Sony A95L

A95L

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”

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Panel type: QD-OLED | Brand: SONY | Resolution: 3840x2160 | System: Google TV | Model year: 2023

Our verdict

8.4

Overall rating

Sony A95L is a TV that has made a huge impression on us. Although a year has passed since its launch, it still deserves a spot among the best models on the market. When it comes to picture quality, it's simply brilliant. Deep blacks, vibrant colours, and excellent brightness in HDR make everything look incredibly realistic. The QD-OLED panel does its job – movies and games look so good that at times you forget it's just a screen. Using the A95L on a daily basis is a pleasure. Google TV runs smoothly, and there are plenty of apps available. The package includes two remote controls: one traditional and the other backlit – a really handy solution, especially in the evenings. Plus, the voice assistant makes life easier, allowing you to quickly search for a movie or control the home from the couch. Gamers will also be delighted. A refresh rate of 120 Hz, low input lag (below 10 ms even in Dolby Vision), and VRR support is a set that will satisfy any gaming enthusiast. And the sound? The Acoustic Surface Audio+ system makes the sound come straight from the screen, providing great, spatial experiences. Of course, there are no perfect things. Two HDMI 2.1 ports (including one for eARC) might be a bit limiting if someone wants to connect a console, soundbar, and other devices. In a bright room, the black can have a slightly cherry hue, which might bother more demanding users. Despite these minor notes, the Sony A95L is a piece of fantastic equipment. The picture, sound, and functionality are top-notch. It's a television that will satisfy both cinephiles and gamers, offering a true premium experience in the comfort of home.

Advantages

Amazing Contrast
Great for HDR movies
Advanced Google TV system
Great Viewing Angles
Gaming Features: Support for ALLM, VRR, 120 Hz refresh rate, low input lag
Great sound
Camera included

Disadvantages

Only Two HDMI 2.1 Ports: One of the HDMI 2.1 ports is used for eARC, which may limit the number of devices that can be connected, especially for those using a soundbar and console
Cherry black effect in bright light: The QD-OLED panel causes blacks to lose their depth in bright light
Not the sleekest design
Price compared to competitors

Movies and series in UHD quality

9.0
Classic TV, YouTube

9.3
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

9.0
Gaming on console

9.3
TV as a computer monitor

5.0
Watching in bright light

5.4
Utility functions

9.5
Apps

10.0
Sound quality

7.9

Competing TVs in this price range

8.6

LG OLED G4 55”

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8.4

Samsung OLED S95D 55”

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8.4

Panasonic Z95A 55”

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8.3

LG OLED C4 55”

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8.1

Review Samsung OLED S90D / S94D (WRGB OLED) Main photo

Samsung OLED S90D / S94D (WRGB OLED) 55”

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8.1

Philips OLED909 55”

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8.1

LG 55 B4 55”

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7.9

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN95D Main photo

Samsung Neo QLED QN95D 55”

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7.9

Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) 55”

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TV appearance

HDMI inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps) Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI) Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

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Contrast and black detail

Viewing mode Game mode

10/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Review Sony A95L Contrast and black detail

Contrast between the black background and the bright spotlight illuminating Jack. Scene from the movie Oblivion (Universal Pictures).

Result

∞:1

Contrast between the glare on the chameleon's skin and the black near the edge of the screen below. Scene from the Spears&Munsil test disc.

Result

∞:1

Contrast between the reflection on the helmet and the black on the black film strip. Scene from the movie Arrival (Paramount Pictures).

Result

∞:1

Contrast between the actress's face and the black film strip at the top edge of the TV. Scene from the movie Gravity (Warner Bros. Pictures).

Result

∞:1

Contrast between the colorful balloon and the black slice between the falling objects. Scene from the Pioneer Kuro test disc (2008).

Result

∞:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

Sony A95L is an OLED television that truly impresses when it comes to contrast. With OLED technology, this model offers perfectly deep blacks – in dark scenes, there are no signs of colour bleeding or glow, making images look incredibly realistic. Additionally, QD-OLED technology allows for higher brightness, further emphasizing the difference between bright and dark elements. As a result, in scenes like those from the movies Oblivion and Sicario 2, A95L Sony excels at separating lights from shadows, giving the picture clarity and depth – the perfect solution for those seeking a cinematic experience at home.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

7.7/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 99.4%, Bt.2020: 89.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

The measured point is the setting sun against a bright sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).

Result

1471 nit

The measured point is the moon against a dark, starry sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).

Result

1498 nit

The measured point is the flashlight on the rifle, which shines directly at the camera. Scene from the movie Gemini Man (Paramount Pictures).

Result

1465 nit

The measured point is the tail light of a helicopter flying at night. This is a very small light point, the essence of the HDR effect. Scene from the movie Sicario 2: Soldado (Lionsgate).

Result

1527 nit

The measured point is the sun visible directly between the clouds. The scene is very bright and should blind the viewer as in nature. Scene from the movie The Meg (Warner Bros. Pictures).

Result

626 nit

Sony A95L offers an incredible HDR effect, achieving an impressive brightness level of 1500 nits in scenes such as those from Life of Pi and Sicario 2. These results are truly remarkable – the bright elements in these films practically come alive on the screen, providing the viewer with immersive visual experiences. The only thing to note is minor issues with maintaining brightness in the scene from The Meg, where the entire scene is flooded with light. However, this is a natural effect associated with OLED technology. A big plus also goes to the wide coverage of the BT.2020 colour palette at 89%, which places A95L Sony among the top TVs in terms of colour reproduction. All of this is made possible by the QD-OLED panel from Samsung Displays.

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

Now let's check the Sony A95L in two very demanding scenes. Since we know this TV has ample power to show off, it shouldn't be a problem for it. In the first scene, from the film Pan, mastered at 2800 nits, the scene looks impressive – the sun in the distance doesn't merge into one blob, and the details are sharp and visible. In a less demanding scene from Billy Lynn, the TV also shows its class – the soldier's character is perfectly captured, and the difficult light effects in the background look stunning. It's worth mentioning the dynamic tone mapping feature, which further enhances the picture quality by continuously adjusting brightness and contrast, allowing the TV to handle these demanding scenes so well.

HDR luminance chart:

Sony A95L supports both the HDR10 standard and the popular Dolby Vision, providing wide compatibility with various content. Depending on the type of metadata, the image can be presented in completely different ways. In the case of static HDR10, the image is significantly brightened, and the television struggles to capture all the details, which means some nuances may be missed. Dolby Vision comes to the rescue, as it can precisely adjust brightness and contrast in every frame thanks to dynamic metadata. This way, in the same scene, you can see blades of grass, a forest in the distance, and everything appears more natural and detailed – it all just looks better, closer to the creators' intentions. Overall, despite such high panel brightness, dynamic metadata is still useful to fully exploit the capabilities of the A95L Sony television and showcase every detail in the best possible way.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Smoothness of tonal transitions

9/10

The fluidity of tonal transitions in A95L is truly remarkable – it’s one of the greatest advantages of QD-OLED panels. The image appears incredibly smooth, and all transitions between different shades are perfectly rendered, with no noticeable jumps or distortions. As of today, it's challenging to find a panel that handles tonal transition reproduction with such precision. Of course, if someone really looks closely, they might notice slight errors in the black areas, but they are subtle enough that hardly anyone will notice them during normal use of the Sony A95L. For most users, these minor imperfections will be completely unnoticeable, and the fluidity and detail of tonal transitions will satisfy even the most demanding enthusiasts of excellent picture quality.

Review Sony A95L Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

8/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

The tonal transition smoothing function in Sony A95L works really well and is worth noting. We recommend setting it to "Medium" level, as this value achieves an ideal compromise – no artifacts appear, and the image looks incredibly natural and pleasing to the eye. This ensures that transitions between different shades are smooth while maintaining scene detail, which further enhances viewing comfort.

When it comes to upscaling, you can see the full power of the XR processor here. Sony A95L handled our test material featuring a model exceptionally well – the image is remarkably clear, there are no excessive jagged edges, and the background details are perfectly preserved. The XR processor effectively improves low resolution, providing very good results that allow you to enjoy content in nearly high quality, even if its source is not perfect.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 120Hz

Film motion smoothing option: Yes

Blur reduction option: Yes

BFI function 60Hz: Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)

BFI function 120Hz: Yes, 120Hz

Brightness drop with BFI: 50%

Sony A95L is a television that should satisfy both gamers and movie enthusiasts. When it comes to watching films, this model is equipped with Motionflow technology, which allows you to precisely adjust whether you want the image to be more "framey," like in traditional cinema, or exceptionally smooth, like in cinema TVs. The "Smoothness" slider allows you to control the level of fluidity – from subtle changes to more noticeable effects, while the "Clarity" slider reduces flicker and artifacts, helping to achieve more natural and clear movement. When it comes to gaming and watching sports, the A95L Sony offers a refresh rate of 120 Hz, making every dynamic action look incredibly smooth. Gamers will appreciate the lack of blur, and sports fans will see every movement in full clarity. Overall, the television performs excellently – both with fast-paced gameplay and emotionally charged film sequences.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Sony A95L with a QD-OLED panel handles motion blur really well – it’s a technology that effectively minimises any blurriness. In our test with the "little green man," the image looks very good without the typical motion blur issues found in LCD panels.

Additionally, the Sony A95L TV features BFI (Black Frame Insertion), which improves motion clarity by inserting black frames between the frames of the image. This makes movements appear sharper. However, it’s important to remember that with BFI turned on, the image flickers, which can be tiring during longer viewing sessions. Therefore, we do not recommend using it for extended periods, especially if you’re watching TV for many hours.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.4/10

ALLM: Yes
VRR: Yes
VRR range: 48 - 120Hz
Dolby Vision Game Mode: Yes
Correct implementation of HGIG: Yes
1080p@120Hz: Yes
1440p@120Hz: No
4K@120Hz: Yes
Game bar: Yes

Sony A95L is a television that will truly satisfy gamers, thanks to several key features that set it apart from the competition. To begin with, the 120 Hz refresh rate – this is something that anyone who loves fast-paced action games, racing, or dynamic shooters will appreciate. This makes the image exceptionally smooth, and gameplay more satisfying, without annoying stutters. The A95L Sony also has an ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) feature, which automatically activates low-latency mode when we start up a console. What does this mean? Primarily, faster reactions on screen, which in games where every second counts, is simply invaluable. Added to that is VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), which ensures that the image refresh rate adapts to the number of frames generated by the console. The effect? No tearing of the image, and everything looks smooth and cohesive – even with varying FPS.

It's worth mentioning the support for Dolby Vision with low input lag in games – something we don't often see in televisions, but here it is included. As a result, the image in HDR-compatible games is incredibly vibrant, with vivid colors and excellent contrast. Both the brightest and darkest details are visible, making everything look just as the game developers intended. And there's also the "Game Bar" – a small but very practical convenience. It gives us all the essential gaming-related settings at our fingertips, such as VRR and lag information. There's no need to interrupt gameplay to adjust settings – everything is at hand.

However, it's important to note that the A95L offers only two full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which is allocated for eARC. This could be somewhat limiting if we plan to connect multiple devices – for example, a next-gen console and a soundbar simultaneously. In such cases, eARC occupying one of those ports may be a bit problematic, blocking the option to connect a second console.

Input lag

9.8/10

When it comes to input lag, Sony A95L really delivers. Even in Dolby Vision mode, the latency is surprisingly low – results below 10 ms with 120 Hz content are quite impressive. Thanks to such low input lag, gaming is incredibly responsive, and every action in the game is instantly reflected on the screen. For those playing at 60 frames per second, an input lag of 17 ms is also very good. This is a value that practically has no impact on the gaming experience – it falls within the so-called "placebo effect." Sony deserves praise for updating the Dolby Vision Game mode, which solved the issue of high input lag that was present at the TV's launch in 2023.

SDR	HDR	Dolby Vision
1080p60: 17 ms	2160p60: 17 ms	2160p60 DV: 18 ms
1080p120: 8 ms	2160p120: 8 ms	2160p120 DV: 8 ms
2160p60: 17 ms
2160p120: 9 ms

Compatibility with PC

5/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes

Font clarity: Average

Readability of dark text and shapes: Good

Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 9ms

Matrix subpixel arrangement: RGB

Max refresh rate: 120Hz

G-Sync: Yes

Sony A95L TV offers compatibility with computers at 4K resolution at both 60 Hz and 120 Hz. In 4K mode at 60 Hz, the readability of fonts is at a good level, making it comfortable to use the TV as a monitor for office work or browsing content.

Unfortunately, when switching to 4K with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, the quality of the displayed text deteriorates – the resolution is reduced by 2 times, negatively affecting the clarity of the fonts. In 4K, fonts lose sharpness, which can make prolonged use of the TV as a computer monitor at higher refresh rates difficult. Of course, the problem disappears if we switch back to 60Hz, but this can be quite inconvenient when the TV forces us to "juggle" the settings.

Viewing angles

9.7/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 12%

The viewing angles on the Sony A95L are among the best on the market, thanks to the QD-OLED panel. With this technology, colours remain vibrant and contrast hardly changes, regardless of the viewing angle. This is a result that even standard OLED panels fail to achieve, making the A95L perfect for rooms where viewers change position or there is a larger group of spectators.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.4/10

Matrix coating: Glare

Reflection suppression: Very Good

Black levels during daytime: Poor

Sony A95L performs quite well in daytime conditions. The QD-OLED panel effectively suppresses reflections and glare, making viewing comfortable even in bright sunlight. An average brightness of 380 cd/m² is a really good result, especially for an OLED TV – it holds up, although it still can't compete with Mini LEDs, which are unmatched in this regard. One of the issues that may bother some viewers is the characteristic QD-OLED effect, where blacks lose their depth and take on a slightly cherry hue in strong light.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Sony A95L: 387 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: 112.607.020.1EUA

Image processor: mt5897 6GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

TV features

9.5/10

System operacyjny: Google TV
TV reception: DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
Recording to USB (terrestrial TV): Yes
Recording programming: Yes
Picture in Picture (PiP): No
Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast): Yes
AirPlay: Yes
Voice search in native language: Yes
Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse: Yes
Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV: Yes
Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker: Yes
Audio only mode: Yes
RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen): RF
Backlit remote control: Yes
Teletext: Yes

Sony A95L runs on the Google TV operating system, which provides easy access to a wide range of apps, streaming services, and various personalisation features. The interface is clear and user-friendly, and the wealth of available apps means that everyone will find something for themselves – from popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ or HBO Max, to various music and sports apps. Google TV also supports voice assistant functionality, allowing for easy content search, control of TV settings, and even management of other smart devices in the home – all through simple voice commands.

Sony A95L also offers a range of user-friendly features that make it even more versatile. The TV has the ability to record programs directly to USB memory, a convenient solution if you can't watch something live. It also supports AirPlay, making it easy to stream content from Apple devices, and additionally, you can connect various peripherals via Bluetooth, such as headphones or game controllers. The package includes two remotes – one traditional and one modern, backlit remote, which is particularly useful for evening viewing when the room is dark. It is worth mentioning the lack of PIP functionality, which allows watching multiple TV signals simultaneously.

In terms of appearance, A95L Sony may not be the thinnest OLED TV on the market, but it has its strengths. The package includes a practical stand that can be adjusted in various ways, allowing you to tailor the TV to your needs and space arrangement. Additionally, the manufacturer has included the Bravia Cam, which opens up further possibilities – from video calls to smart features such as optimising image and sound based on the viewer’s position. While it may not be the sleekest, its solid construction and useful accessories make the A95L look really good in any living room.

Playing files from USB

Video Photos Audio

8.7/10

Video Photos Audio

Maximum photo resolution:	Supported photo formats:
4 Mpix	JPEG
6 Mpix	HEIC
8 Mpix	PNG
10 Mpix	GIF
12 Mpix	WebP
16 Mpix	TIFF
20 Mpix	BMP
24 Mpix	SVG
28 Mpix
32 Mpix

Sony A95L does quite well when it comes to playing files from USB. The built-in media player will satisfy most users – it’s easy to use and supports popular formats, making it simple to play movies, photos, or music directly from a connected USB drive. The only thing missing is the ability to change the font colour in subtitles, which can be problematic in some situations. Fortunately, the Google TV system allows the installation of other media players that offer more advanced personalisation options, so you can easily customise everything to your needs.

Apps

10/10

Sound

7.9/10

Subjective sound quality

Dolby Digital Plus 7.1

Dolby True HD 7.1

Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)

Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD

DTS:X in DTS-HD MA

DTS-HD Master Audio

Sony A95L offers sound that definitely stands out from most televisions. For built-in speakers, the sound is truly impressive – full, with well-balanced bass and mid-tones. Dialogues are clear, and sound effects are well distributed, making the television great for both watching movies and gaming. The Acoustic Surface Audio+ system, which converts screen vibrations into sound, creates a more spatial impression, adding extra depth to the content being viewed.

Marketing solutions from the manufacturer:

Cognitive Processor XR™ – An advanced processor analysing content in a way similar to human perception. It optimises image and sound in real-time, providing more realistic visual experiences.
XR Triluminos Max – A technology that expands the colour palette, offering more vibrant and natural colours, allowing for the creation of rich and realistic images.
XR Clear Image – A feature that reduces noise and improves the clarity of moving objects, ensuring a clear and smooth image in dynamic scenes.
Acoustic Surface Audio+™ – A sound system where the screen acts as a speaker, emitting sound directly from the surface of the image, creating a more immersive audio experience.
XR 4K Upscaling – A technology that upscales lower resolution content to near 4K quality, restoring lost details.
Google TV – A Smart TV platform providing access to a wide range of apps and streaming services, allowing personalisation of content and control via Google Assistant.
BRAVIA CAM – A camera that adjusts the picture and sound to the viewer's position, offering additional features such as gesture control and the ability to conduct video calls.
Ambient Optimization Pro – A technology that automatically adjusts brightness and sound balance to the room's conditions, ensuring optimal viewing experiences.

Sony A95L test in the context of competition

In the context of competition in the TV market, the SONY A95L test distinguishes this television as the flagship OLED model of 2023, which continues to hold its position in 2024. Analyzing detailed TV tests, the SONY A95L performs excellently in brightness and contrast categories, surpassing many rivals. Its advanced QD-OLED technology provides deep blacks and impressive picture quality, making it an attractive choice for demanding users. Compared to other models, the A95L test shows a unique combination of picture quality and functionality.

Sony A95L test – daily use

In everyday use, the SONY A95L offers an intuitive Google TV system, providing access to a wide range of apps and streaming services. Two remotes included – a classic one and a modern backlit one – make it easier to operate the device in different lighting conditions. For gamers, the Sony A95L offers a refresh rate of 120 Hz, VRR support, and low input lag, contributing to smooth and responsive gameplay.

Sony A95L vs competitor TVs – what sets it apart?

The Sony A95L is a model that stands out against the competition thanks to QD-OLED technology, offering deep blacks and vibrant colours. Compared to other models like LG G4 or Samsung S95D, the Sony A95L test shows exceptional brightness and contrast, which translates into excellent HDR experiences. In reviews, such as the Sony XR-77A95L test, the television receives high marks for precise colour reproduction and detail. Additionally, the Acoustic Surface Audio+ system ensures that sound flows directly from the screen, providing greater immersion.

How to extend the lifespan of the OLED screen in A95L?

To ensure the Sony OLED 77 A95L operates well for a long time, it's worth following a few rules. Software updates help maintain optimal performance and minimise the risk of burn-in. The Sony XR-65A95L test shows that avoiding static images, like TV logos, can significantly extend the lifespan of the panel. Built-in screen protection mechanisms that automatically shift pixels are also helpful. Taking care of usage conditions, such as avoiding excessive sunlight, also increases the durability of the Sony A95L screen.

Sony A95L

Our verdict

Advantages

Disadvantages

Competing TVs in this price range

TV appearance

Buy in the best price

Contrast and black detail

HDR effect quality

Factory color reproduction

Color reproduction after calibration

Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Blur and motion smoothness

Console compatibility and gaming features

Input lag

Compatibility with PC

Viewing angles

TV efficiency during daytime

Details about the matrix

TV features

Playing files from USB

Apps

Sound

Sony A95L test in the context of competition

Sony A95L test – daily use

Sony A95L vs competitor TVs – what sets it apart?

How to extend the lifespan of the OLED screen in A95L?