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The Sony XR-A95K is generating a lot of excitement due to its QD-OLED technology, which combines the deep blacks of OLED with the brightness and color accuracy of Quantum Dots. This results in stunning picture quality with vibrant colors and high contrast. It’s particularly compatible with gaming consoles like the PS5, thanks to its HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR, and low input lag.
The approximate cost is around $3,000 for the 55-inch model and $4,000 for the 65-inch model.
- Screen Size: Available in 55 inches and 65 inches
- Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels)
- HDR Support: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
- Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
- Panel Type: QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED)
- Brightness: Peak brightness around 1,000 nits
- Color Gamut: Covers 99.95% of the DCI-P3 color space and 89.7% of the BT.2020 color space
- Processor: Cognitive Processor XR
- Smart TV Platform: Google TV
Connectivity:
- Left Side (facing the TV):
- 1 HDMI port
- 1 USB port
- 3.5mm composite video input
- 3.5mm remote sensor input
- Set of spring terminals for center channel audio from an A/V receiver
- Rear Panel (facing down):
- 3 HDMI ports (including the HDMI 2.1 ports)
- 1 USB port
- Ethernet port
- Digital audio out (S/PDIF)
- RS-232 connector
- Coaxial cable connector
Reasons Why:
- Exceptional Picture Quality: QD-OLED technology.
- High Brightness: Better than traditional OLEDs.
- Wide Color Gamut: Vivid and accurate colors.
- Deep Blacks: Infinite contrast ratio.
- Low Input Lag: Great for gaming.
- HDMI 2.1 Ports: Supports 4K at 120Hz.
- Dolby Vision and Atmos: Enhanced HDR and sound.
- Google TV Interface: User-friendly and feature-rich.
- Acoustic Surface Audio+: Screen acts as a speaker.
- Bravia Core: Access to high-quality streaming content.
Reasons Why Not:
- Expensive: High price point.
- Limited HDMI 2.1 Ports: Only two available.
- Design: Stand may not suit all setups.
- No HDR10+ Support: Limited HDR format compatibility.
- Input Lag: Not the best for competitive gaming.
- Bravia Cam: Limited current functionality.
Review:
The Sony XR-A95K is a top-tier TV that excels in picture quality, thanks to its QD-OLED panel. The colors are vibrant, and the contrast is exceptional, making it ideal for both movies and gaming. The Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology provides impressive sound quality directly from the screen, enhancing the viewing experience. The Google TV interface is intuitive and offers a wide range of apps and streaming services. However, the high price and limited HDMI 2.1 ports might be a drawback for some users. The design, while sleek, may not accommodate all setups, especially if you prefer using a soundbar. Despite these minor issues, the A95K stands out as one of the best TVs available, offering a premium viewing experience.
Comparisons:
Sony A95K vs. Samsung S95B
Technology:
- Sony A95K: Utilizes QD-OLED technology, which combines Quantum Dots with OLED to enhance brightness and color accuracy. Sony’s advanced image processing, including the Cognitive Processor XR, optimizes picture quality by mimicking human vision.
- Samsung S95B: Also employs QD-OLED technology, offering similar benefits in terms of brightness and color accuracy. Samsung’s Neural Quantum Processor 4K enhances image quality with AI-based upscaling and optimization.
Picture Quality:
- Sony A95K: Known for its exceptional color accuracy and tone mapping, the A95K excels in HDR performance with better detail in highlights and shadows. It supports Dolby Vision, which enhances HDR content further.
- Samsung S95B: Offers impressive brightness and vibrant colors, making it ideal for well-lit rooms. The S95B focuses on delivering brighter highlights, but it may exhibit slight black crush in darker scenes.
Design and Build:
- Sony A95K: Features a minimalist design with a premium build quality. The stand can be positioned in two ways: flush with the surface or raised to accommodate a soundbar. The A95K also includes a backlit remote with a built-in finder feature.
- Samsung S95B: Boasts a sleek, ultra-thin design with a central pedestal stand that fits on most media stands. The remote is solar-powered and can charge via ambient light or radio waves, eliminating the need for batteries.
Smart Features:
- Sony A95K: Runs on Google TV, offering a user-friendly interface with access to a wide range of apps and services. Google Assistant is integrated for voice control, and Chromecast is built-in for easy content sharing.
- Samsung S95B: Uses Tizen OS, which provides a smooth and intuitive user experience. Samsung’s Smart Hub offers access to popular streaming services, and the TV includes Samsung TV Plus for free internet TV channels.
Gaming Performance:
- Sony A95K: Supports HDMI 2.1 on two ports, offering features like 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM. It is compatible with both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, providing a great gaming experience with low input lag.
- Samsung S95B: Supports HDMI 2.1 on all four ports, making it more versatile for gamers with multiple devices. It includes features like 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM, and has a dedicated gaming dashboard for easy access to settings.
Sound Quality:
- Sony A95K: Utilizes Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, where the screen itself acts as the speaker. This provides immersive sound with clear dialogue and powerful bass. The A95K can also serve as a center speaker in a home theater setup.
- Samsung S95B: Equipped with Object Tracking Sound, which creates a more immersive audio experience by tracking the action on screen. While the sound quality is excellent, it doesn’t quite match the innovative approach of Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+.
Price and Value:
- Sony A95K: Positioned as a premium product with a higher price point, reflecting its advanced image processing and superior build quality. It is ideal for those seeking the best picture and sound quality.
- Samsung S95B: Offers a more competitive price while still delivering excellent performance. It provides great value for those looking for high-end features without the premium price tag.
Sony A95K vs. LG C3
Technology:
- Sony A95K: Utilizes QD-OLED technology, combining Quantum Dots with OLED to enhance brightness and color accuracy. Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR optimizes picture quality by mimicking human vision.
- LG C3: Employs WOLED (White OLED) technology, which uses a white subpixel to improve brightness and efficiency. The C3 features LG’s α9 Gen 6 AI Processor, enhancing image quality and upscaling content.
Picture Quality:
- Sony A95K: Known for its exceptional color accuracy and HDR performance, the A95K excels in delivering vibrant, saturated colors and deep blacks. It supports Dolby Vision, enhancing HDR content further.
- LG C3: Offers excellent picture quality with bright, vivid colors and deep blacks. The C3 is particularly bright in SDR content and supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG for a comprehensive HDR experience.
Design and Build:
- Sony A95K: Features a minimalist design with a premium build quality. The stand can be positioned in two ways: flush with the surface or raised to accommodate a soundbar. The A95K also includes a backlit remote with a built-in finder feature.
- LG C3: Boasts a sleek, ultra-thin design with a central pedestal stand that fits on most media stands. The C3’s remote is solar-powered and can charge via ambient light or radio waves, eliminating the need for batteries.
Smart Features:
- Sony A95K: Runs on Google TV, offering a user-friendly interface with access to a wide range of apps and services. Google Assistant is integrated for voice control, and Chromecast is built-in for easy content sharing.
- LG C3: Uses webOS, which provides a smooth and intuitive user experience. LG’s Magic Remote includes voice control and motion-sensing capabilities, and the TV supports both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Gaming Performance:
- Sony A95K: Supports HDMI 2.1 on two ports, offering features like 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM. It is compatible with both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, providing a great gaming experience with low input lag.
- LG C3: Supports HDMI 2.1 on all four ports, making it more versatile for gamers with multiple devices. It includes features like 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM, and has a dedicated gaming dashboard for easy access to settings.
Sound Quality:
- Sony A95K: Utilizes Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, where the screen itself acts as the speaker. This provides immersive sound with clear dialogue and powerful bass. The A95K can also serve as a center speaker in a home theater setup.
- LG C3: Equipped with AI Sound Pro, which upscales audio to 5.1.2 surround sound. While the sound quality is excellent, it doesn’t quite match the innovative approach of Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+.
Price and Value:
- Sony A95K: Positioned as a premium product with a higher price point, reflecting its advanced image processing and superior build quality. It is ideal for those seeking the best picture and sound quality.
- LG C3: Offers a more competitive price while still delivering excellent performance. It provides great value for those looking for high-end features without the premium price tag.
Sony A95K vs. Sony A80K
Technology:
- Sony A95K: Utilizes QD-OLED technology, combining Quantum Dots with OLED to enhance brightness and color accuracy. This technology allows the A95K to display more vibrant colors and achieve higher brightness levels compared to traditional OLEDs.
- Sony A80K: Uses WOLED (White OLED) technology, which is known for its excellent black levels and color accuracy. While it doesn’t reach the same brightness levels as QD-OLED, it still offers impressive picture quality.
Picture Quality:
- Sony A95K: Known for its exceptional color accuracy and HDR performance, the A95K excels in delivering vibrant, saturated colors and deep blacks. It supports Dolby Vision, enhancing HDR content further.
- Sony A80K: Offers excellent picture quality with bright, vivid colors and deep blacks. The A80K performs well in both dark and well-lit environments, making it versatile for various viewing conditions.
Design and Build:
- Sony A95K: Features a minimalist design with a premium build quality. The stand can be positioned in two ways: flush with the surface or raised to accommodate a soundbar. The A95K also includes a backlit remote with a built-in finder feature.
- Sony A80K: Boasts a sleek, ultra-thin design with a central pedestal stand that fits on most media stands. The A80K’s remote is solar-powered and can charge via ambient light or radio waves, eliminating the need for batteries.
Smart Features:
- Sony A95K: Runs on Google TV, offering a user-friendly interface with access to a wide range of apps and services. Google Assistant is integrated for voice control, and Chromecast is built-in for easy content sharing.
- Sony A80K: Also uses Google TV, providing a similar user experience with access to numerous apps and services. It includes Google Assistant for voice control and Chromecast for content sharing.
Gaming Performance:
- Sony A95K: Supports HDMI 2.1 on two ports, offering features like 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM. It is compatible with both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, providing a great gaming experience with low input lag.
- Sony A80K: Supports HDMI 2.1 on all four ports, making it more versatile for gamers with multiple devices. It includes features like 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM, and has a dedicated gaming dashboard for easy access to settings.
Sound Quality:
- Sony A95K: Utilizes Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, where the screen itself acts as the speaker. This provides immersive sound with clear dialogue and powerful bass. The A95K can also serve as a center speaker in a home theater setup.
- Sony A80K: Equipped with Acoustic Surface Audio, which also uses the screen as a speaker but with slightly less advanced technology compared to the A95K. It still delivers good sound quality with clear dialogue and decent bass.
Price and Value:
- Sony A95K: Positioned as a premium product with a higher price point, reflecting its advanced image processing and superior build quality. It is ideal for those seeking the best picture and sound quality.
- Sony A80K: Offers a more competitive price while still delivering excellent performance. It provides great value for those looking for high-end features without the premium price tag.
Unknown Unique Features:
- Bravia Cam: Adjusts settings based on viewer position.
- Acoustic Surface Audio+: Screen as a speaker.
- Heat Sink Layer: Dissipates heat for extended brightness.
- Cognitive Processor XR: Enhances picture quality by mimicking human vision.
- Dual Style Stand: Offers flexible placement options.
Bottom Line:
The Sony XR-A95K includes a Bravia Cam that can adjust picture and sound settings based on your position in the room, enhancing the viewing experience. It also features Acoustic Surface Audio+, where the screen itself acts as a speaker, providing immersive sound without the need for external speakers.
