If you finally manage to lay your hands on any of the consoles (XBOX Series X or PS5) well you deserve a hell of a monitor that is not only compatible but uses all the advantages of this next-gen console.
The consoles have features like 4K resolution (3840*1920), V.R.R.(Variable Refresh Rate), and 120Hz frame rate. Along with it H.D.R. (High Dynamic Range) and low input lag become the vital aspect of the gaming monitor. Both PS5 and Xbox Series X use the HDMI 2.1 bandwidth for 4k @120fps gaming and 8k @60fps for display mode.
The PS5 only outputs 720p, 1080p, and 4k as the output resolution whereas Xbox Series X uses the same resolution as PS5 along with 1440p for 120fps. So it is better to have a monitor with all the HDMI 2.1 bandwidth to support all resolution modes with different frame settings.
Well, there are a few aspects of a good gaming monitor i.e. panel size, resolution, refresh rate, bandwidth, input lag, and ports.
Feature on which we are checking our monitor.
- Resolution – The resolution is the primary feature on a monitor to look upon. The resolution and size of the monitor affect the pixel per inch of the monitor. Both consoles have their gaming resolution to max 4k @120 fps. So it is required to look at a monitor which supports this feature. However, it can display till 8K @60fps but that isn’t for gaming so monitoring with 4k (3840*2160) resolution with 120 frames is enough.
- Frame rate – The frame is the rate at which the screen is refreshed. Currently, both the next-gen console (PS5 and Xbox Series X) can output 120 frames. So we must have a monitor which gives output to a minimum of 120 frames or 120Hz. The more frames, the smoother the gameplay.
- Input Lag – The input lag is the time taken by the monitor to display an image on the screen once it receives a signal from the input source. Since gaming is the lowest, the input lag is better for the monitor. Also mainly for F.P.S. (First-person Shooter) games, it is a most vital feature and it gives a gamer edge in every contest.
- HDMI Bandwidth – The HDMI bandwidth required for both PS5 and Xbox series is HDMI version 2.1. This bandwidth support transfer of 48Gbps data transfer along with the features of VRR, HDR 10 bit colour support and 4k @120 fps also 8K @60fps display output. So, it is one of the mandatory features to look upon a gaming monitor.
- Panel Type – There are many different types of Panels available for monitoring i.e. IPS, TN, VA, and OLED. The IPS (In-Panel Switching) monitor offers the best colour saturation levels along with the best brightness levels. It has low contrast compared to the VA panel. The VA panel has better contrast but a narrow viewing angle and IPS has a better viewing angle. Now the TN panel is the cheapest LCD panel and has low viewing angles compared to IPS and VA panels. Also, TN panels have low contrast. Enter OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) panels, these panels have a near-infinite contrast level, complete black level, and very fast response time. It is the best panel available in the market. The only issue is a burn-in image which can be caused by a static display. For gaming generally, it’s not the case, so you can never go wrong with OLEDs. As for my point of view, I consider OLED>IPS>VA>TN.
- Panel Size – The panel size of a monitor depends on your sitting situation and your gaming setup. If you are looking for a desk-chair-type gaming setup then a 27 inch to 32-inch screen size is optimum for you. This size of the monitor is best suited for the console to PC games as well as it is great for performing all desktop chores. It is even best for professional workers too. If you go for sizes beyond 42 inches then a couch-based setup for gaming is great and minimal desktop work can be done. It also gives you the pleasure of gaming on bean bags and to your next level of the comfort zone. The bigger panel size is also considered good for entertainment for binge-watching movies, media, and OTT apps like Netflix, Apple TV, and Prime Video. However, if you’re looking for live streaming and podcasting, I suggest a screen size between 27-inch to 32-inch size screen. As the desk chair mode is more suitable to it. So choosing a screen size should be based on a user’s preference.
Now, let’s start hunting for our best gaming monitor. Here are a few suggestions which you may take a look upon.
LG 27GP950-B
Specification
Resolution – 3840*2160
Refresh Rate – 144Hz/OC165Hz
Panel : Nano-IPS
Screen Size – 27 inch
Response Time – 1ms
Output Ports – 2 x HDMI, DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x USB Ports 3.0
Both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD Freesync Premium Pro are available
As The LG OLEDs are the best TV for gaming, the LG UltraGear monitor is one of the best monitors for 4K HDR gaming. It includes features like Nano IPS panel and a 1ms response time which majorly gives you an advantage in FPS (First-person shooter) games without compromising minute details and graphics. Along with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD’s FreeSync adaptive refresh compatibility, this monitor is best in class for PC gaming and console gaming. Design-wise this monitor comes with a slim-bezel design and even offers LG’s Sphere Lighting 2.0 RGB visual treat.
It gives crisp 4K HDR details with a fast-paced 144Hz display which makes it best for enjoying the media apps (YouTube, Apple TV, Netflix, and Prime Video) on the console.
The only cons which are found on this monitor are it has less and only 16 edge-lit zones, which is not enough for full HDR experience, and currently, it is a bit costly pricing around 950$ as of date.
Gigabyte M32U
Specification
Resolution – 3840*2160
Refresh Rate – 144Hz
Panel – IPS
Screen Size – 32 inch
Response Time – 2ms
Output Ports – 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB Type-C
It only supports AMD FreeSync Premium technology. The Gigabyte M32U is the cheapest option for both the PC gamers and the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 players who are looking for a pocket friendly 4K gaming monitor. A crisp 31.5-inch IPS panel viewable provides excellent picture quality and colour depth visuals. It has a 10 bit, 90% Adobe DCI-P3 colour gamut. With a fast refresh rate of 144Hz (120Hz on console) and a combination of 2ms response rate, it is a bull’s eye monitor for gamers.
A few cons found in this monitor were regarding HDR peak brightness as it was rated DisplayHDR400, however, brightness was nearly at 300 cd/m2 which was lower than it is advertised, while this doesn’t matter in dark or dim lighted rooms. Currently, this is priced at 600$.
Gigabyte Aorus FO48U
Specification
Resolution – 3840*2160
Refresh Rate – 120Hz
Panel – OLED
Screen Size – 47.53 inch
Response Time – 1ms
Output Ports – 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB Type-C
It only supports AMD FreeSync Premium technology
The Gigabyte Aorus FO48U is a 47.53-inch gIgantic monitor for gamers who want to take all the perks of a huge TV without compromising the details of a Monitor. It’s a 48-inch OLED monitor with a TV-like feeling. Along with 120Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and 900 nits peak brightness with a wide 98% DCI-P3 colour gamut range and HDR 10/HLG support. With all these serene features this monitor stands out from the rest of the crowd.
Being a giant monitor the Space Audio system in this has several modes according to the media played in it i.e. fps, movie, or live concert. This gigantic monitor gigabyte gives several sidekick software to make your way easier while operating. The exclusive Aorus OSD gives a keyboard and mouse and also features like Game assist, black equaliser, and 6-Axis controller mode. Currently, you can own it at 1099 USD.
LG OLED48C1
Specification
Resolution – 3840*2160
Refresh Rate – 120Hz
Panel : OLED
Screen Size – 48 inch
Response Time – 1ms
Output Ports – 4 x HDMI, 3 x USB Ports 3.0
Both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD Freesync Premium Pro are available
Well, nothing beats picture quality when OLED comes to play. LG C1 is a small OLED TV or you can say a big giant monitor for PS5 and Xbox Gamers. The pure black levels of an OLED panel and with a near-infinite contrast ratio, provide perfect HDR for gaming and media entertainment.
Similar to LG27GP950-B, it has HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, with VRR(Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Modes). It is the best TV/Monitor to play PS5 or XBOX games at 120fps with the lowest input lag. The VRR compatibility helps both consoles screen tearing and for PC it’s both G-Sync and Freesync compatible to reduce screen tearing issues there too. Being self-illuminated pixel technology, pure blacks and smooth motion is one of the feats of this TV and it makes the motion looks ultra-smooth and gives a real-life experience. And no motion blur whatsoever content you play in.
However nothing is perfect, the only downfall of an OLED panel is that it risks permanent burn-in and can’t get brighter to the level of Q-LED or LEDs panels in a bright room. Well, the burn-in issue is caused in the case of static display which is generally not in the case of the static display. And there are a few options given by LG OLED TV like pixel refresher, and automatic backlight limiter. Currently, you can own it for 995.95 USD.
MSI-Optix MPG321UR-QD
Specification
Resolution – 3840*2160
Refresh Rate – 144Hz
Panel : IPS
Screen Size – 32 inch
Response Time – 1ms
Output Ports – 2 x HDMI, 1 x Displayport, 1 x USB Ports Type C
Only Nvidia G-Sync is available
The MSI-Optix MPG321UR-QD is a 32-inch IPS panel-based monitor with a gorgeous screen offering 144 Hz and 1ms response time. It offers Display HDR 600 with Quantum Dot certification, which allows a realistic gaming experience with a wider colour gamut of 97 Adobe DCI-P3. The deeper contrasts provide a very realistic experience. MSI provides the Sound Tuner service to improvise the game audio of pass-through devices.
The only cons observed in this monitor were over-saturated colours out of the box which you have to tune. Colours have slightly high dE (Delta E) values, which represent colour over-saturation. For now, you can purchase it for 950.95 USD.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a cheap alternative but with a combination of amazing colours and all the features for gaming on either of the consoles you can never go wrong with Gigabyte M32U which comes in both 32 inch and 28 inch variants. Although, if you are looking for a big-screen alternative then LG OLED C1 is the best bang for the buck. It has several variants in screen sizes 48 inch, 55 inch and up to 77 inch. The other monitors are also worth considering depending on your choice and budget.
Recommended Blogs for You Nothing Phone 2A Review and Price in India
Visit UpDail.com for in-depth specifications and detailed information.
