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- 1 First Impressions
- 2 Introduce
- 3 System
- 4 Display
- 5 Audio
- 6 Features
- 7 Connectivity
- 8 User Feedback
First Impressions
The Sony X85K Series has a simplistic design thats not very premium, but it doesnt look cheap either. The bezels have a textured plastic finish, while the back is matte plastic.The Sony X85K has a plastic back with a checkerboard pattern typical of Sony TVs. The inputs are side-facing and set into the TV, so they're difficult to reach with the TV wall-mounted. It has basiccable managementwith hooks on the feet to guide the cables to the inputs.
The Sony X85K has good build quality. Its well put together with stable feet and good-quality plastic. Theres a bit of flex on the back panel, but it isnt something to be concerned about. However, theres one issue with our unit as there are a couple ofspotsnear the center of the screen. We couldnt clean them off, and they seem to be dirt or smudges that are caught between the panel and some layers beneath it. Its more of a quality control issue, and we don't expect it to be a widespread problem, but let us know if you experience the same thing.
Introduce
| Parameter | Sony X85K |
|---|---|
Picture |  |
Reference Price | $528 |
Model Year | 2024 |
Specific Uses | Entertainment |
Built-In Media | Power Cable, Remote Control, Stand, Manuals |
Highlight | • Display Size: 50-inch • Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K Ultra HD) • Refresh Rate: 60Hz • HDR Support: Dolby Vision • Audio Technology: Dolby Atmos • Smart TV Platform: Google TV • Streaming Apps Access: Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube • Special Offer: 5 free movie credits, 12-month subscription to classics • Imaging Technology: 4K HDR Processor X1, Triluminos Pro, 4K X-Reality PRO • Speaker Type: X-Balanced Speaker • Connectivity: 4 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
System
| Parameter | Sony X85K |
|---|---|
Operating System | Google TV |
Internet Applications | Prime Video, Hulu Plus, Netflix, Max, Disney+, YouTube, Sony Pictures CORE, Google TV |
Controller Type | Remote Control |
Control Method | Remote |
System Experience | The Sony X85K offers a user-friendly experience with its smooth navigation and a familiar Google TV interface, ensuring an enjoyable viewing experience without technical hiccups. With access to a vast array of apps through the Google Play Store, users can easily customize their entertainment options. The inclusion of built-in Google Chromecast enhances its functionality, allowing for seamless content casting from mobile devices. Additionally, the option to connect a Bravia webcam for video calls adds versatility, making the TV not just a viewing device but also a tool for communication. Overall, the Sony X85K stands out for its intuitive features and connectivity options. |
Display
| Parameter | Sony X85K |
|---|---|
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Display Technology | LED |
Screen Finish | Flat |
Has Color Screen | Yes |
Resolution | 4K |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
HDR Format | HLG, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
Backlight Technology | LED |
Backlight Setting | Dimming |
Backlight Configuration | Direct-Lit |
Picture Enhancement | 4K HDR Processor X1, 4K X-Reality Pro, Triluminos Pro |
Motion Enhancement | Motionflow XR 240 |
Viewing Experience | The Sony X85K offers a strong overall performance, particularly in terms of native contrast ratio, providing deep and uniform blacks in dark scenes. While it lacks a local dimming feature, which limits its ability to enhance bright highlights without affecting the overall brightness of the screen, this absence also means there is no distracting blooming around bright objects. The TV has a commendable color gamut with excellent coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, though its limited Rec. 2020 coverage may hinder future-proofing. Tone mapping is inconsistent, with darker colors appearing more accurate than brighter ones. The gray uniformity is generally good, although some units may experience issues with smudges or dust affecting the display. Black uniformity stands out as a strong point, maintaining depth even without local dimming. However, the viewing angle is a downside, as off-center viewing results in washed-out images, making it less suitable for wide seating arrangements. On the positive side, the TV handles reflections well and performs admirably in well-lit environments. Additionally, it uses a BGR subpixel layout, which could lead to blurry text in certain applications when used as a PC monitor. Overall, the Sony X85K presents a solid option with specific strengths and weaknesses that may influence its suitability for different viewing scenarios. |
Audio
| Parameter | Sony X85K |
|---|---|
Surround Sound | Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos |
Audio Output | Surround |
Audio Input | HDMI |
Speaker Description | X-Balanced Speakers |
Speaker Output Power | 20 Watts |
Audio Experience | Overall, the Sony X85K offers a decent audio performance with a well-balanced sound profile at moderate levels, making it suitable for everyday viewing. However, its limitations become apparent at higher volumes, where distortion and compression artifacts are more pronounced. Additionally, the lack of bass may not satisfy those looking for a more immersive audio experience. |
Features
| Parameter | Sony X85K |
|---|---|
Video Encoding | HEVC (H.265), H.264 |
Compatible Devices | PlayStation 5 |
Tuner Type | ATSC |
D x W x H | 10.63"D x 44.13"W x 28.13"H |
Mount Standard | 200 x 200 mm |
Power Consumption | 134 Watts |
Line Voltage | 110 VAC 60 Hz |
Other Features | Exclusive features for the PlayStation 5, TRILUMINOS Pro, Google TV with Google Assistant, AirPlay 2, 4K X-Reality™ PRO, Game Menu, Minimal Flush Surface bezel, Sony Pictures CORE (5 credits/12 months streaming) |
Motion Smoothing | The Sony X85K offers a generally strong performance with impressive response times and a flicker-free backlight, making it comfortable for extended viewing. However, its processing capabilities are somewhat limited, particularly when handling low-quality content, leading to issues like macro-blocking and pixelization. While it excels in preserving fine details, the motion interpolation feature may struggle with fast-paced scenes, resulting in artifacts. Overall, the TV delivers smooth motion in most scenarios but has some drawbacks in processing lower-quality visuals. |
Connectivity
| Parameter | Sony X85K |
|---|---|
Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI |
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
Screen Mirroring | AirPlay 2, Google Cast |
Wireless Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Usb Ports | 2 |
USB2.0 Ports | 1 |
USB3.0 Ports | 1 |
HDMI Ports | 4 |
Connector Type | RS232C, USB, Optical, Ethernet, HDMI |
Sharing Direction | Mobile to TV |
Hardware Interface | USB, HDMI |
Connecting TV | The Sony X85K is a well-rounded TV that excels in delivering a responsive gaming experience, particularly with its low input lag when utilizing the Game Picture Mode. It supports 4K gaming at up to 120 fps via its full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, making it a solid choice for next-gen gaming consoles. However, users should be mindful of the limitations imposed by the eARC functionality, which can restrict the use of HDMI 2.1 bandwidth across multiple devices. Additionally, the inclusion of ATSC 3.0 support enhances its capability to stream over-the-air 4K channels. Overall, the Sony X85K stands out for its gaming performance and audio pass-through features, making it a versatile option for entertainment enthusiasts. |
User Feedback
Pros:• Excellent tuner with auto-program feature, picking up 33 channels clearly
• Beautiful sound quality with well-balanced bass and crisp highs
• High picture quality, vibrant and colorful for movies and TV shows
• Straightforward setup process with easy-to-follow instructions
• Built-in presets for adjusting picture brightness
• Smart-TV functions with integration for YouTube history
Cons:
• Significant input lag, particularly in gaming mode
• Not recommended for gaming due to high input latency
• Running at the recommended resolution (3840x2160) leads to input lag issues
• 4096x2160 resolution results in thin black bars at the top and bottom of the screen
Overall Impression:
This TV excels in delivering an impressive viewing experience for regular TV and movies, thanks to its excellent tuner, sound quality, and vibrant picture. However, it falls short in gaming performance due to significant input lag, making it less suitable for gamers. Overall, it is a solid choice for general use, especially for those who prioritize picture and sound quality over gaming capabilities.
