Over the past decade, shopping for the right TV has evolved into an almost impossible task for a novice. In the early 2000s, choosing a TV was just a matter of weighing your budget against suitable screen size. Fast forward to these early 2020s, we even have a new subcategory for gaming TV.
Naturally, gamers want the best viewing experience when gearing up for a game. It is no longer a question of what console gamers choose as the TV carries a huge impact on the gaming experience. In this post, we will narrow down to the glossary of terms you need to understand when you go shopping for a gaming TV.
1. Resolution ForGaming TV
In the early years of the past decade, the optimal resolution for the console had been FHD 1080p. This is because before Sony’s PlayStation 4 Pro and Microsoft’s Xbox Scorpio, their max output standard was FHD 1080p. Now, today gaming with anything short of 4K UHD is considered substandard in the gaming realm. 4K is a giant leap from 1080p as it offers 4x the number of pixels.
This resolution increase is particularly apparent when you sit close to your TV, as many gamers do. Additionally, the new generation of consoles, Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, come with native support for gaming in 4K UHD. I should add that 8K TV sets are starting to become widely available, though quite pricy and with very limited 8K content available. By a 4K gaming TV!
2. Display Size, How Big is Too Big?
As TV resolutions have been scaling up over the years, screen sizes have been creeping up too. At the moment, both LG and Samsung have TV screens well over 80 inches. It was generally recommended that the optimum sitting distance for a 1080P HD Tv was between 1.5 and 2.5 times the display size.
Now with 4K UHD TVs, the sitting distance cuts down to between 1 and 1.5 times the screen size. To be able to appreciate the finer 4K details, you either need to get a bigger screen on sit closer. Basically, the screen size depends on you home gaming setup.
Let’s say your house size dictates you sit 10 feet from your 4K UHD TV. In that case, you need at least 85 inches of screen real estate to fully enjoy.
3. Gaming in HDR
High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a relatively new feature on new TVs that offers increased brightness, higher contrast levels, and more colors. Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X support HDR. Actually, a switch from standard dynamic range (SDR) to HDR can be more dramatic than a resolution upgrade from 1080p FHD to 4K UHD.
4. Panel Types; OLED, QLED, LED LCD?
Generally speaking, there are 3 main types of modern types of display panels: LED LCD (Light-Emitting Diode, Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode, QLED (Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diode). Of these three types, only one is fundamentally different, two are quite similar.
You see, pixels on both LED LCD and QLED are backlit so as to produce an image. However, LED LCD uses an LCD panel while QLED makes use of small molecules otherwise known as “quantum dots”. The quantum dots produce different colors when illuminated. On the other side, OLED doesn’t have a backlight because each pixel produces its own light.
There is an endless debate around these display types, as to which is the best for you. OLED, found in most latest LG TV lineups allows for thinner and lighter TV sets. But also, QLED, as found in Samsung’s TV flagships can be quite impressive. However, if you are working with budget constraints, look at LED LCD TVs.
LED LCD are generally an older technology but can deliver some impressive pictures for their price points. If budget is no object, OLED has near-instant pixel response times. This makes OLED ideal for first-person shooters and other fast-paced games.
5. Number Of HDMI Ports
This section concerns itself with how many peripheral devices and components you can have plugged into your TV at a time. You will want to be sure that your streaming devices, cable boxes, gaming consoles, and other media periphery will work best with your TV. And by work, we mean enough HDMI ports to handle them all.
If you were to disregard this, you are bound to spend more time crawling and fidgeting behind your TV plugging and unplugging cables. More importantly, consider a TV that has the latest HDMI 2.1 ports. HDMI 2.1 is the latest generation of HDMI interfaces from which both the PS5 and Xbox Series X are designed around.
But if you are a retrogaming junkie, you should know that your PS2 needs at least one SCART port. Much older gaming consoles may require an aerial socket plus an RF receiver to work properly. Just have a clear map of what devices you will have plugged into your TV. This could be tedious but totally worth it!
6. Refresh Rates
You may be doing some window shopping at the moment and after considering all factors mentioned above realize a considerable price difference between panels with similar specifications. Below this conundrum lies a few specs that are poorly marketed by manufacturers and less understood by consumers.
Not many consumers can tell you what the refresh rate is. Refresh rate denotes the number of times per second a display refreshes the image displayed. Very low refresh rates will mean a blurry screen motion. Some manufacturers will list “effective refresh rates” which is not the actual refresh rate.
Effective refresh rate is the actual refresh rate plus the software technologies manufacturers use to reduce motion blur. When shopping, look for the native refresh rate of the TV panel. Both the Xbox Series X and the PS5 have support for up to 120FPS. LG’s 2020 flagship TV lineup has native support for 4k at 120hz.
7. Gaming TV Input Lag
Input lag is another display feature that is less understood by consumers. This is the time it takes the TV to show an image received from a source device such as a console. Or simply put, it is the time it takes between you pressing a button on your controller and a corresponding in-game action showing on your TV.
For gamers, this is a big deal because timing is everything, more so in fast-paced multiplayer games. For benchmarking purposes, I consider anything below 50ms decent while anything below 25ms is excellent. Input lag around or above 100ms will be terrible for gaming.
8. Game Mode
A majority of TV in the market will have the game mode option under the display setting in the menu. Though some manufacturers will name it differently, it is a picture mode that does away with unnecessary post-processing. This makes significant changes as it can drop input lag by up to 80%. The end results will be a more responsive experience and a smoother picture.
George Kimathi a tech writer based in Kenya, passionate about exploring how technology shapes everyday life across Africa. From mobile innovations to digital trends, he covers the tools and ideas driving the continent’s digital transformation. When not writing, George enjoys testing gadgets, exploring local tech communities, and staying curious about what’s next.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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