PS5 Pro and Your TV: What You Need for 4K, 120Hz, and Better Performance
Understand what PS5 Pro can really deliver, what your TV limits, and when upgrading both makes sense.
The PS5 Pro Is Here
Sony has released the PlayStation 5 Pro, boasting significantly improved hardware for better performance and graphics. But there’s a catch—to truly experience what the PS5 Pro offers, you need a modern display.
PS5 Pro Specifications
| Component | PS5 Standard | PS5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | 10.28 TFLOPS | 16.7 TFLOPS |
| CPU | AMD Zen 2 | AMD Zen 2 (higher clocks) |
| Memory | 16GB GDDR6 | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Storage | 825GB SSD | 2TB SSD |
| Launch Price (USD) | $499 | $699 |
What the PS5 Pro Can Do
- Up to 4K and up to 120fps outputs - Depends on the game and mode; many titles use dynamic resolution or upscaling
- AI Upscaling - PSSR technology improves lower-resolution games
- Ray Tracing - Enhanced lighting and reflections
- Better Performance Modes - Higher framerates or improved visuals in supported titles
The TV Problem
Here’s the issue: Most people’s TVs can’t fully utilize the PS5 Pro.
What Resolution is Your TV?
2023-2024 TVs:
- Most are 4K (3840 x 2160)
- Support 60Hz refresh rate (typical)
- Some support 120Hz (premium models)
- Very few support above 4K (8K is rare and impractical)
2019 and Older TVs:
- Many are still 1080p or 1440p
- Limited HDMI 2.1 support
- Often limited or inconsistent 120Hz support
Matching Game and Display
Reality Check: 4K vs 120fps
This is the key point for buyers: having a TV that supports 4K + 120Hz is important, but many games still make tradeoffs between image quality and framerate.
- A lot of titles target a quality-style mode around 30-60fps at higher resolution.
- Higher-framerate modes (including up to 120fps) often reduce internal resolution and rely on upscaling.
- True “native 4K at locked 120fps” is still uncommon, especially in demanding AAA games.
So the TV should support both capabilities, but real-world results remain game-by-game.
Standard 4K TV (60Hz)
PS5 Pro can still deliver a great experience on these TVs, especially through improved image quality and steadier performance modes. You just won’t benefit from 120Hz gameplay.
Gaming Monitor or 120Hz TV
A 120Hz display gives you access to high-framerate modes in supported games. In practice, many of those modes prioritize framerate over native 4K resolution.
Older TV (1080p)
PS5 Pro will still work, but display limits will cap what you can actually see. If you’re on a 1080p/older panel, much of the visual upgrade potential is reduced.
Do You Need Both Upgrades?
Keep Your Current TV If:
- It’s a recent 4K TV (2020 or newer)
- You’re a casual gamer
- You don’t play competitive shooters (where 120fps matters)
- You’re on a tight budget
Cost: Just PS5 Pro (launch MSRP: $699)
Upgrade Your TV If:
- You want true next-gen gaming experience
- Your TV is 1080p or older
- You’re a competitive gamer (fps/fighting games)
- You plan to keep your TV for 5+ more years
Cost (example): PS5 Pro + TV upgrade can range widely depending on size and panel type.
Upgrade Both If:
- Your TV is outdated
- You want maximum performance
- You’re investing in a long-term gaming setup
- You plan to carry this display into future console generations
Recommended TV Features for PS5 Pro
HDMI 2.1
- Required for 120fps gaming
- Enables 4K at 120Hz
- Check your TV’s specs—look for “HDMI 2.1”
120Hz Refresh Rate
- Minimum for competitive gaming
- Reduces motion blur
- Smoother camera panning
- PS5 uses 120Hz output only in games/modes that support it
HDR Support
- Makes games look vibrant and realistic
- Improves blacks and contrast
- Quality varies a lot, so check real brightness and HDR performance reviews
Low Input Lag
- Below 20ms is ideal for gaming
- Most gaming-focused TVs are 4-6ms
- Look for “Game Mode” in settings
48Hz–120Hz Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
- Reduces screen tearing
- Makes gameplay smoother
- On PS5, prioritize HDMI Forum VRR support in the TV specs
TV Buying Criteria
Model rankings change quickly. Use this checklist when comparing TVs:
- At least one HDMI 2.1 port
- Reliable 4K 120Hz support
- Low input lag in Game Mode
- Good HDR brightness/contrast in third-party reviews
- Confirmed VRR behavior with PS5
- Enough HDMI ports for your setup (console, soundbar, streaming box, etc.)
Quick Checklist: Should You Upgrade?
Ask yourself:
✅ Is my TV from 2019 or earlier? → Upgrade ✅ Does my TV have HDMI 2.1? → Keep if modern ✅ Do I play competitive shooters regularly? → Upgrade for 120Hz ✅ Do I care about gaming at max quality? → Yes, upgrade ✅ Am I happy with my current TV’s picture? → Maybe keep ✅ Is my budget under $1,000? → Keep current TV, buy PS5 Pro ✅ Is my budget $2,000+? → Upgrade both
The Real Question
Enjoy PS5 Standard Games Now, or Wait for PS5 Pro Games?
Most current games were developed for PS5 Standard hardware. The PS5 Pro enhancements (PSSR upscaling, higher framerates) are added after release.
- Existing unpatched games: often see modest stability/resolution gains at best
- PS5 Pro Enhanced games: where larger visual/performance gains are typically delivered
- Future games: more likely to include dedicated Pro tuning over time
Final Verdict
Buy PS5 Pro Now If:
- You have a 120Hz HDMI 2.1 TV
- You want immediately better performance
- You play AAA games regularly
- Your PS5 Standard is showing its age
- You’re okay with game-by-game differences in how Pro features are implemented
Wait / Don’t Buy If:
- Your TV is older than 2019
- You’re planning to upgrade your TV anyway
- You’d rather save and buy next generation
Conclusion
The PS5 Pro is powerful, but it’s only as good as your display. If you’re upgrading to the PS5 Pro, do yourself a favor—invest in a proper gaming TV. You’ll unlock the console’s full potential and enjoy gaming at its best.
The direction of gaming is toward better resolution and higher framerate options. Are you ready?