Sony TVs 2024 Review: Precision Picture, Premium Price
Introduction
Sony has built its reputation on picture accuracy, processing power, and cinematic quality—and that hasn’t changed in 2024. The new Bravia XR lineup continues to push visual performance with advanced image processing, high-end panels, and PlayStation 5-friendly gaming features.But with competitors like LG and Samsung offering OLED and QD-OLED at competitive prices, the question is: Are Sony TVs still worth the premium? Let’s break down what you get—and what you don’t.
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Section 2: Sony A95L (QD-OLED) – Flagship Performance
•Panel: QD-OLED
•Sizes: 55”, 65”, 77”
•Processor: Cognitive Processor XR
•HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
•Gaming: 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Auto HDR Tone Mapping (PS5)
•OS: Google TV
What Stands Out:
•Elite picture quality—vivid color + perfect blacks
•QD-OLED boosts brightness and color volume over standard OLED
•Excellent motion handling and sharpness
•Built-in camera (Bravia Cam) enables gesture control, video calls, ambient optimization
What’s Not Great:
•Very expensive (~$2,800+ for 65”)
•Risk of OLED burn-in for static content
•Still only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports (not 4)
Verdict: For cinephiles and high-end gamers, the A95L is about as good as 4K gets. Just be ready to pay for it.⸻
Section 3: Sony A80L (OLED) – Sweet Spot for Home Cinema
•Panel: WOLED
•Sizes: 55”, 65”, 77”, 83”
•Brightness: Lower than QD-OLED, but still excellent for OLED
•Processor: Cognitive Processor XR
Highlights:
•Rich, cinematic color and true blacks
•Great for movies, shows, and sports
•Perfect dark-room performance
•Superb motion processing
Downsides:
•Can’t match Samsung’s QD-OLED for brightness
•Reflective in bright rooms
•Pricier than some LG OLEDs (like the C3)
Verdict: The A80L is a high-end OLED with precise image tuning. It’s ideal for serious movie watchers but less ideal for bright rooms or budget buyers.
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Section 4: Sony X90L (Full-Array LED) – Best Midrange Pick•Panel: Full-Array LED with local dimming
•Sizes: 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”, 98”
•Brightness: High enough for daylight viewing
•Refresh Rate: 120Hz with VRR, ALLM
What’s Good:
•Excellent HDR brightness and contrast
•Strong gaming support for PS5
•Great upscaling and clarity
•Solid black levels for an LED
What’s Lacking:
•Blooming around bright objects in dark scenes
•Viewing angles aren’t wide (typical of VA panels)
Verdict: The X90L offers one of the best value-to-performance ratios in Sony’s lineup. It’s the go-to choice for families, gamers, and movie fans who don’t want OLED prices.
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Section 5: Smart Features and OS
Google TV Interface•Fast, modern UI with profiles and recommendations
•Access to all major apps (Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+)
•Built-in Chromecast and Google Assistant
•Works with Alexa and Apple AirPlay/HomeKit
Sony’s Google TV experience is smoother and less ad-heavy than many Android TV competitors.
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Section 6: Gaming on Sony TVs
All Bravia XR models support:
•HDMI 2.1 (2 ports)
•4K @ 120Hz
•VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
•ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
•Auto HDR Tone Mapping with PS5
Input lag is low (~8–10ms), making Sony TVs excellent for console gaming—especially with a PlayStation 5.
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Section 7: Audio and Extras
Acoustic Surface Audio+ (OLEDs)
•Screen vibrates to produce sound
•Clear vocals and stereo separation
•Works best when paired with a sub or soundbar
Standard LED Models
•More traditional speakers—fine, but nothing special
Bravia Cam (Optional or Included)
•Adjusts sound and picture based on your position
•Gesture control, video chat, auto power saving
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Section 8: Pros and Cons (Overall)
Pros:
•Best-in-class processing (Cognitive Processor XR)
•Natural, cinematic image quality
•Great upscaling and motion clarity
•Strong gaming support
•Premium build and materials
Cons:
•Expensive compared to similar models from LG/Samsung
•Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports on most models
•OLED models still vulnerable to burn-in (rare in typical use)
•Slightly behind Samsung in brightness (except QD-OLED)
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Conclusion: Final Verdict
Sony TVs aren’t trying to win on price—they’re aiming for image quality and accuracy above all. If you’re serious about movies, care about natural color and motion, and want a clean smart TV interface, Sony delivers.
•Buy the A95L if you want the best QD-OLED money can buy
•Buy the A80L for a cinematic OLED experience without going all-in on price
•Buy the X90L if you want great picture and gaming without OLED drawbacks
Overall Score (Lineup Average): 9/10