Sony X90L

X90L

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”98”

Review Sony X90L Main photo

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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 like
  • 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

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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

Review Sony X90L Appearance of the TV Review Sony X90L Appearance of the TV Review Sony X90L Appearance of the TV Review Sony X90L Appearance of the TV Review Sony X90L Appearance of the TV Review Sony X90L Appearance of the TV Review Sony X90L Appearance of the TV Review Sony X90L Appearance of the TV

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Contrast and black detail

7.6/10

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

Review Sony X90L Contrast and black detail

Result

87,500:1

Review Sony X90L Contrast and black detail

Result

14,400:1

Review Sony X90L Contrast and black detail

Result

99,250:1

Review Sony X90L Contrast and black detail

Result

9,550:1

Review Sony X90L Contrast and black detail

Result

6,300:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

Review Sony X90L 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

6.5/10

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

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Sony X90L Brightness measurement

Result

912 nit

Review Sony X90L Brightness measurement

Result

680 nit

Review Sony X90L Brightness measurement

Result

678 nit

Review Sony X90L Brightness measurement

Result

640 nit

Review Sony X90L Brightness measurement

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)

Review Sony X90L Scene from movie PAN

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

Review Sony X90L Scene from movie Billy Lynn

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

Review Sony X90L Static HDR 10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Review Sony X90L Dynamic HDR 10+

Factory color reproduction

6.2/10

The best mode on Sony televisions is the IMAX Enhanced mode. Although IMAX is mainly associated with the cinema experience, the colour reproduction out of the box is average here. In the case of lower quality materials, such as HD – regular television or YouTube – it's worth paying attention to the white balance. It suffers from a shortfall in red and excessive dominance of blue, which gives the image a pinkish hue. The brightness characteristic, or gamma, for HD content is quite acceptable, but a slight boost can cause the image to appear washed out and look as if it’s behind a light fog.

For 4K HDR content, the situation is somewhat different. The white balance shows a significant boost in blue, which makes the image unnaturally sharp and gives it an artificial feel. Such an exaggeration in colour reproduction may not appeal to everyone, especially if one prefers more realistic tones. Additionally, the EOTF curve in Sony X90L looks quite acceptable at first glance. However, at the end of the graph, there are certain fluctuations that suggest the television is trying to maintain the correct brightness to avoid overexposing larger elements.

Color reproduction after calibration

9.1/10

Sony offers many tools for improving picture quality, including two extra picture modes that we decided to use during testing and apply calibration to. This solution greatly simplifies the calibration process and is very effective, provided you have the right tools. In the case of HD content, white balance was almost perfectly aligned – only one shade of grey exceeds an error value of "1", which is a great result. The same can be said for the brightness characteristic (gamma), which presents almost perfectly, with microscopic deviations of around 0.01.

For 4K HDR content, the situation is not as ideal. Although white balance has been significantly improved, it was not possible to completely eliminate the dominance of blue. Nevertheless, errors in the Colour Checker test only occasionally exceed the value of "2", which means that picture distortions are practically unnoticeable. When it comes to the EOTF curve, it's worth activating the filter in the top right corner "EOTF in Films" – the graph looks correct, but the TV struggles with illuminating very small elements, which is due to the limited number of backlight zones. Despite these minor errors, it's thanks to the calibration that the IMAX Enhanced mode in the Sony X90L makes watching movies feel like a true cinema experience.

Review Sony X90L Color reproduction before calibration
Review Sony X90L Color reproduction after calibration

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 Review Sony X90L Smoothness of tonal transitions Review Sony X90L Smoothness of tonal transitions Review Sony X90L Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Sony X90L Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Sony X90L Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Sony X90L Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Sony X90L Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

8.5/10

OK Smooth transition function

Review Sony X90L Smooth transition function

OK Image without overscan on the SD signal

Review Sony X90L 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%

Review Sony X90L Blur and motion smoothness

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):

Review Sony X90L Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate)
Review Sony X90L Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate)
Review Sony X90L Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate)

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Review Sony X90L Image flickers in this mode
Review Sony X90L Image flickers in this mode
Review Sony X90L Image flickers in this mode

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

  • Yes ALLM: Yes
  • Yes VRR: Yes
  • Yes VRR range: 48 - 120Hz
  • Warning Dolby Vision Game Mode: Tak (wysoki input lag)
  • No Correct implementation of HGIG: No
  • Yes 1080p@120Hz: Yes
  • No 1440p@120Hz: No
  • Yes 4K@120Hz: Yes
  • Yes Game bar: Yes
Review Sony X90L Console compatibility and gaming features
Review Sony X90L Console compatibility and gaming features

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.

Review Sony X90L Console compatibility and gaming features
Review Sony X90L Console compatibility and gaming features

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

Review Sony X90L Compatibility with PC

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

Review Sony X90L TV efficiency during daytime
Review Sony X90L TV efficiency during daytime

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:

Review Sony X90L TV details about the matrix

Panel uniformity:

Review Sony X90L TV details about the matrix

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

  • Yes Recording to USB (terrestrial TV): Yes
  • Yes Recording programming: Yes
  • No Picture in Picture (PiP): No
  • Yes Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast): Yes
  • Yes AirPlay: Yes
  • Yes Voice search in native language: Yes
  • Yes Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse: Yes
  • Yes Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV: Yes
  • No Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker: No
  • Yes Audio only mode: Yes
  • Yes RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen): RF
  • No Backlit remote control: No
  • Yes Teletext: Yes
Review Sony X90L TV features
Review Sony X90L TV features
Review Sony X90L TV features Review Sony X90L TV features

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

8.7/10

Review Sony X90L Playing files from USB
Maximum photo resolution:Supported photo formats:
Yes 4 Mpix
Yes JPEG
Yes 6 Mpix
Yes HEIC
Yes 8 Mpix
No PNG
Yes 10 Mpix
No GIF
Yes 12 Mpix
No WebP
Yes 16 Mpix
No TIFF
Yes 20 Mpix
No BMP
Yes 24 Mpix
No SVG
Yes 28 Mpix
Yes 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

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
OK
Kodi

Sound

7/10

7/10

Subjective sound quality

Yes Dolby Digital Plus 7.1

No Dolby True HD 7.1

Yes Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)

No Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD

Yes DTS:X in DTS-HD MA

Yes 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.