PSA: Your Samsung 4K smart TV can’t keep up with the PlayStation 5

Samsung’s 2020 range of 4K smart TV models reportedly can’t deliver the highest graphical experience for PS5 (PlayStation 5) console owners, even though TV models such as the Q70T, Q80T, Q85T, Q90T, and Q95T should technically be capable of whatever the Sony PS5 can throw at them. Now, although this might be frustrating for PS5 owners who may want to experience the console’s highest-possible graphical settings, it could be a temporary problem and it might be fixable through a firmware update.

Oddly though, Xbox Series X owners don’t have to worry about any of this. Microsoft’s new console and all its graphical features appear be fully compatible with Samsung’s 2020 4K smart TV range, so it’s not entirely clear why PS5 owners can’t enjoy a similar experience. According to reports, Samsung’s 4K TV models can play 4K SDR content at 120Hz or 4K HDR content at 60Hz. They can’t offer 4K HDR content at a high 120Hz refresh rate. PS5 owners essentially have to choose a higher framerate or HDR but they can’t have both at the same time.

This unwanted behavior seemingly occurs even with the latest firmware updates installed on Samsung’s 2020 smart TV range. The exact cause is unclear but it probably has something to do with HDMI 2.1 given all the issues that have surrounded the standard so far. Samsung will probably address this shortcoming through another firmware update but time will tell. Until then, just be aware that your Samsung smart TV doesn’t seem to be capable of delivering the best graphical experience for your PS5.