The X90K is very good value for money, but its flaws are hard to ignore.
X90K offers a better picture and more gaming features than the nextX80K, but not as impressive as the top-of-the-lineX95K. Its bright, colorful picture makes it a great TV for daytime viewing, but its excessive light and narrow viewing angles make it a less-than-stellar choice for movie nights.
The X90K is a decent way to save money on something below the top end, but depending on your needs, you may be able to spend less on something that's more suited to your needs.
About the Sony X90K
The Sony X90K comes in four size options ranging from 55 to 85 inches. Our test device is a 55-inch model that we bought ourselves.
- 55 pulgadas (Sony XR-55X90K), MSRP $1,299.99
- 65-inch (Sony XR-65X90K), UVP $1,499.99
- 75-inch (Sony XR-75X90K), UVP $1,899.99
- 85 Zoll (Sony XR-85X90K), UVP 2.799,99 $
While we don't expect huge differences in performance from size to size, each model will likely come with a different number of dimming zones. A difference in the number of zones can mean slight differences in functionality, particularly in terms of contrast.
With sizes and pricing out of the way, let's take a look at the X90K's hardware and software specs:
- Resolution:4K (3.840x2.160)
- Display Type:Full array LED with local dimming andquantum dots(VA-style panel)
- HDRSupport:Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
- dolby atmos:Sim
- Support eARC:SIM (HDMI 3)
- native refresh rate:120 hercs
- smart platform:Google TV
- Kor:DCI-P3 color space/10-bit color resolution
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR):Sim
- Automatic Low Latency Mode (ALLM):Sim
- Processor:XR Cognitive Processor
- Other properties:Amazon Alexa, Asistente de Google, Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, Apple HomeKit
A new variant of the Sony remote is included with the X90K. It doesn't have a backlight, but it does have a small, slim form factor and has a built-in microphone for voice commands. I found the remote easy to use, thanks in part to its responsive and clearly labeled buttons.
connectivity
The Sony X90K offers an above-average selection of inputs, but A/V enthusiasts and dedicated gamers should note that there are only two inputs that support 4K@120Hz resolution.
Here's what you'll find in a side cutout on the back of the panel:
- 2xHDMI-2.1(4K@120Hz,1 HDMI-ARC/eARC)
- 2x HDMI 2.0 (4K @ 60Hz)
- 1 USB 3.0
- 1 USB 2.0
- RF connection (cable/antenna)
- Ethernet (LAN) input
- Digital audio output (optical)
- Composite input (with adapter)
performance data
Before testing each TV, we verify that the panel is turned on and receives a continuous signal for at least 2 hours. Our 55-inch X90K was given this standard warm-up time before readings were taken. Also, at the time of testing, the TV received the latest firmware updates.
For SDR and HDR tests, we used the X90K's custom picture mode. We chose this setting for its accuracy, but performance may vary depending on which picture mode is enabled. For example, you may get a brighter image when another mode is enabled, but this can negatively affect color temperature and overall color accuracy.
To get an idea of average TV performance, we used a standard ANSI checkerboard pattern for most of our basic contrast tests. We also used black and white windows ranging from 2% to 90% to test how well contrast was maintained at different brightness levels.
Our peak brightness measurements are made with persistent windows to represent the TV's peak brightness over a longer period of time. Highlights (such as brief flashes of reflected light) can reach higher levels of brightness, but not for longer periods of time.
All of our tests are created using a Murideo Seven 8K signal generator and tabulated onPortrait Displays Calman Ultimate Color Calibration Software.
I'll expand on our test results as we review them, but for now here's some important information:
- HDR Contrast (brightness/black level):685.6 nits / 0.089 nits (ANSI Checkerboard)
- Contrast SDR (brightness/black level):613.9 nits / 0.091 nits (ANSI Checkerboard)
- HDR Max Brightness (sustained):640.9 cd/m² (50% white window)
- SDR Peak Brightness (sustained):870 nights (10% white window)
- HDR Color Space Coverage (DCI-P3/10-bit):92%
- SDR (Rec.709) color space coverage:99%
Before testing, I made sure to disable X90Kambient light sensor. This option can be found in the Image Settings menu in Ambient Optimization Pro.
During testing, the X90K's color temperature was set to Expert 1. For SDR tests, the TV's brightness and gamma sliders were left at their default positions: 35 and -2, respectively. Tone mapping was disabled for HDR tests.
The Advanced Contrast Enhancement, Black Adjust, and Live Color settings were all off, while Auto Local Dimming and Maximum Luminance were set to High. For clarity-related settings, sharpness was left at its default position (50) while random noise reduction, digital noise reduction, and smooth gradation were turned off.
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What we like
Bright, colorful picture no matter what you're watching
Viewers with relatively bright living rooms will appreciate the X90K's ability to block out ambient light. No matter what you're watching (or playing), this TV packs a punch. Unless you're in a particularly sunny spot, the X90K is an excellent daytime companion.
Interestingly, based on my lab tests, the X90K is at its brightest when receiving an SDR signal, at least when it comes to reflections. A 10% window white (with the TV's brightness control at default settings) got around 870 nits in SDR. In HDR, that window peaked at around 550 nits. However, when displaying light and dark content evenly, the X90K's average image brightness is slightly higher in HDR.
That's not to say that HDR content won't show up. Thanks in part to Sony's excellent image processing, titles mastered in HDR10 or Dolby Vision look stunning and sharp. Unlike the similarly priced Samsung Q80B, which uses an ADS-style bezel on most of its size options, the Sony X90K opts for a VA-style bezel. This offers a significantly higher contrast ratio than its main competitor; Whereas the Q80B struggles to dim much more than 0.4 nits, the X90K sticks to around 0.09 nits, even when darker areas of the image are competing with bright elements.
Thanks to first-class technology, the colors are bright and strong. Sony calls its quantum dot technology the Triluminos color, and thanks to the X90K's cutting-edge display technology, it's better implemented here than at the bottom.X80K. The X90K covers around 92% of the HDR (DCI-P3) color space, which is slightly better than the 87% of the Samsung Q80B. The reds and greens in particular are quite vibrant, almost on par with what I've seen on the TCL 6 series.
Fast and easy to use smart platform
Like most Sony TVs on the market today, the X90K has Google TV built right into the software. You need an internet connection to get started and a Google account is recommended to take full advantage of the available software (eg YouTube). Once the setup process is complete, you can browse pre-installed apps and add new ones from a massive content library.
As with most smart platforms, you have to deal with a lot of sponsored content, most of which takes you to the platform's home screen. However, Google TV is faster than Samsung's Tizen OS and LG's webOS, and it's also easier to navigate.
As is often the case with Sony TVs, I'm impressed with the X90K's menu software. The menus are easy to understand and the many audio and video tools are sure to be appreciated by viewers who like to take things into their own hands.
Simple and cozy design.
When it comes to design, the X90K isn't built to turn heads. Visually, the best aspect of his robust meat-and-potato frame is his camouflage; blends into most living rooms and home theaters. Due to the nature of its display hardware, the X90K is beefier than its higher-end mini-LED sibling, the X95K.
The most practical aspect of the X90K's design is its slim, easy-to-install feet. They snap into place without screws, but are secure enough to hold the panel in place. Even better, the X90K's feet can be arranged in two configurations, including a raised configuration that leaves plenty of room for one.Sound bar(about 2.7 inches).
what we don't like
The flower of light is always present.
One of the biggest differences between the X90K and the higher-end Sony X95K is the use of mini-LEDs. These smaller backlights allow for tighter contrast control than the typical LEDs the X90K comes equipped with.
the X90Kit doesIt offers full local dimming, but in far fewer zones than Sony's mini LED TV. Sometimes the lack of dimming zones is noticeable, especially when bright elements of the image are surrounded by darkness. Subtitles, parental ratings, and menu bars bathe entire portions of the screen in a bluish tint. I saw a lot of content where spaceships created a nebula against the background of a star field.
This is less of an issue for your average non-movie content (sports, news, etc.) or for movie content that prefers a lighter color palette. However, if you're dimming the lights and getting ready for a movie night, there's a good chance you'll notice the X90K's local dimming in action, especially when subtitles are playing.
Narrow viewing angle and dark corners
The X90K doesn't offer a comfortable wide viewing angle, something to keep in mind for group views with a 65-inch, 75-inch, or 85-inch model. Moving just 20 to 40° away from a direct front viewing angle increases the aforementioned glare on the X90K. Also, colors lose significant saturation when viewed off-axis. This color shift is less noticeable with HDR content, but light brightness looks worse across the board.
And while the X90K lacked grungy screen effects for most of the image, I found the corners of the screen annoyingly dark when the image was uniformly bright (for example, when shooting snowy landscapes or ice hockey rinks).
game resources
First, some good news: The X90K has HDMI 2.1 inputs that support 4K 120Hz gaming, and both Auto Low Latency (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) are out of the box. Unfortunately, only two of the TV's ports support these features, with one of them also acting as the X90K's dedicated eARC port. If youXbox-Serie X, APlaystation 5 mian eARC activatedSound bar, one of the next-gen consoles must occupy one of the power-limiting HDMI ports. This is not a shock; even the best Sony television on the market, theA95K, offers a similarly limited selection of ports. Still, the Samsung Q80B offers these features on all four HDMI inputs, and the TCL 6 series avoids the problem entirely by separating its dedicated eARC port from its pair of HDMI 2.1 ports.
Should you buy the Sony X90K?
Maybe, but explore the alternatives first.
Compared to theSamsung Q80BFor a TV with similar specs and price points, the X90K is a more balanced option. It's not quite as powerful a slot as the Q80B, but it offers a brighter overall picture, better color reproduction, and much better contrast (not to mention Dolby Vision support). If you don't have four fully optimized HDMI 2.1 ports, the X90K is a more versatile option.
That is theTCL Series 6It tends to be cheaper than the X90K and has the benefit of a mini-LED backlight, resulting in much less glare. And while both TVs cover around 92% of the HDR color space, the Series 6 is noticeably brighter than the X90K, both in terms of reflections and the overall image. The Series 6 also strategically separates its two HDMI 2.1 ports from the port that handles the eARC functions, keeping things simple for dedicated gamers.
Alternatively, theHisense U8HIt's on sale for a little less than the current price of the X90K. Like the Series 6, the U8H is an affordable mini LED TV with excellent local dimming, excellent brightness, and a nearly glare-free picture. However, it also offers only two HDMI 2.1 ports and its eARC-enabled input works twice. Also, I prefer Sony's image processing to Hisense's, especially when it comes to upscaling sub-4K content.
The X90K is a great TV that looks great during the day, but it's not a great option for dark rooms, and there are competitive alternatives that may suit your needs a bit better.
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meet the tester
Michael Desjardin graduated from Emerson College after studying Media Production and Screenwriting. He's a review guy, but he also loves movie reviews, weird background music, cooking, and food in general.
See all reviews of Michael Desjardin
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FAQs
What type of TV is best for a dark room? ›
Buy an OLED TV if:
Learn more about OLED technology in this article. You watch a lot of movies in a dark room: You will best appreciate an OLED TV's ability to render a truly deep black level—and its superior image contrast—when watching movies in a dark room.
Sony Bravia X95J
The new Bravia X95J from Sony is one of the best the brand has to offer. It comes in 65, 75, and 85-inch screen sizes and uses a full array LED panels. Plus, it supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 to give you crystal clear images, excellent contrast, and bold colors.
For an absolute guarantee that you won't experience burn-in, your best bet is QLED TV. LG, as the biggest maker of OLED TVs, acknowledges the potential for image retention within its user manuals for its OLED TVs but says that under normal viewing conditions it shouldn't happen.
What size TV is best for watching movies? ›For crowded rooms, you should go with at least a 40-inch screen if you are seated more than six feet from the TV. A 50-inch screen is good within 7.5 feet of the TV. If you are 9 feet away, a 60-inch screen is probably as small as you want to go.
What TV mode is best for movies? ›Also stay away from the “vivid” and “dynamic” modes, which tend to overemphasize contrast and sharpness and lower brightness too much. Instead, we've found that modes with names such as “cinema,” “movie,” and “expert” generally provide the best results.
Do any TVs have night mode? ›Samsung 2022 TVs feature EyeComfort Mode, which automatically adjusts the screen's brightness and tone based on a built-in light sensor and sunset/sunrise information. If you watch TV at night with EyeComfort Mode enabled, the blue light level will be reduced, and your images will appear warmer.
What are common problems with Sony Bravia TV? ›- The TV has no power.
- TV turns off or randomly restarts.
- An LED keeps blinking on the TV.
- Slow or unresponsive remote.
- Missing channels & signal quality.
- Abnormal Picture/Screen.
- No Picture/White screen.
Sony vs Samsung
Samsung TVs have a picture quality comparable to Sony TVs, and in general, they're pretty competitive with each other. A big difference is that Samsung has better gaming performance, but if you don't need that, either brand is a good choice.
The average lifespan of an LED at maximum or close-to-maximum brightness is 40,000 to 60,000 hours, or roughly 4.5 to 6.8 years. If you aren't watching TV for 24 hours a day (which I hope you're not), an LED TV like the 6-Series could last around 13 years, provided none of the other components fail beforehand.
Which TV has best life? ›OLED TVs have an excellent lifespan and offer a better colorful display than QLED. According to our TV professionals, most of these TVs last for between five to seven years.
What TV has best energy? ›
Since the energy rating labels changed in March 2021, electrical appliances now work with a more simplified A to G rating. So when looking for an energy efficient TV, you'll likely find those with a rating of E or F to be your best bet.
Which TV suffers from burn-in? ›OLED TVs have great picture quality; however, there are concerns about their long-term performance due to the possibility of permanent image retention, commonly referred to as burn-in. Our previous 20 hours per day burn-in test ran for a little over two years, and the OLED TV has permanent image retention.
How far should you sit from a 65 inch TV? ›A 65'' TV– You should sit between 8 and 13.5 feet away from the screen. A 70'' TV– You should sit between 9 and 14.5 feet away from the screen. A 75'' TV– You should sit between 9.5 and 15.5 feet away from the screen. An 80'' TV– You should sit between 10 and 16.5 feet away from the screen.
What size TV is best for your eyes? ›...
TV Distance Calculator.
Bedrooms that have dimensions of 10 x 10, 10 x 11, 11 x 12, or 12 x 12 can accommodate 40 to 55-inch TVs very well.
Which picture mode is best for Sony TV? ›| Picture mode | Overview |
|---|---|
| Standard | Recommended for everyday use at home. |
| Cinema | Recommended for watching films at home. |
| Game | Recommended for gaming. |
| Graphics | Recommended for graphics and use with computers. |
Filmmaker Mode adjusts your TV settings to make movies look cinematic at home.
Should I turn on film mode? ›Is Filmmaker Mode any good? Absolutely. Filmmaker Mode is great for movie fans. Seeking out a set that sports Filmmaker Mode is a good plan if you want a cinematic experience without even having to budge off the sofa.
Do Sony TVs have night mode? ›This function can be used with other sound fields. Select [Settings] - [Audio Settings] from the home menu. Select [Night Mode].
How do you use a TV as a night light? ›Before going to sleep, turn on your TV, turn the volume to the lowest setting, then turn it off and leave the controls on your nightstand. Turn on the TV if you need to get up in the middle of the night, and there'll be just enough illumination!
Why does my TV go dark at night? ›
If Power Saving is set to Low or High, the screen becomes dark. Example of setting method: Select Settings - System Settings - Eco and set Power Saving to Normal. Some TVs have a Light Sensor which makes the picture become brighter or lower depending on room lighting conditions.
Are Sony TVs worth it? ›Although Sony TVs tend to be priced on the higher side, many reviewers say the picture quality and smart features are worth it.
How do I get normal TV on my Sony Bravia? ›- Press the [HOME] button on the remote control.
- Select Settings.
- The next steps will depend on your TV menu options: Select Watching TV → Channel setup → Auto tuning → Analogue. ...
- When asked "Do you want to start Auto Tuning?", select Yes.
- The TV will now start tuning. A confirmation message will appear once completed.
- On the supplied remote, press the HOME button.
- Select Help. For Android™ 9 OS or Android 8.0 : Select the Apps icon, then select Help. ...
- The next steps will depend on your TV menu options: ...
- Select Automatic software download or Automatically check for update.
- Select On.
Verdict: While the brands offer comparative technology, LG has a slight edge in its offering of QNED and premium sets for those for who money is no object. Still, it's pretty close, with Sony offering a good range of models.
Is Sony TV better than Vizio? ›The Vizio has a higher contrast ratio, better color gamut, and gets brighter. However, the Sony has a better local dimming feature and better color accuracy.
What is the number 1 brand of TV? ›Samsung is the best all-round TV brand, partially because of its huge TV range, St. Leger said. “You can find Samsung TVs for $300 or $3,000, and all [are] generally good for the price,” he noted.
How many years should you replace your TV? ›Industry experts say TVs are replaced on average every 7-8 years. We now see this number coming down as 4K TV prices have been falling and more households want to have multiple TVs. But average means there are a lot of people that replace more frequently while others hang on for a longer time.
How many years should a TV last? ›The industry standard for LED lifespan is 100,000 hours, or about 10 years, and most people assume that's how long their display will last.
How long should you replace your TV? ›Televisions: 4-6 years
With the rapid changes in the way video is transmitted to your TVs and the ever-increasing resolution jumps (4k-8k-16k!), TVs start to show their age around the 5-year mark. Time to failure is typically 8-11 years or about 50,000 hours of use.
Is OLED or QLED better for dark rooms? ›
You need OLED for those beautiful rich blacks without the blinding brightness of QLED. Once again HDR is always a good choice for the better colour dynamics. So there you have it: Always HDR. Pick OLED screens in a dark room or QLED in a bright room.
Does TV brightness matter in a dark room? ›Any TV that's too bright in a dark room can cause eyestrain. Modern TVs are so much brighter than older TVs that even at lower backlight settings they can still be eye-searingly bright. The highlights of HDR content on HDR TVs are much brighter than "normal" standard dynamic range TVs.
Should you put TV on a dark wall? ›Dark colors will also give your TV wall more of a theatrical feel. If you're an individual or part of a family who wants an immersive TV viewing experience, a dark color behind your flat screen will do the trick. It'll allow the colors of the screen to pop more vividly into the room.
Are LED lights good for dark rooms? ›LED bulbs are great to use in rooms with poor lighting, as they quickly brighten up your home with some soft but warm light. Below, you'll find some bright and effective lamps that are great to use in dark, or even windowless, rooms.
What TV technology is best for bright rooms? ›- Best TV For Bright Rooms. Samsung QN90B QLED. SEE PRICE. ...
- Best TV For Outdoors. Samsung The Terrace. SEE PRICE. ...
- Best Mid-Range TV For Bright Rooms. Hisense U8H. ...
- Best Budget TV For Bright Rooms. TCL 5 Series/S555 2022 QLED. ...
- Best Cheap TV For Bright Rooms. TCL 4 Series/S455 2022.
OLED has better contrast and black level
QLED/LCD TVs, even the best ones with the most effective full-array local dimming, let some light through, leading to more washed-out, grayer black levels and blooming around bright sections.
Dark mode may work to decrease eye strain and dry eye for some people who spend a lot of time staring at screens. However, there's no conclusive date that proves dark mode works for anything besides extending the battery life of your device. It doesn't cost anything and won't hurt your eyes to give dark mode a try.
What setting is too dark for a TV? ›Example of setting method: Select Settings - System Settings - Eco and set Power Saving to Normal. Some TVs have a Light Sensor which makes the picture become brighter or lower depending on room lighting conditions. Turning off the Automatic Brightness Control may increase picture brightness.
Which TV setting is best for your eyes? ›To sum it up, OLED displays are better for your eyesight. They have more natural lighting, better color contrast, and a wider color range. However, no matter what type of display you have, you will hurt your eyesight if you don't practice safe TV viewing.
What is the best color for a TV wall? ›Stick to neutral and natural tones to avoid too much distraction. This is definitely one of the safest TV wall ideathat is easy to recreate. Creating an accent wall in grey or black for a TV wall can be a smart choice because the colour is surprisingly camouflaging. Grey or black tones can conceal unwanted elements.
Should you look up or down at a TV? ›
The general rule here is that your eyes should fall roughly one-third of the way down your TV's screen from the top. That's typically where the action takes place, with people's heads usually shown in this portion of the screen.
What is the best color for a TV room? ›Colors such as grey, dark brown, burgundy, or black are good choices. Anything that is dark will cut down on light from the TV or projector bouncing around. White, along with other light color choices, should be avoided for the best experience.
What LED light is best for night? ›Red light has a lower color temperature than typical sunlight, making it ideal for sleeping. Red light may be used at night without jolting your body or disrupting your internal clock, as blue light does.
What is the most relaxing color for a bedroom LED lights? ›Red light. Red light is by far the best calming light color for sleep. Choosing a red light as a nightlight ensures that you don't disrupt your circadian rhythm. So switching to a red light a few hours before going to bed will surely help you fall asleep easier.
What LED color is best for daylight? ›When to choose Cool White (5000-6500K) : Cool white is sometimes called 'daylight' - and with good reason, as the hint of blue in lights above 5000K or so evokes the brilliant sun and blue skies of a clear, cloudless day.