Will the PS5 work on any 1080p TV? This is a common question many gamers who own 1080p TVs ask.
With newer consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X designed with 4K in mind, should you upgrade to 4K? What are the implications of playing PS5 on a 1080p TV? In fact, is the PS5 even worth getting if you don’t have a 4K TV?
This article answers these questions in greater depth.
First, what is 1080p?
For the uninitiated, 1080p (Full HD) means a video resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This implies that for every horizontal line on a display, there are 1920 pixels running from left to right, and 1080 pixels running from top to bottom for every vertical line on a display.
On the other hand, 4K or ultra high definition (UHD) or Ultra HD usually means 3840 x 2160 pixels video resolution (i.e., 3840 pixels running from left to right of a display for every horizontal line and 2160 pixels running from top to bottom of a screen for every vertical line). 4K is almost four times higher definition than 1080p.
The PS5 will work on 1080p TV but…
Will the PS5 work on 1080p TV? In a word, yes. There are limits, though.
Your PlayStation 5 might not look its best on a 1080p TV. And, in fact, you might be missing out on the better resolutions, refresh rates, latest connections (we’re looking at you, the HDMI 2.1) and other variables that matter most to gaming aficionados.
Any serious gamer out there would love to enjoy the 4K gaming at 120 Hz the PS5 and newer consoles like the Xbox Series X offer. Very good 4K TVs, like the Sony A95K QD-OLED, LG C2 OLED, LG C1 OLED, Samsung Q90T, LG CX OLED TV, LG NANO85 4K Smart TV, and the impressive Sony X900H Smart TV support 4K gaming at 120Hz.
Plus, you want to enjoy the quick response time and low input lag associated with new 4K TVs.
Then, there’s the HDMI 2.1 port previously mentioned. The HDMI 2.1 ports some 4K TVs ship with support eARC, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and up to 4K 120Hz signals.
What about the Xbox Series X?
Of course, the Xbox Series X also acquits itself with 1080p TVs. However, as with the PS5, you’d be missing out on the many new capabilities of the console: that’s the blunt truth. As a matter of fact, not all 1080p TVs utilize the new features found on the Xbox Series X.
So, what TV do you need for PS5?
For the best gaming experience, and in order to utilize the full capabilities of the PlayStation 5, it is better to get a 4K TV. That said, the PS5 does not require a 4K TV.
Truth is, games on a 4K TV look much, much better. Try playing Cold War, or Valhalla on a 4K TV such as the LG C2 OLED, LG C1 OLED or LG CX OLED 4K TV – it’s a pure joy.
Will the PS5 come with HDMI 2.1 cable?
Yes, the PS5 ships with HDMI 2.1 cable.
Most new 4K TVs like the Sony A95K QD-OLED, LG C2 OLED, LG C1 OLED, LG CX OLED TV, LG NANO85 4K Smart TV, and the Samsung Q90T QLED 4K TV, have at least one HDMI 2.1 port. Four ports on the LG CX OLED TV support HDMI 2.1, the LG NANO85 4K Smart TV has two HDMI 2.1 ports. While one of the HDMI ports on the Samsung Q90T QLED 4K is version 2.1.
The HDMI 2.1 port makes 4K gaming at 120Hz seamless.
Got old HDMI 2.0 cables? Well, you can use the HDMI 2.0 cables on 4K TVs, however, HDMI 2.0 does not officially support 4K gaming at over 60Hz, only HDMI 2.1 does. Plus, HDMI 2.1 offers a better bandwidth than HDMI 2.0. HDMI 2.1 has 48Gbps carry capacity, compared to 18Gbps HDMI 2.0 manages.
What are the best TVs for PS5?
Here are the best TVs for getting the most out of PS5. These TVs are well suited to the 4K resolution and high frame rate the PlayStation 5 boasts.
1. LG C2 OLED (2022) (Editors’ Choice)
Right now, our absolute favorite smart TV is the LG C2 OLED, which also leads our list of the best TVs for PS5. The LG C2 OLED TV’s predecessor, the LG C1 was (heck, still is!) an excellent TV. However, the LG C2 is slightly a cut above it and, of course, the rest (smart TVs, that is) out there.
If you’re on the hunt for a new 4K TV with a jaw-dropping OLED display, the LG C2 gets the nod. It is the best TV for cinephiles and gamers.
The LG C2 is an excellent performer overall, with good contrast, excellent brightness, and video processing. It has excellent color accuracy out-of-the-box, and an impressive HDR color gamut to produce a wide range of colors. Its viewing angles are decent.
Like the LG C1, the LG C2 has a respectable set of ports for gaming and streaming. It offers four HDMI ports, three USB ports, optical digital audio output, analog audio 3.5mm headphone output, RF (antenna) input. It supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, too.
The good news is that all four of the C2’s inputs are full bandwidth HDMI 2.1. This should keep gamers happy, because the HDMI 2.1 supports 4K gaming at 120fps.
The LG C2’s gaming credentials are further established with variable refresh rate (VRR) and AMD FreeSync Premium, which reduces tearing and stuttering. It is G-Sync compatible. Then there is the incredibly low input lag which is worth mentioning, too.
It’s expected that a high-end flatscreen TV will put in a decent performance with audio, and the LG C2 delivers. The LG C2’s audio is respectable.
When it comes to streaming services, the LG C2 doesn’t disappoint. In fact, most of the big names are here, including Apple TV, Disney+, HBO Max, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Twitch, and YouTube.
If you’ve been a Samsung, Hisense, or Vizio loyalist for years, it’s worth taking a look to see what else is out there.
Overall, this is a great piece of hardware that anyone should be proud to have at home. The LG C2 is highly recommended.
PROS
- Outstanding picture quality
- Bright 120Hz screen
- Sleek, thin design
- VRR, FreeSync Premium, AirPlay 2 support
- Incredibly low input lag
- G-Sync compatible
- Impressive audio
- Ample connectivity options
- Excellent contrast and black levels
- Wide colour gamut
CONS
- Pricey
LG C2 OLED TV Key Specifications
Screen Size: 55-inch
Smart TV: Yes
Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Panel Type: OLED
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
HDR Compatibility: Yes
Size: 48 x 27.7 x 1.9 inches
Weight: 28 pounds
Connections: 4x HDMI (1x eARC), 3x USB, optical digital audio output, LAN, RF (antenna) input, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC/eARC): Yes
2. Samsung S95B QD-OLED (2022)
The Samsung S95B is Samsung’s first QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED) TV. It packs as much oomph the Sony A95K QD-OLED TV, the LG C2 OLED and the LG G2 Evo Gallery OLED.
The display nestled between the S95B smart TV’s bezels is awe-inspiring. The color accuracy, however, stands out. Pictures look very real and image brightness is better than standard OLED panels.
Like the Sony A95K QD-OLED TV, the Samsung S95B QD-OLED comes in 55- and 65-inch sizes only.
As far as sound goes, what comes out of the S95B’s built-in speakers is actually decent. The TV offers support for Object Tracking Sound and Q-Symphony with Dolby Atmos.
On the Samsung S95B, action movies, sports and games look smooth and crisp up to 4K at 120Hz. The TV’s Motion Xcelerator Turbo+ feature reduces lag and blur.
The S95B’s connections are typical of a contemporary Smart TV: four HDMI ports, two USB ports, a digital optical audio out, and more. But get this: only one of the HDMI ports (HDMI 3) supports eARC. There’s also support for auto low latency mode (ALLM) and up to 4K 120Hz signals.
Elsewhere, Samsung’s S95B QD-OLED offers excellent support for Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, Netflix, Apple TV Plus, and HBO Max.
And last but not least, Samsung preloads its S95B with numerous apps you might like, including Alexa, Bixby, and Google Assistant.
At the moment, the Samsung S95B QD-OLED TV is one of the best TVs to buy in the Samsung range. If money is no object, the S95B is absolutely worth owning.
PROS
- Excellent picture quality
- Bright 120Hz QD-OLED screen
- Excellent contrast and black levels
- Thin design
- Wide colour gamut
- FreeSync Premium support
CONS
- Pricey
Samsung S95B QD-OLED (2022) TV Key Specifications
Screen Size: 55-inch
Smart TV: Yes
Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Panel Type: Quantum HDR OLED
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
HDR Compatibility: Yes
Size: 48.2 x 27.7 x 1.6 inches
Weight: 36.6 pounds
Connections: 4x HDMI (1x eARC), 2x USB, optical digital audio output, LAN, RF (antenna) input, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC/eARC): Yes
3. Sony A95K QD-OLED (2022)
The Sony A95K is Sony’s first-ever QD-OLED TV which boasts richer colors at higher brightness than other panels. The Sony A95K’s color accuracy is superb. Like the Samsung S95B QD-OLED, the LG C2 OLED, and the Sony A90J OLED TV, the Sony A95K has excellent color accuracy out-of-the-box.
Viewing angles is one of the Sony A95K’s strong suit. It has a wide viewing angle: that’s the blunt truth. So, you get the best picture quality, irrespective of your viewing position. Colors stay consistent and true across all viewing angles.
When it comes to connectivity, the A95K has the ones that matter, including four HDMI ports, and 3 USB ports. Two HDMI ports support HDMI 2.1. For your money, you’re getting a smart TV which supports 4K gaming at up to 120Hz. Its 120Hz panel supports variable refresh rate (VRR).
With the HDMI 2.1 you can get up to 120fps on compatible games. In addition, you’ll also enjoy ultra-smooth gaming with reduced input lag of 8.5ms with 4K/120fps. The smart TV recognizes when a console is connected and powered on, and automatically switches to low latency mode.
Just know: the Sony A95K comes in 55- and 65-inch sizes only, just like the Samsung S95B QD-OLED. That’s slightly painful. Need more size options? Then lean toward the LG C2 OLED TV which comes in 42, 48-, 55-, 65-, 77-, and, yes, 83-inch sizes.
How about the audio? Well, the TV has a sublime audio system. The Sony A95K uses its screen as its speaker system, and produces audio that is loud, clean and rich.
One design point worth highlighting is the A95K’s stand. The base is reversible. What does that mean? Well, this implies that the TV stand could be placed in front or behind the TV. With the stand in front, the TV can stay very close to a wall.
One gripe (not a gripe per se, especially for some people) we have with the Sony A95K is its price. This smart TV is expensive. However, it is worthy of its price point. For a smart TV which stands toe-to-toe with the Samsung S95B QD-OLED, the LG C2 OLED and LG G2 Evo Gallery OLED, this is expected.
All things considered, the A95K is a chart-topper and it is well worth your consideration.
PROS
- Exceptional picture quality
- Bright QD-OLED display
- Sleek, thin design
- Wide color gamut
- Low input lag
- Impressive black levels
- ALLM, VRR support
- Ample connectivity options
CONS
- Expensive
Sony A95K QD-OLED TV (2022) Key Specifications
Screen Size: 55-inch
Smart TV: Yes
Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Panel Type: QD-OLED
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
HDR Compatibility: Yes
Connections: 4x HDMI (1x eARC), 3x USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC/eARC): Yes
4. LG C1 OLED TV
The LG C1 is one of the best sets on the market. The screen is a nice, large, 48-inch 4K display with 120Hz refresh rate. And it’s amazingly colorful to boot. There are also 55-, 65-, 77- and 88-inch sizes.
It has excellent color accuracy, and an impressive HDR color gamut to produce a wide range of colors. An A+ for its wide viewing angles, so you don’t lose too much image accuracy when viewed from the side.
Elsewhere, the LG C1 is also no slouch in the gaming department. Its 120Hz refresh rate and very low input lag should keep gamers happy. The FreeSync support is also an A+ in our book.
If you want plenty of ports, the LG C1 is a good choice. It offers four HDMI ports, three USB ports, optical digital audio output, analog audio 3.5mm headphone output, RF (antenna) input. It supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, too.
Like the HDMIs on the LG CX OLED TV, one of the HDMIs on the LG C1 supports eARC and variable refresh rate (VRR), auto low latency mode (ALLM) and up to 4K 120Hz signals.
The LG C1 supports high dynamic range (HDR) content, HLG, and Dolby Vision. However it lacks HDR10+ support. Not a deal breaker, but worth bearing in mind.
With the LG C1, the South Korean manufacturer promises an outstanding TV – and delivers.
It’s worth adding, too, that the LG C1’s reflection handling is top-notch. Again, this is an OLED TV with good black levels and no visible blooming.
Overall, it’s hard not to be impressed by the LG C1 OLED TV. If you’re looking for a very good TV for PS5, this is certainly the one to beat.
PROS
- Outstanding 4K picture quality
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Very low input lag
- Four HDMI 2.1 ports
- Wide viewing angles
- Good black levels
- G-Sync and FreeSync compatible
- Good contrast
CONS
- No HDR10+ support
LG C1 OLED TV Key Specifications
Screen Size: 48-inch
Smart TV: Yes
Resolution: 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Panel Type: OLED
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
HDR Compatibility: Yes
Size: 42.2 x 25.6 x 9.9 inches
Weight: 41.7 pounds
Connections: 4x HDMI (one with eARC), 3x USB, optical digital audio output, analog audio 3.5mm headphone output, RF (antenna) input, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
5. LG CX OLED TV
PROS
- Exceptional picture quality
- Impressive audio
- G-Sync and Freesync features
- Improved upscaling
- Slim design
- Good contrast
- 4K/120Hz support
CONS
- Pricey
LG CX OLED TV Key Specifications
Screen Size: 55-inch
Smart TV: Yes
Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Panel Type: OLED
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
HDR Compatibility: Yes
Size: 57.0 x 32.7 x 1.8 inches
Weight: 52.9 pounds
Connections: 4x HDMI , 3x USB, composite video/audio input, optical digital audio output, analog audio 3.5mm headphone output, RF (antenna) input, RS-232 port, Ethernet (LAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
The LG CX OLED both feels and looks the high-end part, but the performance is the star. It is one of the best TVs for PS5.
The TV’s thin panel boasts an outstanding picture quality. Contrast is excellent, and colours are real. Brightness is pretty good. The images on the TV’s OLED panel are better than what most LED LCD TVs manage.
It offers 4K gaming at 120Hz. Elsewhere, the LG CX OLED has four ports with full HDMI 2.1 implementation. Apps like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Apple TV, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ work very well on the LG CX OLED TV. Audio is very, very good. The LG CX OLED TV speakers produce sound that is loud, rich, and clean.
It remains one of the best TVs for getting the most out of PS5.
6. Samsung Q90T QLED 4K TV
PROS
- Impressive display
- 120Hz refresh rate
- G-Sync and Freesync support
- Excellent viewing angles
CONS
- A bit pricey
- Bixby could use some improvements
- No Dolby Vision support
Samsung Q90T QLED 4K TV Key Specifications
Screen Size: 55-inch
Smart TV: Yes
Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Panel Type: QLED
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
HDR Compatibility: Yes
Size: 48.3 x 27.8 x 1.4 inches
Weight: 44.3 pounds
Connections: Bluetooth, USB, Ethernet, HDMI, Wi-Fi
Another good TV for getting the best from PS5 is the Samsung Q90T QLED 4K TV.
The Samsung QLED Q90T’s display is outstanding, colourful and crisp. Much of that dazzling display is thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate, which smooths out the animations and motion. Its Real Game Enhancer+, and extra motion clarity automatically reduces halo and blur.
The Samsung Q90T’s connections are typical of a contemporary Smart TV: four HDMI ports, two USB ports and a digital optical audio out. There’s also an Ethernet port. But get this: Only one of HDMI ports is version 2.1. The HDMI 2.1 version supports eARC and variable refresh rate (VRR), auto low latency mode (ALLM) and up to 4K 120Hz signals.
7. LG NANO85 4K Smart TV
PROS
- Excellent colour accuracy
- Good overall performance
- Low input lag
- Supports 4K at 120Hz
- Two HDMI 2.1 ports
CONS
- No cable management
- Low contrast ratio
LG NANO85 4K Smart TV Key Specifications
Screen Size: 65-inch
Smart TV: Yes
Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Panel Type: Edge LED IPS
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
HDR Compatibility: Yes (HDR10, HGiG, Dolby Vision, HLG)
Size: 57.1 x 33.1 x 2.5 inches
Weight: 53.6 pounds
Connections: 4 x HDMI (2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x eARC), 3 x USB, 1 x Composite, 1 x RF, optical digital audio out, Ethernet port
The LG NANO85 4K Smart TV is one of the best TVs for PS5 worth mentioning.
With the LG NANO85 you get fast-moving content in higher resolution and smooth, synchronized graphics thanks to features like variable refresh rate (VRR), auto low latency mode (ALLM) and enhanced audio return channel (eARC). These features meet HDMI 2.1 standards. The LG NANO85 supports 4K gaming at 120Hz refresh rate.
Then, there’s HDMI 2.1 port which makes 4K gaming at 120Hz seamless.
8. Sony X900H Smart TV
PROS
- Good 4K display
- Excellent HDR performance
- Impressive sound system
- Offers 4K gaming at 120Hz
- Very good upscaling
- Lots of connections
CONS
- Android interface could use some improvements
Sony X900H Smart TV Key Specifications
Screen Size: 65-inch
Smart TV: Yes
Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Panel Type: LCD
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
HDR Compatibility: Yes
Connections: 4 x HDMI, 3 x USB, composite video input, Ethernet, optical digital audio output, 1 x headphone/subwoofer audio output, 1x RF (antenna) input, RS-232 port
The Sony X900H has all the bells and whistles of an outstanding gaming TV. It easily competes with top end blowers, like the LG CX OLED TV and Samsung QLED Q90T. It is currently one of the best TVs for PS5 on the market.
The TV’s Variable Refresh Rate, and Auto Low Latency Mode make it ideal for PS5 and other consoles like Xbox Series X. Another massive win for the TV is its display. Sony nailed it. Images look sharp and, overall, the panel’s picture quality is impressive.
We have no complaints with the selection of ports offered on the Sony X900H. In fact, every port you could reasonably expect is on the X900H. Like the HDMI 2.1 ports on the LG NANO85 4K Smart TV, the HDMI 2.1 port on Sony’s Z900H makes 4K gaming at 120Hz seamless. Therefore, if you want high frame rates, the Sony X900H should be one of your options.
9. TCL 6-Series 55R635 4K TV
PROS
- Good game mode performance
- Impressive upscaling
- MiniLED feature
- Low input lag
- Impressive colour and contrast
- Excellent display
CONS
- No 4K gaming at 120Hz
- Motion performance could better
TCL 6-Series 55R635 4K TV Key Specifications
Screen Size: 55-inch
Smart TV: Yes
Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Panel Type: Mini-LED QLED
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
HDR Compatibility: Yes
Size: 48.3 x 28.1 x 2.8 inches
Weight: 41.9 pounds
Connections: 4 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x Composite, 1 x RF
TCL’s 6-Series 55R635 4K TV is a capable Smart TV for PS5 that packs tons of performance at a relatively affordable price.
Pictures on the TCL 55R635 TV look pretty good. Colour performance is excellent. In fact, colours look lifelike and natural. Contrast – the difference between the darkest blacks and brightest whites – is good, thanks to the MiniLED technology which enhances contrast. Dark scenes are impressive, too. An A+ for the TV’s backlit performance.
The TCL 6-series 55R635 has a fast response time and low input lag. Other features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto-Low Latency Mode (ALLM) make gaming seamless.
Combine these features, and you’ve got one of the best TV values at the moment, and the easy pick for affordable TVs for PS5.
Final Thoughts
Now you know that the PS5 will work on a 1080p TV. However, if you want to take advantage of the full capabilities of the PlayStation 5, you should consider getting a good 4K TV. A good 4K TV will help you utilize every feature the PS5 brings to the table.
Better frame rates, higher resolution, and advanced connectivity are some of the features associated with 4K TVs.
