A spectacular TV in everything. This is how I would define this Sony proposal if you ask me how it is. Because during the weeks that I have been able to test the Sony A90J Bravia XR I cannot say otherwise. And it is that, between its generous 65 inches, image and sound quality it is difficult not to fall in love with it. Still, let me tell you everything you need to know about him.
Sony A90J Bravia XR: technical characteristics
The Sony A90J Bravia XR is a high-end smart TV and that is something that is sensed as soon as you see it and, of course, know its price. Because it will not be a television that anyone will buy, but whoever does will get an elegant proposal, well finished and with quality materials.
However, before talking about all this and what it offers at the level of experience, let’s review its main technical characteristics:
- 65-inch 4K UHD OLED display with 10-bit color depth and 120 Hz refresh
- HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision support
- Available in 55, 65 and 83 inch sizes
- Google TV operating system and 16 Gb of internal storage
- WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth 4.2, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay
- Connections: 2 HDMI 2.1 (VRR / ALLM), 2 x HDMI 2.0, Composite video, Ethernet, RF, optical audio output, headphone minijack, two digital tuners and one analog
- Price 2599 euros for the 55-inch model and 3599 euros for the 65-inch model analyzed
A minimalist and very stable design
Of the mobile phones we usually say that they are boring today in terms of design and if it weren’t for the possible changes that some manufacturers make in their back, they would all look practically the same.
Well, this also happens in televisions and especially in high-end models. Because it is in this type of model that the screen is expected to have the greatest possible role. That implies reducing the frames to the maximum, so that what remains is basically the panel. So to draw a little attention or play with the thickness, the design of the back or the bases or feet.
Even so, the thickness can be striking the first time, but then it is not that it is something especially important if it sacrifices sections such as sound. The design of the back is more or less the same, because if you also place it next to the wall, you can’t even see it. And the bases or feet … well if it is on a piece of furniture it can be striking, but hung up again it loses meaning.
So, with all this, the only thing I can say about this Sony TV is that it is elegant, sober and makes the image the real protagonist along with its sound quality. Two sections of which I will tell you in detail later.
Of course, here what we said about the bases or foot, this time Sony has opted for two side feet that give the screen a lot of stability and allow it to be placed flush with the surface where it is placed. Which is interesting simple.
Any negative aspect of being at ground level? Well, we might think that there would not be enough height to place a sound bar, but believe me, this television does not need to start.
Google TV as the center of the experience
Sony decided a few years ago to bet on Android TV, a very wise decision that now continues with the adoption of Goolge TV . And that is interesting for the user, because he feels that he has the latest in terms of user experience, possibilities and more. So much so that it could be said that Google’s operating system ends up being the center of the experience that is then provided by the OLED panel it has.
Google TV does not need to give many explanations, because it is still based on Android and that allows it to do everything that could already be done with Android TV . Like, for example, accessing a very complete and varied application catalog that ranges from streaming platforms to games and many other utilities. Thus, even if you want to share what you see on your smartphone with the television, you can even control the home automation thanks to the integration with Google Assistant.
The Google voice assistant and voice control give multiple options to this TV when it comes to controlling it or controlling other compatible devices connected to the Google platform. Although if you want you could also install the Alexa app.
Finally, some additional details that you are sure to be interested in knowing about all its options at the software level:
- It offers native support for Chromecast , so you can easily send content from your mobile
- Apple AirPlay support , so you can send audio and video from your iOS, iPadOS and macOS device
- Bravia Core is Sony’s new service with which they offer audiovisual content with which they seek to compete with platforms such as Netflix or Disney +. Interesting proposal to see how it evolves. For now you have a generous catalog with 4K HDR material and when you register, you get 10 free movies as a gift.
One last detail, along with all this, Sony incorporates a new remote control that, although it does not break the mold, because it maintains the classic aesthetics of a conventional control, there are interesting details such as the backlight, the possibility of backlighting each button to make it much easier to find the one you want in the dark.
In addition, the remote includes a button to activate the microphone and thus be able to use Google Assistant. So all good in terms of experience of using this Sony TV.
A screen that shines
I have tried and seen high-level displays over the years, but without a doubt it is now that OLED technology begins to be much more refined and solves one of its few limitations: the maximum brightness level .
Faced with screens with LED technology, the high-end ones, it is true that it is still at a disadvantage, but now it can be said that they overcome one of its weak points. Because on this occasion the OLED panel used by Sony here is capable of achieving a maximum brightness level higher than what we were used to seeing until now ( up to 1,500 nits ) and that translates into remarkable image quality.
By having more brightness and added to that depth of black characteristic of OLED, the contrast is higher and a better quality is enjoyed both in the dark and bright areas of the image. There is no doubt that it is an exquisite display in every way. I could not fault it in practically any section, because in representation of color, brightness, contrast and saturation as well as definition it shines.
In addition, the serial calibration is very good and if you do not want to complicate doing the process yourself manually, you can choose modes such as Netflix, IMAX Enhanced or Dolby Vision modes that for series and movies are very well defined.
Therefore, if what you are looking for is image quality, here you have a worthy candidate for the best screen this year. One that is also enhanced by the use of a new Bravia XR chip that through machine learning techniques improves the experience itself and the way of treating the images that are reproduced.
Go with the sound
The advantage of these large inch screens is that you always have more space for more complete , better sound systems . Exactly that happens here and the quality must be said to be surprising.
It’s been a long time since a television had such a sensation when listening to audio directly through its speaker system. Here Sony not only offers a sound that meets in most situations, it is that it has body, punch and a bass that if you are not looking for the best of the best or a more immersive audio experience, you will not need to buy a sound bar or equipment additional.
The two 10W speakers plus the two 20W subwoofers make, together with the support for Dolby Atmos and content with good soundtracks, sound incredibly good. In addition, the automatic acoustic calibration option optimizes the experience based on the size of the room and your own acoustic characteristics.
A perfect TV for everything, even games
The Sony A90J Bravia XR is an impressive display right out of the box and out of the box. The image and sound quality it offers is so high that you will not miss even going to the cinema.
Moreover, in the same way that the barista prefers the coffee that is prepared at home, if you go to the cinema it will be more for socializing than for image quality and experience. Because that is already offered by this television that really is a real pass.
Still, it also has its negatives. The first is that it does not offer support for HDR10 + content . Maybe this matters to few, especially since most services bet on Dolby Vision, but you have to take it into account.
The second is that although it works perfectly to play, having only two HDMI 2.1 ports is something that some users in particular can see as something that could be improved. Being a high-end TV it would have been great if the four HDMI connectors were 2.1 to offer the possibility of playing 4K content at 120 Hz and not just two and the other two at a maximum of 4K / 60.
However, they are details that as always are sought with the aim of assessing to the millimeter a proposal that is not economical. Although in general I have to admit that right now it is one of those screens that if I could buy I would do it with my eyes closed, without regrets and knowing that I am going to enjoy an outstanding experience.
