With the PS5 becoming more mature and getting better optimized games, let’s see what you need to consider before buying your gaming monitor to get the best visual experience on the current gen console.
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Sony’s PlayStation 5 can only designate target resolutions, not frame rates. The console currently supports the following resolutions:
- 720p
- 1080p
- 1080i (presumably for TV content support)
- 2160p
There’s 4K, but no 8K, which means the console can’t supersample/downsample 4K to 8K and vice versa at this point (we’re using 4K displays).
There’s also no 1440p support.
By default, the PS5 has everything set to automatic, including resolution but you can change that manually. The console has no problem detecting 4K displays, so it’s a safe bet that having resolution on automatic is fine, as well.
If you are considering which monitor to buy to play with PS5, resolution is one thing that you need to consider!
You may also be wondering about ultrawide monitors. The PS5 works with ultrawide screens even though resolutions like 3440 x 1440 aren’t supported yet. Learn more about this topic right here.
Sony changed things up considerably with the PS5 UI compared to its PS4 predecessor. In what we think was an attempt at improving accessibility, Sony engineers ensure that the console can run 120Hz games like some FPS titles.
The PlayStation Team has created a function called Game Presets.
Game Presets can be found at “Save Data and Game/App Settings” where they are somewhat hidden.
If you want to game in 120Hz, your monitor obviously needs to support that refresh rate, as does the game you’re playing.
Note that higher refresh rate monitors can run lower frame rates, meaning as 165Hz gaming monitor can run 120fps. So you won’t have any problem playing PS5 games on a monitor faster than 120Hz, even though that’s currently the top refresh supported by PS5.
Game Presets have two options, which are Performance Mode and Resolution Mode.
Performance Mode is used for higher frame rates, typically at the cost of resolution and setting fidelity. This only applies to games that have a performance/quality selector to begin with. So, if you want to play 120Hz games choose this.
Resolution Mode as its name suggests is for resolution and higher image quality. So, if you’re on a 4K display and like sticking as close as possible to that resolution, then use resolution mode.
Again, this only works with games that have toggles for these settings and that support the Game Preset feature.
Our product managers tested PS5 Game Presets with various MOBIUZ gaming monitors, trying to achieve the elusive 120Hz refresh rate. The table below summarizes their findings:
| PS5 Resolution | PS5 HDR | PS5 Mode | Output Resolution | HDR | Refresh Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PS5 Resolution 1080p | PS5 HDR Auto | PS5 Mode Performance | Output Resolution 1920x1080 | HDR Off | Refresh Rate 120Hz |
PS5 Resolution 1080p | PS5 HDR Auto | PS5 Mode Resolution | Output Resolution 1920x1080 | HDR On | Refresh Rate 60Hz |
PS5 Resolution 2160p | PS5 HDR Auto | PS5 Mode Performance | Output Resolution 1920x1080 | HDR On | Refresh Rate 120Hz |
PS5 Resolution 2160p | PS5 HDR Auto | PS5 Mode Resolution | Output Resolution 3840x2160 | HDR On | Refresh Rate 60Hz |
Note: Tested COD: Black Ops Cold War since this game does have an internal 60Hz/120Hz toggle in its own settings menu.
With regards to 120Hz, we discovered that even if the PS5 is set to 2160p or 4K in the performance setting, it will deliver a 120Hz frame rate at an actual resolution of 1080p within Black Ops Cold War, as an example.
It appears that the Game Presets function works well here, though at the cost of resolution.
The PS5 ships with a 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 cable. Indeed, when plugged to an HDMI 2.1 port we can see that 120Hz shows up as a supported frame rate.
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HDMI 2.1 Image Details
The PS5 presumably negotiates frame rates with each game and app, and the UI appears to run in 4K 60Hz.
With HDMI 2.1, 4K 120Hz is clearly a firm part of the PS5 resolution/refresh rate constellation, so support isn't an issue.
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Monitors with HDMI 2.0
With HDMI 2.0, the maximum refresh rate is 60Hz in 4K. While HDMI 2.0 does support 1080p 120Hz in theory, the PS5 is designed with HDMI 2.1 in mind and therefore any lower bandwidth version of HDMI will produce unexpected results. You can count on 60Hz in 4K and 1080p if connected using HDMI 2.0, but 120Hz may not be possible in cases where it is possible using HDMI 2.1.
Your gaming monitor needs to have HDMI 2.1 if you want to game on PS5 at up to 4K 120Hz.
That means the bottom line is HDMI 2.1 definitely matters. It’s essential to get the most out of the PS5 visually, but remember to make sure it’s full 48Gbps HDMI 2.1.
Visuals of course determine just how much you enjoy gaming, and added features that optimize visuals make a big difference. MOBIUZ monitors feature Light Tuner and HDRi to enhance details and create a smart HDR effect that adjusts to game visuals and ambient conditions. With those, PS5 graphics look much better than baseline.
Light Tuner is a customer BenQ technology that ensures contrast and brightness are balanced, and thus prevents detail washout or crush in bright and dark areas of the screen. This is especially helpful when looking for hidden enemies!
HDRi technology further auto adjusts screen brightness and color temperature based on visuals at any given time and ambient light conditions in your room. It creates a smart and reactive HDR effect that makes game graphics much bolder and more life-like, while reducing eye strain and fatigue to make extended gaming sessions far more comfortable.
On the audio front, MOBIUZ monitors feature powerful dual speakers and customer subwoofer for realistic 2.1-channel sound in all your games. Select models even have an AI noise canceling microphone built in, so if you don’t want to use a headset, we’ve got you covered for audio and chat. With great sound already on the monitor, including an AI noise-cancelling microphone, you don’t need to invest in external speakers or headphones unless you want to!
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