Sony X75WL

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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 is a television from 2023, which will continue into 2024 by the Japanese company Sony. It can offer many positive features. For example, thanks to the Google TV system, users can enjoy wide access to applications such as Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video and more! The applications are easily accessible, and full integration with the Play Store allows for downloading many additional applications, including games and media players, etc. The built-in Google Assistant adds even more functionality, enabling users to control the television using voice commands. Daily usage is supported by features such as the ability to record to USB or connect peripherals (e.g., mouse and keyboard, headphones). All of this makes it a very functional device, tailored for various users. Solid cooperation with PC, thanks to support for chroma 4:4:4 and low input lag, makes the Sony X75WL a great choice for office use or working from home. The sound quality is also a plus – gentle bass and sound clarity will satisfy most users, particularly those who appreciate audio quality without the need to invest in additional speakers. Nevertheless, this model also has some drawbacks. Very poor contrast and average HDR performance make it not the best choice for nighttime cinematic viewing, where black depth and detail quality are crucial. Thicker bezels may not appeal to everyone. Despite its flaws, the Sony X75WL is a solid choice, especially for those looking for a versatile and functional television at an affordable price. However, if we are not strongly attached to the brand, we recommend considering competitive models (comparison visible below) - which may offer a better price-to-quality ratio.

Advantages

Google TV system with convenient voice control and access to applications
Ability to record to an external USB drive and connect peripherals
Good viewing angles thanks to the IPS panel
Very good compatibility with PC (chroma 4:4:4, low input lag)
Pleasant, clear sound with a gentle bass
Adjustable leg spacing

Disadvantages

Very weak contrast
Average colour palette coverage
Poor for gamers - lacking 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
Watching in bright light

4.6
Utility functions

8.6
Apps

10.0
Sound quality

6.9

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

Viewing mode Game mode

2.4/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Local dimming function: No

Review Sony X75WL Contrast and black detail

Contrast between the black background and the bright spotlight illuminating Jack. Scene from the movie Oblivion (Universal Pictures).

Result

1,100:1

Contrast between the glare on the chameleon's skin and the black near the edge of the screen below. Scene from the Spears&Munsil test disc.

Result

1,200:1

Contrast between the reflection on the helmet and the black on the black film strip. Scene from the movie Arrival (Paramount Pictures).

Result

1,300:1

Contrast between the actress's face and the black film strip at the top edge of the TV. Scene from the movie Gravity (Warner Bros. Pictures).

Result

1,400:1

Contrast between the colorful balloon and the black slice between the falling objects. Scene from the Pioneer Kuro test disc (2008).

Result

900:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

The tested model Sony X75WL is equipped with an IPS panel, which unfortunately negatively affects the quality of black levels and contrast. The black is shallow, and details in dark scenes are virtually invisible. In the film "Sicario 2", no details can be seen in the shadows. All of this makes the picture look poor and lacking in depth. The IPS panel used does not provide the level of contrast that more demanding users would expect, and the lack of detail in dark scenes significantly lowers the quality of the viewing experience when watching films. The X75WL television does not have local dimming functionality, which further complicates achieving the proper quality of black levels and contrast in this category.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

4.3/10

Viewing mode Game mode

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

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Sony X75WL Brightness measurement

The measured point is the setting sun against a bright sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).

Result

285 nit

The measured point is the moon against a dark, starry sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).

Result

308 nit

The measured point is the flashlight on the rifle, which shines directly at the camera. Scene from the movie Gemini Man (Paramount Pictures).

Result

343 nit

The measured point is the tail light of a helicopter flying at night. This is a very small light point, the essence of the HDR effect. Scene from the movie Sicario 2: Soldado (Lionsgate).

Result

345 nit

The measured point is the sun visible directly between the clouds. The scene is very bright and should blind the viewer as in nature. Scene from the movie The Meg (Warner Bros. Pictures).

Result

358 nit

The luminosity chart for the X75WL Sony television showed a maximum value of 350 nits, which is unfortunately not an impressive result. The television does not surprise with its brightness, and all the HDR scenes we tested lacked depth and the appropriate light effect that should accompany HDR content. Additionally, the poor coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut makes it difficult for the television to reproduce rich colours, which significantly affects the overall viewing experience of HDR content. The lack of adequate brightness and weak colour coverage mean that HDR effects are very limited in this model.

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

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

Since we know that the television has quite significant limitations in its capabilities regarding contrast and brightness, let’s see how it performs in adapting to very difficult film scenes, such as "Pan" or "Billy Lynn". In the first case, the entire scene is heavily boosted, which makes it very difficult to assess – it looks weak and flat, the sun and clouds in the distance are heavily merged. The same is true for the scene from "Billy Lynn" – the high light effect in the form of fireworks has merged into one blob. However, credit should be given to the portrayal of the lead actor, who, although greatly brightened, looks quite decent – certain imperfections on the skin can be noticed, which adds authenticity.

HDR luminance chart:

Comparing the same scene in two different formats – static HDR10 and Dolby Vision – clear differences are evident. In the case of static HDR10, the scene looks very poor – the details are heavily blended, and all that is visible are the horses. The same scene, shown in Dolby Vision, although it does not match the reference image, is significantly better than the static HDR. More details can be seen in the distance and a few details on the snowy meadow, which definitely enhances the overall viewing experience.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Smoothness of tonal transitions

8.1/10

In the model X75WL , the smoothness of tonal transitions performs very well. The gradation in the shadows is good, with no visible issues, positively affecting the quality of the image in darker areas. In brighter scenes, slight issues with smoothness can be noticed, but they are not clearly discernible and shouldn't affect viewing comfort. In a scene with vibrant red colour, slight clipping is noticeable, but it does not detract from the overall enjoyment of watching.

Review Sony X75WL Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6.1/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

In the case of low-quality tonal transitions, the television Sony X75WL performs poorly. The lack of any feature to improve tonal transitions results in noticeable imperfections in colour gradation. However, one can credit the quite good digital processing – the image is displayed without overscan, and overall it looks relatively good thanks to the added slight sharpness, which some users may appreciate.

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 Sony television is equipped with a 60 Hz panel, making it more suitable for watching films than for dynamic gaming. This model features a motion smoothing function called Motionflow, which allows the user to adjust the picture on a 10-point scale. Smoothness is responsible for adding intermediate frames, thereby increasing the fluidity of motion, while the image becomes more theatrical, minimising the cutting effect. Clarity reduces motion blur, which is particularly useful in fast scenes such as sports or dynamic actions in films. With this feature, users can adjust the fluidity and sharpness of motion to their own preferences.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

In the context of smearing, the television Sony X75WL performs averagely – it does not stand out particularly positively or negatively. Additionally, the television is equipped with the BFI (Black Frame Insertion) function, which was intended to improve motion sharpness, but it causes contour doubling, making the final effect more of a curiosity than a practical solution.

Console compatibility and gaming features

3.6/10

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

X75WL is not the best television for gamers. It only has the ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) feature and a basic Game Bar, which are not enough to satisfy more demanding users. In this price range, one could expect support for features like VRR or 120 Hz refresh rates - although in FULLHD, which are already standard - unfortunately, they are lacking here. This is a major downside for Sony, as the competition offers much more for gamers in a similar budget.

Input lag

8.5/10

Sony KD-43X75WL offers a very low input lag of 14 ms, which is a significant advantage for gamers expecting a quick response from the television to commands from the controller. However, an input lag of 130 ms in Dolby Vision mode completely disqualifies this mode from being used while gaming. This means that users using Dolby Vision must contend with significant latency, which greatly affects comfort and precision during gameplay.

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

Max refresh rate: 60Hz

G-Sync: No

The Sony X75WL model performs well as a computer monitor. With support for 4:4:4 chroma, text readability is very good, making text work on this television comfortable. Additionally, its low input lag ensures smooth and responsive functionality, making it enjoyable and convenient to use this model with a computer. The television is equipped with a 60 Hz panel and does not support G-Sync, which may be a downside for PC gamers. As a result, its rating in this category is lower – it works well for everyday computer tasks, but in games, especially fast-paced ones, there is a lack of fluidity that is crucial for smooth gameplay.

Viewing angles

6.8/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 67%

The viewing angles in the model KD-43X75WL are quite decent, thanks to the IPS panel used. The image remains relatively true even when viewed at an angle, which can be beneficial in situations where the television is watched from different spots in the room. However, we have seen better models with this type of panel that 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 rating of the television Sony X75WL during the day is average. The satin coating of the panel moderately dampens reflections, which means that in a bright room, glares can be visible and interfere with the viewing experience. Additionally, a brightness level of 330 cd/m² is not sufficient to provide a clear image in very sunny conditions, which limits its use in well-lit rooms.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Sony X75WL: 334 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: PKG6.7546.0865EUA

Image processor: MT5895 3GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Backlight Type: White LED

TV features

8.6/10

System operacyjny: Google TV
TV reception: DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
Recording to USB (terrestrial TV): Yes
Recording programming: Yes
Picture in Picture (PiP): No
Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast): Yes
AirPlay: Yes
Voice search in native language: Yes
Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse: Yes
Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV: Yes
Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker: No
Audio only mode: Yes
RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen): RF
Backlit remote control: No
Teletext: Yes

The model KD-43X75WL operates on the Google TV system, which is an extension of Android TV and offers a wide range of features that facilitate the use of the television. Google TV provides access to personalised recommendations based on user preferences and viewed content, making it even easier to find interesting programmes. The system also ensures smooth access to popular applications such as Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video, as well as full integration with Google Play Store, allowing for the downloading of additional applications and games. With the built-in Google Assistant, the television can be controlled using voice commands, which is convenient and practical.

The television also offers a number of practical user features. The ability to record programmes onto an external USB drive allows for easy preservation of favourite content for later, which is particularly useful for live broadcasts. The model KD-43X75WL also enables the connection of various peripheral devices, such as keyboards, mice, or Bluetooth headphones, enhancing its functionality. The remote control included in the package operates on a radio communication basis, which means there's no need to aim at the screen to change channels or adjust the volume, making it a significant convenience for everyday use.

In terms of appearance, the model Sony X75WL presents itself solidly, although it cannot be called the slimmest television on the market. The bezels around the screen are not the thinnest, yet the overall look is aesthetically pleasing. It is worth noting the metal legs included in the package, which deserve praise for their sturdiness. These legs are adjustable, allowing for configuration even for very narrow furniture.

Playing files from USB

Video Photos Audio

8.7/10

Video Photos Audio

Maximum photo resolution:	Supported photo formats:
4 Mpix	JPEG
6 Mpix	HEIC
8 Mpix	PNG
10 Mpix	GIF
12 Mpix	WebP
16 Mpix	TIFF
20 Mpix	BMP
24 Mpix	SVG
28 Mpix
32 Mpix

The built-in media player in the Sony X75WL model performs quite well, opening most popular video, audio, and photo formats. However, if we encounter issues with playing less common files, we can easily solve this problem by installing another player available on the Google Play Store, which allows for fuller use of the television's capabilities.

Apps

10/10

Sound

6.9/10

Subjective sound quality

Dolby Digital Plus 7.1

Dolby True HD 7.1

Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)

Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD

DTS:X in DTS-HD MA

DTS-HD Master Audio

The sound quality of the X75WL model is very pleasant, and for this class and size of Sony television, it is truly impressive. There is a subtle bass, and the sound appears clear, which positively affects the reception of multimedia content. The television performs well with both dialogue and sound effects.

4K Ultra HD Resolution: Provides four times the resolution of Full HD, offering a sharp and clear image with a wealth of detail.
4K X1™ Picture Processor: An advanced processor that interpolates even 2K images to near 4K resolution, allowing you to see clear details and billions of natural colours.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) Support: Compatible with HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision formats, ensuring better contrast and more accurate colour reproduction.
Google TV™ Operating System: An intuitive Smart TV system providing access to a wide range of apps and content tailored to user preferences.
Motionflow™ XR Technology: Enhances motion smoothness, ideal for dynamic sports and movie scenes.
Built-in Chromecast: Allows for easy content casting from mobile devices to the large TV screen.
HDMI Ports: Equipped with 4 HDMI ports, enabling the connection of various devices such as gaming consoles and Blu-ray players.
Dolby Atmos Technology: Delivers immersive surround sound, surrounding the viewer with sound from all directions.
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode): Automatically switches the TV to low latency mode during gaming, providing smoother and more responsive gameplay.

Sony KD-43X75WL Test – Performance in Everyday Use

In everyday use, Sony X75WL stands out with the intuitive interface of Google TV, providing smooth access to popular streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube. It is also worth noting the ability to record TV programmes to an external USB drive, which is handy for those wanting to keep their favourite content for later. Compared to other models in this price category, Sony KD-43X75WL Test demonstrates solid practical features that will satisfy most viewers.

Sony X75WL Test – Picture and Sound Quality

SONY X75WL Test showed that the used IPS panel provides wide viewing angles, which is beneficial when watching with a larger group. However, the contrast and black depth leave something to be desired, which may affect the perception of content in darker scenes. Regarding sound, the TV offers clear audio with subtle bass, which is satisfactory for most users. Compared to competing models, X75WL Test presents this model as a solid choice in this price range, although not without some compromises. For a fuller picture of the capabilities of this model, it is worth checking out TV tests that offer detailed analyses and comparisons.

Is the Sony X75WL a Good Choice for a Small Flat?

Sony X75WL is a television that works great in small spaces. Its compact size, especially the 43-inch version, allows for convenient placement even in a small living room. Sony KD-43X75WL Test has shown that the TV offers wide viewing angles, making comfortable watching from various spots easier. The Google TV system eliminates the need for additional devices, and the built-in Google Assistant allows for convenient voice control. With its aesthetic design and adjustable leg spacing, X75WL fits various furniture, which is essential in limited spaces.

X75WL in Home Cinema – Is It Worth It?

Sony X75WL is an interesting option for home cinema, although certain limitations should be considered. The IPS panel provides good viewing angles, but its contrast is lower than that of VA panels, which may affect the depth of black. KD-75X75WL Test indicates that the TV works well with a computer, offering low input lag. Google TV provides easy access to streaming apps, and the sound is sufficient for everyday use. Sony X75WL will therefore be a good option for films, but for more demanding viewers, considering an additional soundbar would be worthwhile.

Sony X75WL

Our verdict

Advantages

Disadvantages

Competing TVs in this price range

TV appearance

Buy in the best price

Contrast and black detail

HDR effect quality

Factory color reproduction

Color reproduction after calibration

Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Blur and motion smoothness

Console compatibility and gaming features

Input lag

Compatibility with PC

Viewing angles

TV efficiency during daytime

Details about the matrix

TV features

Playing files from USB

Apps

Sound

Sony KD-43X75WL Test – Performance in Everyday Use

Sony X75WL Test – Picture and Sound Quality

Is the Sony X75WL a Good Choice for a Small Flat?

X75WL in Home Cinema – Is It Worth It?