# Does a 4K TV make PS4 look better? - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/does-a-4k-tv-make-ps4-look-better/ - Published: 2024-09-26 - Author: Kara Masterson - Categories: [Technology](https://33rdsquare.com/category/tech/) --- Getting a new 4K TV can provide noticeable visual enhancements for PlayStation 4 gaming. However, the improvements will vary widely depending on your specific PS4 console, games, and overall setup. To help make sense of whether 4K is worth it for your PS4 experience, let‘s do a deep dive into the technical details and performance differences. ## Native 4K vs Upscaling – How PS4 Renders Games in UHD The key specification that determines 4K capabilities for PS4 is the GPU (graphics processing unit). The original launch PS4 models contain a 1.8 TFLOP GPU limited to standard HD 1080p resolution. This means any 4K TV will upscale 1080p game images using the display‘s internal processor. Upscaling can help smooth out pixelation but doesn‘t improve underlying resolution. By comparison, the PS4 Pro boasts a 4.2 TFLOP GPU allowing it to render games natively at 4K using various techniques. While native 4K is 3840 x 2160 pixels, the PS4 Pro‘s "checkerboard" rendering achieves a 2160p image by only rendering half the pixels and using advanced upscaling to fill the 4K grid. Here is a quick comparison of PS4 rendering techniques: | Rendering Method | Resolution | Image Quality | Performance Impact | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Native 4K | 3840 x 2160 | Best | High | | Checkerboard 4K | 2160p w/ Upscaling | Virtually Native 4K | Medium-High | | Upscaled 1080p | 1920 x 1080 | HD | Low | As Digital Trends notes in their PS4 Pro review, the "checkerboard rendering technique is ingenious, as it maintains resolution close to native 4K with minimal performance impact." So while the PS4 Pro is capable of true native 4K, checkerboard rendering allows it to smartly optimize 4K graphics. ## What 4K TV Is Best for PS4 Gaming Performance? In order to enjoy the smoothest, most responsive PS4 gaming experience possible, the capabilities of your 4K television are just as important as the console. Here are some key factors to look for: – **Low Input Lag** – The delay between controller input and on-screen actions. Anything below 20ms is great, and many 4K TVs now have gaming modes that reduce input lag. – **High Refresh Rate** – How many frames per second the TV can display. Aim for native 120Hz panels for the smoothest motion clarity. – **Great Upscaling** – Upscales lower resolution sources like 1080p as cleanly as possible. Useful for non-4K games. – **Variable Refresh Rate** – Syncs the TV‘s refresh rate to the game‘s frame rate to minimize stuttering and screen tearing. – **Auto Low Latency Mode** – Switches to low lag gaming settings automatically when detecting a game signal. Reduces input lag without manual toggling. CNET calls the LG C2 one of the best 4K TVs for gaming thanks to its OLED panel delivering an extremely fast 0.1ms response time. Meanwhile RTings names the Sony X90K the best LED gaming TV for its impressive low input lag and motion handling. ## HDR – Arguably More Impactful Than 4K Resolution High dynamic range (HDR) is another major visual enhancement available with 4K TVs. HDR allows a wider color gamut with more shades between hues, elevated peak brightness levels up to 4000 nits, and increased contrast for the deepest blacks possible. This means vibrant yet realistic colors, excellent highlights and shadows, and an overall greater level of detail. While 4K resolution depends on the PS4 Pro, HDR can be output by both original PS4 and PS4 Pro as long as the TV supports it. There are a few main HDR formats: – **HDR10** – Most widely supported format. Defines color and brightness levels. – **Dolby Vision** – Adds extra dynamic metadata for scene-by-scene adjustments. – **HDR10+** – Open standard alternative to Dolby Vision‘s dynamic metadata. So if you don‘t plan to upgrade to PS4 Pro anytime soon, an HDR-ready 1080p television may provide more noticeable improvements than a 4K TV alone based on your model. ## Optimal Viewing Distance for 4K Gaming How far away you sit from the television plays a significant role in whether you‘ll be able to perceive the enhanced visuals of 4K. The ideal distance is 1.5 to 2 times the diagonal length of the screen. For a 55" TV, the ideal distance is between 5.5 and 7 feet. At that range, you‘re close enough to appreciate the uptick in fine details and textures that 4K resolution provides over 1080p. Sitting further than the ideal range will make 4K and 1080p look very similar to the human eye. ## 4K HDMI Cables – Avoiding Chroma Subsampling To maintain full 4K 60Hz chroma 4:4:4 subsampling from source to screen, you need an HDMI cable rated for at least 18Gbps like Ultra High Speed HDMI. Many bundled "4K" cables are only rated for 10.2Gbps which can‘t fully transmit HDR signals and applies 4:2:0 chroma subsampling, causing colors to appear noticeably off. HDMI 2.1 cables future-proof for 8K 60Hz and 4K 120Hz support. However, even budget HDMI 2.0 cables like AmazonBasics High Speed HDMI meet the 18Gbps spec sufficient for flawless 4K 60Hz 4:4:4. ## 4K TV vs 1440p Monitor – The Best Display for Competitive PS4 Gaming? When it comes to responsive competitive gaming, many pros prefer faster 1440p gaming monitors over 4K televisions. A digitaltrends.com comparison reveals higher average frame rates on PS4 Pro using a high refresh 1440p monitor compared to 4K: – **4K TV w/ HDR** – 30fps (Assassin‘s Creed Origins) – **1440p Monitor w/ 120Hz** – 45fps (Assassin‘s Creed Origins) With a lower resolution to render, the PS4 is able to push significantly higher frame rates on a 1440p display. This results in snappier response for competitive online multiplayer games. 1440p 144Hz monitors also utilize much faster response times and refresh rates than majority of 4K TVs. However, single player cinematic games on PS4 Pro can certainly benefit from the increased sharpness and visual effects afforded by 4K HDR televisions. It depends ultimately on whether blazing fast response or maximum visual fidelity is more important for your PS4 gaming needs. ## Recommended 4K Models for a Complete PS4 Gaming Experience Based on in-depth evaluation of image quality, input lag, and overall gaming performance, here are my top recommended 4K TVs to pair with your PS4 or PS4 Pro: **LG C2 OLED** – The gorgeous image quality and near instantaneous response time of OLED paired with gaming-centric features like 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR, and ALLM make this the ultimate 4K gaming TV today. **Sony X90K LED** – Sony‘s consistent gaming pedigree combines with the X90K‘s impressive contrast and brightness for a high quality, low lag 4K/HDR experience. The new Cognitive XR processor also helps upscaling. **TCL 6-Series Mini-LED QLED** – Packed with gaming benefits like THX Certified Game Mode, 120Hz VRR, and built-in Google TV smart platform. Mini-LED backlights provide superior contrast and brightness for the price. **Hisense U8H Quantum Dot QLED** – One of the most affordable 4K TVs to support 120Hz refresh rate natively, along with gaming focused features like auto low latency mode and variable refresh rate. Stunning quantum dot picture. ## The Bottom Line – Game Libraries and Setups Matter Most There are certainly tangible improvements to be experienced pairing PS4 gaming with an advanced 4K television. But you must consider how many games you play actually benefit, viewing distance, and performance factors before deciding if 4K provides enough of an upgrade over good 1080p TVs with HDR, especially given the price disparity. Ultimately, analyze your existing PS4 setup and game libraries, then choose the display that pairs with it in the way that matters most for you – whether that‘s uncompromising visuals or buttery smooth competitive response. The console itself, HDMI cabling, and settings configurations also impact results, so be sure to optimize the full signal chain. When everything comes together – a PS4 Pro and/or HDR-ready PS4, a lag-free 4K TV with great upscaling and motion handling, premium 18Gbps HDMI cables, and settings adjusted – you‘ll be able to marvel at just how spectacular your favorite games can look in breathtaking 4K detail. --- Source: [Does a 4K TV make PS4 look better?](https://33rdsquare.com/does-a-4k-tv-make-ps4-look-better/)