So, you’ve been thinking about buying a PS5.
It’s just that your TV isn’t 4K.
And you’re worried it might not be compatible.
Well, I’ve got all the answers that you’re looking for.
Continue reading to learn:
- Whether PS5 works on all TV models and brands.
- Must-know facts about using a PS5 on a non-4k TV (#2 may shock you).
- If it’s still worth getting a PS5 even if your TV doesn’t support 4K resolution.
- And a lot more…
Does a PS5 require a 4K TV?
A PS5 doesn’t require a 4K TV. This gaming console will work fine even on TVs with only an HD or a Full HD resolution. As long as your TV has at least a 720p display and an HDMI port, you can use a PS5 on it. However, you’d need a 4K TV if you want to maximize your PS5 games’ graphics settings.
PS5 without a 4K TV – 5 facts
#1: The PS5 is compatible with HD and Full HD TVs
You might be worried a PS5 won’t work on your HD (720p) or Full HD (1080p) TV.
But let me assure you that the gaming console will run perfectly fine on either of those.
In fact, that’s something that Sony itself has confirmed on its website.
According to the company, these are the resolutions compatible with PS5s:
- 720p.
- 1080i.
- 1080p.
- 2160p (4K).
Moreover, Sony also mentioned that PS5s can work on 8K TVs. And they’re currently working on software updates to further improve support on that.
In other words, a PS5 is really flexible when it comes to resolutions. So you don’t need to buy a high-end TV to get the console to work properly.
#2: PS5s will still work even on TVs with a 480p resolution
Still on the topic of resolutions.
I just mentioned that PS5s will work on TVs with 720 and up resolutions. This is confirmed by Sony.
However, there’s 1 thing the manufacturer’s website failed to mention.
PS5s will actually also work on older TVs with a 480p resolution.
Remember those 90s TV sets that weigh a lot?
They’re called CRT TVs. And yes, you can hook up a PS5 into them.
Of course, the graphics won’t be as good. But the console will run perfectly fine.
And if you’d like to see a demonstration of that, watch this video:
#3: There’s not much difference when playing on a 4K and a 1080p TV
You’ll get the highest-level graphics if you use a PS5 on a 4K TV.
However, the quality change isn’t significant if you play on a 1080p TV.
In fact, it’d only be obvious in 480p and 720p sets.
And considering that Full HD TVs only cost around $180 to $300…
Go for one of those instead of buying a 4K model. You’d still be able to enjoy superb graphics on it.
Here are just a few of the best under-$300 Full HD TVs:
#4: You’ll be able to save data with a 720p or 1080p TV
PS5s aren’t only for gaming. They’re also excellent for streaming from apps like Netflix and Disney Plus.
Now, there’s 1 particular benefit of watching videos at less than 4K:
You get to lower your data usage.
And that’s crucial if you’re subscribed to a limited plan.
To further elaborate, streaming in 720p only uses around 1GB of data.
That goes up to about 1.5GB when watching in 1080p.
But when you’re streaming in 4K…
The data usage increases almost 3 times at 7 to 8 GB. And the quality isn’t even significantly better.
#5: Not all PS5 games support 4K
Here’s another reason why owning a 4K TV isn’t a must when playing PS5:
Some PS5 games aren’t 4K-compatible.
So even if you own a 4K TV, those titles will still render in 1080p at best.
That’s why your TV’s resolution isn’t really an important matter when it comes to PS5s.
The fun in consoles lies in the actual gameplay. And you don’t need the highest-specs TV for that.
Is It worth getting a PS5 without a 4K TV?
It’s worth getting a PS5 without a 4K TV. This is because it offers many upgrades from the PS4 that aren’t resolution-related. Among these are a change from HDD to SSD, twice the RAM size, and a better graphics card. And you can enjoy all of the mentioned enhancements even on a non-4K TV.
The PS5 is such a massive improvement over the PS4. And most of the changes don’t require a 4K TV to appreciate.
So if you’re still on the fence about getting yourself a PS5…
Allow me to discuss several reasons why this console’s definitely worth buying.
#1: PS5s use a Solid-State Drive internal storage
Perhaps the biggest difference between the PS5 and its predecessors is the storage.
Older PlayStation models used a Hard Disk Drive (HDD). It’s an old storage device that was popular in the 2000s.
The PS5, on the other hand, now carries a Solid-State Drive (SSD). It’s a newer storage technology that’s much faster than an HDD.
For reference, an HDD has a load time of about 1GB per 20 seconds.
Meanwhile, an SSD clocks in at 2GB per 0.30 seconds. And if you do the math, that’s about 130 times faster than HDD.
In other words, because of the SSD…
Loading time is much shorter in a PS5.
So you don’t have to wait much in between levels of your games.
#2: PS5s have twice the Memory size of PS4s
Another notable improvement with PS5s is the amount of RAM or Memory.
In gaming consoles, a bigger Memory means fewer lags and lesser crashes.
And if you’re a gamer…
Perhaps nothing’s more annoying than a game randomly stopping while you’re playing.
Now, the PS4 had 8GB of RAM.
The PS5, meanwhile, doubles that at 16GB. So you can expect a much smoother game flow with this console even on a non-4K TV.
#3: More powerful Graphics Processing Unit
A Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is internal hardware for rendering images. Its power is measured in teraflops (TFLOPS).
In simple terms, the higher the TFLOPS, the more robust the GPU is. And it’s especially important in gaming.
When a console has a powerful GPU…
You’d be able to see clear and smooth images in your games.
And the PS5 has a far superior GPU compared to the PS4.
To be specific, the PS4’s graphics processor measures around 1.8 TFLOPS.
In contrast, the PS5’s GPU rates at around 10 TFLOPS. This means it has over 5 times the power of its older counterpart.
That’s why a PS5 game on a 1080p screen looks better than a PS4 game on the same TV.
#4: Ray-tracing feature that adds to the games’ realism
One of the best features of the PS5 is the ray-tracing.
“What exactly is that?”
Well, it’s a graphics technique that mimics the behavior of light.
That’s why if you try out any PS5 game…
You can see characters or objects having very realistic shadows and reflections.
It’s quite impressive. And it’s a huge factor in making PS5 games look much more life-like.
#5: DualSense Controller
Another thing that makes a PS5 worth it even without a 4K TV is the joystick.
All units come with a free DualSense Controller.
It’s beautifully designed. And it’s extremely comfortable to hold.
It also has a built-in jack for microphones and headsets. So you can use that to talk to your friends while gaming online.
But its best quality is its haptic feedback. Essentially, the controller will also physically react to what’s going on in the game.
For example, in a shooting game where you’re using a gun…
The controller will also recoil whenever you fire it. Just like how an actual firearm would.
So it really adds to the gaming experience.
#6: Backward compatibility when it comes to games
One of the concerns of those looking to upgrade from PS4 to PS5 is game compatibility.
I know some are worried that the PS4 games they’ve invested in would be rendered useless.
And they’ll be forced to buy PS5-compatible versions.
Well, you don’t have to worry about any of that.
I can assure you your old PS4 games will work without a hitch on a PS5. And that’s because PS5s are also built to be backward compatible.
As a matter of fact, not only will PS4 games work on a PS5…
Their overall graphics and gameplay quality will also be enhanced. And that’s thanks to the PS5’s bigger RAM and more powerful GPU.
#7: Much-improved user interface for easier navigation
One more thing that makes the PS5 worth it is its revamped user interface (UI).
Before releasing the PS5, Sony promised that they’ll overhaul the console’s dashboard.
And compared to the PS4, the PS5’s UI looks much cleaner and less cluttered. The games and apps are also a lot more organized.
This means it’s easier now to navigate the menu than it was in the older versions.
Does PS5 work on all TVs?
PS5 works on most TVs. One requirement is your TV has to have at least 1 HDMI or RCA port. And it should support resolutions that aren’t lower than 480p. Almost all TVs from the late 90s onwards meet those requirements. So you’ll be able to use a PS5 on most TVs that you see today.
While the PS5 will work on practically any modern TV…
I also understand there are those who want to get the most out of their console.
Now, if you’re one of them and you’re shopping for the best possible TV…
Allow me to discuss the 3 specs you should be looking for.
#1: Screen size
The best way to enjoy a PS5 is on a relatively large screen.
Mind you. It doesn’t have to be a 100-inch TV. That’s actually too big for gaming. And it’ll be much harder to keep track of what’s going on in the game with a display that huge.
On the other hand, a TV that’s too small is also not ideal. The graphics won’t render properly with a screen that’s under 20 inches. And you’d run the risk of missing gaming details.
The sweet spot is around 50 to 65 inches.
For many gamers, TVs within those size ranges provide the best gaming experience.
Further reading: 3 Easy Ways To Make Your TV Screen Bigger
#2: Display type
Another spec to consider is the display type.
Most smart TVs use LCD panels with LED backlights. But there are also those that have an OLED display.
Now, if the TV cost isn’t an issue, you should go for an OLED model.
It’s a superior display when it comes to colors and contrast. So it’s perfect for maximizing your PS5’s graphics-related features.
#3: Sound
Console gaming isn’t just about graphics. In fact, just as important is the audio.
So when looking for the best possible TV for your PS5…
You should also find those that have the highest sound quality.
You’d know a TV can offer great audio by checking the following:
- Power.
- The number of internal speakers.
- Whether it has a built-in soundbar.
A TV’s audio power is measured in Watts. Lower end sets have around 5 to 10W. And the ones with the most powerful sound have up to 20W.
As for speakers, look for those with more than 2 internal ones. And it’s much better if it also has a built-in soundbar. Examples of TVs that meet those criteria are: