Sony X75WL

Available screen sizes: 43”50”55”65”75”

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

Our verdict

6.0

Overall rating

The Sony X75WL model, introduced in 2023 and carried into 2024, offers a range of attractive features. Running on the Google TV platform, it provides users with personalised recommendations based on their preferences and previously viewed content. Key applications like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video are readily available, and full integration with the Google Play Store allows for downloading additional apps, including games and media players. The built-in Google Assistant enhances usability, enabling voice-command control for a more seamless user experience.

The TV’s versatility is evident with features such as USB recording and peripheral connectivity, making it practical for various user needs. Its strong compatibility with PCs, supported by chroma 4:4:4 and low input lag, positions the X75WL as a good option for office work or home use. Audio performance is also commendable, offering subtle bass and clear sound that should satisfy most casual listeners without external speakers.

However, the X75WL does come with some limitations. Its low contrast and average HDR performance mean it is not the best choice for dark-room viewing, where deep blacks and detailed image quality are important. Additionally, the thicker bezels may not be aesthetically appealing to some users. Despite these drawbacks, the X75WL is still a versatile and practical television, particularly for those seeking functionality at a reasonable price. For those not committed to the brand, exploring competitive models might be worthwhile, as they may offer a superior quality-to-price ratio.

Advantages

  • Google TV system with convenient voice control and access to applications

  • Ability to record to external USB drive and connect peripherals

  • Good viewing angles thanks to IPS panel

  • Very good cooperation with PC (chroma 4:4:4, low input lag)

  • Pleasant, clear sound with gentle bass

  • Adjustable leg spacing

Disadvantages

No like
  • Very weak contrast

  • Average color palette coverage

  • Poor for gamers - lacks many features

  • Design - thick bezels will not appeal to most

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    5.4

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    5.3

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    5.5

  • Gaming on console

    5.7

  • TV as a computer monitor

    6.0

  • Matrix brightness

    4.6

  • Utility functions

    8.6

  • Apps

    10.0

  • Sound quality

    6.9

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TV appearance

HDMI inputs: 4 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1 Other inputs: RCA (Chinch) Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI) Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

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Contrast and black detail

2.4/10

Funkcja lokalnego wygaszania: No

Result

1,100:1

Result

1,200:1

Result

1,300:1

Result

1,400:1

Result

900:1

The Sony X75WL model is equipped with an IPS panel, which, while offering good viewing angles, unfortunately compromises black levels and contrast. This results in shallow blacks and a lack of detail in dark scenes, diminishing the overall image quality for movie enthusiasts. For instance, in films similar to The Revenant, shadow details are nearly invisible, causing the visuals to appear flat and lacking depth. The limited contrast performance of the IPS panel may not meet the expectations of more discerning viewers, especially those who value rich and detailed picture quality during night-time viewing. Compounding these limitations is the absence of local dimming functionality, which prevents the TV from adequately enhancing black levels or contrast in dimly lit scenes. This drawback further impacts the visual experience, making it less suitable for those prioritising deep blacks and high contrast in their home entertainment setup.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

4.3/10

Supported formats: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 80.0%, Bt.2020: 59.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Result

285 nit

Result

308 nit

Result

343 nit

Result

345 nit

Result

358 nit

The luminance chart for the Sony X75WL revealed a peak brightness of just 350 nits, which is underwhelming for an HDR-capable display. This limited brightness means that HDR scenes lack the depth and impactful highlights expected for immersive viewing. Additionally, the subpar coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut results in a less vibrant colour representation, negatively impacting the overall quality of HDR content. The combination of insufficient brightness and poor colour gamut coverage significantly diminishes the intended HDR effect, making this model a less compelling choice for those prioritising HDR performance.

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

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

The Sony X75WL struggles significantly when adapting to challenging film scenes that demand high dynamic range and nuanced brightness levels. For instance, in scenes from Pan, which feature intense brightness and complex backgrounds, the TV fails to deliver adequate detail and contrast, making the image appear weak and flat. The blending of the sun and clouds into a single, indistinct patch further highlights the model’s limitations in brightness and contrast handling. Similarly, in Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, the display fails to accurately render high-light effects like fireworks, which merge into a single, washed-out blot rather than showcasing distinct light bursts. However, the portrayal of the lead actor stands out slightly; despite the scene being overly brightened, some skin imperfections are visible, lending a touch of realism and detail to the character's appearance. This aspect demonstrates that while the X75WL can handle certain mid-level brightness details reasonably well, its overall performance in complex, high-contrast scenes is subpar and may not satisfy viewers who value HDR precision.

HDR luminance chart:

There are clear differences when comparing the same scene in static HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats. In HDR10, the scene looks washed out, with details heavily diminished, leaving only the horses clearly visible. The static format struggles with subtle contrasts, creating a flat image.

In Dolby Vision, while not matching a reference-level display, the scene shows marked improvement. More details are visible in the background and on the snowy meadow, enhancing the viewing experience. This dynamic format adds depth and detail, making the image richer and more engaging.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Factory color reproduction

6.9/10

Colour reproduction tests on the X75WL model, conducted in movie mode, reveal strengths and weaknesses. While movie mode offers some of the best image settings, it is not flawless. One of the most significant issues with the X75WL is the white balance, particularly for HD and 4K HDR content, where a blue hue dominates the image. This results in a noticeably cold tone throughout. The colour checker confirms these discrepancies, showing a clear shift towards cooler shades.

Regarding brightness, the contrast gamma level is generally acceptable, but the EOTF curve presents more challenges. There are noticeable problems with maintaining consistent brightness, with the image sometimes appearing too washed out or too dim. These issues affect the overall visual experience and hinder the accurate perception of content.

Color reproduction after calibration

7.1/10

The X75WL is one of those cases where image calibration may not lead to a dramatic transformation, but it does offer a notable improvement in colour perception. The white balance for HD and 4K content, has been significantly enhanced, eliminating the strong dominance of cooler tones. The gamma chart also appears more stable, resulting in better image quality overall. However, the main issue remains the EOTF curve, which controls brightness in 4K content. Due to the technological limitations of the television (such as the IPS panel and the absence of local dimming), a significant improvement is difficult to achieve, as the model’s capabilities are constrained. Despite these limitations, the tonality of the image has been substantially improved.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

8.1/10

The X75WL model performs well in terms of tonal transition fluidity. Shadow gradation is solid, with no noticeable issues, which enhances image quality in darker scenes. Brighter scenes bring minor fluidity issues but are subtle and unlikely to impact viewing comfort. In a scene with intense red hues, slight clipping can be observed, but it does not significantly detract from the viewing experience.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6.1/10

No Smooth transition function

OK Image without overscan on the SD signal

The X75WL struggles with low-quality tonal transitions. The lack of any function to improve tonal gradation results in noticeable imperfections in colour transitions, which detracts from the overall image quality. However, the digital processing is commendable, with the image displayed without overscan, and relatively sharp presentation. This added sharpness may appeal to some users, though it does not compensate for the tonal transition issues.

Blur and motion smoothness

4.9/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 60Hz

Film motion smoothing option: Yes

Blur reduction option: Yes

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

The X75WL features a 60 Hz panel, making it more suited for movie-watching than high-speed gaming. It is equipped with a motion smoother function called Motionflow, which allows users to adjust picture fluidity on a 10-point scale. This function adds intermediate frames, improving motion smoothness and creating a more cinematic effect by reducing choppiness. Additionally, the clarity adjustment helps reduce motion blur, making it particularly beneficial for fast-paced scenes like sports or dynamic action sequences in films. With these settings, users can fine-tune the fluidity and sharpness of motion to their preferences.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

The X75WL performs average in terms of motion blur, with neither particularly outstanding nor poor performance. It also features the BFI (Black Frame Insertion) function, designed to enhance motion sharpness. However, this function introduces haloing, which can detract from the overall viewing experience. As a result, BFI is more of a curiosity than a practical solution, with its benefits limited by the visual artefacts it creates.

Console compatibility and gaming features

3.6/10

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

The X75WL is not the best television for gamers, as it lacks some key features that more demanding users expect. While it includes the Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and a basic Game Bar, these are not sufficient for a truly immersive gaming experience. In this price range, features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and a 120 Hz refresh rate—at least in Full HD—have become standard, but unfortunately, these are missing in the X75WL. This is a significant drawback for Sony, as the competition offers more advanced gaming features at a similar price.

Input lag

8.5/10

The X75WL offers a very low input lag of 14 ms, which is a major advantage for gamers requiring quick TV response to controller commands. However, the input lag increases drastically to 130 ms when using Dolby Vision mode, which makes it unsuitable for gaming. This significant latency in Dolby Vision mode negatively impacts comfort and precision during gameplay, meaning users who prefer this format will experience considerable delay, which is detrimental to their gaming performance.

SDR HDR Dolby Vision
1080p60: 14 ms 2160p60: 13 ms 2160p60 DV: 133 ms
2160p60: 14 ms

Compatibility with PC

6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes

Font clarity: Very Good

Readability of dark text and shapes: Very Good

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

Matrix subpixel arrangement: RGB

The X75WL model performs well as a computer monitor. 4:4:4 chroma support ensures excellent font readability, making text-based work comfortable and clear. The low input lag further enhances the experience, providing smooth and responsive operation. This combination makes the X75WL a convenient and enjoyable option for users looking to use the TV as a computer display.

Viewing angles

6.8/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 67%

The viewing angles on the X75WL model are quite good, thanks to the IPS panel. The image remains relatively accurate, even when viewed from an angle, which is beneficial in rooms where the TV is watched from multiple locations. However, better models with IPS panels offer more consistent colour and contrast quality at wider angles.

TV efficiency during daytime

4.6/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Average

Black levels during daytime: Good

The X75WL's performance during the day is average. The satin coating of the panel moderately reduces reflections, meaning that in bright rooms, reflections may still be visible and affect image clarity. Additionally, with a brightness level of 330 cd/m², the TV struggles to deliver a clear image in very sunny environments, limiting its usability in well-lit rooms.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Sony X75WL: 334 cd/m2

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

The X75WL model operates on the Google TV system, an enhanced version of Android TV, providing a wide range of features that enhance the user experience. Google TV offers personalized recommendations based on user preferences and viewing history, making it easier to discover interesting content. It also provides seamless access to popular streaming apps such as Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video, as well as full integration with the Google Play Store, allowing users to download additional apps and games. Built-in Google Assistant permits the TV to be controlled using voice commands, adding convenience.

The TV also offers a variety of practical features for everyday use. The ability to record programmes onto an external USB drive makes saving and revisiting content easy, particularly useful for live broadcasts. Additionally, the X75WL supports various peripheral devices, such as keyboards, mice, and Bluetooth headphones, further increasing its versatility. The included remote control operates via radio, meaning you don't need to aim it at the screen, making everyday adjustments like changing channels or the volume more convenient.

In terms of design, the X75WL offers a solid, if not the slimmest, appearance. The bezels around the screen are reasonably sized but not the thinnest available. However, the overall aesthetic is pleasing. The TV comes with sturdy, adjustable metal legs, allowing users to set them at different widths to suit narrow furniture spaces, adding flexibility and ease of placement.

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

The built-in media player in the X75WL model performs quite well, supporting most popular video, audio, and image formats without issues. However, if users encounter problems with less common file types, they can easily overcome this by installing an alternative media player from the Google Play Store. This provides a more comprehensive solution, allowing users to fully utilise the TV's capabilities and access a wider range of content formats.

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

6.9/10

6.9/10

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

The sound on the X75WL model is surprisingly pleasant, especially for a TV of this class and size. The bass is subtle yet noticeable, and the overall sound quality is clear, enhancing the multimedia experience. The television effectively handles both dialogue and sound effects, making it suitable for a variety of content, from movies to sports, providing a satisfying audio experience without the need for additional sound equipment.