Sony X85L

X85L

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”

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Brand: SONY | Resolution: 3840x2160 | System: Google TV | Model year: 2023

Our verdict

6.9

Overall rating

Sony X85L is a model from 2023 that will continue to be available in the 2024 range from the Japanese manufacturer. Its biggest advantage is the Google TV system. It currently provides the greatest access to applications, so we don’t have to worry about missing any of our favourite apps. The intuitive interface and voice control feature using Google Assistant make daily use of the television convenient and modern. As for picture quality, Sony X85L performs well. Thanks to local dimming (albeit with a very mediocre number of zones), black levels look quite decent. Additionally, its fairly high brightness allows for comfortable TV viewing during the day, even in well-lit rooms. Moreover, the television offers a program recording feature from built-in tuners, which is a great convenience for those wanting to control what and when they watch. In terms of motion smoothness, X85L also does not disappoint. The 120 Hz panel and Motionflow system provide smooth display of dynamic scenes, which will satisfy both movie lovers and sports fans. The television is also equipped with a range of features for gamers, including VRR, Game Bar, and G-Sync support, making it an attractive choice for gaming enthusiasts. Of course, the television is not without its flaws. The lack of HGiG support and high input lag in Dolby Vision mode may be disappointing for more demanding gamers. Additionally, the compromise between font readability and smoothness of the image when connected to a PC may not appeal to everyone. Nevertheless, Sony X85L is a decent piece of equipment that is particularly worth considering if it can be purchased on sale.

Advantages

Expanded Google TV System
Decent contrast
Good brightness
Gaming features - VRR, Game Bar and G-Sync
Base with adjustable legs

Disadvantages

No support for HGiG, Dolby Vision with high input lag
Font readability issues on PC at 120 Hz
Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports - one of which serves as eARC

Movies and series in UHD quality

6.3
Classic TV, YouTube

6.3
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

6.6
Gaming on console

7.8
TV as a computer monitor

5.6
Watching in bright light

6.5
Utility functions

7.8
Apps

10.0
Sound quality

6.9

TV appearance

HDMI inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps) Other inputs: RCA (Chinch) 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

6.7/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 24 (4 x 6)

Review Sony X85L Contrast and black detail

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

Result

8,700:1

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

7,800:1

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

Result

19,200:1

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

5,750:1

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

Result

5,150:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

The Sony X85L television is equipped with a VA panel, which offers quite decent contrast on its own. Additionally, this model features local dimming technology – in the 55-inch version, it includes 24 zones. Although this number isn’t impressive, it naturally increases with the size of the television. The contrast in the X85L is good, though not the best, especially compared to other televisions also equipped with advanced local dimming technology. Results at a level of 8000:1 are satisfactory, but they average out against the competition. In some cases, such as the third scene from the movie Arrival, the contrast is promising and performs quite well. This is thanks to the very good dimming algorithm that Sony has been using in its televisions for years. Unfortunately, due to the limited number of local dimming zones, the television struggles with noticeable blooming, which can be seen in scenes with the helicopter from the movie Sicario 2.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

5.5/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 95.0%, Bt.2020: 71.5%

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

736 nit

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

Result

415 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

535 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

249 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

599 nit

The Sony X85L TV offers solid HDR performance with a brightness of 750 nits, which is sufficient to enjoy vibrant effects. In scenes of moderate difficulty, such as the first, third, or fifth test scenes, a brightness of around 600 nits allows you to fully experience the HDR effect. Unfortunately, in more demanding segments, like the scene from the film Sicario 2, the TV reveals its limitations. Drops in brightness to 250 nits make the HDR effect lose its impressive quality and resemble ordinary SDR. Nonetheless, it is worth highlighting the very good coverage of the DCI-P3 colour palette at 95%, which definitely deserves praise and positively impacts the overall image quality.

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

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

In scenes requiring HDR adaptation, such as those from the films Pan and Billy Lynn, the television Sony X85L delivers mixed results. In the first scene from Pan, where the sun appears in the distance against the landscape, the image is too dark, causing the television to lose essential details in the bright areas. This effect makes HDR lose its depth, and the viewer is unable to fully appreciate the richness of details that should be seen in this sequence.

In the second scene from Billy Lynn, the television performs better – the image reproduction is quite consistent with the reference version. However, minor shortcomings in the skin tones of the lead actor can be noticed, which may appear somewhat unnatural. In such situations, dynamic tone mapping would be helpful, allowing for better adjustment of brightness and contrast levels to achieve a fuller HDR image. Unfortunately, the television Sony X85L does not offer the user control over this feature, limiting its ability to respond flexibly to changing image conditions.

HDR luminance chart:

Sony X85L supports static HDR10, which performed moderately in tests. In our HDR10 test scene, it struggled to adapt to dynamic changes in the image - the picture was too bright, losing detail and looking simply poor. Fortunately, Dolby Vision comes to the rescue, which, while not guaranteeing a perfect picture, significantly enhances the viewing experience of HDR content compared to static HDR10 metadata. Dolby Vision manages contrast and details better, making the darker and brighter parts more vivid and detailed. Its presence is particularly important as it is the most popular format on streaming platforms, making it a valuable addition for those who frequently use services like Netflix or Disney+.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7.1/10

The fluidity of tonal transitions in Sony X85L is at a good level – the colour gradation is smooth, even in more demanding areas, making the perception of scenes positive and natural. The biggest issues arise in shadow areas, where subtle colour joins can be visible. Despite this, the television performs well enough that most viewers should not notice these minor imperfections.

Review Sony X85L Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

In terms of smoothing tonal transitions, the Sony X85L television doesn’t offer any dedicated enhancement options, which is a bit of a downside. On the other hand, the image scaling performs quite well – the television adds a touch of artificial sharpness, which can make details such as tree branches more pronounced, although sometimes with visible jagged edges. This type of effect may appeal to some viewers who prefer a more detailed image.

Blur and motion smoothness

8/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 120Hz

Film motion smoothing option: Yes

Blur reduction option: Yes

BFI function 60Hz: Yes, 120Hz (double contours)

BFI function 120Hz: Yes, 120Hz

Brightness drop with BFI: 52%

Sony X85L, equipped with a 120 Hz panel, will meet the expectations of a wide range of users – from sports and gaming fans to movie enthusiasts. Movie lovers will surely appreciate the presence of one of the best motion smoothing systems, known as Motionflow. This system offers adjustment using smoothness and clarity sliders – smoothness is responsible for fluid motion, eliminating the stuttering effect, while clarity enhances the sharpness of fast scenes, reducing blur.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

When it comes to smearing, the television performs well. A minimal glow may be visible in darker scenes, but overall the experience is very positive. Additionally, the television is equipped with a BFI function, which works correctly without noticeable side effects, further enhancing the smoothness and clarity of motion.

Console compatibility and gaming features

7.8/10

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

Sony X85L offers a fairly solid set of features for gamers, making it an attractive choice for gaming enthusiasts. First and foremost, the television has a 120 Hz panel, which translates to smooth and dynamic image display, ideal for both fast-paced action games and more demanding sports titles. It is equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports with full bandwidth of 48 Gb/s, allowing for the full capabilities of next-generation consoles to be utilised. Additionally, Sony X85L supports VRR (variable refresh rate) technology, which helps reduce stuttering and artifacts during gameplay, ensuring a smooth experience. The television also supports G-Sync, which is particularly beneficial for gamers using NVIDIA graphics cards, allowing for screen refresh rate synchronization with GPU performance, eliminating screen tearing. It’s worth mentioning the Game Bar feature, which facilitates quick access to important game-related settings, such as VRR, brightness levels, or display modes, making it convenient and useful during gameplay.

However, there are some limitations. The television does not support HGiG, which may be a downside for some gamers, as HGiG optimises HDR effect rendering in games, providing a more authentic visual experience. Additionally, the Dolby Vision mode, although available, is not practical for gaming due to very high input lag.

Input lag

9.1/10

Generally speaking, the input lag on the Sony X85L is very good, which is crucial for smooth gameplay and quick reactions in games. In standard modes, particularly when using HDMI 2.1 and playing at 4K resolution at 120 Hz, the input lag is minimal.

Unfortunately, the Dolby Vision mode is an exception to this rule. In this case, the input lag reaches as high as 95 ms. Such a high level of latency makes the Dolby Vision mode practically unplayable, as responses to commands are noticeably delayed.

SDR	HDR	Dolby Vision
1080p60: 18 ms	2160p60: 18 ms	2160p60 DV: 95 ms
1080p120: 9 ms	2160p120: 9 ms
2160p60: 18 ms
2160p120: 9 ms

Compatibility with PC

5.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): No

Font clarity: Poor

Readability of dark text and shapes: Poor

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

Matrix subpixel arrangement: BGR

Max refresh rate: 120Hz

G-Sync: Yes

The collaboration of the television Sony X85L with a PC involves a bit of balancing between image quality and user comfort. If we want to use the TV for work, where clear fonts matter, we need to set the refresh rate to 60 Hz. In this mode, text looks good and doesn't strain the eyes, which is crucial if we plan to spend a longer time in front of the screen.

On the other hand, if the TV is intended for gaming, where we can take full advantage of its capabilities at 120 Hz, we must consider that the readability of the fonts noticeably decreases. The image becomes less sharp and the text harder to read, which can be frustrating. In short – Sony X85L works well for occasional connection to the computer, but if we need it daily for work and gaming, this compromise may not appeal to everyone.

Viewing angles

3/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 67%

Viewing angles on the Sony X85L, as is often the case with VA panels, are not the best. The picture looks great when you’re watching the TV head-on, but all it takes is a slight shift to the side to notice that the colours lose their vibrancy and the contrast noticeably weakens. This could be a problem if the TV is meant for watching in larger groups, where viewers are seated at different angles. For those who typically watch solo or from one central spot, it won't be a major downside, but the picture quality unfortunately drops when watching from the side.

TV efficiency during daytime

6.5/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Average

Black levels during daytime: Very Good

The performance of the television Sony X85L during the day is quite decent. Its satin screen coating handles light reflection moderately well, which means that in bright rooms there may be some glare, but it is not bothersome enough to significantly interfere. The brightness in SDR mode at 570 nits is sufficient for comfortably watching TV during the day, even with natural light coming in through the windows. This ensures that colours remain vibrant and the picture is clearly visible, making the television suitable for everyday use.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Sony X85L: 571 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: PKG6.7612.0875EUA

Image processor: mt5895 3gb ram

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Backlight Type: PFS LED

TV features

7.8/10

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: No
Audio only mode: Yes
RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen):
Backlit remote control: No
Teletext: Yes

Sony X85L operates on the Google TV system, which is a significant advantage for many users. The television offers wide access to apps, and using streaming platforms is smooth and user-friendly. The interface is intuitive and easy to master, allowing for quick switching between apps and searching for favourite content. Google TV allows for personalization of the home screen, enabling each user to tailor it to their preferences. Google Assistant further enriches the experience by offering voice control and quick changes to settings or searching for films without using the remote.

In terms of user features, Sony X85L offers many useful options. The television has the capability to record programs, which is a great convenience for those wanting to watch their favourite content at any time. AirPlay support allows seamless streaming of content from Apple devices, which iPhone and iPad owners will appreciate. In addition, with built-in Bluetooth, various devices such as headphones or keyboards can be connected. However, one drawback is the absence of the PiP (picture in picture) function, which may disappoint users who prefer multitasking on the screen.

The design of the Sony X85L TV, while perhaps not the slimmest, is sturdy and elegant. The metal base with adjustable legs is one of its strong points, allowing for the height and width of the television to be adjusted to fit various furniture and spaces. This practical solution enhances the interior and adds a modern character to it.

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 X85L handles playback of most popular file formats from USB without any issues, which is a big plus for those who often access external content. However, it's worth mentioning a minor drawback – the built-in player does not allow for changing the font colour in subtitles, which may be troublesome for some. Fortunately, thanks to the extensive Google TV system, users have a wide range of options. Alternative media players can be easily installed, offering more personalisation options.

Apps

10/10

Sound

6.9/10

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

The sound on the Sony X85L is good – it's clear across the entire scale, allowing enjoyment of both dialogue and music. The bass, though light, is noticeable and adds some depth to the overall sound. However, it should be emphasised that this is a subjective assessment – some may be satisfied with this sound profile, while others might require additional audio equipment to fully experience the stronger tones and a more spacious sound.

Full Array LED matrix with local dimming: This technology provides precise backlight control, resulting in deeper blacks and better contrast, enhancing image quality.
4K HDR Processor X1™: The advanced processor analyzes and optimizes the image in real-time, delivering clear, detailed, and realistic content in 4K resolution.
120 Hz refresh rate: The high refresh rate ensures smooth motion, ideal for dynamic content such as sports broadcasts or video games.
TRILUMINOS PRO™ and Live Colour™ technology: They offer a wide colour range, making images vibrant and realistic, with natural shades.
HDR support: Compatibility with HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision formats provides a wide dynamic range, offering more realistic and detailed images.
Google TV™ operating system: An intuitive and fast Smart TV system providing access to a wide range of apps and streaming services, such as Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video.
X-Motion Clarity technology: Improves the smoothness of dynamic scenes by eliminating blurriness and stuttering, which is particularly important when watching sports or action movies.
Dolby Atmos sound: Spatial audio technology delivers an immersive audio experience, making sound surround the viewer from all sides.
Gaming features: Support for VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) ensures smooth and responsive gameplay without delays or stuttering.
Sleek design with narrow bezels: A modern look with minimal bezels around the screen, increasing the display area and the aesthetics of the device.

Sony X85L – the ideal TV for the living room?

Sony X85L is a model that excels in the living room thanks to its sleek design and slim bezels. Its 55-inch screen provides high image quality, which is confirmed by numerous Sony X85L reviews from users. The Google TV system offers extensive access to apps and streaming services, and the Sony KD-55X85LAEP test shows good screen brightness, allowing comfortable viewing even in bright rooms. Additionally, VRR and Game Bar features make it an excellent choice for gamers.

Will the X85L perform well in the bedroom?

Thanks to the 120 Hz matrix, the X85L Sony ensures smooth image quality, which is important for evening screenings. The intuitive Google TV interface allows for quick content discovery, as confirmed in the X85L test. Compact dimensions and the ability to mount it on the wall make the TV a perfect fit for smaller spaces. Importantly, Sony X85L reviews indicate quiet operation of the device, which does not disturb nighttime peace. However, it’s advisable to adjust the screen brightness to avoid straining the eyes while watching in the dark.

X85L Sony and home cinema – is it a model for movie lovers?

With 4K resolution and HDR support, Sony X85L offers vivid colours and deep blacks. The Sony 55X85L test highlighted very good colour reproduction, which impacts the high quality of movie screenings. The sound system, while decent, does not replace a full home cinema; however, the KD-55X85L test showed that the TV works well with external speakers. Support for various multimedia formats and the program recording function are additional advantages for cinema enthusiasts.

Does the Sony X85L handle spatial sound well?

The spatial sound in the Sony X85L performs well, although the built-in speakers do not match home cinema systems. The X85L test indicated clear and distinct sound, but for a better effect, it’s worth investing in a soundbar. Sony X85L reviews suggest that the TV supports spatial audio technologies, which combined with appropriate equipment provides an immersive experience. The Sony KD-55X85LAEP test confirms that the TV offers solid audio quality, but additional speakers could significantly enhance the experience.

Sony X85L

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 X85L – the ideal TV for the living room?

Will the X85L perform well in the bedroom?

X85L Sony and home cinema – is it a model for movie lovers?

Does the Sony X85L handle spatial sound well?