reduce screen tearing during movement. It helps the screen keep up with your game, so you get the clearest image quality possible.

Do OLED TVs Have a “Game Mode”?

You can find Game Mode on many OLED TVs on the market.

Game Mode is a feature on TVs that improves the input lag in exchange for lower image quality.

It diverts resources from graphics so that your TV gets near-instantaneous responses to keystrokes.

Can All OLED TVs Be Used As Computer Monitors?

You won’t encounter many issues using an OLED TV as a computer monitor.

But note that OLED TVs are prone to burn-in when you leave an image on the screen for a prolonged time.

That means, if you use an OLED TV for applications that have static displays such as word processing or spreadsheets, you may end up burning in the display.

But when used for multimedia applications, such as video editing, you can take advantage of the sharp images that OLED screens are known for.

Do take note, as well, that inputs from keyboards, mice, or graphic tablets are prone to input lag, so while OLED TVs already have a low input lag, but you can always switch to Game Mode to address this issue.

What About OLED PlayStation and Xbox Compatibility?

You will not have any issues using OLED TVs with your PlayStation or Xbox.

OLED TVs are part of the higher-tier price range of TVs, which give them low input lags and a standard Game Mode.

If you want an OLED TV for gaming, you get a more enjoyable experience if you get an OLED TV with a Variable Refresh Rate.

Do People Generally Use OLED TVs For Gaming?

OLED TVs are not the most popular for gaming, considering that the market is still dominated by LED TVs, and LED TVs are more affordable.

But that does not mean you should not use OLEDs for gaming!

If you can afford an OLED TV when you upgrade your current TV, you should consider it because of their excellent picture quality.

How Good Is the Image Quality and Resolution?

OLED TVs have excellent image quality and resolutions, as they come with 4k resolution.

OLEDs get their color and brightness through individual LED pixels, which set them apart from the rest.

• Unlike LEDs, which use backlights that dim or turn off as a whole, OLEDs can dim or turn off individual LEDs.
• This difference lets OLED produce deeper blacks when compared to LEDs.
• That is why OLEDs can produce sharper images, regardless of lighting conditions.

OLEDs also generally have wider viewing angles, meaning you can have a group sitting in wider arrangements and still have a clear picture.

Can Video Games Ruin OLED TVs?

Video games cannot ruin OLED TV themselves, but that does not mean OLEDs are fool-proof.

Unlike the old CRT TVs, which could be ruined by excessive video gameplay, modern TVs, whether OLED or LED, will work fine with video games.

However, OLED TVs are prone to burn-in, or the permanent image retention of individual pixels on the screen. The longer you leave an image on a screen, the more you risk it to burn-in.

If you leave the home screen of a video game on display for a long time, there’s a good chance that it will become embedded in the pixels.

That is why you must be sure to never leave a static image on an OLED screen for too long. 

Are OLED TVs Durable?

For the most part, an OLED TV can last you years of regular use.

Some manufacturers even boast of their OLED TVs lasting over 100,000 hours of regular usage.

As long as you don’t expose the OLED to burn-in risks, it will last you quite a while.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of OLED TVs for Gaming?

There are several advantages to using OLED displays for gaming.

• You get better refresh rates and lower response time.
• You also get remarkable picture quality and a TV that can handle different room lighting.
• Since OLED TVs do not have backlighting, they are more efficient when it comes to power consumption.
• OLEDs also have wider viewing angles, which are great when playing multiplayer games.

However, OLED TVs have the following weak points:

• Prone to burn-in
• Costs more than LED TVs

That said, OLED TVs are worth it if you want high-quality images and compatibility with HDR and HDMI 2.1.

What Are the Qualities of a Good TV for Gaming?

If you are looking for a TV for gaming, the most important feature you should look for is the low input lag.

• Input lag is the time it takes for an action to be reflected on the screen after you press a button.
• If you are playing a video game and press left, the time it takes for the movement to be done on screen is the input lag.
• Ideally, you should find a TV with an input lag of 30 ms and below.

Another feature you should look out for is Variable Refresh Rate. While not all TVs have Variable Refresh Rates, you will probably want a TV that has a refresh rate of at least 120 Hz.

What Are the Best OLED TVs for Gaming?

If you are looking for possible options for OLED TVs for gaming, here are some recommended models.

LG CX

The LG CX is a crowd favorite, as it comes with a good price tag and great features.

• The LG CX has one of the lowest input lags among the OLED TVs on the market, even when you set it at 4k resolution with Variable Refresh Rate kicked in.
• The CX can also upscale lower-resolution quite decently. That means being able to play older gaming consoles without much clarity issues.
• If you plan to use this TV for PC games, the CX supports FreeSync, which makes gaming smoother.

On the downside, while the CX can handle different lighting conditions, it still has occasional glare issues that may be resolved with a few adjustments in the room lighting.

Sony A8H

The Sony A8H is another option for an OLED TV.

• As LG is the only maker of OLED panels, the A8H uses the same panels as the LG CX to deliver a high-quality image.
• Aesthetics-wise, the A8H has thin bezels that almost look non-existent. This design helps the pictures stand out in your room.
• The A8H also features near-instantaneous response time.
• Unfortunately, while good for gaming, this TV falls short for its lack of a Variable Refresh Rate.

But all things considered, the A8H is a worthy option, especially if the CX is not available.

Vizio OLED

The Vizio OLED is the company’s entry into the OLED TV arena, but at a more affordable price point than the other models listed.

• The Vizio OLED is the cheapest of the three TVs listed in this article, which gives it an advantage, as OLED TVs can cost more than the LED TVs on the market today.
• Now, like any other OLED TV, the Vizio OLED performs well with games, with its low input lag and almost instantaneous response time.
• The deep blacks and infinite contrast ratio are also comparable to the LG and Sony.
• When it comes to its weaknesses, the first you will notice is its Variable Refresh Rate support. As of writing, the full support has not been rolled out yet, so there might be a few image inconsistencies while firmware gets updated.
• HDR gaming is not an issue either, but its peak brightness could still be improved.

Final Thoughts

OLED TVs are changing the way people watch TV.

While the price might still be too high for many consumers, it will only be a matter of time before it becomes more affordable, just as LED TVs have become less pricey as they become more common.

 

Sources:

OLED-TVs: Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology

What is OLED? Black levels, burn-in, and contrast ratios explained

Should You Replace Your Desktop Monitor with An OLED TV?