Which TV panel is better for gaming, IPS or OLED?
You’re planning to buy a TV for gaming but are unsure whether to go with an IPS or an OLED panel for the best value.
So, before diving into the comparison, let’s first understand the basics of each technology.
IPS
An IPS panel is typically found in LED LCD TVs which relies on an LED backlight to produce images.
It delivers wide viewing angles but generally tends to have a low contrast ratio.
OLED
An OLED panel uses self-emissive pixels, meaning each pixel can turn on or off independently.
This allows it to achieve true blacks and deliver infinite contrast.
IPS vs OLED: What influences their gaming performance?
The gaming performance of IPS LCD and OLED TVs can be compared on the basis of several parameters like response time , latency, contrast etc.
Let’s discuss each of them one by one.
Refresh Rate
Both IPS and OLED panels can support refresh rates ranging from 60 Hz up to 240 Hz or higher.
However, refresh rates beyond 240 Hz, such as 300 Hz or 360 Hz—may not provide a noticeable improvement in screen responsiveness relative to the steep increase in display cost.
Response Time
OLEDs offer an almost instantaneous response time of about 0.1 ms since each pixel emits its own light.
In contrast, IPS LCD TVs rely on an LED backlight, which introduces a delay, resulting in response times of around 10 ms.
Input Lag
Latency or input lag on OLED and IPS panels isn’t determined by the display alone but by multiple factors.
It mainly depends on the signal processing time which is from the moment you press a button on your controller or keyboard to when the image has finally formed on the screen.
The type of cable connection also plays a role. HDMI cables, for instance, transmit signals with minimal delay.
Viewing angles
An IPS panel provides wide viewing angles for gaming, but colors can lose accuracy when viewed from extreme angles, thus making it less ideal for playing with a group of friends on the same TV.
On the other hand, OLED TVs maintain consistent and accurate colors from almost every angle, ensuring uniform picture quality no matter where you sit.
Contrast
IPS panels are known for their wide viewing angles but tend to have lower contrast.
In comparison, OLEDs achieve virtually infinite contrast thanks to their self-emissive pixels, resulting in unmatched picture quality with superior detail in dark scenes.
This is particularly helpful for spotting enemies in dark.
While IPS LCDs with mini LED backlighting also significantly improve contrast, they still fall quite short of the exceptional visuals offered by OLEDs.
Burn-in
Burn-in is an issue that can occur on OLED TVs when static elements, such as a gaming HUD, remain on the screen for extended periods.
The affected organic pixels may degrade unevenly, leaving behind a faint permanent shadow.
While modern OLEDs include several mitigation features that make burn-in uncommon, IPS LCDs remain much safer from this problem.
Brightness
IPS LCDs typically achieve higher brightness than OLEDs because of their powerful LED backlights.
That said, many modern OLEDs now offer impressive brightness and strong glare resistance.
Advanced models like QD-OLEDs and MLA-based OLEDs, along with high-end QNED TVs from the IPS LCD category, can all deliver top-tier brightness levels.
Colors
Both OLED and IPS LCD panels are capable of delivering accurate colors.
Models enhanced with quantum dots, such as QD-OLEDs and QNEDs further boost color volume, allowing gaming visuals to appear richly detailed and colors to appear more vibrant at precise brightness levels.
IPS LCD vs OLED: Which TV is better for gaming?
Choosing any one between an IPS or OLED panel for gaming depends on several factors, with display delay time being one of the most important.
This delay is determined by a combination of input lag, refresh rate, and response time.
Talking about OLEDs, they respond almost instantly, though their input lag is also influenced by connected devices such as the gaming console, keyboard, or HDMI cable.
Thanks to their rapid response, OLEDs also minimize motion blur significantly.
However, the overall display delay of both OLED and IPS LCD TVs can’t be determined just by guessing.
Many IPS panels also perform well for gaming and usually come at a more budget-friendly price than OLEDs.
In terms of picture quality, color accuracy, and brightness, QD-OLED TVs stand out as the top performers, though they are quite expensive.
For a more budget-friendly option, QNED TVs offer a solid balance with good contrast, vibrant colors, and low gaming latency.
