Sony A95L

A95L

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”

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Panel technology: QD-OLED Brand: SONY Resolution: 3840x2160 Operating system: Google TV Model year: 2023

Our verdict

8.3

Overall rating

The Sony A95L is a television that made a huge impression on us. Although it has been a year since its release, it still deserves a place among the best models on the market. When it comes to picture quality, it is simply brilliant. Deep blacks, intense colors, and excellent brightness in HDR make everything look incredibly realistic. The QD-OLED panel does its job – movies and games look so good that sometimes you forget it's just a screen. Using the A95L on a daily basis is a pleasure. Google TV works smoothly, and there are plenty of apps available. The package includes two remotes: one traditional and one backlit – a really useful solution, especially in the evenings. Additionally, there is a voice assistant that makes life easier by allowing quick searches for movies or controlling the home from the couch. Gamers will also be delighted. A refresh rate of 120 Hz, low input lag (below 10 ms even in Dolby Vision), and VRR support create a set that will satisfy any gaming fan. And the sound? The Acoustic Surface Audio+ system makes sound come directly from the screen, providing excellent, spatial experiences. Of course, there are no perfect things. Two HDMI 2.1 ports (one of which is for eARC) may be a bit insufficient if someone wants to connect a console, soundbar, and other devices. In a bright room, the black may have a slightly cherry tone, which may be bothersome for more demanding users. Despite these minor comments, the Sony A95L is a piece of excellent equipment. The picture, sound, and functionality are at the highest level. It is a television that will satisfy both cinema lovers and gamers, offering true premium experiences in the comfort of home.

Advantages

  • Amazing Contrast

  • Great for HDR movies

  • Advanced Google TV system

  • Great Viewing Angles

  • Gaming Features: ALLM support, VRR, 120 Hz refresh rate, low input lag

  • Great sound

  • Camera included

Disadvantages

No like

  • Only Two HDMI 2.1 Ports: One of the HDMI 2.1 ports is used for eARC, which may limit the number of devices that can be connected, especially for those using a soundbar and a console

  • Cherry black effect in bright light: The QD-OLED panel causes blacks to lose their depth in strong light

  • Not the sleekest design

  • Price compared to competitors

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    9.0

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    9.3

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    9.0

  • Gaming on console

    9.3

  • TV as a computer monitor

    5.0

  • Watching in bright light

    5.0

  • Utility functions

    9.5

  • Apps

    10.0

  • Sound quality

    7.9

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TV appearance

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

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Contrast and black detail

10/10

Result

∞:1

Result

∞:1

Result

∞:1

Result

∞:1

Result

∞:1

Sony A95L is an OLED television that truly impresses when it comes to contrast. Thanks to OLED technology, this model offers perfectly deep blacks – in dark scenes, there are no discolorations or glow, which makes the images look incredibly realistic. Additionally, QD-OLED technology allows for achieving higher brightness, which further emphasizes the difference between light and dark elements. As a result, in scenes like those from the movies Oblivion or Sicario 2, A95L Sony effectively separates lights from shadows, enhancing the clarity and depth of the image – an ideal solution for those seeking cinematic experiences at home.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

7.7/10

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

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Result

1471 nit

Result

1498 nit

Result

1465 nit

Result

1527 nit

Result

626 nit

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

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

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

Let's now check the Sony A95L in two very demanding scenes. Since we know this TV has a lot of power behind it, it shouldn't be a problem for it. In the first scene, from the film Pan, mastered at 2800 nits, the scene looks impressive – the sun in the distance does not blend into a single patch, and the details are very clearly visible. In a less demanding scene from Billy Lynn, the TV also shows its class – the soldier's figure has been perfectly recreated, and the difficult light effects in the background look impressive. It's worth mentioning the dynamic tone mapping feature, which further improves the picture quality by continuously adjusting brightness and contrast, allowing the TV to perform so well in these demanding scenes.

HDR luminance chart:

Sony A95L supports both the HDR10 standard and the popular Dolby Vision, providing wide compatibility with various content. Depending on the type of metadata, the image may be presented in a completely different way. In the case of static HDR10, the image is significantly brightened, and the TV struggles to convey all the details, which means some details may be missed. Dolby Vision comes to the rescue, as it can precisely adjust brightness and contrast in each frame thanks to dynamic metadata. This allows for seeing blades of grass, a forest in the distance, and the entire image appears more natural and detailed – everything looks simply better, closer to the creators' intentions. In general, despite the high brightness of the panel, dynamic metadata are still useful to fully utilize the potential of the A95L Sony TV and showcase every detail in the best light.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Factory color reproduction

7.9/10

The best factory mode in terms of color reproduction in Sony A95L is IMAX Enhanced. This is a mode that, at first glance, seems to be well calibrated; however, upon closer examination, several areas requiring improvement can be noticed. First and foremost, the white balance for both SDR and 4K HDR content is skewed with excessive blue and red color, leading to a subtle pink tint, particularly noticeable on neutral tones. As a result, skin tones are inaccurate, affecting the realism of the displayed image. This is clearly visible in the comparison photo below. Additionally, the Colour Checker test confirms the presence of these errors—color samples often deviate from their reference values, indicating some inaccuracies in the factory color reproduction of A95L Sony. The maximum deltaE error values reach up to 5.8, which is a clear indication that colors are not always reproduced as precisely as they should be.

Regarding brightness characteristics, the gamma for HD/SDR content is generally quite correct, maintaining an appropriate balance between brightness and contrast. Unfortunately, there is a significant jump at the end of the graph, leading to a strong brightening of the image when the screen is fully flooded with white. This can make scenes with very bright backgrounds, such as snowy landscapes or intense daylight, appear overly vivid and lose detail. In the case of HDR content, the EOTF curve, which is responsible for controlling luminance, is slightly boosted compared to the reference values. This, in turn, causes the image to be somewhat brighter than it should be, which may affect the perception of more subtle details in the darker areas of the frame.

Factory Mode

After calibration

Order professional TV calibration

Color reproduction after calibration

9.3/10

Sony A95L offers excellent tools for professional screen calibration, allowing you to maximize the capabilities of the IMAX Enhanced mode. We used them to bring the image to a level that will satisfy even the most demanding viewers. After calibration, the white balance for both 4K HDR and SDR content looks simply great – almost perfect. The Colour Checker test confirmed that deltaE errors do not exceed a value of "2", which means that color reproduction is extremely accurate, and any deviations are practically imperceptible to the human eye.

Calibration also brought a significant improvement in terms of brightness – gamma is now perfectly balanced, eliminating the previous issue of excessively brightening scenes with very bright backgrounds. As a result, even the most vibrant moments, such as snowy landscapes or intense daytime scenes, appear natural, without the effect of clipping. The EOTF curve, which is responsible for controlling luminance in HDR content, has also been improved – it now reaches a reference level, both in synthetic tests and in practical movie watching.

As a result of the calibration, A95L Sony offers excellent experiences, whether you're watching material from regular television or your favorite movies. Every detail is reproduced exactly as the creators intended – without unnecessary brightening, with perfectly rendered colors and appropriate depth. This shows that this television, after professional tuning, is capable of competing with the best screens on the market, offering an image that truly impresses.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

9/10

The fluidity of tonal transitions in A95L is truly remarkable – it is one of the greatest advantages of QD-OLED panels. The image appears extremely smooth, and all transitions between different shades are perfectly rendered, without noticeable jumps or distortions. As of today, it is hard to find a panel that better handles such precision in reproducing tonal transitions. Of course, if someone really looks closely, small errors can be seen in the areas of black, but they are subtle enough that hardly anyone will notice them during normal use of the Sony A95L. For most users, these minor imperfections will be completely unnoticeable, and the fluidity and detail of the tonal transitions will satisfy even the most demanding enthusiasts of excellent image quality.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

8/10

OK Smooth transition function

OK Image without overscan on the SD signal

The tonal transition smoothing function in Sony A95L works really well and is worth noting. We recommend setting it to the "Medium" level because at this value, you achieve an ideal compromise – there are no artifacts, and the image looks extremely natural and pleasant to the eye. This allows for smooth transitions between different shades while maintaining scene detail, which further enhances viewing comfort.

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

Blur and motion smoothness

8.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 120Hz

Film motion smoothing option: Yes

Blur reduction option: Yes

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

BFI function 120Hz: Yes, 120Hz

Brightness drop with BFI: 50%

Sony A95L is a TV that should satisfy both gamers and movie lovers. When it comes to watching movies, this model is equipped with Motionflow technology, which allows precise adjustment of whether we want the image to be more "framey," like in traditional cinema, or exceptionally smooth, like in cinema TVs. The "Smoothness" slider allows you to regulate the level of smoothness – from subtle changes to a more noticeable effect, while the "Clearness" slider is responsible for reducing flicker and artifacts, helping to achieve more natural and clearer motion. Regarding gaming and watching sports, the A95L Sony television offers a refresh rate of 120 Hz, making every dynamic action look incredibly smooth. Gamers will appreciate the lack of blur, while sports fans will see every movement in full sharpness. Overall, the TV performs great – both with fast-paced gaming and emotionally charged movie sequences.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

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

Additionally, the Sony A95L TV is equipped with BFI (Black Frame Insertion) feature, which improves motion clarity by inserting black frames between image frames. As a result, movements become clearer. However, it should be noted that enabling the BFI feature causes flickering in the image, which can be tiring during extended viewing. Therefore, we do not recommend using it for long periods, especially if you are watching TV for many hours.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.4/10

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

Sony A95L is a television that will truly satisfy gamers, thanks to several key features that set it apart from the competition. First of all, a 120 Hz refresh rate – this is something that anyone who loves fast action games, racing, or dynamic shooters will appreciate. This ensures exceptionally smooth visuals, making gameplay more satisfying without annoying stutters. The A95L Sony also has an ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) feature that automatically activates low latency mode when we start up a console. What does this mean? Above all, faster on-screen responses, which is invaluable in games where every second counts. Additionally, there’s VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), which adjusts the refresh rate to match the frame rate generated by the console. The result? No tearing, and everything looks smooth and consistent – even with fluctuating FPS.

It’s worth mentioning the support for Dolby Vision with low input lag in games – something we don’t often encounter in televisions, yet it’s included here. This makes the visuals in HDR-enabled games incredibly vibrant, with rich colors and excellent contrast. Both the brightest and the darkest details are visible, making everything look just as the game developers intended. And let’s not forget the "Game Bar" – a small but very practical feature. It gives us quick access to all the important gaming settings, such as VRR and latency information. There’s no need to interrupt gameplay to adjust settings – everything is at hand.

However, it is important to remember that the A95L offers only two HDMI 2.1 ports with full bandwidth, one of which is designated for eARC. This may pose a limitation if we plan to connect multiple devices – for example, a next-gen console and a soundbar simultaneously. In such cases, the eARC occupying one of those ports may be somewhat troublesome, blocking the ability to connect a second console.

Input lag

9.8/10

When it comes to input lag, Sony A95L really delivers. Even in Dolby Vision mode, the lag is surprisingly low – results below 10 ms with 120 Hz content are something that makes a huge impression. With such low input lag, gaming is incredibly responsive, and every action in the game is immediately reflected on the screen. For those playing at 60 frames per second, an input lag of 17 ms is also very good. It's a value that practically does not affect the gaming experience – it falls within the so-called "placebo effect." Sony deserves praise for the update to the Dolby Vision Game mode, which resolved the high input lag issue present at the TV's launch in 2023.

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

Compatibility with PC

5/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes

Font clarity: Average

Readability of dark text and shapes: Good

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

Matrix subpixel arrangement: RGB

Max refresh rate: 120Hz

G-Sync: Yes

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

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

Viewing angles

9.7/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 12%

The viewing angles on the Sony A95L are among the best on the market, thanks to the QD-OLED matrix. With this technology, colors remain vibrant, and the contrast hardly changes regardless of the viewing angle. This is a result that even regular OLED panels do not achieve, which makes the A95L perfect for rooms where viewers change positions or where there is a larger group of spectators.

TV efficiency during daytime

5/10

Matrix coating: Glare

Reflection suppression: Good

Black levels during daytime: Poor

Sony A95L performs quite well in daylight conditions. The QD-OLED panel effectively suppresses reflections and glare, making viewing comfortable even in bright sunlight. An average brightness of 380 cd/m² is a really good result, especially for an OLED TV – it holds its own, although it still cannot compete with Mini LEDs, which are unbeatable in this regard. One of the issues that may bother some viewers is the characteristic QD-OLED effect, where black loses its depth and takes on a slight cherry tint in strong light.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Sony A95L: 387 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

TV features

9.5/10

  • 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
  • Yes Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker: Yes
  • Yes Audio only mode: Yes
  • Yes RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen): RF
  • Yes Backlit remote control: Yes
  • Yes Teletext: Yes

Sony A95L operates on the Google TV operating system, which means easy access to a wide range of applications, streaming services, and various personalization features. The interface is clear and easy to navigate, and the wealth of available applications ensures that everyone will find something for themselves – from popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max, to various music and sports apps. Google TV also supports a voice assistant, allowing you to easily search for content, control TV settings, and even manage other smart devices in the home – all with simple voice commands.

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

As for the appearance, A95L Sony may not be the thinnest OLED TV on the market, but it has its advantages. The package includes a practical stand that can be adjusted in various ways, allowing you to tailor the TV to your needs and space arrangement. Additionally, the manufacturer included the Bravia Cam, which opens up additional possibilities – from video calls to intelligent features, such as optimizing picture and sound based on the viewer's position. Although it is not the slimmest, its solid construction and useful accessories make the A95L look really good in any living room.

Playing files from USB

8.7/10

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 A95L performs quite well when it comes to playing files from USB. The built-in media player will satisfy most users – it is easy to use and supports popular formats, allowing for easy playback of videos, photos, or music directly from the connected flash drive. The only thing missing is the ability to change the font color in subtitles, which can be problematic in some situations. Fortunately, the Google TV system allows for the installation of other media players that offer more advanced customization options, so you can easily adjust everything to your needs.

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

7.9/10

7.9/10

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

Sony A95L offers sound that definitely stands out among most televisions. Considering the built-in speakers, the audio is truly impressive – full, with well-balanced low and mid tones. The dialogues are clear, and the sound effects are well distributed, making the television great for both watching movies and gaming. The Acoustic Surface Audio+ system, which converts the screen's vibrations into sound, creates a more spatial impression, adding additional depth to the viewed material.

Manufacturer's marketing solutions:

  • Cognitive Processor XR™ – An advanced processor analyzing content in a way similar to human perception. It optimizes image and sound in real-time, providing a more realistic visual experience.

  • XR Triluminos Max – A technology that expands the color palette, offering more vivid and natural colors, allowing for the creation of rich and realistic images.

  • XR Clear Image – A feature that reduces noise and improves the sharpness of moving objects, ensuring a clear and smooth image in dynamic scenes.

  • Acoustic Surface Audio+™ – A sound system where the screen acts as a speaker, emitting sound directly from the surface of the image, creating a more immersive audio experience.

  • XR 4K Upscaling – An image upscaling technology that processes lower resolution content, elevating it to near 4K quality and restoring lost details.

  • Google TV – A Smart TV platform providing access to a wide range of apps and streaming services, allowing for content personalization and control using the Google voice assistant.

  • BRAVIA CAM – A camera that adjusts the image and sound according to the viewer's position, offering additional features such as gesture control and the ability to make video calls.

  • Ambient Optimization Pro – A technology that automatically adjusts brightness and sound balance to the conditions in the room, ensuring optimal viewing experiences.

Sony A95L test in the context of competition

In the context of competition in the TV market, SONY A95L test distinguishes this television as the flagship OLED model of 2023, which still maintains its position in 2024. Analyzing detailed TV tests, SONY A95L performs excellently in terms of brightness and contrast, outpacing many competitors. Its advanced QD-OLED technology ensures deep blacks and impressive image quality, making it an appealing choice for demanding users. Compared to other models, A95L test shows a unique combination of image quality and functionality.

Sony A95L test – everyday use

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