Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) vs Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K

Direct compare

BRAVIA 9 / XR90

Info

QN900D / Neo QLED / Excellence Line

Info

Available screen sizes: 75”85”

Available screen sizes: 65”75”85”

Panel technology: LCD VA (wide viewing angle)

Resolution: 3840x2160

Operating system: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Panel technology: LCD VA (wide viewing angle)

Resolution: 7680x4320

Operating system: Tizen

Model year: 2024

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Overall rating

8.9

7.6

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    8.4

    7.6

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    8.4

    7.8

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    8.5

    7.6

  • Gaming on console

    9.2

    9.0

  • TV as a computer monitor

    7.6

    8.0

  • Watching in bright light

    9.5

    5.0

  • Utility functions

    9.5

    7.7

  • Apps

    10.0

    9.3

  • Sound quality

    9.4

    7.4

Advantages

  • Amazing HDR material brightness results

  • Very good colour reproduction after calibration

  • Advanced motion smoothing system

  • Noticeable positive effect of the image processor

  • Faithfulness to the source material

  • Versatile GoogleTV operating system

  • Good (for a VA panel) viewing angles

  • Great contrast and blacks

  • High brightness - good HDR effect

  • The smoothest television in the world - 4K@240Hz

  • Excellent for gaming - low input lag, many features for gamers

  • Good digital processing - handles low-quality material well

  • Advanced operating system - Tizen

  • Great design - super slim, OneConnect, "floating" central stand

Disadvantages

No like
  • Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports - including one ARC

  • No picture-in-picture (PiP) feature

  • Price

  • No Dolby Vision

Our verdict

Sony BRAVIA 9 is undoubtedly a product from the very highest tier, and there is no “but” about it, as this is a fact, not a thesis. In every possible instance, you can see how much work the manufacturer has put into refining the dimming algorithms, which undoubtedly fulfill their role to every possible extent. Thanks to this, we can enjoy an extremely deep black and an incredibly vivid image. And since we are on the subject of the picture and backlighting, it is impossible not to mention the quality of HDR effects, which will illuminate the room, enveloping us with over 2000 nits of peak brightness. Such a result certainly looks impressive on paper, but you must trust us that it is even better in person. The manufacturer, known for his meticulous approach to image quality, has once again made an effort to ensure that his television conveys as closely as possible what the film director wanted to express, which he has effectively achieved. Sony Bravia 9 also offers an excellent experience for the user thanks to the Google TV system. The interface is intuitive, and with a rich library of applications, we have access to countless content that we can tailor to our own preferences. Integration with the Google voice assistant allows for quick and convenient searches for your favourite films, series, or music, as well as control of other smart devices in the home. It is these kinds of solutions that make using the television not only a pleasure but also simplifies everyday life. Unfortunately, not everything is perfect. Sony Bravia 9 still has room for improvement, especially concerning the HDMI port equipment. Sony BRAVIA 9 has only two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which is eARC, designed for a soundbar or home cinema system. Given the high price of the equipment, one might expect four full HDMI 2.1 ports, and the lack of picture-in-picture (PiP) functionality is also a downside that can be annoying. Despite these shortcomings, it is hard not to notice how exceptional this equipment is. It is the first LCD television that can truly compete with OLEDs. Infinite contrast, fantastic picture quality, no compromises — Sony BRAVIA 9 is nearly perfect. Great picture, modern technologies, attention to detail make every screening an experience you won’t forget.

Samsung QN900D is undoubtedly the top model for 2024. This television is equipped with Mini LED technology, which provides excellent picture quality – deep blacks and high brightness make films and high-definition content look fantastic. During dynamic scenes in movies, colours and details were exceptionally well presented – especially after calibration. HDR also does not disappoint – bright elements have an excellent level of detail, and the colours are vibrant and natural. One of the strongest points of QN900D is motion smoothness. Supporting a refresh rate of 240 Hz at 4K resolution is rare on the market. Dynamic scenes in sports or games look incredibly smooth, without a trace of blurring. However, it should be added that only users of advanced PCs will fully utilise the capabilities of this feature. An input lag of 9 ms additionally ensures very responsive gameplay, which will certainly please gamers. Tizen operates smoothly and provides access to all popular applications, such as Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+. Moreover, SmartThings features and support for AirPlay allow easy connection of the television with other devices in the home. This is a great solution if you care about comfortably controlling your smart home. An additional perk is Ambient Mode – the television can blend into the décor of the living room by displaying decorative graphics. QN900D not only works well but also looks great. Slim bezels, a central stand, and the One Connect module that allows for cable concealment make the television look elegant. If aesthetics matter to us, it will be hard to find something better. As befits a flagship model, QN900D is simply expensive. Unfortunately, the lack of agreement between Samsung and Dolby Vision may still be a significant downside, especially when watching content on platforms that utilise this format. In the most demanding HDR scenes, it also happens that the contrast is not as perfect as we might expect. And what about 8K resolution? For now, it is difficult to find content that fully utilises it, unless we are enthusiasts for future technology. Samsung QN900D is certainly a television for those who are looking for a top-tier device and are willing to pay for it. However, if we are looking for similar quality at a considerably lower price, it is worth mentioning the equally good QN95D – it offers similar picture quality, without the 8K resolution, which is still more of a curiosity than a standard.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 (40Gbps)
Other inputs
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
First remote control Second pilot

Where to buy

No links

No links

Contrast and black detail

8.6/10

8/10

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 1920 (60 x 32)

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 1344 (56 x 24)

Contrast:

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

184,000:1

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

98,500:1

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

120,000:1

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

9,050:1

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

5,800:1

Review Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K Contrast and black detail

Result

205,000:1

Review Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K Contrast and black detail

Result

89,000:1

Review Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K Contrast and black detail

Result

7,800:1

Review Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K Contrast and black detail

Result

4,000:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

Similarly, the Sony Bravia 9 utilises a high-contrast VA panel, supported by backlighting composed of Mini LED diodes. The total number of zones for the 75" size, which we tested, was 1920. The combination of such a number with advanced, and confidently one could say — the best zone dimming algorithms yields excellent results in contrast and black levels. Practically each of the scenes can showcase an incredibly deep and immersive image. Of course, the last two will not provide us with blacks akin to those of OLED televisions, although it cannot be said that the results are poor, as a significant portion of competing televisions will not deliver such a faithfully reproduced directorial vision. Looking below at two test scenes from Sony Bravia 9 from the film Oblivion and Sicario 2, we can observe the very mature behaviour of the backlighting algorithms, which do not allow for preserving black at the expense of the original image. Of course, the blooming effect still occurs here due to the operation of the television's zones (it can be observed on the small lights on the helicopter), but it is definitely one of the best LCD televisions we have tested in terms of black levels and contrast.

As befits the top model in the series, the Samsung QN900D television is equipped with a VA panel, which in the 65-inch version offers an impressive number of zones – as many as 1344. It is worth noting that larger sizes of this television have an even greater number of zones, which naturally translates to better contrast. During tests in scenes from the film "Oblivion," the QN900D performs excellently. Contrast values close to infinity are truly impressive, allowing for bold comparisons between this television and OLEDs. Unfortunately, like every LCD television, this model also has its limitations. In the case of very small elements, certain inaccuracies are visible, such as halo effects (e.g., in the film "Sicario 2") and occasionally significant dimming of the screen (e.g., in scenes from the film "Gravity"). Despite these imperfections, the Samsung QN900D is undoubtedly one of the best LED televisions available on the market, capable of generating very high contrast.

HDR effect quality

8.5/10

6.5/10

Supported formats
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 96.0%, Bt.2020: 77.0%
DCI P3: 96.0%, Bt.2020: 75.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

2199 nit

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

1700 nit

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

1717 nit

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

1751 nit

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

1741 nit

Review Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K Brightness measurement

Result

1447 nit

Review Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K Brightness measurement

Result

665 nit

Review Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K Brightness measurement

Result

907 nit

Review Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K Brightness measurement

Result

432 nit

Review Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K Brightness measurement

Result

793 nit

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

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

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: HDR10+

HDR luminance chart:

Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K

Sony Bravia 9 (XR90)

The results of brightness measurements on the Sony Bravia 9 are phenomenal. Each scene reaches well over 1500 nits, and when watching films, the television can sometimes shine even brighter. It goes without saying that such brightness allows for unprecedented experiences and engagement with video material at the highest possible quality. Thanks to the high coverage of the DCI-P3 colour palette, the image is full of colours and, combined with such high luminance, it practically breathes. With high peak brightness, viewers can enjoy the full range of colours even in the most challenging scenes, such as those based on dynamic lighting changes. The Bravia 9 offers support for Dolby Vision and HDR10 formats, which further enhances the viewing experience.

The Samsung QN900D television demonstrates its high capabilities in light production in synthetic tests without any issues – 1400 nits is truly an impressive figure. It also showcased these capabilities in the first scene from the film "Life of Pi," where we see a brilliant burst of the rising sun. However, due to problems with the dimming algorithm, some issues can be noticed here. In the test scenes from "Sicario 2" and the second scene from "Life of Pi," these values are no longer as high and amount to around 500-600 nits. While this may not be the worst result among Mini LED televisions, one could expect more given the price of the television. Nonetheless, the television deserves praise for covering a wide colour gamut of DCP P3 at 96%. Although there are technologies offering higher values, this result is still satisfactory.

Factory color reproduction

8.1/10

6.6/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The best factory mode in Sony televisions has consistently remained "IMAX Enhanced" for years. It was this mode that we used throughout the entire testing procedure. Although it is indeed the most similar to the standard compared to other predefined options, it has a number of aspects that can be improved to make viewing even more enjoyable. When we look at the gamma in SDR materials, we notice quite a significant boost that will be associated with image contrast. It is worth noting that the very beginning of the graph has an even greater rise compared to the reference, leading to a blending of details in the blacks, creating a uniform blot. The EOTF curve in HDR content looked quite correct and exhibited only minor deviations from the reference. However, a common feature for both was: a green colour dominance in white balance, issues with greys and overall colour misalignment. The aspect that stood out the most was related to the uneven distribution of hues in white balance. Due to the excess of the aforementioned colour, the image was covered with an unpleasant greenish tint.

The television QN900D offers a Filmmaker mode that has been created with the intention of watching films in the most natural way possible, however, this mode is not without certain flaws. For HD content, the white balance shows a dominance of red and blue colours, causing the image to take on pink hues. In contrast, for 4K HDR content, the situation is the opposite – the decrease in blue and red levels warms up scenes and shifts colours towards yellow tones. This is confirmed by Color Checker tests, which clearly show that colour samples are veering in this direction.

As for brightness and the associated contrast, the gamma is significantly impaired. The biggest issue is a noticeable jump at the beginning of the graph, which indicates that dark details are excessively brightened, resulting in a loss of depth in the darkest areas of the image – this is due to local dimming. For 4K HDR materials, the EOTF curve looks quite good, however, it remains below the reference level, impacting the overall dynamics of the image.

Color reproduction after calibration

9.3/10

8/10

The colour reproduction after the calibration process should be regarded as excellent. Regardless of the signal, whether SDR or HDR, we can expect an image that is remarkably close to what the film director saw. Virtually every flaw in the image has been modelled and maximally corrected. This was made possible thanks to the advanced tools used for the calibration process, which Sony has been providing in its televisions for years, including 2- and 20-point grey scale adjustment as well as a very comprehensive CMS.

After calibration, the Filmmaker mode can indeed be called worthy of its name. The white balance for both HD and 4K HDR content has been significantly improved, making colours more natural and consistent. The image has gained in realism, and pink hues in HD content have been effectively eliminated, as has the yellowish glow in 4K HDR content. Thanks to calibration, the television now offers much better colour reproduction, positively affecting the viewing experience.

As for brightness, the situation with gamma is now quite the opposite – at the beginning of the graph, there is a noticeable drop, making the darkest details harder to discern. The EOTF curve for 4K HDR content has remained largely unchanged and is still below the reference level, meaning the television still struggles to maintain proper brightness. This is related to the aggressive dimming algorithm that affects the overall brightness of the image. You can see how the television fights to maintain high brightness or perfect black.

Despite the limitations associated with local dimming, the Samsung QN900D has improved colour reproduction quality, as confirmed by the Color Checker test results – the colour samples are now much closer to the targets, making the image more natural and pleasing to the eye.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7.1/10

8/10

The default quality of gentle gradation, i.e. with the enhancement function turned off, is quite mediocre, considering the price range and class of the device. The problem is not noticeable on very bright backgrounds but is quite pronounced on dark ones. This is perfectly illustrated by the last two test scenes, where tonal transitions are noticeable and may discomfort purists of image quality.

The Samsung QN900D television handles tonal transitions smoothly, deserving a rating of 8/10. Colour gradation is generally good, although not perfect – in darker scenes, certain imperfections may be noticeable to more demanding users. Despite these minor flaws, the effect should satisfy most viewers, providing natural transitions.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

8.5/10

7/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
OK
OK
Smooth transition function
OK
OK

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Let’s take another look at the quality of tonal transitions, but this time we will analyse the quality of image scaling, which will be significantly important when watching lower quality materials. For starters, we will take a look at the function responsible for the quality of tonal transitions. And while by default they are quite average, after activating the option, even at the lowest level, we can confidently say that these are among the best we have seen. You can confidently enable this feature, as it does not cause any negative phenomenon, such as film grain blurring.

Sony has been boasting for several years now that its "XR" processor is unmatched when it comes to image scaling. And we find it quite easy to believe, because in fact the image is extremely sharp, yet very natural.

The fluidity of tonal transitions in lower-quality materials is impressive – the Noise Reduction feature effectively smooths tonal transitions while eliminating film grain. Although the removal of grain is not always desirable, the overall final effect looks very aesthetically pleasing, particularly for those who prefer a cleaner image.

When it comes to upscaling, or image scaling, QN900D shows the enormous potential of the new processor with AI technology. Images and materials in lower resolution are upscaled while preserving many details – for example, a photo of a model looks fantastic, free of unnecessary jagged edges, and the branches in the background are not overly jagged.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.5/10

7.4/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
120Hz
240Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
BFI function 120Hz
Yes, 240Hz (double contours)
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
1%
74%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Image flickers in this mode

Smużenie ():

Smużenie (2160p 240Hz):

The maximum refresh rate of the Sony Bravia 9 is 120 Hz. This is the essential minimum for watching primarily sports or materials with significant motion dynamics while maintaining a sharp and smooth image. For demanding users, the manufacturer has implemented a very comprehensive smoothing system, which has been divided into three segments: Smoothness (Film), Smoothness (Camera), and Clarity. The first two correspond to the degree of blurring and the degree of smoothing, respectively. The third option will be described in more detail below. Moreover, we can adjust all settings to various degrees, each of which will produce an effect, ensuring that we can find our own golden mean. In the picture, we present a setting with slight smoothing, without the soap opera effect.

Samsung QN900D is currently the fastest television in the world – literally. A refresh rate of 240 Hz in 4K resolution is an incredible value that PC gamers will surely appreciate. As for cinema fans, they will not be disappointed either – Samsung offers a 10-step clarity scale in the picture settings, allowing for image adjustments. We can choose whether the television should provide a smoother, theatrical effect at the highest settings, or a more cinematic experience, with visible frames, at the lowest settings.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.4/10

9.5/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 120Hz
    48 - 240Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    No
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    No
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

The Sony Bravia 9 television is equipped with four HDMI ports. However, somewhat inexplicably for a device of this class, only two of them operate in the 2.1 standard. That said, it should not be overlooked that almost all functions perform excellently and do not cause any negative feelings when being activated. Games running either in HDR10 or Dolby Vision have very low input lag, allowing for a very comfortable session with the title. A consolation remains in the form of a good implementation of the HGIG mode, which, after proper adjustment, does not differ significantly from Dolby Vision.

A year ago, Sony added to its televisions what has long been a standard for some manufacturers. This refers, of course, to the GameBar, enabling quick adjustment of settings without the need to exit the game. The implementation of this feature was successful and works very efficiently. We have been provided with conveniences such as: a crosshair grid, black level correction, and the option to reduce the screen to the proportions of gaming monitors.

The Sony Bravia 9 will undoubtedly find its fan base, most likely among PlayStation enthusiasts. Here, we must admit that it will be the most sensible choice, as in practice both the console and the television possess exactly the same capabilities. Looking at the bigger picture, while overlooking the issues with Dolby Vision in games, one cannot detract from the fact that the Bravia 9 is a very good television in the context of gaming.

Samsung QN900D is a television that offers excellent compatibility with consoles and a range of features that gamers will appreciate. It has 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, although unfortunately without the full bandwidth of 48 Gb/s. Nevertheless, for the average user, this is more than sufficient. Additionally, the television supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which means a smoother image and no screen tearing during dynamic gameplay. The G-Sync and FreeSync technologies also deserve attention, as they ensure optimal cooperation with consoles and computers equipped with the appropriate graphics cards, minimizing stuttering and providing a smooth image.

One of the unique features available only in Samsung televisions is the Xbox Game Pass app, which allows for game streaming without the need for a console. This is a very convenient solution that lets you enjoy your favourite games without the need to purchase additional hardware. Furthermore, the QN900D has a Game Bar – a special panel that enables quick access to game-related settings, making the configuration of game mode fast and intuitive.

Another interesting feature is a function called Auto Motion Plus Game, which is a special motion smoothing mode that can increase the frame rate (operating at a maximum for a 4K@60Hz signal). Importantly, this does not cause a significant increase in input lag, allowing the player to enjoy both greater image smoothness. All these features make the Samsung QN900D an excellent choice for those looking for a gaming television with the highest possible specifications.

Input lag

9.7/10

9.8/10

SDR

1080p60
20 ms
13 ms
1080p120
10 ms
12 ms
2160p60
19 ms
13 ms
2160p120
10 ms
12 ms

HDR

2160p60
19 ms
13 ms
2160p120
10 ms
12 ms
4320p60
17 ms

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
20 ms
2160p120 DV
10 ms

Latency time Bravia 9 is at a low level in every scenario. Even the most passionate gamers will surely appreciate the very low input lag at demanding 4K 120 Hz settings with HDR, which is 10 ms.

When it comes to signal delay (input lag), Samsung QN900D achieves impressive results. Values below 15 ms are truly excellent, making the television an ideal choice for gamers expecting minimal delays during gameplay. The input lag at 8K resolution is also noteworthy, measuring just 17 ms – this is also a very good result that allows enjoyment of dynamic games at the highest possible resolution without noticeable delays.

Compatibility with PC

7.6/10

8/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Very Good
Average
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
9ms
12ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
BGR
Max refresh rate
120Hz
240Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

Sony Bravia 9 works excellently with a PC, thanks to its very low delay of just 9 ms, which is an immediate response between the mouse, the eye, and the screen. An extremely important aspect when working on a screen is primarily the readability of the text, which in the case of the tested television is very good. However, it is important to remember to switch the television to "Game" mode, as this mode provides the best text readability, whereas in other scenarios the font may turn out to be unreadable.

The subpixel layout is BGR, which does not negatively impact the use of the television as a monitor. However, since operating systems are not adapted to such a subpixel format, it can result in slightly less sharp contours. This is, however, practically negligible, and only a handful of people may notice it.

Samsung QN900D offers very good compatibility with computers, making it an excellent choice for users looking for a large screen for work and entertainment. It supports full colour reproduction with Chroma 4:4:4, resulting in better image quality when using text and office applications. The readability of fonts is quite good, especially considering the 8K resolution, which offers an enormous level of detail.

Unfortunately, despite the very high resolution, the television has some issues with bright fonts on a dark background – slight shadows created by subpixels can be noticed. This may not be a key issue, but for more demanding users, it could affect the comfort of use, particularly when working in text applications. Nevertheless, the overall image quality and compatibility with computers are at a high level. It is also worth praising the television for supporting 240Hz at lower resolutions like 4K. This allows high-end PCs to showcase their prowess in gaming.

Viewing angles

7.4/10

7.8/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
54%
51%

Thanks to the application of an angle coating, the colour degradation and contrast drop at an angle are not as drastic as in the vast majority of VA matrix televisions. Only after a significant shift off the axis does one see greater image destabilisation; however, the overall assessment can be very positive.

The viewing angles on the QN900D television are very good, despite the use of a VA panel. Thanks to a special coating that broadens the viewing angles, the picture remains flawless even when viewed at an angle. This is particularly important when there are more people in the room – every viewer, regardless of their seating position, can enjoy excellent picture quality, without distortion or loss of colours. This makes the Samsung QN900D a great choice for watching both films and sports broadcasts with a larger group.

TV efficiency during daytime

9.5/10

5/10

Matrix coating
Glare
Glare
Reflection suppression
Average
Good
Black levels during daytime
Very Good
Average

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K: 387 cd/m2

Sony Bravia 9 (XR90): 1609 cd/m2

The Sony Bravia 9 excels in bright environments, with a peak brightness of 1600 nits. This allows for a comfortable viewing experience even when the TV is exposed to harsh angled light. Reflections are minimal and do not significantly affect the viewing quality, making it highly suitable for watching during the day. As a result, the Bravia 9 earns an almost perfect score for its performance in well-lit conditions.

When it comes to the performance of the Samsung QN900D television in daylight conditions, it is generally average. The television has a special anti-reflective coating that helps reduce glare; however, due to the VA panel and the layer that widens the viewing angles, light reflections are heavily scattered horizontally - resembling the colours of a rainbow. This results in a loss of image vibrancy, especially in bright rooms where intense light sources can negatively affect the quality of the displayed image.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
Mini-LED QLED
Mini-LED QLED
Software version during testing
112.624.140.1EUA
1120
Image processor
mt5897 6gb ram

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Sony Bravia 9 (XR90)

Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K

TV features

9.5/10

7.7/10

  • Operating system
    Google TV
    Tizen
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    Yes
    No
  • 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
    RF
  • Backlit remote control
    Yes
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

Bravia 9 operates on the Google TV system, which is a significant advantage compared to televisions equipped with proprietary systems from manufacturers, where installing applications from a USB drive can be cumbersome, and often virtually impossible. Thanks to Google TV, we have the capability to install virtually any application, both from the official store and directly from online repositories via an APK file.

This system also offers many conveniences in terms of control. We can connect a keyboard with a touchpad, which significantly eases the process of entering queries. Additionally, due to the integration with Google, we can utilise voice control features via the remote, which work very well, although there are occasional minor issues with translating functions and options. It's worth noting that Google TV regularly receives updates that enhance functionality and introduce new options. We can also confirm that, according to reports from users of older models, the software has its off days and sometimes experiences its "bad day".

In summary: Google TV is currently one of the most popular systems on the market. With a powerful CPU, it operates very smoothly, does not freeze, and does not have issues with stuttering for a significant portion of its usage. It is definitely the best option for those who want to fully utilise the capabilities of their television and value the openness of the system.

The Tizen system that powers the Samsung QN900D television offers excellent integration with other devices, allowing for convenient use of numerous applications, including AirPlay. Users also have the option to control other equipment via the SmartThings app. The television also works with lighting systems such as Philips Hue, enabling the creation of a moody atmosphere during film screenings.

In everyday use, the QN900D performs exceptionally well. The solar remote can control other devices, such as set-top boxes, making the lack of recording functionality less of an issue. Additionally, the television features a Picture-in-Picture (PiP) function, and with its 8K resolution, it is even possible to split the screen into four parts, making it exceptionally functional and useful for watching multiple programmes simultaneously as well as for effective work with various image sources.

The Samsung QN900D also stands out with its modern appearance. Its slim profile makes it the thinnest Mini LED television on the market, and the use of the One Connect module allows for neat cable management, so the area around the television looks tidy and elegant. The central stand adds lightness and creates the impression that the television is floating in the air, giving it a unique character. Additionally, the Ambient Mode feature allows for the display of decorative graphics or the adjustment of the image to fit the interior, making the television an integral part of the room, even when it is switched off.

Playing files from USB

8.7/10

9/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
Yes
No
PNG
No
No
GIF
No
No
WebP
No
No
TIFF
No
No
BMP
No
Yes
SVG
No
No

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
Yes
Yes
6 Mpix
Yes
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
Yes
Yes
12 Mpix
Yes
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
Yes
Yes
24 Mpix
Yes
Yes
28 Mpix
Yes
Yes
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

The built-in player on the Sony Bravia 9 is of a good standard. Although it is not without its faults, it has to be acknowledged that it plays a significant number of files seamlessly. However, among the missing features, the lack of support for subtitle formats like .sub, .txt, or selectively functioning image formats, of which only JPEG and HEIC are available, may be felt. This is not, of course, an issue given the ease of installing applications like VLC or KODI.

QN900D Samsung plays most popular video and audio formats without any issues. The resolution of images is also not a challenge for it; however, the television has difficulty opening less common image formats, including Apple's HEIC format.

Apps

10/10

9.3/10

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
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
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
No
Kodi

Sound

9.4/10

7.4/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    9.4/10
    7.4/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    No
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC):
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD:
    No
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA:
    Yes
    No
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    Yes
    No

We must admit that the sound emanating from the Sony Bravia 9 left us quite astonished. Of course, we knew it was a top-of-the-line product, but we didn't expect such sound quality. You can easily hear each instrument individually, and the bass adds the right depth to the overall experience. With a clear conscience, we can say that it is the best-sounding television we have had the pleasure to test. We are also aware that people who choose such a television have their own home cinema setup. And here, there will be no significant obstacle, as the Bravia 9 supports DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Atmos.

Television Samsung QN900D, equipped with an audio system with a power of 90 W in a 6.2.4 channel configuration. Despite its slim casing, the sound is clear and spacious, which is further supported by Dolby Atmos technology, providing immersive audio experiences. Unfortunately, like many other Samsung televisions, the QN900D does not support audio tracks in DTS format, which may be significant for home cinema users.