What TV does Playstation recommend for the PS5? An In-Depth Look at the Sony X85J
Getting the most out of your PS5 gameplay requires having a compatible TV that can take advantage of the console‘s powerful graphics and fast performance. In this guide, we‘ll look at the TV options recommended for PS5, with a particular focus on the excellent Sony X85J 4K TV.
Key Things to Look For in a PS5 Gaming TV
Here are some of the key specifications and features to consider when choosing a TV to pair with your PS5:
- 4K Resolution – The PS5 outputs games in 4K, so you‘ll want a 4K TV to see them in their full glory.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate – For ultra smooth motion in supported games, a 120Hz refresh rate is preferred.
- HDMI 2.1 – This latest HDMI standard enables 4K 120Hz gameplay and other next-gen features on PS5.
- Low Input Lag – Choose a TV with very low input lag (under 20ms) to have responsive, lag-free gameplay.
- VRR Support – Variable refresh rate matches the TV‘s refresh rate to the game‘s frame rate for tear-free visuals.
- ALLM – Auto low latency mode automatically switches to low latency settings when gaming.
Top TV Recommendations for PS5 Gaming
Both Sony and LG TVs are well-suited for PS5 gaming. Here are some top models to consider from the two brands:
- LG C2 OLED – The 2022 LG C2 OLED TV hits all the right notes for PS5 gaming with four HDMI 2.1 ports, extremely low input lag, fast response time, and exceptional picture quality.
- Sony A95K QD-OLED – Sony‘s newest OLED TV combines quantum dot and OLED technologies for impressive visuals, perfect blacks, and a premium gaming experience.
- Samsung QN90B Neo QLED – With mini-LED backlighting, this 4K QLED TV delivers amazing contrast and brightness for HDR gaming on PS5.
Why the Sony X85J is a Great PS5 Gaming TV
The Sony X85J is a mid-range LED TV in Sony‘s 2021 lineup that offers strong performance and great gaming capabilities for its price point. Here are some of the key reasons it‘s an excellent option for PS5:
- 4K Resolution and 120Hz Refresh Rate – The X85J supports 4K gaming at up to 120fps for ultra smooth visuals.
- Full HDMI 2.1 support – Its HDMI ports enable 4K 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and eARC.
- Low Input Lag – With input lag around 8ms in game mode, gameplay feels responsive with barely any delay.
- Bright Picture – Its direct LED backlighting and Sony‘s X1 processor deliver vibrant colors and solid peak brightness.
- Robust Contrast – Thanks to its VA panel, the X85J produces deep blacks for excellent contrast and shadow detail.
- PlayStation Optimized – The X85J is optimized for PS5 with Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode.
X85J vs. X90J – How Do They Compare?
The X90J sits above the X85J in Sony‘s lineup. Here‘s a look at how they compare:
- The X90J has full array local dimming for better contrast control and reduced blooming.
- The X85J gets brighter in HDR and SDR and has higher native contrast ratio.
- The X90J has wider viewing angles thanks to its IPS panel, compared to the VA panel X85J.
- Both have low input lag and HDMI 2.1, ideal for PS5.
Overall, the X85J performs very similarly to the X90J for PS5 use and costs less, making it the better value option.
Recommended Picture Settings for PS5 on the X85J
Using these calibrated picture settings will help optimize the visuals from your PS5 on the Sony X85J:
- Picture Mode – Game
- Brightness – Max
- Contrast – 90
- Gamma – 0
- Color – 50
- Hue – 0
- Sharpness – 50
- Motionflow – Off
- Video signal – Auto
- All other settings not mentioned should be set to "off" or 0.
Be sure to also enable Enhanced Format and enable HDMI signal format to Enhanced Format in the External Inputs menu.
What Screen Size is Recommended for PS5 Gaming?
Bigger screen sizes can increase immersion for PS5 gaming, but how far away you sit also affects the ideal size. Here are some general recommendations:
- 50-55 inches – Best for smaller rooms where you sit 5-7 feet from the TV.
- 65 inches – Provides balanced size for most living rooms 7-9 feet from seating.
- 75-85 inches – Ideal for large rooms where you game 10+ feet away.
Get a tape measure and figure out your seating distance to choose the right screen size!
4K and 120Hz – Which Improves PS5 Gaming More?
Both 4K resolution and high 120Hz refresh rates have notable benefits for PS5 gaming:
- 4K enables ultra sharp image quality for seeing fine details in games.
- 120Hz makes motion look extremely smooth, fluid, and responsive.
While both enhance the gaming experience, 120Hz has more of an impact on playability and reducing input lag. But the high resolution detail of 4K also tremendously improves game visuals compared to 1440p or 1080p. The X85J delivers the best of both worlds.
Cables to Enable 4K 120Hz HDR on PS5
To unlock 4K 120Hz and HDR from your PS5, you‘ll need:
- Ultra High Speed HDMI cable – This is the only cable type that has enough bandwidth for 4K 120Hz video.
- 8K HDMI cable will also work.
Don‘t use the Xbox Series X cable that comes in the PS5 box, as it‘s only rated for 4K 60Hz. Invest in an Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cable.
TV vs Monitor for PS5 – Which is Better?
Gaming monitors tend to have very fast response times and higher refresh rates compared to TVs, which can provide a more competitive edge. However, PS5 games are designed for big screen TVs and look best in 4K.
Ultimately, TVs deliver the full cinematic gaming experience PS5 is built for, while monitors offer faster performance if you prefer multiplatform competitive gameplay. The X85J provides a solid middle ground that excels in both areas.
Other Tips for Improving Your PS5 Gaming Experience
Here are a few other quick tips to take your PS5 gameplay to the next level:
- Game mode – Be sure to enable game mode to reduce input lag.
- HDR – Experience stunning lighting and contrast when games support HDR.
- Surround sound – Pair PS5 with a sound system or soundbar for immersive audio.
- Calibrated picture settings – Use the settings provided earlier for optimized visuals.
- Game presets – Try the specially calibrated game presets on TVs that offer them.
- Fine tune – Use PS5 and TV picture settings to fine tune for your preferences.
The Sony X85J Delivers an Exceptional PS5 Gaming Experience
With its complete support for PS5 gaming features, extremely low input lag, crisp 4K visuals, and great contrast, the Sony X85J is a tremendous 4K gaming TV for PS5. It provides a high-end gaming experience at a more affordable price point.
If you want a future-proof TV that will let you take full advantage of your PlayStation 5‘s capabilities, the X85J is hard to beat. Your games will look and run smoothly, with responsive controls and stunning graphics. Pair your PS5 with this TV and you‘ll be blown away by the performance and immersion.