Upgrading your TV can be a daunting task, especially with so many options on the market. Do you splurge on a premium model or go for a more budget-friendly choice? The Sony X90L might be the sweet spot you’ve been searching for. This 4K TV offers a blend of impressive picture quality, user-friendly smart features, and a sleek design, all at a price tag that won’t break the bank. But before you hit buy, let’s delve deeper and see if the X90L fits the bill for your living room.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Brand | Sony |
| Display Technology | LED |
| Resolution | 4K |
| Refresh Rate | 120 |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI |
| Speaker Type | Acoustic Multi-Audio |
| Size | Check Price |
|---|---|
| 55 Inch LED | View on Amazon |
| 65 Inch LED | View on Amazon |
| 75 Inch LED | View on Amazon |
| 85 Inch LED | View on Amazon |
| 98 Inch LED | View on Amazon |
Display Technology
The X90L boasts a 4K LED panel, showcasing sharp visuals with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. This translates to four times the detail of Full HD, resulting in a noticeably crisper and more immersive viewing experience. However, it’s important to note that the X90L utilizes an LED backlight. While Sony employs various technologies to enhance picture quality, it doesn’t reach the same level of deep blacks and high contrast ratios as higher-end OLED TVs.
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
The X90L supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), expanding the contrast ratio and color palette for a more realistic image. It offers compatibility with HDR10, the most common HDR format, ensuring you can access HDR content from various streaming services and Blu-ray discs. While it might not achieve the peak brightness levels of high-end TVs, the X90L delivers a noticeable improvement over standard dynamic range (SDR) content.
Color Science
Sony has a well-deserved reputation for excellent color science, and the X90L lives up to that legacy. The 4K HDR Processor X1™ helps reproduce colors accurately, resulting in a vibrant and natural-looking picture. Additionally, features like TRILUMINOS Display™ help expand the color gamut, showcasing a wider range of colors for a more immersive viewing experience.
Contrast
The X90L utilizes various technologies like Full-Array Local Dimming to improve contrast. This feature adjusts the backlight in different zones of the screen, resulting in deeper blacks and brighter whites. While it might not achieve the perfect blacks of OLED TVs, the X90L delivers a good contrast ratio for everyday viewing, especially noticeable in dark scenes.
Viewing Angles
The X90L offers decent viewing angles for most users. The picture quality remains good when viewed straight on, and the colors might shift slightly at off-center angles. This shouldn’t be a major concern for typical living room setups, but it’s worth considering if you have a wider seating arrangement.
Audio Quality
The X90L comes with X-Balanced Speaker units that deliver improved audio clarity compared to previous Sony TV models. However, the sound can still be a bit thin, especially for bass-heavy content. If you prioritize a powerful audio experience for movies, music, or gaming, investing in a soundbar or external speaker system is recommended.
Smart Features
The X90L runs on Google TV, a user-friendly platform that integrates seamlessly with popular streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and many more. Google Assistant is also built-in, allowing you to control the TV with your voice for added convenience. Additionally, Google TV offers personalized recommendations based on your viewing habits and makes it easy to discover new content.
Design
The X90L boasts a sleek and minimalist design with a thin bezel and two sturdy feet for tabletop placement. The overall build quality feels solid, and the TV is relatively lightweight for easy wall mounting (mounting bracket sold separately). Cable management is also well-considered, keeping your entertainment center organized.
User Experience
The Google TV platform simplifies navigation and makes finding content a breeze. Setting up the TV is straightforward, and the remote control is well-designed with dedicated buttons for popular streaming services and voice control.
Energy Efficiency
The X90L features several energy-saving modes, including Auto Light Sensor and Power Saving Mode. These features help reduce power consumption without compromising picture quality.
Connectivity Options
The X90L offers a good selection of connectivity options, including multiple HDMI ports (with some supporting eARC for high-fidelity audio) for connecting streaming devices, gaming consoles, and other external devices. It also features USB ports for playing media from flash drives or external hard drives.
Available Inches
The Sony X90L series comes in various screen sizes, ranging from 55 inches to 98 inches. The ideal size for you will depend on your viewing distance and room size. For smaller living rooms, a 55-inch model might suffice, while larger spaces could benefit from a 65-inch or even an 85-inch screen for a truly immersive viewing experience. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right size:
- Small Rooms (Less than 8ft viewing distance): Consider a 55-inch or 65-inch model.
- Medium Rooms (8ft to 12ft viewing distance): A 65-inch or 75-inch model would be a good fit.
- Large Rooms (Over 12ft viewing distance): Opt for a 75-inch or 85-inch model for the ultimate cinematic experience.
Competing Brands
When considering the X90L, you might also want to look at similar offerings from brands like Samsung, LG, and TCL. These brands offer comparable features and specifications at similar price points. It’s always a good idea to compare user reviews and picture quality comparisons before making your final decision. Here’s a brief overview of some competitors:
- Samsung QLED TVs: These TVs offer vibrant colors and good brightness thanks to their QLED technology. However, contrast might not be as good as the X90L.
- LG NanoCell TVs: Similar to Samsung’s QLED TVs, LG’s NanoCell TVs offer enhanced color accuracy. However, viewing angles might be slightly narrower compared to the X90L.
- TCL 6-Series TVs: These TVs offer excellent value for the price, boasting good picture quality and features. However, they might not have the same level of processing power or smart features compared to the X90L.
Best TV for Whom?
The Sony X90L strikes a great balance between performance and affordability, making it a compelling option for a variety of viewers:
- Movie and TV Show Enthusiasts: While not reaching the peak contrast of OLED TVs, the X90L delivers a vibrant picture with good color accuracy and HDR support, making it enjoyable for watching movies and shows.
- Casual Gamers: The X90L offers decent response times and low input lag suitable for casual gaming experiences. However, hardcore gamers might want to consider TVs with features specifically designed for competitive gaming.
- Streamers: The user-friendly Google TV platform with a vast library of apps makes it easy to access all your favorite streaming services. Plus, voice control with Google Assistant adds an extra layer of convenience.
- Value-Conscious Viewers: The X90L offers excellent value for its price point, delivering a feature-rich 4K experience without breaking the bank.
However, it’s important to consider a few things:
- Audio Quality: If you prioritize a powerful sound experience, you might want to invest in a soundbar or external speaker system.
- Not the Best for Dark Rooms: While the contrast is decent, OLED TVs offer superior performance in dark environments with deeper blacks.
Overall
The Sony X90L is a solid contender for those seeking a well-rounded 4K experience at a mid-range price point. It boasts a great picture with vibrant colors, good contrast, and user-friendly smart features with Google TV. While the audio might be a bit lacking for audiophiles, the X90L excels in its value proposition. If you prioritize a powerful sound system or the deepest blacks possible, you might want to explore higher-end OLED TVs. However, for everyday entertainment on a budget, the Sony X90L is a fantastic choice, offering a brighter and more vibrant viewing experience compared to some competitors.
