Sony X90L

X90L

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

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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 higher-end model from the Japanese manufacturer, which premiered in 2023 but will continue successfully in 2024 as well. 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 black levels. Despite having fewer local dimming zones than its competitors, it makes up for it with an advanced algorithm. Additionally, after calibration, the television presents very well-rendered colors, resulting in a natural and cohesive image reminiscent of IMAX theaters. In everyday use, X90L performs excellently, mainly thanks to the image processor that effectively scales lower resolution content and the recording function from the built-in tuner, which is becoming increasingly rare in today’s televisions. Sony is also closely tied to the world of PlayStation, and in this regard, X90L Sony does not disappoint. It is 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. 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. Additionally, Sony has not yet released an update that would reduce input lag in Dolby Vision mode – something that has been achieved in the higher model, the A95L. Those who prefer slimmer devices should know that although Sony X90L looks elegant due to its aluminum frame, it is not among the thinnest televisions on the market. Even though X90L has already been on the market for a year, it remains a solid device that combines good picture parameters with functionality and support for gamers. It is a successful choice for those looking for a versatile high-end television.

Advantages

  • 120 Hz panel - 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 applications and customization

  • TV program recording feature without the need for an external decoder

  • Natural image scaling - the image without excessive sharpness looks realistic

Disadvantages

No like

  • No support for HGiG

  • Cannot enable VRR and Dolby Vision simultaneously

  • Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, including 1 e-ARC

  • The TV is not the slimmest – this may be a drawback 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

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Contrast and black detail

7.6/10

Funkcja lokalnego wygaszania: Tak, ilość stref: 88 (11 x 8)

Result

87,500:1

Result

14,400:1

Result

99,250:1

Result

9,550:1

Result

6,300:1

The Sony X90L television is equipped with a VA panel and in the tested size of 65' has 88 dimming zones. It may seem that such a number of zones does not make a great impression, but thanks to the local dimming algorithm, the television handles blacks very well. This is clearly visible in the first and third test slides, where the contrast reaches nearly 100,000:1. In more demanding scenes, the X90L does not achieve such spectacular results anymore – a contrast level of 6000:1 is simply acceptable. The light separation is really good, confirmed by the scene from the movie "Oblivion". However, the small number of dimming zones causes the halo effect to be visible, especially in the test film from "Sicario 2," where the helicopter lights cause quite a noticeable flare on a large area of the screen. Despite the small number of dimming zones, the Sony X90L does a really good job of reproducing blacks. Although it does not compare to the highest series of miniLED or OLED televisions in terms of black depth and contrast level, it offers solid results that are sufficient for demanding users in most cases.

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:

Result

912 nit

Result

680 nit

Result

678 nit

Result

640 nit

Result

797 nit

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

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

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

The Sony X90L television demonstrated its capabilities during testing in challenging scenes, particularly in dynamic and demanding film sequences. In productions such as Pan and Billy Lynn, the television performed excellently. In scenes from Pan, where intense lighting effects occur, the X90L Sony accurately reproduced bright points, ensuring they did not merge into a uniform spot. It effectively separated the lights, which added depth to the image and allowed for capturing the finest details. The same was seen in Billy Lynn, where the television rendered distant fireworks with impressive precision, presenting realistic and well-varied bright spots. The Sony X90L not only excelled in dynamic scenes but also showed high color fidelity, translating to authenticity and enjoyment in viewing. Even though it may appear in photos that the image of the X90L is less detailed in bright areas compared to other televisions, this is due to the fact that this model maintains exemplary brightness, precisely as it should be. Thanks to the properly implemented dynamic tone mapping, lost details in bright lighting effects are effectively recovered. It is precisely because of 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, such as the white scene with horses, significant differences between these formats can be observed. In HDR10, the image on the Sony X90L often appears brighter, which results from the pursuit of maintaining standard brightness levels. This model does not artificially boost details at the expense of luminance.

At this point, Dolby Vision comes into play – a popular standard on streaming platforms. Thanks to dynamic metadata, Dolby Vision allows for the preservation of detail and depth that is lacking in HDR10. In the scene with the horses, details remain clear, 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 image appear more polished.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Factory color reproduction

6.2/10

The best mode in Sony televisions is the IMAX Enhanced mode. Although IMAX is mainly associated with the cinematic experience, here the color reproduction right out of the box is average. In the case of lower quality materials, such as HD – regular TV or YouTube – it is worth paying attention to the white balance. It is characterized by a deficit in red and an excessive dominance of blue, which gives the image a pinkish hue. The brightness characteristic, or gamma, for HD content is quite decent, but a slight boost may cause the image to become washed out and appear as if it is behind a light fog.

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

Factory Mode

After calibration

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Color reproduction after calibration

9.1/10

Sony offers many tools to improve image quality, including two additional image modes that we decided to use during testing and apply calibration to them. This solution significantly facilitates the calibration work and is very effective, provided that the right tools are available. In the case of HD content, the white balance has been almost perfectly aligned – only one shade of gray exceeds the error value of "1", which is an excellent result. The same can be said about the brightness characteristic (gamma), which looks nearly perfect, with microscopic deviations of around 0.01.

In the case of 4K HDR content, the situation is not as ideal. Although the white balance has been significantly improved, it has not been possible to completely eliminate the dominance of blue color. Nonetheless, errors in the Colour Checker test only occasionally exceed the value of "2", which means that image distortions are practically unnoticeable. As for the EOTF curve, it is worth activating the filter in the upper right corner "EOTF in Movies" – the graph looks correct, but the television encounters difficulties illuminating very small elements, which results from the limited number of backlight zones. Despite these minor flaws, it is thanks to the calibration carried out that the IMAX Enhanced mode in the Sony X90L makes watching movies resemble a true cinema experience.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

9.2/10

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

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

8.5/10

OK Smooth transition function

OK Image without overscan on the SD signal

The Sony X90L TV features a tone transition smoothing function known as Smooth 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 is evident that the engineers really put effort into this aspect, creating a solution that impresses and works well in everyday use. Because of this, even when watching content like regular television or YouTube, where the image is not inherently stunning, one can enjoy a smooth, cohesive, and visually pleasing experience.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.1/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 120Hz

Film motion smoothing option: Yes

Blur reduction option: Yes

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

BFI function 120Hz: Yes, 120Hz

Brightness drop with BFI: 55%

Sony X90L with a 120 Hz panel is a great choice for both gamers and movie enthusiasts. The TV is equipped with the Motion Flow smoothness feature, which allows you to adjust motion smoothness using two sliders: "smoothness" and "clarity." The "smoothness" slider controls the level of motion fluidity, which helps reduce image stuttering, while "clarity" is used to reduce blurring and improve motion sharpness, which is especially useful in dynamic scenes.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

In terms of trailing, the X90L performs really well. There is no excessive trailing, although slight imperfections can be seen on a dark background. Additionally, the television has a BFI function that works quite well, although upon very careful watching, one can notice that a fast object, such as our test alien, has a slightly visible shadow 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

Sony X90L is a television 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 play in high resolution and at a high frame rate. Gamers can also take advantage of the ALLM feature, which automatically switches the TV to low latency mode, and VRR, which provides smooth gameplay without screen tearing. Game Bar is an additional advantage – an intuitive tool that allows for quick access to the most important settings and gaming features, making it easier to control gameplay.

Unfortunately, in terms of HDR in games, the Sony X90L has its limitations. There is no support for HGiG, a standard that many gamers consider essential for precise HDR reproduction in games. Although the TV supports Dolby Vision, which theoretically could improve image quality in games, the practical application of this feature is problematic. Dolby Vision in game mode is associated with very high input lag, making gameplay less comfortable and precise movements more difficult. Additionally, it is not possible to enable Dolby Vision along with VRR. This means that despite numerous advantages, gamers seeking perfect HDR in games may feel a sense of disappointment.

Input lag

8.7/10

The input lag on the Sony X90L can be rated as decent, although it is not exceptional. In Dolby Vision mode, the television operates only at 60 Hz, and the high input lag complicates matters as 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 be disappointing.

However, those more advanced players who have equipment that supports higher refresh rates can expect better results. With a 120 Hz signal, the input lag drops to around 12 ms, providing 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

Cooperation with the PC in Sony X90L is at a good level. The X90L TV supports 4:4:4 chroma, which provides quite good font visibility, important when working or browsing content on a large screen. Although there are minimal issues with font readability on a dark background, it is not bothersome enough to be a significant problem in everyday use.

An additional advantage for PC users is the 120 Hz refresh rate and support for G-Sync functionality. As a result, gamers can expect smoother gameplay without stuttering or tearing effects, significantly enhancing comfort and gaming experience.

Viewing angles

2.9/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 64%

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

TV efficiency during daytime

7.8/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Good

Black levels during daytime: Very Good

The performance of the Sony X90L television during the day is at a very good level. The matte screen effectively suppresses reflections, which minimizes glare and keeps the image clear even in bright rooms. The SDR brightness of 785 cd/m² allows for comfortable viewing of standard television and lower quality materials regardless of the time of day. As a result, the X90L performs excellently in both well-lit living rooms and more sunlit spaces.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Sony X90L: 784 cd/m2

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

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 huge amount of apps and streaming services, and the interface is intuitive and clear. With voice assistant support, using the TV becomes even more convenient – just one command is enough to find your favorite movies, series, or music. Google TV operates smoothly and allows for full customization, making daily use enjoyable and hassle-free.

The TV also offers a range of practical features. It supports AirPlay and Miracast, making it easy to stream content from mobile devices. Additionally, other devices can be connected via Bluetooth, enhancing versatility and ease of use. For those who prefer traditional television viewing, there is even a recording function available without the need for an external decoder, which is a big advantage for fans of live shows.

In terms of design, Sony X90L may not be the sleekest, but its appearance is impressive thanks to the metal frame, which adds elegance. The TV is equipped with a stand that can be set up in three different ways, allowing it to be adjusted to various spaces and user preferences.

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 X90L easily handles playback of most popular file formats from USB, which is a big plus for those who frequently access external content. However, it is worth mentioning a slight downside – the built-in player does not allow for changing the font color in subtitles, which can be problematic 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 personalization 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 in Sony X90L is pleasant and clear, and the presence of bass makes the sound fuller. The TV performs well in playing music, offering satisfying audio experiences. An additional advantage is the support for Dolby Atmos and DTS technologies, which provide a more spatial and immersive sound. As a result, movies, games, and music gain depth and realism, creating a better experience for the user.

  • Cognitive Processor XR™: An advanced processor that analyzes images in a way similar to human perception, optimizing them 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 color palette, enabling the display of more vivid and natural colors, 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 positioning tweeters make the sound seem to come from the right place on the screen, synchronizing audio with the image and creating a more immersive experience.

  • XR Motion Clarity: A technology that improves motion sharpness, reducing blur in dynamic scenes, ensuring smoother and more realistic experiences when watching sports or action movies.

  • Google TV: A Smart TV platform providing access to a wide range of apps and streaming services, allowing content personalization and integration with the Google voice assistant.

  • Ambient Optimization: Technology that automatically adjusts brightness and sound balance depending on lighting and acoustic conditions in the room, ensuring optimal viewing experience.

Sony X90L test – the ideal choice for gamers

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

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

The Sony XR-55X90L test shows that this model impresses with picture quality thanks to local dimming technology and algorithms that optimize contrast. As indicated by the Sony X90L test, the TV 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 work smoothly and intuitively, further enhancing user comfort. The X90L test also showed that the TV is an excellent choice for watching movies in HDR quality, thanks to realistic colors and deep blacks.