Sony X90L

X90L

Complete the survey to find out the result

Panel technology: LCD VA | Brand: SONY | Resolution: 3840x2160 | Operating system: Google TV | Model year: 2023

Our verdict

7.8

Overall rating

Sony X90L is a premium model from the Japanese manufacturer, which premiered in 2023 but will successfully continue into 2024. The Sony brand and the name Bravia are associated with excellent picture quality, and this model confirms that reputation – it offers great brightness and very good blacks. Despite having fewer local dimming zones than the competition, it makes up for it with an advanced algorithm. Additionally, after calibration, the television presents very well-rendered colours, resulting in a natural and cohesive image associated with IMAX cinema. In everyday use, X90L performs excellently, mainly thanks to the picture processor that effectively upscales lower resolution content, as well as the recording function from the built-in tuner, which is becoming increasingly rare in today's televisions. Sony is also strongly linked to the world of PlayStation, and in this regard, X90L Sony does not disappoint. It comes equipped with HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, and a convenient Game Bar, making it a good choice for gamers who expect smooth gameplay and quick response times. However, even in such a successful model, there are some drawbacks. Gamers may be disappointed by the lack of support for HGiG, which could improve image quality in HDR games. Furthermore, Sony has yet to release an update that would reduce input lag in Dolby Vision mode – something achieved in the higher-end model, the A95L. Those who prefer slimmer devices should know that although Sony X90L looks elegant with its aluminium frame, it is not among the thinnest televisions on the market. Even though X90L already has a year behind it, it remains a solid piece of equipment that combines good picture parameters with functionality and support for gamers. It’s a successful choice for those looking for a versatile high-end television.

Advantages

120 Hz matrix – great for gamers and sports fans
Good black and contrast reproduction thanks to advanced local dimming algorithm
Supports HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM and Game Bar – ideal gaming features
High SDR brightness (785 cd/m²) – performs excellently in well-lit rooms
Google TV operating system – intuitive, rich in apps and customisation
TV program recording function without the need for an external decoder
Natural image scaling – image without excessive sharpness, looks realistic

Disadvantages

No support for HGiG
Cannot enable VRR and Dolby Vision at the same time
Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, including 1 e-ARC
The TV isn't the slimmest – this may be a downside for those who prefer ultra-thin models

Movies and series in UHD quality

7.5
Classic TV, YouTube

7.5
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

7.4
Gaming on console

7.9
TV as a computer monitor

7.4
Watching in bright light

7.8
Utility functions

8.6
Apps

10.0
Sound quality

7.0

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

Buy in the best price

Select size:

No links

Contrast and black detail

Viewing mode Game mode

7.6/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 88 (11 x 8)

Review Sony X90L Contrast and black detail

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

Result

87,500:1

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

14,400:1

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

Result

99,250:1

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

9,550:1

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

Result

6,300:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

The Sony X90L television is equipped with a VA panel and in the tested size of 65', it has 88 backlight zones. It may seem that such a number of zones doesn't make a big impression, but thanks to the local dimming algorithm, the television handles blacks exceptionally well. This is clearly visible on the first and third test screens, where the contrast reaches nearly 100,000:1. In more demanding scenes, the X90L doesn't achieve such spectacular results – a contrast level of 6000:1 is just fine. The light separation performs really well, which is confirmed by a scene from the film "Oblivion". However, the small number of backlight zones means that the halo effect is noticeable, especially in the test footage from "Sicario 2", where the helicopter lights cause quite a significant flare over a large area of the screen. Despite the limited number of backlight zones, the Sony X90L does really well in reproducing blacks. Although it doesn't match the top series of miniLED or OLED televisions in terms of black depth and contrast level, it offers solid results that are sufficient for most demanding users.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

6.5/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 96.0%, Bt.2020: 76.0%

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

912 nit

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

Result

680 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

678 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

640 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

797 nit

HDR on the Sony X90L television looks promising. The luminance chart indicated that the TV has a solid power reserve, achieving a maximum of 1000 nits in synthetic tests. But how does this perform in real-world scenarios? In scenes such as the opening of Life of Pi or the final sequence from The Meg, the TV is capable of delivering that power on HDR content, reaching around 800 nits. Unfortunately, displaying small light elements on a black background, like in the scene from Sicario 2, presents greater challenges for the X90L – here the results reach around 600 nits. Nevertheless, when looking at competitive models with mini-LED technology, the effect looks very good and can shine enough to impress us. The colour gamut coverage is also noteworthy, with a result of 96% for DCI-P3 and 76% for BT.2020, which indicates good colour reproduction in HDR content.

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

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

The Sony X90L television demonstrated its capabilities during tests in challenging scenes, particularly in dynamic and demanding movie sequences. In productions such as Pan and Billy Lynn, the television performed superbly. In scenes from Pan, where intense lighting effects appear, the X90L Sony brilliantly reproduced bright points, ensuring they did not merge into a uniform blob. It effectively separated the lights, giving the image depth and allowing for the capture of the smallest details. The same was evident in Billy Lynn, where the television rendered fireworks in the distance with impressive precision, displaying realistic and well-differentiated bright points. The Sony X90L not only amazed in dynamic scenes but also demonstrated high colour accuracy, which translates to authenticity and enjoyment in viewing. Even if the photos may suggest that the X90L image is less detailed in the bright areas compared to other televisions, this is due to the fact that this model maintains a reference brightness, exactly as it should be. Thanks to properly implemented dynamic tone mapping, lost details in bright lighting effects are effectively recovered. It is due to such advanced algorithms and image processing that the processors used in these televisions are regarded as some of the best in the world.

HDR luminance chart:

Sony X90L supports both HDR10 and Dolby Vision, allowing you to enjoy a variety of HDR content. In demanding scenes, like the white scene with horses, significant differences between these formats can be noticed. In HDR10, the image on the Sony X90L often appears brighter, which comes from the aim to maintain the standard brightness value. This model does not try to artificially boost details at the expense of luminance.

At this point, Dolby Vision steps in – a popular standard on streaming platforms. Thanks to dynamic metadata, Dolby Vision allows for the retention of detail and depth that is lacking in HDR10. In the scene with horses, details remain sharp, bright areas are better controlled, and the overall image looks more realistic and natural. Dolby Vision provides a better balance between bright and dark elements, making the picture appear more polished.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Smoothness of tonal transitions

9.2/10

The smoothness of tonal transitions in Sony X90L is excellent. The gradation is beautiful on high-quality sources such as streaming in 4K. One can only notice slight cuts on more demanding gradients, but the overall effect is very good and should satisfy even the most discerning viewers.

Review Sony X90L Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

8.5/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

The Sony X90L television features a smooth tonal transition function known as Gentle Gradation, which is incredibly effective. Even at the "low" setting, the effects are satisfactory, but at the "medium" setting, it works like a dream – we recommend using this option for the best results. The image scaling on the Sony X90L is simply excellent. The image is not overly sharpened, which gives a natural effect and makes everything look cohesive. It's clear that the engineers have really put effort into this aspect, creating a solution that impresses and performs well in everyday use. This means that even when watching content like regular television or YouTube, where the image is by nature not stunning, you can enjoy a smooth, coherent, and visually pleasing experience.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.1/10

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: 55%

Sony X90L with a 120 Hz display is an excellent choice for both gamers and film enthusiasts. The television is equipped with the Motion Flow smoothing feature, which allows for adjusting motion smoothness using two sliders: "smoothness" and "clarity". The "smoothness" slider controls the level of motion fluidity, which affects the reduction of image stuttering, while "clarity" is used to reduce blurriness and enhance motion sharpness, which is especially useful in dynamic scenes.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

In terms of motion blur, the X90L performs really well. There's no excessive smearing, although on a dark background, you can notice some minor imperfections. Additionally, the TV has a BFI feature that works quite well, although with very careful viewing, you may notice that a fast-moving object, like our test little green man, leaves a slightly visible trail behind it.

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 X90L is a TV that performs well in terms of compatibility with consoles and features for gamers. Its 120 Hz panel and two HDMI 2.1 ports with a bandwidth of 48 Gb/s allow for smooth playback of high-resolution games at high frame rates. Gamers can also take advantage of the ALLM feature, which automatically switches the TV to low latency mode, and VRR, which ensures smooth gameplay without frame tearing. The Game Bar is an added bonus – an intuitive tool that provides quick access to essential settings and gaming features, making it easier to control the gameplay.

Unfortunately, when it comes to HDR in games, the Sony X90L has its limitations. It lacks support for HGiG, a standard that many gamers consider crucial for accurate HDR representation in games. While the TV supports Dolby Vision, which theoretically could enhance image quality in games, the practical implementation of this feature is problematic. Dolby Vision in game mode comes with very high input lag, making gameplay less comfortable and precise movements more difficult. Additionally, Dolby Vision cannot be enabled alongside VRR. This means that despite numerous advantages, gamers seeking the perfect HDR in games may feel unsatisfied.

Input lag

8.7/10

Input lag in Sony X90L can be rated as decent, although it’s not outstanding. In Dolby Vision mode, the television operates only at 60 Hz, and the high input lag complicates matters because it makes gameplay practically unplayable. For games at the popular 60 Hz frequency, the input lag is around 25 ms – this is an acceptable result, but for more demanding players, it may turn out to be disappointing.

Those more advanced players who have equipment supporting higher refresh rates can expect better results. With a 120 Hz signal, the input lag drops to around 12 ms, which provides significantly better responsiveness and smoother gameplay, meeting the expectations of more demanding users.

SDR	HDR	Dolby Vision
1080p60: 25 ms	2160p60: 25 ms	2160p60 DV: 145 ms
1080p120: 12 ms	2160p120: 12 ms
2160p60: 25 ms
2160p120: 12 ms

Compatibility with PC

7.4/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes

Font clarity: Very Good

Readability of dark text and shapes: Good

Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 12ms

Matrix subpixel arrangement: BGR

Max refresh rate: 120Hz

G-Sync: Yes

Collaboration with a PC in Sony X90L is at a good level. The X90L television supports chroma 4:4:4, which provides quite good text visibility, essential for work or browsing content on a large screen. Although there are minimal issues with font readability on a dark background, it is not problematic enough to be a significant concern in everyday use.

An additional advantage for PC users is the 120 Hz refresh rate and support for G-Sync. This means gamers can expect smoother gameplay without the effects of stuttering or tearing, which significantly enhances comfort and gaming experience.

Viewing angles

2.9/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 64%

The viewing angles on the Sony X90L are unfortunately very poor, which is typical for VA panels. The image quality deteriorates when viewed at an angle, which can be problematic when watching from a greater distance or with a larger group of people. It's a shame the manufacturer didn't apply a coating to widen the viewing angles, as this could significantly improve this aspect and make the TV more versatile for different room layouts.

TV efficiency during daytime

7.8/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Good

Black levels during daytime: Very Good

The performance of the Sony X90L television during the day is very good. The satin matrix effectively reduces reflections, which minimizes glare and keeps the image clear even in bright rooms. An SDR brightness level of 785 cd/m² allows for comfortable viewing of standard television and lower quality materials regardless of the time of day. This means that the X90L will work great in both well-lit living rooms and in sunnier spaces.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Sony X90L: 784 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

8.6/10

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): RF
Backlit remote control: No
Teletext: Yes

Sony X90L offers a rich set of features, starting with the Google TV system, which is the heart of entertainment. This solution provides access to a vast array of apps and streaming services, and the interface is intuitive and straightforward. With the support of a voice assistant, using the television becomes even more convenient – just one command is enough to find your favourite movies, series, or music. Google TV operates smoothly and allows for full personalisation, making everyday use pleasant and hassle-free.

The television also offers a range of practical features. It supports AirPlay and Miracast, enabling easy content sharing from mobile devices. Additionally, you can connect other devices via Bluetooth, which enhances versatility and user-friendliness. For those who prefer traditional TV viewing, there’s even a recording feature available without the need for an external decoder, which is a significant advantage for fans of live programs.

In terms of design, Sony X90L may not be the slimmest, but its appearance is impressive thanks to the metal frame that adds elegance. The television comes with a stand that can be set up in three different ways, allowing you to customise its placement to suit various spaces and user preferences.

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 X90L easily handles playback of most popular file formats from USB, which is a big plus for those who often reach for external content. However, there is a minor downside – the built-in player does not allow for changing the font colour in subtitles, which may be problematic for some. Fortunately, thanks to the advanced Google TV system, users have a wide range of options. You can easily install alternative media players that offer more personalisation options.

Apps

10/10

Sound

7/10

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 X90L is pleasant and clear, and the presence of bass makes the audio fuller. The television handles music playback well, offering satisfying audio experiences. An additional advantage is the support for Dolby Atmos and DTS technology, which provide a more spacious and immersive sound. This makes movies, games, and music richer and more realistic, creating better experiences for the user.

Cognitive Processor XR™: An advanced processor that analyses images in a way similar to human perception, optimising it in real-time for more natural and realistic experiences.
Full Array LED with local dimming: Screen backlighting technology that precisely controls brightness in individual areas, providing deeper blacks and higher contrast.
XR Triluminos Pro: A technology that expands the colour palette, enabling the display of more vibrant and natural colours, resulting in richer and more realistic images.
XR Contrast Booster: A feature that enhances contrast by precisely balancing bright and dark areas, allowing for deeper blacks and brighter whites.
Acoustic Multi-Audio™: A sound system where additional high-frequency speakers position the sound, making it seem to emanate from the correct place on screen, synchronising audio with visuals and creating a more immersive experience.
XR Motion Clarity: Technology that improves motion sharpness, reducing blur in dynamic scenes, providing smoother and more realistic experiences when watching sports or action films.
Google TV: A Smart TV platform offering access to a wide range of applications and streaming services, allowing for content personalisation and integration with Google Assistant.
Ambient Optimization: Technology that automatically adjusts brightness and sound balance depending on the lighting and acoustic conditions in the room, ensuring optimal viewing experiences.

Sony X90L test – the ideal choice for gamers

As indicated by the Sony X90L test, this model is an excellent choice for video game enthusiasts, offering a wide range of features that enhance gaming quality. The television supports HDMI 2.1, VRR, and ALLM, ensuring smooth gameplay and low response times, crucial for dynamic scenes in games. The Sony XR-65X90L test also highlights the excellent performance of local dimming, which enhances contrast and depth of image, providing better visual experiences. It’s worth checking out more similar models by visiting TV tests.

Sony XR-55X90L test – exceptional image quality for everyday use

The Sony XR-55X90L test shows that this model impresses with image quality thanks to local dimming technology and algorithms optimising contrast. As indicated by the Sony X90L test, the television offers excellent brightness in SDR mode, making it an ideal choice for rooms with a lot of daylight. The Sony XR-85X90L test confirmed that the smart TV features operate smoothly and intuitively, which further increases user comfort. The X90L test also demonstrated that the television is an excellent choice for watching movies in HDR quality due to its realistic colours and deep blacks.

Sony X90L

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 X90L test – the ideal choice for gamers

Sony XR-55X90L test – exceptional image quality for everyday use