Cheapest 120Hz 4K TV for Gaming and Cinematic Viewing

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Although the display technology has been in play for decades, it seeped into the mainstream back in 2010 when the popular video-sharing platform, YouTube, allowed users to access Ultra High Definition content. Consequently, you could use dedicated equipment to take advantage of the high resolution. Eventually, the prices of 4K TVs fell drastically as the technology matured because more manufacturers wanted to produce options for the growing market.

Budget TV options capable of 120Hz and 4K are standard. Of course, these products are higher priced than their counterparts, offering a resolution of 1080p. However, the recommendations below will help you get excellent quality without breaking the bank.

5 Best and Cheapest 120Hz 4K TVs

1. VIZIO 50-inch M-Series Quantum X

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VIZIO 50-inch MQX-Series 4K 120Hz QLED HDR10+ Smart TV...
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The VIZIO 50-inch M-Series Quantum X is worth considering if you are keen on gaming and bright pictures. The QLED technology makes the contrast deep and the highlights bright that is beneficial for watching the show. The use of an enhanced Dolby Vision HDR guarantees that the colors are vibrant, irrespective of whether you are fighting your way through games or watching TV series.

One of the major strengths of this model is in gaming: The high resolution of 120Hz augments the smooth display of the graphical interface which is useful for games. Furthermore there are upgrades such as AMD FreeSync Premium and low input latency, meaning that it is particularly good for competitive gaming.

This TV offers all the entertainment that one can possibly wish for and more. There are many streaming apps and free channels available, so it is a versatile option for your entertainment options! The WiFi 6E Connection takes streaming experiences to the next level simply because lag and buffering are minimized.

However, some users have expressed concern over the longevity of the TV. Furthermore, the rear audio solutions might not be optimal for those in search of deep sound; a separate audio system might be required.

Pros:

  • Vibrant picture quality with over 1 billion colors.
  • Seamless gaming performance thanks to 120Hz refresh rate.
  • Access to a wide array of streaming options for entertainment.

Cons:

  • Some users report decreasing performance over time.
  • Motion smoothing can be frustrating if not configured properly.
  • Limited output from built-in speakers may require additional sound systems for better audio.

2. SAMSUNG 43-Inch Class 4K Crystal UHD DU8000

SAMSUNG 43-Inch Class 4K Crystal UHD DU8000 Series HDR...
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  • MOTION XCELERATOR: Watch your content smoothly while experiencing...
  • MEGA CONTRAST: Automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast;...
  • DYNAMIC CRYSTAL COLOR: One billion shades of color help produce...

The SAMSUNG DU8000 series really outdoes itself in design as it has a pretty slim frame that can easily fit any environment. It will also give your home theater enjoyment an aesthetic appeal as it has a sleek design.

The 4K upscaling makes your content to be clearer and sharper for you to enjoy while viewing. That will come in handy when gaming competitively or when streaming the latest movies at home. Gaming performance is the most noticeable one with Motion Xcelerator that improves the frame transition rate and reduces motion blurs. This feature is particularly helpful in action-packed games, which means you remain as focused as possible without much interruption.

HDMI and Wi-Fi connection are provided to suit different connections. Despite this, full operating capability of smart features requires setting up a Samsung Account which may prove as an inconvenience for some.

Pros:

  • Impressive 4K upscaling for clearer images
  • Motion Xcelerator reduces lag for smoother gameplay
  • Slim design that complements modern decor

Cons:

  • Requires a Samsung Account for full features
  • Limited audio options for a more immersive experience

3. TCL 55-Inch Q6 QLED 4K UHD Smart TV

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TCL 55-Inch Q68 QLED Pro 4K UHD Smart TV with Google TV...
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The TCL Q6 uses the QLED technology at a high level of picture enhancement known as HDR Pro, and is among the most affordable machines for gamers and movie fans. Experience stunning picture quality with High Brightness Pro LED backlight; a display that produces bright picture quality whether it is used for movies, gaming and any other use.

Besides, in the display, you get the Game Accelerator with a 120Hz refresh rate ideal for gaming without a hitch. Auto Game Mode instantly tunes your settings for the lowest possible latency, so your movements are instant.

The sound quality is also as good as the visuals, or even better in some cases. Dolby Atmos, and DTS Virtual are the technologies that make your TV experience even more real where films and games come to life. It features the Enhanced Dialogue Mode that enables better distinction of spoken words making the experience more enjoyable. 

In conclusion, one can say that if you want to get a versatile and relatively cheap 4K TV for gaming, the TCL 55-Inch Q6 might be the best choice to consider.

Pros:

  • Exceptional picture quality with QLED technology.
  • Quick gameplay responsiveness thanks to Game Accelerator.
  • Impressive brightness for enhanced viewing.

Cons:

  • Some users report issues with automatic brightness adjustment.
  • Potentially limited integration with certain smart home systems.

4. LG 65-Inch Class QNED85T Series LED Smart TV

LG 65-Inch Class QNED85T Series LED Smart TV 4K...
  • QNED CONTRAST: See more natural-looking images. Powerful...
  • QUANTUM DOT NANOCELL COLOR: Delivering richer, more accurate...
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The LG 65-Inch Class QNED85T Series LED Smart TV is a highly modern TV model equipped with advanced technologies and implemented with the gamer’s orientation in mind. With a 65-inch QNED screen, Quantum Dot and NanoCell technologies give it amazing color, black level, and contrast ratios. Built with the α7 AI Processor Gen6, this TV will deliver perfect 4K motion and balanced brightness and color reproduction.

Gamers get to enjoy high 120Hz refresh rate together with low input lag, HDMI 2.1 ports for VRR and ALLM. The Magic Remote combined with Alexa Built-in makes it much easier to control the TV, and with webOS 2024, apps and features are right where we need them.

Another feature of this TV is its great ability to provide the gameplay that is free from lags and low response rate. Through fast-paced actions or cinema-like adventures, having enhanced clear visuals without too much motion blur make a lot of difference in gaming. Its picture quality is high, and it works well with the latest game consoles, which has given it a league of its own.

Pros:

  • Excellent color accuracy and contrast for rich, lifelike imagery.
  • Smooth motion handling with 120Hz refresh rate enhances gaming experiences.
  • Smart features and compatibility with voice assistants for easy navigation.

Cons:

  • Pricier than some alternatives with similar specs.
  • Off-angle viewing could be improved.

5. TCL QM7 QLED 4K Smart TV

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TCL 55-Inch QM7 QLED 4K Smart QD-Mini LED TV with...
  • 4K UltraHD Resolution - Experience incredible detail with 4X the...
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  • QLED ULTRA – Quantum Dot Technology - Rich, vibrant colors...
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  • 120Hz Panel Refresh Rate (144 Hz Variable Refresh Rate) - Watch...

In a hunt for an affordable 4K series, the TCL QM7 is ideal. It brings out bright colors with its Quantum Dot technology to help you witness your content in its full glory. Whether you are watching dynamic sports or playing modern video games, high brightness and local dimming allow you to see the picture in detail at any time of the day or night.

Controlling the smart features is simple consisting of buttons that are developed to allow you to stream from services such as Netflix, Disney+, etc. The Auto Game Mode is another feature that might adjust settings to give you a competitive edge in gaming and reduce input lag.

A chic and hIFI sound quality is another marked feature, and with Dolby Atmos and ONKYO speakers integrated, the sound plunges cohesively with the picture quality. For those looking for top value, the TCL QM7 is a great package for the everyday viewer and gamer.

Pros:

  • Exceptional picture quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
  • Fast response times and 120Hz refresh rate enhance gaming.
  • Built-in advanced sound system provides a rich audio experience.

Cons:

  • Some users may find the interface less intuitive compared to competitors.
  • It may not achieve true OLED-like quality.
  • Limited advanced features compared to top-tier models.

Is 4K Resolution At 120Hz For A TV Worth It?

Making the right choice of a 4K 120Hz TV | Pestoverde

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Although 120hz 4K TVs represent the current top tier in consuming media at home, there are other features to consider before buying one. In addition, whether we plan on playing games or streaming video content, our choice should fit use and offer versatility. Plus, we need it to be bright enough for the living room or bedroom, regardless of the usual lighting conditions.

Buying 120Hz 4K TVs ensures we can consume what the future of entertainment offers. Moreover, we can take advantage of these specs through modern games and streaming services with a new TV so that we do not need an upgrade soon. But, since most modern TVs are pretty pricey, we can rely on quality budget models for futureproofing.

Display technologies are crucial to determining whether we’ll get wide viewing angles, deep blacks, and sufficient brightness on my panel. OLED tech is at the echelon of picture quality, but their price tags are often prohibitive. Fortunately, many manufacturers are going around the cost issue by combining LCD panels with either mini LEDs or other technologies.

Plus, we can advise on where to position your TV for the ultimate viewing pleasure. Hence, we can get an affordable TV that is surprisingly close to the image richness of OLEDs. After all, we should not have to move to see the images better when kicking back in the power recliner.

Finally, comb through reviews when shopping for a TV, as user feedback can help you determine your option’s suitability. Whether gaming, cinema, or using the panel as a PC monitor, some choices may be better at some things and poor at others. So, unless you can stretch deep into your pocket for an OLED, take time to understand what you are in for before the purchase.

Things to look for When Choosing the Best, Affordable 4k TV List

Things I looked for When Choosing the Best, Affordable 4k TV List

Image Source: gamengadgets.com

a) Screen Size

Chose the screen size depending on your space. Since a good gaming tv gives a better experience with a large screen, that is what to go for every time you’re making an upgrade. An everyday tv may look a bit much if it is too, and this is why it is better to have a home cinema with a large screen. One of the best garage remodeling ideas is to turn it into a home cinema and gaming room.

b) Refresh Rate

The refresh rate is how often an image will refresh on the screen. Suppose the screen can support variable refresh rate technology, the better. Budget TVs can have around 60hz (where “Hz” means per second). Higher-end TVs have up to 120hz, which gives them an incredibly low input lag. Gaming TVs are better with a higher refresh rate since many motions and real-time reactions are required.

c) Resolution

The display technology on any screen is determined largely by its resolution. The TV will have more pixel rows and columns if the answer is higher. For instance, if you have seen 720p or 1920×1080 somewhere, it stands for a screen’s number of pixels. The resolution technology has advanced; some screens have a resolution of up to 4k, and 8k has started getting into the market.

d) Inputs and Outputs

My TV inputs include HDMI inputs, USB, VGA, and more. Outputs on a screen can consist of the audio jack output. Some screens have up to 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, which maximizes the number of devices we can connect to the TV.

e) HDR

The high dynamic range on the screen gives you a better visual experience when using the screen. The dark scenes need to be darker, and the bright scenes bright enough. An auto HDR tone mapping will appropriately distribute bright highlights and dark tones on the screen.

A high HDR is great for competitive gaming because we can enjoy an immersive gaming experience, especially for open-world games.

f) Smart TV

A smart TV is upgradeable and easy to use because of the many apps we can download on it. The latest tv tech allows for upgrades, including audio upgrades, making the screen better for futureproofing. A system and software upgrade will enable us to include later versions of gaming consoles.

g) Price Range

Better screens are in the higher price range. However, the screens are worth it in the longer run. There are more options you can enjoy with a higher-end screen that lower-end screens can not afford.

h) Other Accessories

Your screen is compatible with accessories like wireless devices, casting devices, WiFi, TV stick, and more. It is more convenient when the screen can perform more than just showing videos and images.

i) TV Warranty and Return/Repair Policy

There are moments when we make a purchase and almost instantly have buyer’s remorse. At such moments, having a product that has a good return policy makes us panic less. A good warranty gives us faith in the product we are buying as one that is original and quality. Quality of repair should guarantee us the right to repair for a given period.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Cheapest 120hz 4k TV

Frequently Asked Questions about the Cheapest 120hz 4k TV

Image Source: pcgamer.com

i) Is a 4k 120Hz TV worth it?

If you are not a gamer, there is no need to get a 4k TV. Watching movies means a lot to many families, so making the best of the moments by getting the best screen comes highly recommended. Therefore, a 4k TV is worth it.

ii) Are 120Hz TVs 120Hz?

Some TVs have a “fake” refresh rate, meaning the refresh rate is lower, and they only simulate the stated refresh rate. So, a TV can be 60 fps and simulates 120 fps. Buying TVs from a trusted store helps you avoid such mishaps.

iii) Is 4k 120Hz enough for gaming?

A resolution of 4k and a 120 Hz refresh rate is currently the epitome of most TV screens. We have enjoyed gaming at lower resolutions and take any chance to go higher to get incredible picture quality. Higher image quality allows you to max out all your gaming settings, and we recommend a 4k tv.

iv) Do I need 4k to run 120hz?

Any screen above 1080p should be able to run 120hz.

Final Thoughts

Gaming is getting better and more intuitive, and the best way to enjoy gaming is to get more immersed with better screens. For this reason, we go for a futureproof screen each time we upgrade, and this time, our best choice is a 4k, 120hz tv.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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