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LGE’s C1 -- the Best Gaming TV Available in 2021
LG's line of OLED televisions dominates the best TV roundup year-over-year with a stunning picture and the company’s new features through software updates. And for Xbox Series X and PC owners, LG announced, as reported by FlatpanelsHD, that starting June 23, firmware version 3.15.27 will roll out for the C1 and G1 2021 OLED models. The new feature enables Dolby Vision at 120Hz, which will not only make gameplay look vibrant and rich, but buttery smooth as well. The company is hoping that a beta update will release for other 2021 models within the next month.
Users of the 2020 CX and GX OLEDs will also see the Dolby Vision 120Hz update.
The new update will also include more color options (purple, orange, green) for the Game Optimizer menu. A new Game Dashboard menu for webOS 6.0 will also be incoming, with more optimizations. Gamers also won't have to manually switch between AMD FreeSynch and Dolby Vision. The update will allow both features to remain on at the same time. Currently, the Xbox Series X will be the only console to support this feature. The PS5 still does not support Dolby Vision, only HDR. Sony has said that Dolby Vision support will come via a future software update. The Dolby Vision 120Hz feature is already available for Xbox Insider testers as part of the invite-only Alpha Ring program. FlatpanelsHD asked both Sony and Panasonic regarding Dolby Vision 120Hz support. Sony said it has no plans to announce anything at the moment, while Panasonic said its 2021 models do not support Dolby Vision 120Hz due to hardware limitations. Using the PlayStation 5 or the Xbox Series X, it’s worth investing in a TV that can take full advantage of what these new consoles can offer. One of the key updates in both these consoles is support for 120fps gaming at 4K resolution. The last generation of Microsoft and Sony game consoles only supported up to 60fps.
While 4K@120Hz support is great to have, there are a number of other gaming-related features or aspects of a TV that can enhance or hamper the gaming experience.
Best OLED Gaming TV: LG C1
LG C1 is arguably the best OLED gaming TV and comes with pretty much everything required of a gaming TV. It packs four HDMI 2.1 ports, all of which can pass through 4K content at 120fps. Being an OLED TV, it provides exceptional contrast. The TV is also capable of 1ms response time and comes with support for VRR and ALLM as well as the HGiG mode. It supports LG’s Game Optimizer that puts all gaming-related settings in one place. Moreover, the TV is certified for G-Sync and FreeSync. The LG excels in other use-cases as well. It runs on webOS. LG C1 is offered in 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, and 83-inch screen sizes.
LG G1 is technically a superior TV to the LG C1, but the marginal improvements aren’t worth the additional $400-$500 charges. LG G1 offers everything that’s present in the C1 and packs a newer OLED panel, which has a max brightness of 412.05 nits, compared to 388.88 for the GX and a little lower for the C1.
However, many find it hard to even tell the difference. Like the C1, it comes with 4K@120Hz support, super-fast response time, VRR, ALLM, HGiG mode, and HDMI 2.1 on the G1. It also runs on webOS. The LG G1 is offered in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 77-inch screen sizes.
Sony A90J is another great OLED TV, but its hefty price tag takes it out of a lot of people’s budget and isn’t necessarily justified. Also, it doesn’t come with VRR support out of the box and is set to get it via a software update. Still, it’s amazing to play games on and provides super-fast response time, an input lag of less than 8.5ms, and support for 4K@120Hz. Sony has also included a dedicated game mode.
Moreover, the Sony TV supports HDMI 2.1 in two of the four HDMI ports. Sony A90J runs on the Android TV platform with the new Google TV experience. It’s offered in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 83-inch screen sizes.
Vizio OLED 2020 provides low input lag and super-fast response time. There are four HDMI ports on the Vizio TV, of which two support all features of HDMI 2.1, including 4K/ 120fps, ALLM, and VRR. Another HDMI port also supports HDMI 2.1 but only for eARC. Vizio OLED 2020 runs on the company’s SmartCast platform. It’s offered in 55-inch and 65-inch screen sizes. Vizio OLED 2020 is an affordable OLED TV that packs all the gaming features you might need.
Best LCD Gaming TV: Samsung QN90A
Samsung QN90A is a great TV that offers superb contrast ratio and uses MiniLED technology to provide local dimming support. It’s also quite bright and can work without issues in well-lit rooms. Additionally, the TV includes one HDMI port with version 2.1 support and is AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync certified with features like 4K@120Hz, VRR, ALLM, low input lag, fast response time, and HGiG mode. The TV includes a “Game Bar” to provide quick access to various gaming related features. The Samsung TV runs on the Tizen platform, and is offered in 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, and 85-inch screen sizes.
Sony X90J is another great LCD TV for gaming. It comes with full-array local dimming support for a high contrast ratio and deeper blacks. You also get support for low input lag, fast response time, and 4K@120Hz. There are a total of four HDMI ports on the TV, of which two are capable of providing the full set of HDMI 2.1 features, including VRR and ALLM. However, VRR will be available at a later date via a software update. The Sony TV provides great picture quality and runs on the Android TV platform with the new Google TV experience. The TV is offered in 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch screen sizes. It comes with features like Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, and Acoustic Multi-Audio.
The Samsung Q90T is an amazing TV for most use-cases, including gaming. It offers excellent contrast ratio, thanks to the local dimming support, and high peak brightness and supports 4K@120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and low input lag. However, out of the TV’s four HDMI ports, only one supports HDMI 2.1 features. The company has “Real Game Enhancer” that improves the game’s motion clarity. Samsung Q90/Q90T runs on the Tizen platform, and it’s offered in 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch screen sizes.
Affordable LCD Pick: Hisense U8G
The Hisense U8G is a great option for less than $1000. It competes with the likes of Samsung QN90A and Sony X90J and offers excellent contrast ratio, thanks to local dimming, and up to 1,500 nits of peak brightness. It also excels in video game performance with its low input lag, superb response time, and 4K@120Hz support.
There are a total of four HDMI ports, of which two support HDMI 2.1, providing access to things like VRR and ALLM. The Hisense U8G runs on the Android TV platform and is offered in 55-inch and 65-inch screen sizes.
According to FlatpanelsHD, these are the best gaming TVs available right now.
LG's line of OLED televisions dominates the best TV roundup year-over-year with a stunning picture and the company’s new features through software updates. And for Xbox Series X and PC owners, LG announced, as reported by FlatpanelsHD, that starting June 23, firmware version 3.15.27 will roll out for the C1 and G1 2021 OLED models. The new feature enables Dolby Vision at 120Hz, which will not only make gameplay look vibrant and rich, but buttery smooth as well. The company is hoping that a beta update will release for other 2021 models within the next month.
Users of the 2020 CX and GX OLEDs will also see the Dolby Vision 120Hz update.
The new update will also include more color options (purple, orange, green) for the Game Optimizer menu. A new Game Dashboard menu for webOS 6.0 will also be incoming, with more optimizations. Gamers also won't have to manually switch between AMD FreeSynch and Dolby Vision. The update will allow both features to remain on at the same time. Currently, the Xbox Series X will be the only console to support this feature. The PS5 still does not support Dolby Vision, only HDR. Sony has said that Dolby Vision support will come via a future software update. The Dolby Vision 120Hz feature is already available for Xbox Insider testers as part of the invite-only Alpha Ring program. FlatpanelsHD asked both Sony and Panasonic regarding Dolby Vision 120Hz support. Sony said it has no plans to announce anything at the moment, while Panasonic said its 2021 models do not support Dolby Vision 120Hz due to hardware limitations. Using the PlayStation 5 or the Xbox Series X, it’s worth investing in a TV that can take full advantage of what these new consoles can offer. One of the key updates in both these consoles is support for 120fps gaming at 4K resolution. The last generation of Microsoft and Sony game consoles only supported up to 60fps.
While 4K@120Hz support is great to have, there are a number of other gaming-related features or aspects of a TV that can enhance or hamper the gaming experience.
- Input lag is basically the delay between pressing a button on a controller and its result showing up on your TV. The higher the input lag, the more sluggish the game
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) is a feature that adjusts the refresh rate to match the game’s input. If there’s no VRR, it can cause judder or lag during gameplay. AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync are two types of VRR implementations that support various TVs.
- ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) is another gaming-related feature that automatically enables a low latency mode when a console is connected so that fast response time is provided.
- HGiG stands for HDR Gaming Interest Group. It’s a group of companies that have come together to share the best HDR practices among the display and gaming industries. There’s no certification or standard, but an HGiG mode or setting in TVs from select manufacturers basically makes sure there is accurate contrast in HDR games. HGiG actually frowns upon using the HGiG name for this mode but they do provide best practices around HDR gaming.
Best OLED Gaming TV: LG C1
LG C1 is arguably the best OLED gaming TV and comes with pretty much everything required of a gaming TV. It packs four HDMI 2.1 ports, all of which can pass through 4K content at 120fps. Being an OLED TV, it provides exceptional contrast. The TV is also capable of 1ms response time and comes with support for VRR and ALLM as well as the HGiG mode. It supports LG’s Game Optimizer that puts all gaming-related settings in one place. Moreover, the TV is certified for G-Sync and FreeSync. The LG excels in other use-cases as well. It runs on webOS. LG C1 is offered in 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, and 83-inch screen sizes.
LG G1 is technically a superior TV to the LG C1, but the marginal improvements aren’t worth the additional $400-$500 charges. LG G1 offers everything that’s present in the C1 and packs a newer OLED panel, which has a max brightness of 412.05 nits, compared to 388.88 for the GX and a little lower for the C1.
However, many find it hard to even tell the difference. Like the C1, it comes with 4K@120Hz support, super-fast response time, VRR, ALLM, HGiG mode, and HDMI 2.1 on the G1. It also runs on webOS. The LG G1 is offered in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 77-inch screen sizes.
Sony A90J is another great OLED TV, but its hefty price tag takes it out of a lot of people’s budget and isn’t necessarily justified. Also, it doesn’t come with VRR support out of the box and is set to get it via a software update. Still, it’s amazing to play games on and provides super-fast response time, an input lag of less than 8.5ms, and support for 4K@120Hz. Sony has also included a dedicated game mode.
Moreover, the Sony TV supports HDMI 2.1 in two of the four HDMI ports. Sony A90J runs on the Android TV platform with the new Google TV experience. It’s offered in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 83-inch screen sizes.
Vizio OLED 2020 provides low input lag and super-fast response time. There are four HDMI ports on the Vizio TV, of which two support all features of HDMI 2.1, including 4K/ 120fps, ALLM, and VRR. Another HDMI port also supports HDMI 2.1 but only for eARC. Vizio OLED 2020 runs on the company’s SmartCast platform. It’s offered in 55-inch and 65-inch screen sizes. Vizio OLED 2020 is an affordable OLED TV that packs all the gaming features you might need.
Best LCD Gaming TV: Samsung QN90A
Samsung QN90A is a great TV that offers superb contrast ratio and uses MiniLED technology to provide local dimming support. It’s also quite bright and can work without issues in well-lit rooms. Additionally, the TV includes one HDMI port with version 2.1 support and is AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync certified with features like 4K@120Hz, VRR, ALLM, low input lag, fast response time, and HGiG mode. The TV includes a “Game Bar” to provide quick access to various gaming related features. The Samsung TV runs on the Tizen platform, and is offered in 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, and 85-inch screen sizes.
Sony X90J is another great LCD TV for gaming. It comes with full-array local dimming support for a high contrast ratio and deeper blacks. You also get support for low input lag, fast response time, and 4K@120Hz. There are a total of four HDMI ports on the TV, of which two are capable of providing the full set of HDMI 2.1 features, including VRR and ALLM. However, VRR will be available at a later date via a software update. The Sony TV provides great picture quality and runs on the Android TV platform with the new Google TV experience. The TV is offered in 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch screen sizes. It comes with features like Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, and Acoustic Multi-Audio.
The Samsung Q90T is an amazing TV for most use-cases, including gaming. It offers excellent contrast ratio, thanks to the local dimming support, and high peak brightness and supports 4K@120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and low input lag. However, out of the TV’s four HDMI ports, only one supports HDMI 2.1 features. The company has “Real Game Enhancer” that improves the game’s motion clarity. Samsung Q90/Q90T runs on the Tizen platform, and it’s offered in 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch screen sizes.
Affordable LCD Pick: Hisense U8G
The Hisense U8G is a great option for less than $1000. It competes with the likes of Samsung QN90A and Sony X90J and offers excellent contrast ratio, thanks to local dimming, and up to 1,500 nits of peak brightness. It also excels in video game performance with its low input lag, superb response time, and 4K@120Hz support.
There are a total of four HDMI ports, of which two support HDMI 2.1, providing access to things like VRR and ALLM. The Hisense U8G runs on the Android TV platform and is offered in 55-inch and 65-inch screen sizes.
According to FlatpanelsHD, these are the best gaming TVs available right now.
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