The best 4K TVs for gaming

I’ve always been a passionate gamer, and upgrading my setup to 4K was a priority. My research started with online reviews and forums, comparing specs and features. I spent weeks reading comparisons of various brands and models, meticulously noting their strengths and weaknesses. The sheer number of options was overwhelming initially, but I eventually narrowed my choices down to a few top contenders.

Initial Research and Expectations

My initial research focused heavily on response time, input lag, and HDR performance. These were, for me, the critical factors for a truly immersive gaming experience. I spent countless hours poring over detailed specifications, comparing refresh rates, and analyzing the differences between various panel technologies like OLED, QLED, and Mini-LED. Reading countless online reviews from fellow gamers like myself, I learned about the importance of features like HDMI 2.1 for 4K@120Hz gaming with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). I also wanted a TV that could handle the intense contrast and vibrant colors of HDR gaming without sacrificing detail in darker scenes. My ideal TV needed to seamlessly transition between different game environments, avoiding any noticeable stuttering or tearing. I envisioned myself playing my favorite titles – Cyberpunk 2077, Horizon Forbidden West, and Elden Ring – with breathtaking visuals and incredibly smooth gameplay. This was my ultimate goal – a TV that wouldn’t hold back my gaming performance. Initially, I was leaning towards OLED for its perfect blacks and stunning contrast, but the potential for burn-in was a concern that I had to weigh carefully. The high price point of many top-tier 4K gaming TVs was also a major factor in my decision-making process. I needed to find the perfect balance between performance and budget.

Testing the LG C2 OLED

My first hands-on experience was with the LG C2 OLED. Unboxing it felt like unwrapping a premium piece of technology. The sleek design and vibrant screen immediately impressed me. I connected my Playstation 5 and fired up Cyberpunk 2077. The difference was immediately apparent. The inky blacks and incredibly detailed shadows were simply breathtaking. Night City felt more alive than I’d ever experienced before. The vibrant colors of the neon signs popped, and the fast-paced action was flawlessly smooth thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate and incredibly low input lag. I played for hours, completely engrossed in the game. The HDR implementation was superb, showcasing a remarkable dynamic range that brought out the best in the game’s visuals. Even in the most demanding scenes, there was no noticeable screen tearing or stuttering. I also tested the C2 with other games, including Horizon Forbidden West and Elden Ring. The results were consistently excellent. The quick response time and low input lag made a noticeable difference in my gameplay, allowing for more precise aiming and faster reactions. I was particularly impressed by how well the TV handled fast-moving objects without any motion blur. The overall gaming experience was simply phenomenal. However, I did notice a slight amount of blooming around bright objects in dark scenes, a common characteristic of OLED technology. This wasn’t a major issue, but it was something I kept in mind for future comparisons. Despite this minor drawback, the LG C2 delivered an exceptional gaming experience that exceeded my expectations in many ways.

Comparing with the Samsung QN90B

Next up was the Samsung QN90B Neo QLED. This TV boasts a different technology altogether, using mini-LED backlighting for superior local dimming. My first impression was one of brightness; it was noticeably brighter than the LG C2, especially in HDR content. I ran the same games – Cyberpunk 2077, Horizon Forbidden West, and Elden Ring – to make a fair comparison. The Samsung handled bright scenes exceptionally well, with vibrant, punchy colors that really popped. The detail in highly lit areas was also impressive. However, the blacks weren’t as deep as the LG C2’s; they were more of a dark gray, a common trait of LED TVs. This impacted the overall contrast, making some scenes less impactful than on the OLED. The QN90B’s motion handling was also excellent, with minimal motion blur, comparable to the LG C2. Input lag was also extremely low, making for a responsive and enjoyable gaming experience. I found the Samsung’s upscaling capabilities to be slightly superior, particularly noticeable when playing older games or watching upscaled content. The overall picture was sharper and more detailed in many instances. While the Samsung offered a stunning picture with incredible brightness and color vibrancy, the lack of true blacks and slightly less impressive shadow detail ultimately made the gaming experience feel less immersive than the LG C2’s. The superior contrast ratio of the OLED gave the LG C2 a slight edge in overall image quality for me, particularly in darker scenes which are prevalent in many games. Both TVs offered excellent performance, but the differences were subtle yet noticeable depending on the game and scene.

My Final Verdict⁚ Choosing the Right TV for Me

After weeks of rigorous testing, comparing the LG C2 and the Samsung QN90B, I had to make a decision. Both TVs offered exceptional 4K gaming experiences, but their strengths lay in different areas. The Samsung QN90B impressed me with its incredible brightness and vibrant colors, making it a fantastic choice for brightly lit rooms or games with predominantly bright scenes. The superior upscaling also made older games look surprisingly good. However, the LG C2 OLED’s superior contrast ratio and perfect blacks ultimately won me over. The immersion offered by the inky blacks and incredibly detailed shadows was simply unmatched in my testing. For me, the slightly less bright picture was a worthwhile trade-off for the significantly enhanced contrast and overall image quality in darker scenes, which are prevalent in many of the games I play; The difference was particularly noticeable in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Horizon Forbidden West, where the atmospheric details and night-time scenes were far more impactful on the LG C2. Ultimately, my preference for darker, more cinematic gaming experiences led me to choose the LG C2. The slightly higher price was justified by the overall superior gaming experience it provided, at least for my personal preferences and gaming style. While the Samsung QN90B is a fantastic TV in its own right, the LG C2’s OLED technology delivered a more satisfying and immersive gaming experience for me. This decision, however, is entirely subjective; someone prioritizing brightness and vibrant colors in a well-lit room might find the Samsung QN90B the better fit.

Long-Term Impressions and Recommendations

It’s been several months since I made my choice, and my LG C2 OLED continues to impress. The picture quality remains stunning, consistently delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks, even after extended use. I haven’t experienced any noticeable burn-in, a common concern with OLED technology, even with many hours spent playing games with static HUD elements. The response time is excellent, resulting in smooth gameplay with minimal lag. I’ve also appreciated the various picture modes; I’ve found the Game Optimizer preset to be particularly useful, offering a great balance between image quality and low input lag. My only minor complaint is the occasional glare from bright light sources, a common issue with glossy screens. However, this is easily mitigated by adjusting the room lighting. Overall, my experience with the LG C2 has been overwhelmingly positive. For gamers prioritizing picture quality and immersion, especially in darker game environments, I wholeheartedly recommend the LG C2 OLED. However, I must reiterate that the best TV for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you primarily play games in a brightly lit room and value maximum brightness above all else, then the Samsung QN90B, or a similar QLED model, might be a better fit. Consider your gaming environment, the types of games you play, and your budget when making your decision. Don’t hesitate to visit your local electronics store and compare the models side-by-side before making a purchase. Reading detailed reviews and comparing specifications online is also highly recommended before committing to a particular model. Remember that personal preferences play a huge role in this decision, and what works best for me might not necessarily be ideal for you.