Compare Sony X85L vs Samsung The Frame LS03D

Sony X85L is a model from 2023 that will continue to be offered in 2024 by 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 fear that any of our favorite apps will be missing. The intuitive interface and voice control feature via Google Assistant make daily use of the television convenient and modern. In terms of picture quality, Sony X85L performs well. Thanks to local dimming (albeit with a very average number of zones), black looks really decent. Additionally, its quite high brightness allows for comfortable TV viewing during the day, even in well-lit rooms. Moreover, the television offers the ability to record programs from built-in tuners, which is a great convenience for those wanting to control what and when they watch. In terms of motion fluidity, the X85L also does not disappoint. The 120 Hz panel and Motionflow system provide smooth display of dynamic scenes, pleasing both movie buffs and sports fans. The TV 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 drawbacks. The lack of HGiG support and high input lag in Dolby Vision mode can be disappointing for more demanding gamers. Additionally, the compromise between font readability and image fluidity when connected to a PC may not appeal to everyone. Nevertheless, Sony X85L is decent equipment, particularly worth noting if it can be purchased on promotion.

Samsung The Frame (2024) is not just an ordinary television that you could put in the corner and forget about after two days. Here, it's immediately evident that the manufacturer focused on something beyond just displaying movies. First, the "Art" mode catches the eye – with just a few clicks, we can turn The Frame into a digital gallery, showcasing artworks that, combined with the matte panel, truly resemble a real painting in a frame. And speaking of the frame, we have the option to customize its color to perfectly match our interior. Additionally, the package includes a wall mount, allowing the TV to be hung practically "flat," which further enhances the impression of engaging with a picture rather than a typical screen. The matte panel provides excellent protection against light reflections, which, paired with high brightness (650 cd/m²), works well in full sunlight. Moreover, we have a VA panel with quite decent contrast and a refresh rate of 120 Hz, so when watching sports or playing dynamic titles, everything appears really smooth and pleasant to the eye. If we add a gaming features package – VRR, ALLM, and HGiG – it becomes clear that Samsung also thought of console and PC fans. As a result, The Frame can be both a picturesque decoration for the living room and a quite sensible gaming monitor. The aforementioned One Connect is another handy gadget – thanks to it, we can hide all cables in one place, pulling only a thin wire connecting the TV to this magical box. If we like order, this is a solution made for us. Another advantage is the Tizen system – user-friendly, fast, and full of applications. We might not find absolutely everything in it (e.g., the Tidal app), but it still offers a wide range of options for searching new streaming platforms. Of course, there’s no rose without thorns. The lack of local dimming is noticeable in dark scenes, where black becomes less defined. We also have to remember that there is only one HDMI 2.1 port, so if we want to connect more devices in 4K and 120 Hz, we might feel limited. Additionally, viewing angles are rather average, so it's better for the most important viewer (i.e., us) to sit directly in front of the TV. For Dolby Vision fans, this also won’t be the perfect choice, as The Frame only supports HDR10 and HDR10+. Moreover, the sound – like in most slim TVs – is mediocre, so it's worth considering a soundbar if we care about clearer bass and a bit deeper sound. Despite these weaker points, The Frame still leaves a great impression. It is striking, stylish, and versatile – suitable for watching the latest hits as well as displaying reproductions of paintings on the wall. If we care about a unique appearance, high brightness, and at the same time want to play something with low input lag, this model will be a home run. And although it may not be the leader in terms of cost-effectiveness or a technological "monster" in terms of picture quality, it has something that is simply likable. It’s a piece of equipment that stands out with its unique character and can fit into any interior, attracting attention both in TV mode and as a digital art gallery.

The Sony X85L TV is equipped with a VA panel, which in itself offers quite good contrast. Additionally, this model features local dimming technology – in the 55-inch version, it includes 24 zones. Although this number is not impressive, it naturally increases with the size of the TV. The contrast in the X85L is good, though not the best, especially in comparison to other TVs also equipped with advanced local dimming technology. Results at the level of 8000:1 are satisfactory, but they appear average 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 TVs for years. Unfortunately, due to the limited number of local dimming zones, the TV suffers from noticeable blooming, which can be seen, for example, in scenes with the helicopter from the movie Sicario 2.

The Frame uses a VA panel, which in itself provides quite high contrast. In our tests, the results ranged from 4000 to 5000:1, which will be quite sufficient for most users. However, the lack of local dimming becomes noticeable, especially on more demanding test screens. In dark scenes, one can notice that the black has a slight navy hue. During the day or in a well-lit room, this won't be an issue, but during an evening viewing, more discerning viewers may feel a slight disappointment.

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

The Frame really handles brightness well. With results at the level of 700 nits, bright elements on the screen look impressive and detailed, whether they illuminate the entire screen or appear as small bright spots against a dark background. In more demanding scenes, like the fourth sequence from the movie Sicario 2, the blacks perform averagely, but we already discussed that in the section regarding contrast. However, when it comes to brightness – here the TV definitely performs well. An additional advantage is the quantum dot coating, i.e., QLED technology. Thanks to it, the color palette coverage has been improved, although The Frame does not stand out in this regard compared to the competition.

The Sony X85L television was tested in IMAX Enhanced mode, which, although associated with world-class cinema, does not guarantee an image that aligns with the director's vision. The main issue is the white balance – there is a noticeable strong dominance of blue color and significant lack of red. As a result, the image becomes unnaturally cool and appears artificial. The color reproduction errors were confirmed by the Colour Checker test, which showed significant discrepancies – colors were "scattered" like shots from a rifle, and only a few samples hit the target values. This clearly shows that the precision of color reproduction leaves much to be desired.

The brightness of the image is one of the positive features of the TV. The gamma for HD content is at an acceptable level, although there are minor errors, but generally, it is quite good. However, the brightness characteristics for 4K materials remain an issue, controlled by the EOTF curve. It is evident that very small, bright elements of the image are too dim, which is a result of the limited number of dimming zones due to the design of the television.

Samsung offers several picture modes in its TVs, but without a doubt, the Filmmaker Mode is the one that should provide the most natural representation of content. Unfortunately, as is often the case with mass production, the differences between units can be significant, and our tested model did not escape a few problems.

In the case of SDR content, the white balance heavily leaned towards red, with a slight boost in blue. This effect was particularly visible in comparison photos – in the example of a photograph with a boy, whose face was almost unnaturally flushed. The gamma, or brightness characteristic, also did not perform perfectly – the image was slightly brightened, which took away its depth.

In 4K HDR content, the white balance was again dominated by red, this time combined with green. Meanwhile, blue clearly lost intensity, which could be easily noticed on the Color Checker palette, where the colors began to "run away" in the wrong direction. The EOTF curve, responsible for brightness in HDR content, showed that the TV tends to excessively brighten the image, especially in the darkest elements of scenes.

Overall, although it did not look tragic, it definitely needed correction. Fortunately, Samsung offers extensive calibration options, which provide an opportunity for significant image improvement. Therefore, we proceeded with professional calibration to extract the full potential of this TV.

Thanks to the use of calibration tools offered by Sony X85L, the image quality has been significantly improved. After calibration, the white balance for HD content is much more stable, making colors look more natural and the image gains authenticity. Although it is not perfect, these changes allow viewers to enjoy a more realistic representation of colors, eliminating the earlier cool tone. The gamma, which already performed decently, has been adjusted to an even better version. As a result, tonal transitions and brightness are more consistent, positively affecting the depth and detail of the image.

As for 4K content, despite efforts, the white balance still struggles with a deficiency of red, which can result in overly warm colors in some scenes. Synthetic tests showed that the EOTF curve in HDR is quite stable, with a slight boost in mid-bright scenes. However, in real film materials, the TV can still be too bright with fine, light details, which is a result of the limitations of large local dimming technology.

Nonetheless, calibration has brought significant benefits, particularly in color accuracy, improving overall image quality and providing a more natural and cohesive directorial vision.

After professional calibration, the Filmmaker Mode shows its full potential. The white balance in HD content is exemplary – an error level of 0.5 indicates almost perfect color reproduction precision. The image now looks natural, and the colors are exactly as they should be. In 4K HDR content, the effect is not as perfect, but it still maintains a really high level. The colors are vibrant, well-saturated, and the overall image quality is impressive.

So where does the problem arise, if we praise the color reproduction so much? Unfortunately, the overall experience is disrupted by the brightness characteristic. The gamma in HD content looks decent, but in 4K HDR it's not as good. The EOTF curve shows that the TV excessively brightens certain parts of the image, which is a result of design limitations. The lack of local dimming means that the TV cannot precisely control the differences between the brightest and darkest areas of the screen. This is a barrier that simply cannot be overcome in this model.

Nevertheless, after calibration, The Frame offers excellent color reproduction, especially in HD content, and the overall appearance is much better than before the settings correction.

The fluidity of tonal transitions in the Sony X85L is at a good level – the color gradation is smooth, even in more demanding areas, which makes the perception of scenes positive and natural. The biggest problems occur in the shadow areas, where subtle color blends may be visible. Nevertheless, the television performs well enough that most viewers should not notice these minor imperfections.

This is one of the best TVs we have had the opportunity to test in terms of the smoothness of tonal transitions. Any potential imperfections are so minor that you really have to strain your eyes to notice them. They are subtle enough that we only deducted a symbolic fraction of points in this category. Undoubtedly, this is one of the greatest advantages of this model. It's possible that such a good effect is partly due to the matte coating of the screen, which gently masks any irregularities in color gradation. The smoothness of tonal transitions in The Frame is at a level that will satisfy even exceptionally demanding users. Kudos to the LS03D!

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

It was time to check how The Frame handles older, lower-quality materials. We already know that the smoothness of tonal transitions is very high here, so we were curious to see how the TV would manage their smoothing.

The noise reduction feature in the "Standard" setting performs well – tonal transitions are noticeably smoothed out, and the image does not lose too much detail. However, it's worth noting that this effect also smooths out film grain, so its use will be a matter of individual preference.

When it comes to image scaling, the TV also performed really well. The tested frame was solid – the model was rendered correctly, with clear details. The branches in the background, although slightly jagged in places, generally look natural and do not stand out as a flaw.

The 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 buffs. Movie enthusiasts will surely appreciate the presence of one of the best motion smoothing systems, Motionflow. This system offers adjustment via smoothness and clarity sliders – smoothness is responsible for motion fluidity, eliminating stutter, while clarity enhances the sharpness of fast scenes, reducing blur.

First of all, it is worth noting that the model we tested in 55 inches, just like the 65, 75, and 85-inch versions, is equipped with a 120 Hz panel. Unfortunately, the 43 and 50-inch variants of this series offer only 60 Hz panels, which is worth considering when making a purchase. As for improving motion fluidity, the TV offers a feature called "Picture Clarity." This is a classic motion smoother that gives users the ability to adjust it using two sliders:

Motion Blurring Reduction – this is responsible for sharpening the image during dynamic scenes. The higher the value, the less blur during rapid camera movement or moving objects. However, overly aggressive settings can make the image look unnatural and start to resemble a “soap opera”.

Judder Reduction – this slider affects the smoothness of frame playback, particularly in materials with a lower frame rate, such as films (24 fps). Higher settings can smooth out motion but can also lead to an excessive "plasticky" effect on the image.

Both sliders operate on a scale from 0 to 10, allowing for precise adjustment of the effect to one’s own preferences. It is worth experimenting with the settings to find the perfect balance between fluidity and the natural appearance of the image. We recommend setting them as shown in the picture.

Sony X85L offers quite a solid set of features for gamers, making it an attractive choice for gaming enthusiasts. First and foremost, the TV has a 120 Hz panel, translating 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 utilization of next-gen console capabilities. Additionally, the Sony X85L supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology, which helps reduce stuttering and artifacts during gameplay, providing a fluid experience. The TV also supports G-Sync, which is particularly beneficial for gamers using NVIDIA graphics cards, allowing for screen refresh rate synchronization with GPU performance, eliminating the tearing effect. It is worth mentioning the Game Bar feature, which facilitates quick access to essential gaming-related settings such as VRR, brightness levels, and display modes, making it convenient and useful during gameplay.

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

The Frame in version 2024 is equipped with four HDMI ports, but only one of them supports the 2.1 standard with a bandwidth of 40 Gb/s. This is an important piece of information if we plan to connect more than one device that requires a 4K@120 Hz signal – for example, two consoles or a console and a gaming PC. In terms of gaming features, The Frame truly has a lot to offer. We find ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and HGiG. It is worth emphasizing that HGiG has been very well implemented here, which is particularly important since the TV does not support Dolby Vision in games (which is only available on Xbox consoles). In this case, HGiG proves to be a better standard for gaming. Samsung has not forgotten about features that enhance the gaming experience. Game Bar is an advanced panel for gamers that allows for quick adjustment of screen settings without the need to sift through the TV menu. We can even change the aspect ratio from 16:9 to cinematic 21:9, which for some gamers can be a significant advantage. However, Samsung's biggest ace up its sleeve is the Game Motion Plus feature. This is a special smoother dedicated to games, which adds extra frames of animation without significantly impacting input lag. The effect is really noticeable – the image appears much smoother, which fans of dynamic titles will particularly appreciate. In summary – Samsung The Frame is a television that offers a solid set of features for gamers. Although the limitation to one HDMI 2.1 port may be a downside, the rest of the solutions make gaming on this TV a truly enjoyable experience.

In general, the input lag on the Sony X85L is very good, which is crucial for smooth gameplay and quick reactions in games. In standard modes, especially when using HDMI 2.1 and playing in 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 much as 95 ms. Such a high level of latency makes the Dolby Vision mode practically unplayable, as reactions to commands are noticeably delayed.

In terms of latency, The Frame really impresses. 13 ms with 60 Hz content and 8 ms with 120 Hz are results that will satisfy even the most demanding gamers. Such low values make the reactions to controller movements almost instantaneous. In dynamic games like shooters or racing, every fraction of a second matters – here The Frame performs excellently.

The cooperation of the Sony X85L television with a PC is a bit of a balance between image quality and user comfort. If we want to use the television for work, where clear text is important, we need to set the refresh rate to 60 Hz. In this mode, text looks good and does not strain the eyes, which is crucial if we plan to spend a long time in front of the screen.

On the other hand, if the television is to be used for gaming, where we can take full advantage of its capabilities at 120 Hz, we must take into account that the readability of fonts decreases significantly. The image becomes less sharp and the text harder to read, which can be frustrating. In short – the Sony X85L will work well for occasional connection to a computer, but if we need it daily for work and gaming, this compromise may not be to everyone's liking.

Using a computer on The Frame is truly a pleasant experience. The fonts are clear and well-rendered thanks to the 4:4:4 chroma support. There is no blurring or fuzziness that often appears in cheaper televisions. Of course, if someone scrutinizes small texts, they may notice minimal imperfections, but it's really a minor issue that doesn't interfere with everyday work. It's also suitable for PC gaming. The 120 Hz panel, support for G-Sync, and truly low input lag make games run smoothly and without delays.

The viewing angles on the Sony X85L, as is typical with VA panels, are not the best. The image looks great when viewed straight on, but just shifting to the side reveals that colors lose their intensity and contrast noticeably weakens. This can be a problem if the TV is intended for watching with a larger group, where viewers are seated at different angles. For those who usually watch solo or from one central spot, this won't be a big downside, but when viewing from the side, the picture quality unfortunately decreases.

The viewing angles on The Frame are average, which is typical for a VA panel. And here comes a bit of a snag – this television is supposed to serve as a display for images and works of art, which are not always viewed head-on. When viewed at an angle, colors start to lose their intensity, and black turns into shades of gray. This is not at a level that completely ruins the experience, but if the TV is placed in a position where it will often be viewed from the side, the effect may be noticeable. It's a pity because better viewing angles would be a significant advantage in a TV intended for such purposes.

The performance of the Sony X85L TV during the day is quite decent. Its satin screen coating handles light reflection moderately well, meaning that in bright rooms, there may be reflections, but they are not bothersome enough to significantly interfere. The brightness in SDR mode at 570 nits is sufficient for comfortable TV watching during the day, even with natural light coming through the windows. This ensures that colors remain vivid and the image is clearly visible, making the TV effective for everyday use.

The Frame is equipped with a matte display that manages to effectively suppress direct light reflections. As a result, even in a brightly lit room, the image remains readable, and reflections do not interfere with viewing. Of course, as is usually the case with matte coatings, there is a trade-off – colors lose some intensity, and black seems more faded during the day. Fortunately, the television compensates for this with a brightness level of 650 cd/m². This ensures that the image is bright, clear, and well visible even in a heavily lit room.

The Sony X85L operates on the Google TV system, which is a significant advantage for many users. The television offers wide access to applications, 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 favorite content. Google TV allows for personalization of the home screen, enabling each user to customize it according to their preferences. Google Assistant further enhances the experience by offering voice control and quick adjustments of settings or movie searches without the need for a remote.

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

The design of the Sony X85L television, while it may not be the thinnest, is solid and elegant. The metal base with adjustable legs is one of its strong points, allowing for height and width adjustments of the television to fit different furniture and spaces. This practical solution enhances the interior and adds a modern character to it.

The Frame is a television that stands out from other models and is difficult to describe in a traditional way. Of course, we will find all the standard Smart TV features thanks to the Tizen system. The system works responsively, is extensive, and offers a wide selection of applications. The remote control supports voice commands in Polish, and we can connect additional devices via Bluetooth – just like in many other televisions. But this is not the essence of this model.

The greatest strength of The Frame is its design. The "Art" mode allows you to display thousands of high-resolution images, which, combined with the matte display, look truly exceptional. The effect is surprisingly realistic and hard to compare to any other television.

The frames may not be the thinnest on the market, but they can be customized in terms of color and style to perfectly match the interior. (Sold separately) And although the frames themselves are not ultra-thin, the entire construction is sleek and elegant. The wall mount is also noteworthy, as it is included (its value is around 400 PLN). With it, the television can be mounted almost flush, with no gap from the wall, which further emphasizes the "picture" effect.

And what about the cables? Samsung thought of that too. The Frame is equipped with the One Connect module – an external box to which we connect all devices. Only one nearly invisible cable leads to the television, which transmits both signal and power. The box can be easily hidden in a cabinet or behind furniture, ensuring that nothing disrupts the aesthetics of the interior.

The Frame is more than just an ordinary television – it is a thoughtfully designed decorative element that combines modern Smart TV functionality with exceptional design and practical solutions. Although it lacks typical features like USB recording or PiP, it is not a model created with a classic approach to television in mind. The LS03D is a television that is easy to like for its innovation, originality, and how well it fits into any interior.

Sony X85L has no problem playing most popular file formats from USB, which is a big plus for those who often reach for external content. However, it is worth mentioning a small downside – the built-in player does not allow changing the font color in subtitles, which can be bothersome for some. Fortunately, thanks to the advanced Google TV system, users have a wide range of options. It is easy to install alternative media players that offer more customization options.

The built-in media player in The Frame handles most popular video and audio formats without major issues. Video files, even those with our added subtitles, play smoothly and without interruptions. The same goes for audio files – there are no major surprises here either. The situation is somewhat worse when it comes to photo format support. The built-in player has some limitations and does not support all possible types of graphic files. However, nowadays most people use wireless photo transfer, so this will not be a major problem for many users.

The sound on the Sony X85L is good – it is clear across the entire scale, allowing you to enjoy both dialogues and music. The bass, although light, is perceptible and adds some depth to the overall sound. However, it should be emphasized that this is a subjective assessment – some will be satisfied with such a sound profile, while others may need additional audio equipment to fully feel the stronger tones and more spacious sound.

The sound in The Frame is... well, quite average. The slim design of the television, while impressive, does not provide much space for decent speakers. As a result, the sound is flat and lacking in dynamics – just like most televisions in this category. Samsung is clearly aware of this, as it has a special series S of soundbars in its offer, created specifically for the "lifestyle" line of televisions to which The Frame belongs.

Sony X85L vs Samsung The Frame LS03D

Advantages

Disadvantages

Our verdict

TV appearance

Where to buy

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