When milliseconds matter, especially in competitive or fast-paced gaming, Game Mode can mean the difference between a kill shot and a respawn. In this detailed comparison, we break down how Game Mode functions on Fire TV Omni QLED and Samsung QLED TVs, with a focus on the 2025 models like the Fire TV 75” Omni and Samsung QN90C Neo QLED.
If you’re serious about reducing input lag, maximizing motion clarity, and understanding exactly what Game Mode does, this guide is for you.
What is Game Mode?
Game Mode is a preset feature in smart TVs that disables image processing to minimize display lag. It prioritizes responsiveness over visual enhancements like smoothing or upscaling, reducing the delay between console input and on-screen action.
Fire TV Omni QLED Game Mode Features
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): Automatically switches to Game Mode when a console is detected
HDR Game Support: Enables HDR10 but lacks Dolby Vision Gaming
Input Lag Performance: ≈11ms with Game Mode ON
UI Access: Accessible via picture settings > picture mode > Game
Limitations: No Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) or Game Optimizer UI
Samsung QLED Game Mode Features (e.g., QN90C)
Game Mode Pro: Full ALLM + VRR + HGiG HDR tone mapping
Gaming Hub: Combines console + cloud gaming access (NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud)
Input Lag Performance: ≈5.8ms at 4K 120Hz
Game Bar UI: Real-time FPS, HDR, and refresh rate tracking
Adaptive Sync: Compatible with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
Side-by-Side Input Lag & Features Comparison
| Feature | Fire TV Omni QLED | Samsung QN90C QLED |
| Native Refresh Rate | 60Hz (120Hz fake) | 120Hz |
| VRR Support | ❌ | ✅ FreeSync Pro |
| Game Bar UI | ❌ | ✅ Game Bar 3.0 |
| Input Lag (4K 60Hz) | ~11ms | ~9ms |
| Input Lag (4K 120Hz) | N/A | ~5.8ms |
| Cloud Gaming Dashboard | ❌ | ✅ Gaming Hub |
Optimizing Game Mode Settings
On Fire TV Omni QLED:
Switch Picture Mode to “Game” manually if ALLM fails
Set contrast to 50-60%, reduce sharpness, turn off motion smoothing
Use HDMI input labels for Xbox/PS5 to auto-detect correctly
On Samsung QLED:
Access Game Mode via Settings > General > External Device Manager > Game Mode
Customize Game Motion Plus settings to taste
Turn on Game HDR for high contrast without added lag
Cloud Gaming Performance Impact
Fire TV Omni: Luna and Xbox Cloud are playable, but minor latency spikes may occur
Samsung QLED: With Gaming Hub, VRR, and Game Bar feedback, cloud gaming feels smoother and more controllable
Final Thoughts: Which Game Mode Performs Better?
If you’re a casual gamer or prioritize Alexa integration, the Fire TV Omni QLED delivers a streamlined experience with Game Mode and ALLM, especially on the 75″ model.
But if you’re serious about responsiveness, refresh rate, and visual tuning, Samsung QLED models with Game Mode Pro are in a different class. Features like Game Bar, VRR, and 120Hz support make them ideal for next-gen console or cloud gamers.