Serena Anderson
Member
Catalogs Hide
- 1 First Impressions
- 2 Introduce
- 3 System
- 4 Display
- 5 Audio
- 6 Features
- 7 Connectivity
- 8 User Feedback
First Impressions
The Sony X90L has a premium design that looks great in any room. The bezels are thin and arent distracting at all, and the minimalist design of the feet looks great and doesnt take up much space.The back of the TV is entirely plastic and has a checkerboard pattern similar to that of other Sony TVs of this generation, like theSony X93L. One difference between the Sony X90L and higher-end models is that this model doesnt include covers to hide the inputs, and theresnothing for cable management.
Sony TVs are usually well-built, and the Sony Bravia XR X90L is no exception. Theres some flex on the back panel, but this is pretty common and doesnt cause any issues. It's a well-built TV made of premium materials.
Introduce
| Parameter | Sony X90L |
|---|---|
Picture |  |
Reference Price | $998 |
Model Year | 2023 |
Specific Uses | Gaming, particularly with PlayStation 5 |
Built-In Media | Power Cable, Remote Control, AAA batteries, Stand |
Highlight | • Enhanced Entertainment: Supports Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode • Handpicked by Amazon: Selected based on extensive research • HDMI 2.1 Gaming: Features 4K/120, VRR, ALLM • Elevated Audio: Acoustic Multi-Audio, Dolby Atmos support • Perfect for PlayStation 5: Auto HDR Tone Mapping, Auto Genre Picture Mode • Game Menu: Consolidated gaming picture settings and assist features |
System
| Parameter | Sony X90L |
|---|---|
Operating System | Google TV |
Internet Applications | Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Airplay 2, Peacock, Apple TV |
Controller Type | Remote Control |
Control Method | Remote |
System Experience | The Sony X90L offers a robust smart TV experience with its integration of Google TV version 10, providing access to a wide array of apps through the Google Play Store that run smoothly. The built-in Google Chromecast enhances its functionality, allowing users to easily cast content from their mobile devices. Additionally, the option to use the Bravia webcam for video calls adds an extra layer of versatility. However, the presence of ads within the Google TV interface may detract from the overall user experience, despite the ability to opt out of personalized advertising. Overall, the Sony X90L is a solid choice for users seeking a feature-rich smart TV, though the advertising aspect may be a downside for some. |
Display
| Parameter | Sony X90L |
|---|---|
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Display Technology | LED |
Screen Finish | Flat |
Has Color Screen | Yes |
Resolution | 4K |
Refresh Rate | 120 |
HDR Format | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision |
Backlight Technology | LCD |
Backlight Setting | Full Array Local Dimming |
Backlight Configuration | Direct-Lit |
Picture Enhancement | Cognitive Processor XR |
Motion Enhancement | XR Motion Clarity |
Viewing Experience | The Sony X90L delivers an impressive viewing experience with excellent contrast, showcasing deep blacks alongside bright highlights. Its full array local dimming feature enhances this contrast effectively, though it falls short compared to Mini LED backlighting found in higher models. Blooming performance is generally good, with effective algorithms that mitigate harshness, although fast-moving objects may reveal some limitations due to slower response times. The HDR color gamut is a highlight, providing vibrant and lifelike visuals, particularly with strong coverage in the DCI-P3 color space. However, there are slight inaccuracies in saturated colors within the Rec. 2020 space. While gray uniformity is decent, issues like a dirty screen effect and dark vertical columns detract from the overall experience, especially in bright scenes. Black uniformity is satisfactory with local dimming, offering deeper blacks but introducing some noticeable blooming. The TV struggles with viewing angles, as image quality degrades significantly when viewed from the side. Reflection handling is just adequate, and the BGR subpixel layout may affect text clarity for PC use. Overall, the Sony X90L stands out for its contrast and HDR performance but has notable drawbacks in viewing angles and uniformity. |
Audio
| Parameter | Sony X90L |
|---|---|
Surround Sound | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio |
Audio Output | [Inferred] Multiple |
Audio Input | HDMI |
Speaker Description | Acoustic Multi Audio |
Audio Experience | The Sony X90L offers a well-balanced sound profile, particularly at moderate listening levels, making dialogue clear and enjoyable. While it lacks deep bass, the overall frequency response is decent, and the TV can reach loud volumes suitable for moderately noisy environments. The sound quality remains stable with minimal distortion, even at maximum volume. However, the stand position can influence the bass response, particularly when raised. Overall, the Sony X90L provides a satisfactory audio experience for everyday viewing. |
Features
| Parameter | Sony X90L |
|---|---|
Video Encoding | HEVC or VP9 |
Compatible Devices | Google TV compatible devices, HDMI/USB/wireless devices |
Tuner Type | ATSC/ATSC 3.0 |
D x W x H | 13.63"D x 57"W x 34"H |
Mount Standard | 300 x 300 mm |
Voltage | 1.1E+2 Volts (AC) |
Line Voltage | 110 VAC 60 Hz |
Other Features | NEW Eco Dashboard, NEW Game Menu, Exclusive features for PlayStation, Billions of colors with XR Triluminos Pro, Movies on us with BRAVIA CORE (5 credits/12 months) |
Motion Smoothing | The Sony X90L delivers a solid performance, particularly in enhancing low-quality content and providing a smooth viewing experience for video games and sports. Its response time is commendable, minimizing motion blur for fast-moving scenes, although there is some black smear in darker areas. The TV employs pulse width modulation across all backlight levels, which may only affect those highly sensitive to flicker. Additionally, it offers the capability to interpolate lower-frame-rate content up to 120 fps, though this can introduce noticeable halos and artifacts. Overall, the Sony X90L stands out for its effective motion handling and content enhancement, despite some minor drawbacks. |
Connectivity
| Parameter | Sony X90L |
|---|---|
Connectivity Technology | wired, wireless |
Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
Screen Mirroring | Apple AirPlay |
Wireless Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Usb Ports | 2 |
HDMI Ports | 4 |
Connector Type | HDMI, USB |
Signal Format | digital |
Sharing Direction | Mobile to TV |
Hardware Interface | HDMI |
Connecting TV | Overall Impression: This TV excels in providing a seamless and responsive gaming experience, thanks to its very low input lag in Game Picture Mode and compatibility with most PS5 features. However, it lacks support for 1440p @ 120Hz signals, which may limit some users. The TV's HDMI ports offer a mix of HDMI 2.1 and HDMI 2.0 bandwidth, with the potential caveat of losing an HDMI 2.1 slot when connecting a receiver. It also supports eARC for high-quality audio passthrough and is capable of streaming 4K over-the-air channels, making it a strong choice for both gamers and general viewing. |
User Feedback
Pros• Exceptional picture quality that nearly matches OLED at a lower price
• Impressive color accuracy and black levels
• No burn-in issues compared to OLED sets
• Easy setup and self-programming features
• Better sound quality than most TVs, with the option to connect to a stand-alone sound system
• Good balance between price and performance
• Clear technical documentation available
Cons
• Power-saving and motion-smoothing features are on by default and require adjustment
• Sub-standard Wi-Fi connectivity, prone to dropping
• Bluetooth connection issues when switching apps
• Remote control lacks backlight, numbers, and dedicated fast forward/rewind buttons
• Gesture control via Bravia Cam is ineffective in low light
Overall Impression
The Sony 75 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X90L Series offers exceptional picture quality and value for money, making it a strong contender for anyone prioritizing visual performance without breaking the bank. While there are some connectivity and usability drawbacks, particularly with the remote and wireless features, the overall experience is highly favorable for those seeking a quality television. This model stands out as a wise investment in the mid-range market, earning a solid recommendation.
