After I recently got Resident Evil 7: Biohazard on my PS5, I learned that the game can run on a dynamic 4K resolution at 120 FPS via HDMI 2.1 support. 

To get the best out of gaming on a PS5, I thought of upgrading to an HDMI 2.1 compatible Samsung 4K Smart TV.

I visited the official Samsung website to find TVs with HDMI 2.1 support and also read about its latest features.

I learned that currently, only limited games support 4K at 120 FPS, and not all Samsung Smart TVs have HDMI 2.1. 

I confirmed which Samsung TVs have HDMI 2.1 and also found a way to connect multiple devices to a single HDMI 2.1 port on the TV. 

Most Samsung TVs launched after 2019 have HDMI 2.1. Look for a port labeled “HDMI 2.1” or “4K@120Hz” at the back of your TV. Read the TV manual to verify if your TV supports all HDMI 2.1 features such as ALLM, VRR, eARC, etc. 

Identify Samsung TVs With HDMI 2.1 Via TV Manual or Specific Port

Most high-end Samsung TVs launched after 2019 support HDMI 2.1. However, certain optional features are available with it that may vary based on your TV model. 

To confirm if your TV has HDMI 2.1, go through the TV manual. You can also check the back of the TV for the port labeled as ‘HDMI 2.1’, ‘4K@120Hz’, or ‘eARC’. 

Note that all Samsung TVs with HDMI 2.1 ports would not support all its features. Ensure that you go through all the TV specs before making a decision. 

List of Samsung TV Models With HDMI 2.1  

To help you make the right choice, here’s a list of Samsung TV models with HDMI 2.1 support. 

You Need HDMI 2.1 To Access These Features 

You need HDMI 2.1 to get the best out of the latest game consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. 

These consoles offer HDMI 2.1 support that enables 4K gaming at 120 frames per second to deliver smoother motion and low latency for improved gameplay. 

We’ve been waiting for this standard to come to game consoles as it offers some exclusive features to transform the overall gaming experience as follows:

• Variable Refresh Rate: VRR allows the TV to refresh frames at the same rate as your game and streaming video require. This highly eliminates screen testing for an improved gaming experience. 
• Enhanced Audio Return Channel: eARC enables lossless audio transmission via HDMI 2.1 cable for the best quality sound. 
• Auto Low Latency Mode: Auto Low Latency Mode optimizes TV settings for the lowest latency to eliminate any lag during gameplay. 
• Fixed Rate Link: FRL is a signal technology that helps achieve higher uncompressed resolutions up to 8K. It also uses ultra-high-speed bandwidth of up to 48 Gbps. 
• Display Stream Compression: DSC is a lossless compression algorithm that achieves higher resolutions and offers faster refresh rates. It allows gaming & streaming up to 4K at 120FPS and a greater color depth at 8K. 

To use all these features, you need a gaming console that supports HDMI 2.1, such as the Xbox Series X/S or PlayStation 5. 

If your console doesn’t support HDMI 2.1, you can still use HDMI 2.0 for 4K at 60Hz. 

Additionally, ensure that your Samsung TV model supports HDMI 2.1 and that you’re using a certified HDMI 2.1 cable. 

Connect Multiple Devices Via HDMI 2.1 Switch 

While most high-end Samsung TV models support HDMI 2.1, they only have a single port to connect a gaming console or streaming device. 

However, if you’ve got multiple devices such as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and soundbar that support most features of HDMI 2.1, it’s not possible to connect them all at once.

While you can still connect these devices to other HDMI ports, you won’t get the best performance and features offered by HDMI 2.1. 

To use multiple HDMI 2.1 compatible devices at once on your Samsung TV, you can use the HDMI 2.1 Switcher. 

The device allows up to 3 connections through a single HDMI 2.1 port available on your TV. 

Note that your TV must support HDMI 2.1 features to enjoy UltraHD gaming and streaming up to 4K @120Hz and 8K@60Hz. 

Make sure that you connect all the devices through a Certified HDMI 2.1 Cable to get the best out of your gaming consoles, streaming devices, or soundbars. 

Here’s how to connect multiple devices to your TV via HDMI 2.1 Switch: 

• Connect one end of the HDMI 2.1 cables to the devices such as PlayStation and Xbox and other end to the input ports of the HDMI switch 
• Now, plug in the USB cable to the TV and HDMI switch to ensure that it gets consistent power
• Connect the output of the HDMI switch to your TV through another HDMI 2.1 cable 
• Finally, turn on all the devices including your TV, and switch to the correct HDMI input

Gear Up For the Next Generation Streaming and Gaming With HDMI 2.1  

The latest HDMI 2.1 standard supports high resolutions at faster refresh rates such as 4K at 120Hz, 8K at 60Hz, 2K at 144Hz, etc. 

Both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X support games up to 4K resolutions at 120 Frames Per Second. 

However, as of now, most games only support 4K @ 60 FPS. There are limited games available that allow up to 120 Frames Per Second. 

Some popular game titles that support up to 120 FPS at higher resolutions include Call of Duty Modern Warfare II, Uncharted, Resident Evil 7, etc. 

If you’re a binge-watcher, HDMI 2.1 allows you to enjoy movies and TV shows at the highest possible resolutions up to 8K for a truly cinematic experience. 

To get the best out of HDMI 2.1, you need to ensure that both the external device and your TV are compatible with it. 

It is also essential to connect these devices through a certified HDMI 2.1 cable. 

These cables are backward compatible. This allows you to use HDMI 2.1 cables in HDMI 2.0 ports without worrying about any compatibility issues. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I use HDMI 2.1 on my Samsung TV with my current gaming console?

The latest lineup of game consoles namely PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X support HDMI 2.1 for smoother gameplay at UltraHD resolution and higher refresh rates. To get the best out of all HDMI 2.1 features, ensure that your Samsung TV supports HDMI 2.1 and that your console is connected to it via a certified HDMI 2.1 cable.   

What HDMI 2.1 features should I look for when buying a new Samsung TV?

When buying a new Samsung TV with HDMI 2.1, look for features such as VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), as these features can provide the best gaming and home theater experience. Make sure that you verify the list of features offered by the TV before making a decision as not all Samsung TVs with HDMI 2.1 support all its exclusive features. 

Do other manufacturers also offer HDMI 2.1 on their Smart TVs?  

Some major TV manufacturers such as LG, Sony, and Vizio offer HDMI 2.1-enabled Smart TVs. Some models include LG CX OLED, Sony A9J, Vizio P Series Quantum, etc. Go through the TV manual or specifications on the manufacturer’s website to confirm if all the HDMI 2.1 features are available on these models. 

Are there any issues with HDMI 2.1 on Samsung TVs?

Some early adopters have reported issues with HDMI 2.1 on Samsung TVs, such as blank screens, signal dropouts, and compatibility issues with certain devices. However, most issues have been addressed through firmware updates. These issues were mostly observed in the initial 2019 lineup of Samsung Smart TVs with HDMI 2.1 support. The most recent TVs are highly compatible with HDMI 2.1 and offer the best gaming/streaming experience.