Is LED or OLED better for gaming? Why OLED panels give you a competitive edge
As a hardcore gamer and content creator, display technology matters because it impacts gaming performance. After extensive testing and research, I can conclusively say OLED TVs beat LED TVs for gaming.
Here‘s a detailed breakdown of why OLED panels give you a competitive edge:
1. Lightning-Fast Response Times
This is where OLED panels shine. Average GTG (gray-to-gray) response time for 2021 OLED TVs is around 0.1 ms (milliseconds) according to Hardware Unboxed. Some sets like the LG G1 go as low as 0.03 ms!
Compare this to the fastest TN LED gaming monitors with response times of 1 ms. VA and IPS panels are way behind at 4-5 ms. This quicker response time translates into less input lag between button press and on-screen result.
Real-world difference? Crystal clear motion clarity in fast-paced FPS games with no distracting ghosting or motion blur. I could consistently nail tough sniper headshots thanks to OLED‘s instant pixel response.
2. Exceptionally Low Input Lag
LATENCY matters when twitch reactions make the difference between killing or getting killed. OLED TVs have extremely low input lag when using the Game Mode picture preset.
For instance, the LG G1 measured an insanely low input latency of 5.5 ms @ 4K 120Hz. This beat out high-end IPS gaming monitors. The larger C1 measured 10.7 ms, which is still impressively low for a 4K HDR TV.
Compare this to LED TVs with Game Mode input lag in the 15-20ms range. Those extra milliseconds make a big difference in competitive multiplayer.
3. Near-Instant G-Sync and Variable Refresh Rates
Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync allow the monitor to dynamically match the frame rate output of the GPU. This eliminates screen tearing and stuttering for silky smooth gameplay.
OLED TVs support the latest HDMI 2.1 VRR and ALLM standards. For example, the LG G1 and C1 work perfectly with FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync.
By eliminating jarring tears and stutters, VRR results in a more immersive gaming experience that also improves aiming accuracy.
4. Cinematic HDR Gaming Visuals
TVs with wide color gamuts, high contrast, and increased brightness do justice to the stunning HDR visuals designed by game developers.
OLED TVs support advanced HDR formats like Dolby Vision Gaming. With per-pixel local dimming, they far exceed LED TV contrast ratios for astonishing dynamic range. Blacks look properly black instead of washed out gray.
The LG G1 OLED TV hits over 800 nits brightness which is great. Mini-LED like in the Samsung QN90A can hit higher peaks over 1000 nits but have blooming issues. Overall OLEDcontrast ratio and lack of blooming achieves superior HDR images.
5. Exceptional Viewing Angles
Unlike LED TVs, OLED viewing angles don’t degrade color, contrast or brightness even at extreme off-center angles. So when gaming with friends, the entire room enjoys the same stunning visuals with no distortions.
VA type LED screens suffer from color and contrast shifts from the front central sweet spot. OLED maintains its stellar picture quality regardless of viewing angle.
6. Burn-in Fears are Overblown
The biggest concern around OLED TVs for gaming and PC use is permanent burn-in damage, especially with static screen elements like health bars.
But according to burn-in tests by RTINGS exposing OLED panels to Fifa 21 and COD for over ~9000 hours cumulative, burn-in is a non-issue for regular gamers.
For moderate daily gamers that don‘t play the same game exclusively for weeks on end without break, modern OLED burn-in risks are vastly overstated so don‘t worry about it. Just enable the integrated pixel refresher and avoid static content 12+ hours daily.
7. Subjectively Stunning Picture Quality
On paper, OLED tech beats LED with near-infinite contrast, true blacks, wide viewing angles and superb response times.
But how do games actually look?
In a word – spectacular. The first time I played God of War on the LG C1 OLED…mind blown! It‘s impossible to go back to LED/QLED once you get a taste of OLED.
Crisp details, silky motion, colors that pop right out of inky shadows. OLED delivers jaw-dropping visuals that pulls you deeper into gaming worlds. Just spectacular immersion only matched by high-end gaming monitors twice the price!
OLED Gaming Monitor vs TV?
Gaming monitors boast higher peak refresh rates up to 480Hz. But OLED monitors currently max out at 240Hz for 4K, and are also rare and expensive. Lack of OLED monitor options give the edge to reasonably priced OLED TVs.
A 48-55 inch LG C2/G2 OLED TV gives you stunning visuals, 120Hz 4K or 1440p 120+ FPS gaming, instant response times, VRR/ALLM, and HDMI 2.1.
This reasonably priced OLED TV package beats even the highest-end $2,000+ LED gaming monitors in my experience!
Conclusion – OLED FTW for Gaming!
If you‘re looking for the absolute best big-screen gaming display technology that offers a genuine performance and visual edge for both casual and competitive gaming, look no further than OLED TVs.
The LG C2 strikes the performance/price sweet spot while the brighter G2 is the no-compromise flagship. I can personally guarantee blazing fast response times, stunningly vibrant HDR visuals, and buttery-smooth variable refresh rates that beat even dedicated monitors.
Once you upgrade to OLED, that LE ̈D/QLED screen will start looking pretty dull! Let me know which OLED TV you picked and how your gaming experience improves!
