Sony 65 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X90L Review Best for Gaming and Movies

Description

Immersive Picture Quality with the Cognitive Processor XR

Testing the Sony 65 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X90L Series was like stepping into a whole new world of visual clarity. The Cognitive Processor XR truly shines here, delivering a picture that feels almost lifelike. Watching action-packed movies or high-definition documentaries, I noticed how the contrast was on point, with deep, detailed blacks and colors that felt incredibly natural. The XR Triluminos Pro technology brings out billions of colors, and honestly, I felt like I was seeing shades I didn’t even know existed. Whether it’s fast-paced sports or a moody drama, the Full Array LED backlighting ensures that brightness and contrast are perfectly balanced.

I tested this TV with a mix of streaming platforms and Blu-ray content, and the results were consistently stunning. The dynamic contrast and high peak brightness elevate everything, even older titles, making them look more vibrant. It’s as if the TV knows exactly how to make every scene pop without overdoing it.

Gaming Experience Elevated

As a gamer, I couldn’t ignore the exclusive features for PlayStation 5, which made this model stand out. The integration of Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode is a game-changer. Playing fast-paced games like first-person shooters, I noticed how the 4K/120Hz refresh rate combined with HDMI 2.1 features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) created buttery-smooth gameplay. There was no screen tearing or input lag, which is often a dealbreaker for competitive gaming. Having the Game Menu in one place was incredibly convenient, as it allowed me to fine-tune settings without pausing the action for too long.

For anyone who owns a PlayStation 5, this TV feels like it was built for you. The seamless connectivity and optimization really push the limits of what a gaming experience can be on a large screen.

Cinema-Like Entertainment Features

I’m a sucker for movie nights, and the Sony X90L Series didn’t disappoint. The support for Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and IMAX Enhanced created a theater-like experience in my living room. The Acoustic Multi-Audio system adds to the immersion by producing sound that feels like it’s coming directly from the screen. Watching a blockbuster movie felt like I had surround sound speakers set up, even though it’s all coming from the TV itself.

One cool perk I enjoyed was the BRAVIA CORE app, which gave me access to 5 movie credits and a year’s subscription to stream classic films in high-bitrate 4K UHD quality. The visual fidelity on these movies is unmatched, making it a fantastic bonus for cinephiles.

User-Friendly Smart Features

Navigating the Google TV interface was a breeze. Everything from streaming apps to voice commands using Google Assistant worked seamlessly. I tested out Apple AirPlay, and it mirrored my iPhone content without a hitch. It’s a relief that this TV supports multiple platforms, catering to both Android and Apple users. Streaming apps loaded quickly, and the menus were intuitive to navigate.

What stood out to me was the eco dashboard, a new feature that lets you monitor and optimize the TV’s energy consumption. It’s a small but thoughtful addition for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing performance.

Key Benefits

• Incredible picture quality with the Cognitive Processor XR and XR Triluminos Pro.
• Optimized gaming features for PlayStation 5, including 4K/120Hz and VRR.
• Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support for a cinematic experience at home.
• User-friendly Google TV interface with fast app navigation and voice control.
• Eco dashboard for energy-efficient settings.

Areas of Concern

Despite the many positives, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• The acoustic system, while impressive, doesn’t entirely replace a dedicated soundbar for audiophiles.
• At 25 kilograms, the TV is quite heavy, making installation a two-person job.
• While the BRAVIA CORE app is a nice touch, the selection of movies might not appeal to everyone.

Caveats

• The sound quality, though good, might not meet the standards of premium external audio setups.
• A bulky design could be a challenge for those with limited space.
• Some advanced features may not be intuitive for less tech-savvy users.

Competing Products

Comparing this TV to other models like the LG C3 OLED and Samsung QN90C, some differences become apparent. OLED panels, such as the one in the LG, offer perfect blacks and slightly better viewing angles, making them ideal for dark rooms. However, they’re also prone to burn-in, which isn’t an issue with the Sony X90L’s Full Array LED panel. Samsung’s QLED series, on the other hand, matches the Sony in brightness but doesn’t quite achieve the same natural color tone, thanks to Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR.

In terms of gaming, the Sony X90L has a clear edge with its PlayStation 5-specific features, which neither LG nor Samsung currently offer. While Samsung boasts superior brightness, its interface doesn’t feel as polished as the Google TV system on the Sony.

Value Proposition

For the features it offers, the Sony X90L Series feels like a solid investment. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the quality-to-price ratio is justified by its exclusive gaming features, cinematic enhancements, and advanced processing technology. If you’re someone who values multi-functionality—whether for movies, gaming, or everyday streaming—it delivers on all fronts.

Overall, this TV strikes a balance between premium quality and practical features, making it a worthwhile contender in today’s market.

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