Summary
Despite the increased presence of 2K and4K gaming monitors, it’s worth wondering if the 1080p resolution still has a place in the TV and monitor segments. Although1080p monitorsand TVs are mostly budget-friendly and offer a decent level of performance, gaming on a 4K display offers four times the resolution, which translates to more life-like images and a more immersive experience. However, the 1080p monitor is famous for its ability to blend high performance with affordability in one package. Similarly, 1080p TVs come with the right ports that allow players to enjoy console gaming with a modest level of detail. So, with this in mind, are 1080p TVs and monitors still okay to buy for an enjoyable gaming experience in 2024?
What Are 1080p TVs and Monitors Known For?
The 1080p resolution is considered a good choice for TVs and monitors, despite the entry of more advanced resolutions. Below are some of its strong points:
Refresh Rate
Gamers typically gravitate to 1080p displays, especially monitors, because they are not only affordable but often feature a high refresh rate. Today, the market has several 1080p monitors that offer refresh rates that go up to 240 Hz and beyond. Seeing as refresh rate refers to the number of times a screen can display a new image, it’s no surprise that competitive gamers still consider 1080p monitors carefully when exploring their options.
A high refresh rate guarantees that players will experience superior motion handling for fast-paced scenes in games such as car chases or gun fights compared to a 60 Hz display, which is an ideal option for users who’d rather play casual titles such asStardew ValleyandMinecraft. For those wondering why there seem to be more 1080p monitors with higher refresh rates than 1440p or 4K resolutions, the reason is that 1080p displays were made with far less demanding computing power compared to other display types. By balancing affordability with immense value such as a high refresh rate, 1080p displays are still in the gaming monitor conversation and will likely remain there for a while.
Regarding 1080p TVs, users are limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, which is understandable, seeing as TVs are far more limited in hardware compared to gaming monitors. Besides, most 1080p TVs are sold at an accessible price point, meaning that they’re considered entry-level models. As mentioned, a 60Hz refresh rate isn’t ideal for high-stakes moments in FPS games, but it should do well with less demanding titles. If you’re comfortable with casual titles, a 1080p TV display should still be sufficient. However, if you’re in search of more fluidity along with improved visuals, it might be worth upgrading to one of thebest 4K TVson the market today.
Response Time
Another area where 1080p displays may still have something to prove is in response time. Known as the time it takes a monitor to switch colors, it’s an important factor that gamers use to decide which monitor or TV is best for their needs. 1080p TVs typically come with a significantly higher response time (around 10 to 15 ms) than 1080p monitors. This means that users will likely experience stuttering and choppy videos when running demanding titles on their TVs.
Meanwhile, many 1080p monitors have a 1 ms response time which translates to smooth color transition and reduced ghosting. This still makes them a worthy purchase in 2024, especially for competitive gamers who don’t want to yield any advantage to opponents. An acceptable response time for the best gaming experience is between 5 and 1 ms, a feature that’s found in monitors including the 1080p kinds and higher-end TVs that are dedicated to gaming.
Image Quality
Although 1440p and 4K offer better picture quality, the 1080p resolution is still acceptable by today’s standards. Unless you’re a diehard fan of incredibly life-like visuals and top-tier graphical performance, a 1080p display should do you just fine. One reason why competitive gamers prefer 1080p displays is because they are designed to deliver high refresh rates, translating to fluid gameplay. Having smooth gameplay is ideal for competitive titles where the slightest misstep on a player’s part can give rivals the advantage.
Another reason why many gamers prefer the image quality of 1080p monitors is because most current-gen gaming hardware supports the resolution. This means that running games, whether AAA or casual, will be a visual feast coupled with high performance. So, even if you had the means to buy a 4K display, not many games were designed to be paired with the resolution, so the experience may not be the same as on a 1080p display. If you’ve got modern or dated gaming hardware paired with a 1080p TV, it should run your games just fine though not at the same level as a 1080p monitor. Remember, not many games have been optimized for higher resolutions, so you’re not wrong to hold off on a TV or monitor upgrade for now.
The Verdict
It’s inaccurate to say that a 1080p display has run its course in 2024 because it hasn’t. Famous for its ability to combine fluid performance with attractive graphics, it’s still a reasonable purchase for now. In the world of monitors, a 1080p display can still deliver a great experience for gamers, especially those who play FPS titles, thanks to their high refresh rates.
Additionally, most games are optimized for this resolution, meaning that you’re more likely to enjoy gaming on a 1080p monitor than on a 1440p or 4K monitor unless you’re fixated on experiencing max graphics. So, whether you own a 1080p monitor or TV, both are still capable performers for folks on a budget. If you’re looking for the best performance when it comes to visuals, then perhaps you should check out thebest 4K OLED monitorguide.
Game Rant’s Best 1080p Monitors and TVs
Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM Gaming Monitor
The Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM is a 27-inch IPS gaming monitor with a fast refresh rate. It displays Full HD resolution, 1920 x 1080, and can achieve a super-fast 280 Hz refresh rate. This monitor is particularly designed for professional gamers and those who require the smoothest gameplay.The VG279QM features Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB SYNC) technology. This technology works in conjunction with G-Sync to eliminate ghosting and tearing.
MSI G274F Gaming Monitor
The MSI G274F is a gaming monitor aimed explicitly at the e-sports crowd with a 180Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time. With a max resolution of 1920x1080, this IPS panel provides bright and accurate colors, especially with its wide viewing angle of 178°.
VIZIO D-Series 32" Smart TV
Primarily intended for buyers with a modest budget, the VIZIO D-Series 32" TV still offers some exciting features. It comes with a 1080p Full-HD resolution which looks good most of the time. Being a smart TV, viewers can stream movies, shows, news, and music on their favorite apps. Vizio’s Watchfree streaming service sweetens the deal with access to 260+ live channels. AMD FreeSync makes this TV a decent option for gaming with low latency and an auto-game mode.
TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV
The TCL 40-inch LED TV features a 1080p resolution and a 60 Hz refresh rate, offering clear and detailed picture quality. This model boasts a FullView metal bezel-less design for a modern aesthetic that fits seamlessly into any home decor. It includes built-in Wi-Fi and multiple HDMI ports for connectivity, along with support for popular streaming services like Netflix.
FAQ
Q: Are monitors better than TVs for gaming?
Yes. Unlike TVs, monitors are designed to offer higher refresh rates and lower input lag. Plus they come with the necessary hardware to handle demanding games.
Q: What’s the best size for a 1080p monitor?
24 inches is considered the perfect spot for a 1080p display. Plus, it’s best to sit at least 3 feet away for maximum viewing.
Q: Do professional gamers use 1080p?
Absolutely. Competitive gamers prefer 1080p monitors over the rest because they’re usually more responsive and offer a higher refresh rate.
