Are Samsung TVs Good For Gaming? (We Checked)

Samsung is a force to be reckoned with in the consumer electronics industry. They have a reputation for producing high-quality TVs that last long (more on how long Samsung TVs last). Notably, Samsung continues making waves in the smartphone and TV market, including upping their gaming-oriented specs.

Samsung has made a name for itself in the industry, but how are they when it comes to the gaming market? 

Are Samsung TVs good for gaming?

About Samsung TVs and Their Capacity for Video Games. 

Samsung is one of the biggest consumer electronic brands out there. They offer a range of TVs that can match a variety of budget and preference needs, including a number of TVs that are great for gaming. 

Remember also, it’s important to choose a relatively light-weight TV if you are to bring your TV to a lan party. Here are some weight numbers per smart TV size.

How Much Input Lag Do Samsung TVs Have?

The lowest input lag you can get from Samsung’s line of TVs is 4.9 ms. 

The Terrace from Samsung can deliver this low input lag at a resolution of 1080p and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. 

The highest input lag you’ll get from a Samsung TV is at 90.2 ms. 

The Samsung Q90T, when set at 1080p resolution, can deliver an input lag of 90.2 ms with a refresh rate of 60 Hz outside Game Mode. 

What Are The Refresh Rates On These Models?

The refresh rate of Samsung TVs is at least 60 Hz, with modern models capable of reaching 120 Hz. 

Some of the modern Samsung TVs come with Variable Refresh Rate support.

Do Samsung TVs Have a Variable Refresh Rate? 

Only select models of Samsung TVs come with Variable Refresh Rate support. 

Variable Refresh Rate allows TVs to keep up with the fast dynamics of video games. 

As frames in video games are rendered in real-time, a TV in normal circumstances has difficulty processing the data. A Variable Refresh Rate comes in handy to address this issue. It allows a TV to render images as it receives the data based on the commands you input on your gaming console. 

Do Samsung TVs Have a “Game Mode”?

Game Mode is a standard feature available on all Samsung TVs. 

If it’s your first time hearing this term, Game Mode is a feature available on TVs and computer monitors that improves the gameplay experience.

Game Mode reduces input lag by deactivating certain video enhancements to free up resources for a faster response time. 

On some Samsung TVs, you can find an Auto Low Latency Mode. This feature lets you switch to Game Mode once the TV detects you are using a gaming console with it. 

Can All Samsung TVs Be Used As Computer Monitors?

All Samsung TVs can be used as computer monitors since they come with HDMI and/or VGA inputs. 

However, while you can use your Samsung TV as a computer monitor, there may be some issues, which is true of any TV you may use as a monitor.

You connect it using the HDMI ports on the back:

The first issue is input lag.

  • If you use the TV as a screen for typing or move the cursor of your mouse around the TV screen, you will notice there is a delay in movement.
  • This delay is like what you may encounter when using the TV for video games.
  • Game Mode comes in handy for decreasing this input lag.

The second issue you may notice is that blocks of text do not render well in applications such as Word Processors and Spreadsheets. 

These texts may look fuzzy, and images may look a bit distorted. The reason this happens is that your TV is set for standard HDMI scaling. To fix this, you’ll need to set it for PC or PC DVI.

  • The process here is simple: go to your video input settings and rename the HDMI input where your computer is connected to PC or PC DVI.
  • Once you’ve renamed it, your TV will then set the screen to scale to a resolution recognizable by your computer.

What About Samsung PlayStation and Xbox Compatibility?

You won’t have any issues using Samsung TVs with the Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox. 

Do People Generally Use Samsung TVs For Gaming? 

Samsung is one of the top brands today for consumer electronics, including TVs for gaming. 

Samsung TVs are always in the top picks of TV reviewers.

While not everyone uses Samsung for their gaming TVs, it is still one of the top choices, given the picture quality and reputation as an electronics brand. 

How Good Is the Image Quality and Resolution? 

No doubt that Samsung produces one of the best TVs when it comes to image quality and resolution. 

Samsung TVs consistently produces sharp, clear images, especially in their higher-tier TVs. 

Samsung is also one of the first brands to introduce 8k resolution. While still in its infancy, Samsung has rolled out a few products that can display content in 8k.

Since it seems 8k is the future and will eventually replace 4k TVs, these TVs are great for future-proofing. 

Are Samsung TVs Durable? 

For the most part, Samsung TVs are durable.

With proper handling and care, Samsung TVs can last you ten years of regular use. With very heavy use, they will last you an average of seven years.

But something to note is that people have observed that Samsung TVs made in Korea tend to last longer than their counterparts made in China. 

What Features Should You Look for in a Gaming TV or Monitor? 

If you are looking for a TV for gaming, there are two qualities you should look into for a smooth gaming experience. 

The first on the list is the input lag. 

  • Input lag is how long it takes your TV screen to reflect a command from a controller or keyboard. 
  • The lower the input lag, the better.
  • The best gaming TVs have input lags that measure 30 ms and below.
  • Factor in that higher resolutions also mean higher input lags. It would be best to look at what review sites say about the input lag when resolutions are increased.

The next thing to consider is the refresh rate. 

  • If you are not playing intensive games, like First-Person Shooters, you can get away with 60 Hz.
  • But if you are playing a lot of graphic-intensive games, you need to have a Refresh Rate of 120 Hz.
  • You stand to get better performance when the TV you use has a Variable Refresh Rate. That will allow you to maintain clear images and prevent screen tearing during gameplay.

What Are the Best Samsung TVs for Gaming? 

Samsung Q80T 

If you are looking at gaming as your number one consideration for choosing a TV, consider the Samsung Q80T. 

  • For many reviewers, the Q80T is one of the best 4k LED TVs you can get your hands on for gaming.
  • It boasts exceptional picture quality and features to smooth the gaming experience.
  • The Q80T comes with HDMI 2.1, which gives you access to 4k games at a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
  • It also comes with Variable Refresh Rate support, which mitigates screen tearing effects, and a low input lag.
  • The response time on the Q80T is noteworthy and features Black Frame Insertion to smooth any movement and reduce motion blur.
  • The native contrast ratio on the Q80T is lower than other VA panel TVs, thanks to the Ultra Viewing Angle technology of Samsung. That means getting wider viewing angles, although it entails a little sacrifice on the contrast.
  • The Q80T, unfortunately, gets minus points for making the Variable Refresh Rate feature only available for models measuring 55 inches and above. That means the smaller-sized screens may not have the same performance compared to the higher-tier in the series.

Samsung Terrace 

If you are looking for a gaming TV for backyard barbecues, the Terrace by Samsung is it.

  • The Terrace is a QLED TV meant for outdoor use. It can handle daylight brightness easily yet still produce deep blacks for nighttime use.
  • The response time on the Terrace is quite fast, and it sports Black Frame Insertion for better movement clarity.
  • The input lag is quite low and has a 120 Hz refresh rate. T
  • here’s also a wide color gamut and high peak brightness for HDR gaming.
  • The Terrace’s weakness is its narrow viewing angles, which is ironic, considering that this TV was meant as an outdoor device that encourages people to gather and socialize.
  • The Terrace also lacks Variable Refresh Rate, although its 120 Hz refresh rate can do most of the job.
  • This TV was also made to be wall-mounted but does not come with its stand or wall-mount.

Samsung Frame 2020

Another TV you can check for gaming is the Frame 2020 by Samsung. 

The Frame 2020 is a TV designed to fit into your home decor seamlessly, and it can display artworks like a screen saver. Designed to look like real artwork, the Frame 2020 has a no-gap wall mount and custom borders that can make it look like a painting.

  • Now don’t let the aesthetics fool you. The Frame 2020 packs in the goods with gaming features.
  • Thanks to the QLED display, the Frame 2020 gets good image quality and still maintains a low input lag.
  • It also has FreeSync support and a better contrast ratio and peak brightness when compared to its 2019 predecessor.
  • Unfortunately, the Frame 2020 lacks wide viewing angles and does not have local dimming.

Final Thoughts

You can’t go wrong with a Samsung when choosing a TV for gaming. 

Their TVs are packed with a lot of gaming-oriented features, so you can’t miss with their TV lineup.

And with plenty of choices on the market, you can find something that will suit your TV habits. 

If you’re looking for more information on gaming TV options, check out our articles Are 4K TVs Good For Gaming? and Are OLED TVs Good For Gaming?.

 

Sources:

Rtings.com

How to Use a Samsung TV As a PC Monitor

What is FreeSync?

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