Sony televisions vs LG televisions for gaming
9 min readWhen it comes to gaming, the television you choose can make a significant difference in your gaming experience. Two of the most popular brands in the market are Sony and LG, both of which make top-of-the-line televisions. In this article, we’ll compare Sony and LG televisions based on various aspects that contribute to the gaming experience, such as display quality, input lag, refresh rate, HDR compatibility, sound quality, and price. We’ll also provide recommendations for the top Sony and LG televisions for gaming in 2021.
Understanding the key differences between Sony and LG televisions
Before we dive into the specific aspects, it’s important to understand the key differences between Sony and LG televisions. Sony is known for its high-end televisions that offer exceptional picture quality, while LG is known for its OLED technology that provides deep blacks and vibrant colors. Sony uses their proprietary processor, the X1 Ultimate, to enhance the picture quality, while LG uses the A9 processor. Additionally, Sony has implemented the X-Motion Clarity feature on its high-end models, which improves motion handling in fast-paced games. On the other hand, LG offers the G-Sync and FreeSync features that eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, respectively, making it a popular choice for PC gamers.
Another key difference between Sony and LG televisions is their operating systems. Sony uses Android TV, which offers a wide range of apps and streaming services, as well as Google Assistant integration for voice control. LG, on the other hand, uses its own webOS platform, which is known for its user-friendly interface and quick access to popular apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Both operating systems have their own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to consider which one aligns with your preferences and needs.
How to choose the perfect television for gaming
Choosing the perfect television for gaming can be overwhelming, but there are a few key factors you can consider. Firstly, make sure the television has a low input lag, preferably under 20ms, to reduce the delay between your controller and the screen. Secondly, consider the display quality, such as resolution, color accuracy, and contrast ratio, to ensure an immersive gaming experience. Thirdly, look for a high refresh rate, preferably 120Hz or higher, to reduce motion blur and make games appear smoother. Lastly, check if the television is HDR compatible, as this feature can enhance the detail and colors in games.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a television for gaming is the size of the screen. While a larger screen can provide a more immersive experience, it’s important to choose a size that is appropriate for the room and your viewing distance. Sitting too close to a large screen can cause eye strain and discomfort, while sitting too far from a small screen can make it difficult to see details. Consider the size of the room and your preferred viewing distance to determine the optimal screen size for your gaming setup.
Sony televisions: Pros and cons for gaming
Sony televisions are known for their exceptional picture quality, and this holds true for gaming as well. The X1 Ultimate processor enhances the picture quality, making games appear more vibrant and detailed. Additionally, the X-Motion Clarity feature improves the motion handling, reducing motion blur and making fast-paced games appear smoother. However, Sony televisions generally have a higher input lag than LG televisions, which may affect the gaming experience. Sony’s high-end models can also be quite expensive, making it less accessible for budget-conscious gamers.
Another advantage of Sony televisions for gaming is their compatibility with the PlayStation 5. Sony has designed their televisions to work seamlessly with their gaming console, providing a more immersive gaming experience. The HDMI 2.1 ports on Sony televisions also support features such as 4K at 120Hz and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which are important for next-gen gaming.
On the other hand, one potential drawback of Sony televisions is their limited viewing angles. If you’re playing games with friends or family, those sitting off to the side may not have the same viewing experience as those sitting directly in front of the TV. Additionally, some users have reported issues with blooming, where bright objects on a dark background can appear to have a halo or glow around them. This can be distracting during gameplay, especially in dark scenes.
LG televisions: Pros and cons for gaming
LG televisions excel in display quality, especially with their OLED technology that provides deep blacks and vibrant colors. The A9 processor provides fast response times, making it a popular choice for PC gamers. Additionally, LG offers the G-Sync and FreeSync features that eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, making games appear smoother. However, the input lag on LG televisions can vary significantly depending on the model, so it’s important to check the specifications beforehand. Additionally, LG televisions are generally more expensive than other brands, making it less accessible for budget-conscious gamers.
Another advantage of LG televisions for gaming is their compatibility with HDR content. HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology enhances the contrast and color accuracy of images, resulting in a more immersive gaming experience. LG televisions support both HDR10 and Dolby Vision, two of the most popular HDR formats. However, it’s important to note that not all games are compatible with HDR, so it’s important to check the game’s specifications beforehand. Overall, LG televisions offer a high-quality gaming experience, but it’s important to consider the cost and input lag before making a purchase.
Gaming performance comparison: Sony vs LG televisions
In terms of gaming performance, Sony and LG televisions are both excellent choices. Sony televisions provide exceptional picture quality and motion handling, which is perfect for immersive gaming experiences. LG televisions, on the other hand, are known for their OLED technology, which provides deep blacks and vibrant colors, making games appear more lifelike. Additionally, LG offers G-Sync and FreeSync support, making it a popular choice for PC gamers who want a smoother gaming experience.
It’s worth noting that Sony televisions also offer a range of gaming-specific features, such as low input lag and a dedicated game mode. This mode optimizes the TV’s settings for gaming, reducing motion blur and enhancing contrast to provide a more responsive and immersive gaming experience. LG televisions, on the other hand, have a wider viewing angle, which is great for multiplayer gaming sessions where multiple people need to view the screen from different angles. Ultimately, both Sony and LG televisions offer excellent gaming performance, and the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and needs.
Display quality comparison: Sony vs LG televisions
When it comes to display quality, Sony and LG televisions both offer exceptional performance. Sony televisions use their proprietary processor, the X1 Ultimate, to enhance the picture quality and provide vibrant colors and excellent contrast. LG televisions, on the other hand, use OLED technology to provide deep blacks and vibrant colors, making images and games appear more lifelike. However, OLED technology is generally more prone to burn-in than traditional LED televisions, so it’s important to take extra precautions when using it for gaming.
In addition to display quality, Sony and LG televisions also differ in their smart TV capabilities. Sony televisions use the Android TV operating system, which allows for easy access to popular streaming services and apps. LG televisions, on the other hand, use their own webOS operating system, which offers a user-friendly interface and easy navigation. Both operating systems have their own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to consider which one best suits your needs.
Another factor to consider when comparing Sony and LG televisions is their design. Sony televisions are known for their sleek and minimalist design, with thin bezels and a slim profile. LG televisions, on the other hand, often feature a more unique design, with curved screens and stand options that allow for more flexibility in placement. Ultimately, the design of the television may not be the most important factor, but it’s worth considering if you’re looking for a TV that will complement your home decor.
Input lag comparison: Sony vs LG televisions
Input lag is one of the most critical factors to consider when choosing a television for gaming. Sony and LG televisions perform well in this regard, with some models having incredibly low input lag. However, Sony televisions generally have a higher input lag than LG televisions, so it’s important to check the specifications before making a purchase.
It’s worth noting that input lag can vary depending on the type of game being played. For example, fast-paced action games may require a lower input lag than slower-paced games like puzzle or strategy games. It’s also important to consider other factors such as screen size, resolution, and refresh rate when choosing a gaming television.
Refresh rate comparison: Sony vs LG televisions
A high refresh rate is ideal for gaming as it reduces motion blur and makes games appear smoother. Sony and LG televisions both offer high refresh rates, with some models going as high as 240Hz. It’s important to note that a high refresh rate may not necessarily improve your gaming experience, especially if your console or PC can’t output games at that rate.
Another factor to consider when comparing Sony and LG televisions is the input lag. Input lag is the delay between when you press a button on your controller and when the action appears on the screen. Sony televisions generally have lower input lag than LG televisions, which can make a significant difference in fast-paced games. However, LG televisions often have better color accuracy and wider viewing angles, which can be important for watching movies or TV shows with friends and family.
HDR compatibility comparison: Sony vs LG televisions
High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a feature that enhances the detail and colors in games. Sony and LG televisions both offer HDR compatibility, with some models supporting advanced HDR formats like Dolby Vision. Additionally, both brands provide excellent color accuracy, which is crucial for an immersive gaming experience.
Sound quality comparison: Sony vs LG televisions for gaming
While it’s always recommended to use a dedicated speaker system for gaming, the television’s built-in speakers can still provide decent sound quality. Sony and LG televisions both offer decent sound quality, with some models providing built-in soundbars or compatibility with external soundbars. However, Sony televisions generally provide better sound quality than LG televisions, making it a better choice for those who prioritize sound quality.
Price comparison: Sony vs LG televisions for gaming
When it comes to price, both Sony and LG televisions can be quite expensive, especially for high-end models. However, LG televisions are generally more expensive than Sony televisions, making it less accessible for budget-conscious gamers. It’s important to note that price doesn’t always necessarily correlate with performance, so it’s essential to research thoroughly and make an informed decision.
Conclusion: Which television brand is best for gaming?
Choosing between Sony and LG televisions for gaming ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget. Sony televisions provide exceptional picture quality and motion handling, making it a perfect choice for immersive gaming experiences. LG televisions, on the other hand, excel in display quality, especially with OLED technology that provides vivid colors and deep blacks. Additionally, LG televisions provide G-Sync and FreeSync support, making it a perfect choice for PC gamers who seek smoother gameplay. In conclusion, both brands are excellent choices for gaming, and it’s necessary to research and choose the model that fits your needs and budget.
Top 5 Sony Televisions for Gaming in 2021
- Sony XBR-65X900H
- Sony XBR-65A8H
- Sony XBR-85Z9G
- Sony XBR-65A9G
- Sony XBR-77A9G
Top 5 LG Televisions for Gaming in 2021
- LG OLED CX
- LG OLED C1
- LG Nano90
- LG OLED GX
- LG OLED B9