Key Takeaways:
Performance Over Specs: The Sony Bravia X90L excels in real-world picture performance and Sony’s renowned upscaling technology. While it may not have the most dazzling specifications on paper, it delivers impressive video quality for movies, sports, cable, and streaming.
User-Friendly Features: The X90L comes with a high-quality remote that feels premium, is perfectly sized, features backlighting, and includes an optimal number of buttons for ease of use.
Competitors: While TCL’s QM8 and Hisense’s U8 Series offer strong specs and come at a lower price point, the Sony X90L stands out with superior color accuracy, brightness, and an excellent remote, making it the preferred choice among the three.
Current Deals: The 2023 Sony Bravia X90L is currently available at a discount this Labor Day weekend. Prices have been reduced by up to $200 for the 65-inch model and up to $1,800 for the 98-inch model.
Having reviewed several leading 2024 TVs from Sony, Samsung, LG, TCL, and Hisense at CES and other events, I recently upgraded from a seven-year-old TCL TV to a 65-inch Sony X90L. My choice reflects my belief that it offers the best picture quality for the price, with added benefits that make it an excellent buy.
Technical Performance:
Display Technology: The Sony Bravia XR X90L, an LED TV with a full-array backlight, doesn’t impress with its specifications alone but excels in performance. Unlike its rivals, the TCL QM8 and Hisense U8K, which use Mini LED technology, the X90L offers better color accuracy, sufficient brightness, and a more refined remote control.
Google TV Integration: The X90L features an intuitive implementation of Google TV, making it easier to use compared to Samsung’s Tizen and LG’s webOS, which can be complex.
Picture Processing: Sony’s advanced picture processing enhances 4K upscaling, improving the viewing experience for older content and YouTube videos. It competes well with high-end OLED and QLED TVs, providing a superior picture to budget brands like Hisense and TCL, and matching higher-priced models from Samsung and LG.
Gaming Features: For gamers, the X90L includes a dedicated game mode, HDMI 2.1 support, VRR, and Auto HDR Tone Mapping for optimal performance with the Sony PS5. It also features a game menu for customizable settings.
Brightness and Backlighting: Although not as bright as some Mini LED competitors or the newer Sony Bravia 7, the X90L’s advanced backlight system effectively brightens specific image areas and reveals detail in dark scenes. It performs well even in bright rooms.
Price Considerations:
Sony TVs often come with a premium price tag, but sales and deals can make them more affordable. The current discounts on the Sony Bravia X90L make it a particularly good value.
For those willing to spend a bit more, consider the OLED models such as the Sony A80L, Samsung S90C, or LG C3, which are available at discounted prices around $1,600 for a 65-inch model.
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