Even in 2021, Sony‘s lineup is not the biggest, but it ranges from mid-range 4K UHD LED TVs to high-end OLEDs. For its OLEDs, it uses the technology developed by LG. The Japanese consumer electronics manufacturer wants to score points on the TV market primarily with its so-called “Master Series”, which is supposed to revolutionize home entertainment and is primarily designed for the home theater experience.
However, it is noticeable that Sony does not specialize in gaming TVs, even though the Japanese company has dominated the console market alongside Microsoft for years and only launched the PlayStation 5 in 2020. As far as cloud gaming is concerned, however, Sony is better positioned than any other manufacturer thanks to the Google TV operating system!
Good things come to those who wait, right? At least that’s how you could describe the VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card update, which Sony promised for a long time and has now finally implemented. Since March 2022, almost all models of the 2021 lineup have received the VRR update. This includes the X85J, X90J, X95J, Z9J, A80J and the A90J. Only the X80J has to do without the VRR function.
The good news for the 2022 models: Here, a VRR will be available in all Sony models right at the start!
Samsung already presented the new panel technology in the form of the even brighter QD-OLEDs and now Sony also wants to launch QD OLEDs in 2022.
The new technology will be installed in the new model series called “Sony QD-OLED A95K”, which will also be the top of the 2022 Sony line-up.
Besides the new Quantum Dot OLEDs, a 97-inch OLED also catches the eye in the 2022 lineup.
Home Cinema enthusiasts in particular should be happy about the new size, but this model unfortunately does not come in combination with the new OLED technology, but only with a normal W-OLED panel.
The exact model will appear in the form of the Sony OLED 97A85K.
In addition to the news about QD-OLEDs and sizes, the A80K, A85K, A90K and A95K models, which represent the 2022 Sony lineup, were also revealed with their respective sizes:
Model | 42 Zoll | 48 Zoll | 55 Zoll | 65 Zoll | 77 Zoll | 83 Zoll | 97 Zoll |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A80K | OLED 42A80K | OLED 48A80K | OLED 55A80K | OLED 65A80K | |||
A85K | OLED 77A85K | OLED 97A85K | |||||
A90K | OLED 55A90K | OLED 65A90K | OLED 77A90K | OLED 83A90K | |||
A95K | QD-OLED 55A95K | QD-OLED 65A95K |
The X80J is a Bravia TV for the small budget. Unfortunately, you notice that in some missing features, but the Sony TV can still convince in some points. Due to the wide viewing angle, the TV is well suited for watching sports with several people without having to compromise on picture quality. However, due to the contrast of only 1120:1, the TV is not recommended for dark environments.
While the motion handling is okay, the X80J unfortunately lacks any gaming features to fully exploit the new consoles. Thus, the inexpensive Bravia has to do without HDMI 2.1, VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card and ALLMAuto Low Latency Mode – Automatically detects connected consoles and keeps input lag as low as possible.. Thus, you have to limit yourself to the older consoles if you want to play extensively.
The X85J is already considered a mid-range TV in this year’s Bravia UHD lineup and can already convince with a few improved features compared to the X80J. The picture quality is already significantly better due to the contrast of 6300:1, and the X85J also produces an equally deep black despite the lack of a local dimming function. One drawback here is the narrow viewing angle due to the VAVertical Alignment, type of LCD Panel panel.
When it comes to gaming, you will notice a clear difference to the X80J, because the big brother has two HDMI 2.1 ports and an Auto Low Latency Mode. Thus, gaming in [email protected] is possible with a constantly low input lag. Unfortunately, a VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card function is still missing which could be added in a future firmware update.
The first model in the high-end Bravia XR range is the X90J, which already has the new XR processor installed. This upgrades the picture and sound quality with cognitive intelligence, which should result in an even better experience. Together with Dolby VisionDynamic HDR-format with a color depth of up to 12 Bits and Mastering of up to 10,000 Nits and Triluminos Pro technology, movies and series can be watched the way the creators intended.
At first glance, the X90J also appears to be an excellent gaming TV, and it does feature a 120Hz panel, two HDMI 2.1 ports, and good response time and low input lag. However, a VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card and a true ALLMAuto Low Latency Mode – Automatically detects connected consoles and keeps input lag as low as possible. are not present.
Compared to the X85J, the X90J can score especially in HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range), which is due to the significantly better processor. Therefore, movie and series fans should go for the X90J.
This year’s LED flagship can convince in almost all areas and is thus more than a very good all-rounder. For home theater fans, the X95J offers everything the heart desires to bring real cinema feeling home. The built-in XR processor ensures excellent picture optimization and in conjunction with Dolby VisionDynamic HDR-format with a color depth of up to 12 Bits and Mastering of up to 10,000 Nits and great upscaling, movies and series look simply outstanding – whether classics or new blockbusters.
While the motion handling is excellent, VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card and a true ALLMAuto Low Latency Mode – Automatically detects connected consoles and keeps input lag as low as possible. are still missing for the perfect gaming experience. Otherwise, Sony has caught up with the LED flagship compared to last year, since two HDMI 2.1 interfaces are now available, making [email protected] possible.
The A80J is the cheaper OLED of this year’s lineup and fits wonderfully into your own home theater. The OLED panel provides theoretically infinite contrast and deep blacks, which has a very positive effect on the picture quality in combination with the XR processor.
An impressive picture always excites gamers, too, and the A80J offers all the features you need for the new consoles. However, a VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card and also an ALLMAuto Low Latency Mode – Automatically detects connected consoles and keeps input lag as low as possible. are unfortunately completely missing. However, that could still change with a future update.
The sound is often a shortcoming of flat TVs and yet the Sony device can shine here. Because the screen acts as a speaker and can imitate a 3D sound.
The OLED panel makes the difference compared to the X90J, especially with the viewing angle, which is now much wider, and in motion handling.
The flagship of this year’s lineup is without a doubt the A90J, which only a few TVs can hold a candle to in terms of picture quality. Besides the advantages of the OLED panel in terms of contrast and black value, the A90J can also get brighter and reaches a maximum value of 850 nitsSI unit of luminance: 1 nit = 1 cd/m2 – The best way of measuring and comparing a TVs brightness . It cannot compete with Samsung’s QLEDs though, but HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) content looks fantastic in combination with Dolby VisionDynamic HDR-format with a color depth of up to 12 Bits and Mastering of up to 10,000 Nits. In addition, the new XR processor further optimizes the picture quality.
Like its little brother, the A80J, the A90J’s sound comes directly from the screen, which puts you right in the middle of the action. The Acoustic Auto Calibration additionally adjusts the sound to the room and the viewer, allowing you to create an enveloping cinema atmosphere.
The only drawback of the A90J is the lack of VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card, which would complete the whole gaming package.
The Z9J from Sony is truly an 8K colossus that packs a punch. Not only does it offer an 8K resolution, but also the outstanding picture quality of a Sony TV, which is why HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) content also looks terrific. This is ensured by the peak brightness of 3000 nitsSI unit of luminance: 1 nit = 1 cd/m2 – The best way of measuring and comparing a TVs brightness and a contrast ratio of 5000:1, but it is Sony’s image processing in combination with Dolby VisionDynamic HDR-format with a color depth of up to 12 Bits and Mastering of up to 10,000 Nits that ensures that the Z9J can take on even the OLEDs.
In gaming, the Z9J also does well, even though the TV lacks VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card and true ALLMAuto Low Latency Mode – Automatically detects connected consoles and keeps input lag as low as possible.. However, gamers should still have their fun since three HDMI 2.1 ports are present and the motion handling is great as well. Xbox Series X owners can also enjoy Dolby Vision Gaming, but only at [email protected]
The X750H is the most affordable TV in Sony’s 2020 lineup and has not been equipped with too many features. The VAVertical Alignment, type of LCD Panel panel gives it a high contrast ratio of 5700:1 and deep blacks, which results in a good picture quality in dark surroundings. On the other hand, the picture is not quite as impressive in bright surroundings, which is due to the average reflection handling and the low brightness. The motion handling of the 60Hz panel is pretty decent with a response time of about 4ms, so there is only little motion blur.
If you are looking for a cheap gaming TV and don’t want to push next gen gaming to its limits, you’ll be very satisfied with the input lag of about 11ms, because the TV feels very responsive while gaming. Additional features like ALLMAuto Low Latency Mode – Automatically detects connected consoles and keeps input lag as low as possible., VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card and HDMI 2.1 are not available – which is quite common in this price segment.
The X800H Bravia has completely different characteristics than the cheaper X750H due to the built-in IPSIn-Plane Switching, type of LCD Panel panel. It has a wide viewing angle and can be used particularly in bright environments. However, the picture quality is not as good in dark surroundings, which is due to the poor contrast ratio and the mediocre blacks – black looks more like gray in dark rooms. Furthermore, with about 530 Nits, it becomes brighter than the X750H and has a wide color gamut. However, this is not enough to display HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) content well.
Sony also saves most of the additional features of the X800H, but has a lot more than the X750H. However, it has been equipped with an Auto Low Latency Mode, which automatically keeps the input lag as low as possible during gaming. It also has Dolby VisionDynamic HDR-format with a color depth of up to 12 Bits and Mastering of up to 10,000 Nits implemented for dynamic optimization of HDR content and an HDMI eARC which supports Dolby AtmosObject-based surround sound format with 3D-Sound from any direction via Dolby True HD.
The X90H is the entry-level model in the Full Array LED series and is therefore equipped with considerably more features. The image quality of the VAVertical Alignment, type of LCD Panel panel is very different from the IPSIn-Plane Switching, type of LCD Panel panel of the X800H and is superior in almost all ambient conditions. In bright rooms, the picture quality is better due to the higher peak brightness, and in dark rooms, the higher contrast ratio and deep black produce a beautiful picture, which is further enhanced by Full Array Local Dimming. However, this can lead to unsightly errors like blooming. The IPS panel also gives the X800H a much wider viewing angle than the one of the more expensive X900H.
In addition to the better picture quality, the equipment is much more sophisticated. It has an HDMI eARC and a 120Hz PanelThe panel is the actual screen of a television. There is different types of panels like OLED, LCD or Micro LED and different sub-types of LCD like VA or IPS.. The X900H is equipped with an HDMI 2.1 interface, which supports both VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card and Auto Low Latency Mode. With these extras, the X900H is perfectly suited for gaming and can take full advantage of the next-gen consoles with [email protected] that will be released in 2020. There is also a twin tuner, which enables the USB recording function – even when watching another program.
In most categories, the X950H is superior to the X900H. Like the less expensive model, it uses a VAVertical Alignment, type of LCD Panel panel, but the viewing angle has been greatly extended by an additional display layer. In addition, this layer also has a positive effect on the reflection handling, which in combination with the higher peak brightness makes the TV much better suited for the use in bright rooms than the X900H. In dark surroundings, its picture quality is quite similar, because the additional layer reduces the contrast ratio. With the higher peak brightness of 1180 Nits, HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) content can be displayed brilliantly and the image processing of the X1 Ultimate image processor ensures an extremely natural image.
However, the more expensive X950H does not perform quite as well in the gaming category. It lacks almost all the features to ensure a good gaming experience. It has no HDMI 2.1, no VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card, no ALLMAuto Low Latency Mode – Automatically detects connected consoles and keeps input lag as low as possible. and a not very good input delay. In short, the X950H was not designed for gaming, unlike the XH90.
The high-end OLED A8 immediately stands out as a TV designed for the best possible home cinema atmosphere. Due to the OLED construction, it has a breathtaking picture quality in dark surroundings that is unmatched by other technologies. The motion handling is also excellent due to the almost instantaneous response time – so even fast movements cause almost no motion blur. Eventual motion blur can be further minimized by the X-Motion-Clarity feature, which is also possible at a frame rate of 120Hz. In addition, the sound system of the A8 has the innovative Acoustic Surface Audio function, which makes the sound seem to come directly from the center of the picture, creating an immersive cinema experience.
In bright surroundings, however, the OLED performs, as expected, worse than the X950H. The peak brightness is simply not high enough, because otherwise the organic LEDs would suffer from the higher thermal output. As a protection mechanism against overheating, the Automatic Brightness Limiter is used to dim the brightness in large bright scenes to prevent burn-in.
Like the XH95, the A8 is not really suitable for gambling. It also lacks the HDMI 2.1 interface and the associated advantages.
The Sony Z8H is a premium TV with a 120Hz VAVertical Alignment, type of LCD Panel panel, which offers 8k resolution. It has a deep and even black and has been equipped with an excellent full array local dimming feature with 320 zones, which really benefits the contrast ratio. The contrast ratio of 4000:1 is comparatively low, which is due to the X-Wide Viewing Angle layer. In return, however, the X-Wide Viewing Angle layer extends the viewing angle, which would be quite narrow without this layer on VA panels. In dark environments it cannot quite keep up with OLED technology, but it shines in brighter environments. The high peak brightness of 2100 Nits makes it bright enough to produce an excellent image quality even in bright conditions.
Exactly like the OLED A8, the Z8H also has the Acoustic Surface Audio feature, which turns the TV itself into the center speaker of a sound system and creates the sound directly in the center of the picture. The ZH8 also has an HDMI 2.1 interface, which is otherwise only available on the XH90 in the Sony lineup. This enables [email protected] and also a Variable Refresh RateVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card is available.
When it comes to the best image processing, Sony has been ahead for years. Above all, the OLED TVs successfully manage to display movies and series as intended by the creators: natural, realistic and rich in detail. That’s why Sony OLEDs are always at the forefront when it comes to the best home theater TVs, since the Sony technology, which has been perfected for years, simply does a great job in combination with Dolby VisionDynamic HDR-format with a color depth of up to 12 Bits and Mastering of up to 10,000 Nits.
Sony is relying on a Black Frame Insertion feature called “X-Motion Clarity“, which is also available on the new OLEDs this year. With the “X-Wide Angle” layer, the manufacturer is addressing the common problem of VA panels and, similar to its competitors, is trying to improve the image from an oblique viewing angle. Further features are the “Pixel Contrast Booster” for OLEDs, which is intended to enhance color and contrast ratio, and in the area of sound, “Acoustic Surface Audio+“, where the sound is to come directly from the center of the TV set by means of forward facing speakers.
For orientation: Sony model names have a letter at the end of the model name that indicates the year of publication and ranges from E = 2017 to H = 2020. The number before it stands for the value within the group. The higher the number, the more expensive the television.
Unlike LCDLCD = Liquid Crystal Display – a type of screen using liquid crystals for creating the image panels, OLED panels do not need additional backlighting. OLED is the abbreviation for “organic light emitting diode” and means that each pixel, consisting of 4 subpixels (white, red, green, blue), can either emit light in the corresponding color in different intensities or not emit light at all (black).
The manufacturer promises a quasi perfect black value and thus a theoretically infinite contrast. (Since there is no perfect black, the contrast is not really infinite:1, but it is very high at around 1,000,000:1). Another advantage is that OLEDs don’t have any problems with backlighting or local dimming, since each pixel lights up individually. The disadvantage is unfortunately that all pixels have to be dimmed in large bright scenes to avoid damage to the panel or even a burn-in (ABL: Automatic Brightness Limiter).
This is a term for an additional display layer that is intended to extend the viewing angle of VA-LCD panels. Compared to Samsung’s Ultra Viewing Angle layer, the X-Wide Angle layer is not competitive, but it expands the otherwise quite narrow viewing angle immensely.
X-Motion-Clarity is a Sony brand name for the Black Frame InsertionProcess that inserts black “blank images” as intermediate images. This makes movements appear finer and clearer. feature. When this feature is activated, the motion blur is minimized, which should be done by black frames in between. These are placed between the normal images at a high frequencyHertz is the derived SI-unit of frequency with 1Hz=1/s – When talking about TVs this means how many different pictures a TV can display in one second., so that the black images are not recognized by the human eye and thus blur is prevented. However, the black intermediate images make the image appear darker, which can be particularly annoying in the low brightness of OLEDs.
In order to provide a cinema-like sound backdrop, the impression should be created that the sound comes directly from the movie – i.e. from the center of the picture. With this feature, the display of the TV itself becomes the center speaker of the sound system, giving the viewer the feeling of being right in the middle of the action.
This is a feature Sony uses in OLEDs to increase the contrast ratio and achieve a higher level of visible detail, especially in very bright areas. This is also intended to increase the color range so that the TV can display colors more vividly.
Sony uses Triluminos technology in its LED TVs to achieve stronger colors and higher contrasts so that the picture looks more vivid overall. Sony achieves this by installing LEDs with fluorescent nanoparticles in their TVs, which start to glow due to the backlight itself. When the pure red, green and blue LEDs overlap, a neutral white is created, which ultimately expands the color space enormously. What remains is a natural and realistic color representation, for which Sony is so well known.
The Triluminos technology is also used by other manufacturers, but under a different name. Samsung calls its color-enhancing technology Quantum Dot and LG uses the name ColorPrime Pro.
The abbreviations VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card and ALLMAuto Low Latency Mode – Automatically detects connected consoles and keeps input lag as low as possible. refer to the Variable Refresh RateVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card and the Auto Low Latency Mode. Both are features that are especially important for gamers of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
If a TV supports VRR, then it can adjust the frequencyHertz is the derived SI-unit of frequency with 1Hz=1/s – When talking about TVs this means how many different pictures a TV can display in one second. to that of the graphics card of the console or PC. If the TV displays the frames per second as the graphics card produces them, then so-called tearing does not occur. According to this, the individual images are torn apart in moving pictures.
ALLM is a function that ensures that the TV immediately switches to gaming mode as soon as a console is connected and turned on. This keeps input lag as low as possible, which is very important in video games. A fake ALLM is a feature from Sony that only specifically addresses the PlayStation 5, but not the Xbox Series X, which is why the latter console is at a disadvantage here.