Sony X85L

X85L

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”

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Brand: SONY | Resolution: 3840x2160 | System: Google TV | Model year: 2023

Our verdict

6.9

Overall rating

Sony X85L is a model from 2023 that will be continued in the offering for 2024 by the Japanese manufacturer. Its greatest advantage is the Google TV system. It currently provides the largest access to applications, so we need not worry that one of our favourite applications will be missing. The intuitive interface and voice control feature using Google Assistant make daily use of the television comfortable and modern. As for picture quality, Sony X85L performs well. Thanks to local dimming (albeit with a very average number of zones), black levels look quite decent. Additionally, its fairly high brightness allows for comfortable television viewing during the day, even in well-lit rooms. Furthermore, the television offers a programme recording function with built-in tuners, which is a great convenience for those wanting to control what and when they watch. In terms of motion smoothness, X85L does not disappoint either. The 120 Hz panel and Motionflow system ensure smooth display of dynamic scenes, satisfying both movie enthusiasts and sports fans. The television is also equipped with a range of features for gamers, including VRR, Game Bar and G-Sync support, making it an attractive choice for gaming enthusiasts. Of course, the television is not without its faults. The lack of HGiG support and high input lag in Dolby Vision mode can be disappointing for more demanding gamers. Additionally, the compromise between font readability and image smoothness when connected to a PC may not appeal to everyone. Nevertheless, Sony X85L is a decent piece of equipment that is particularly worth attention if it can be purchased on promotion.

Advantages

Advanced Google TV System
Good contrast
Good brightness
Features for gamers - VRR, Game Bar and G-Sync
Base with adjustable legs

Disadvantages

No support for HGiG, Dolby Vision with high input lag
Font readability issues on PC at 120 Hz
Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports - with one serving as eARC

Movies and series in UHD quality

6.3
Classic TV, YouTube

6.3
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

6.6
Gaming on console

7.8
TV as a computer monitor

5.6
Watching in bright light

6.5
Utility functions

7.8
Apps

10.0
Sound quality

6.9

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

Viewing mode Game mode

6.7/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 24 (4 x 6)

Review Sony X85L Contrast and black detail

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

Result

8,700:1

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

7,800:1

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

Result

19,200:1

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

5,750:1

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

Result

5,150:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

The Sony X85L television is equipped with a VA panel, which in itself offers quite good contrast. Additionally, this model features local dimming technology – in the 55-inch version, it encompasses 24 zones. Although this number is not impressive, it naturally increases with the size of the television. The contrast in the X85L is good, though not the best, especially in comparison to other televisions also equipped with advanced local dimming technology. Results at a level of 8000:1 are satisfactory, but appear average in the context of competition. In some cases, such as the third scene from the film Arrival, the contrast is promising and performs fairly well. This is thanks to the very good dimming algorithm that Sony has employed in its televisions for years. Unfortunately, due to the limited number of local dimming zones, the television struggles with noticeable blooming, which can be observed, for example, in scenes with the helicopter from the film Sicario 2.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

5.5/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 95.0%, Bt.2020: 71.5%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

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

Result

736 nit

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

Result

415 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

535 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

249 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

599 nit

The Sony X85L television offers solid HDR performance with a brightness level of 750 nits, which is sufficient to enjoy vivid effects. In scenes of moderate difficulty, such as the first, third, or fifth test scenes, a brightness of around 600 nits allows one to fully experience the HDR effect. Unfortunately, in more demanding segments, like the scene from the film Sicario 2, the television reveals its limitations. Drops in brightness to 250 nits cause the HDR effect to lose its impressive quality, resembling rather ordinary SDR. Nevertheless, it is worth highlighting the very good coverage of the DCI-P3 colour palette at 95%, which definitely deserves praise and positively impacts the overall image quality.

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

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

In scenes requiring HDR adaptation, such as those from the films Pan and Billy Lynn, the television Sony X85L presents mixed results. In the first scene from Pan, where the sun appears in the distance against the landscape, the image is too dark, causing the television to lose essential details in the bright areas. This effect makes HDR lose its depth, and the viewer cannot fully perceive the richness of details that should be visible in this sequence.

On the other hand, in the second scene from Billy Lynn, the television performs better – the image reproduction is quite consistent with the reference version. However, there are slight shortcomings in the skin tones of the main actor, which may appear somewhat unnatural. In such situations, dynamic tone mapping would be helpful, allowing for better adjustment of brightness and contrast levels to achieve a fuller HDR image. Unfortunately, the television Sony X85L does not offer the user control over this function, limiting its ability to flexibly respond to changing image conditions.

HDR luminance chart:

Sony X85L supports static HDR10, which performed average in tests. In our HDR10 test scene, it completely failed to adapt to the dynamic changes in the image – the picture was too bright, resulting in a loss of detail and it simply looked poor. Fortunately, Dolby Vision comes to the rescue, which, although it does not guarantee perfect picture quality, significantly enhances the experience of watching HDR content compared to static HDR10 metadata. Dolby Vision manages contrast and details better, making darker and brighter sections more distinct and detailed. Its presence is particularly important as it is the most popular format on streaming platforms, making it a valuable addition for those frequently using services such as Netflix or Disney+.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7.1/10

The fluidity of tonal transitions in Sony X85L is at a good level – the gradation of colours is smooth, even in more demanding areas, which makes the perception of scenes positive and natural. The biggest issues arise around shadows, where subtle colour joins may be visible. Despite this, the television performs well enough that most viewers should not notice these minor imperfections.

Review Sony X85L Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

In terms of smoothing tonal transitions, the Sony X85L television does not offer any dedicated enhancement options, which is a certain drawback. On the other hand, the image scaling performs quite well – the television adds a bit of artificial sharpness, which may make details such as tree branches more pronounced, although sometimes with noticeable jagged edges. This type of effect may appeal to some viewers who prefer a more detailed image.

Blur and motion smoothness

8/10

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: 52%

Sony X85L, equipped with a 120 Hz panel, will meet the expectations of a wide range of users – from sports and gaming fans to movie enthusiasts. Movie buffs will certainly appreciate the presence of one of the best motion smoothing systems, known as Motionflow. This system offers adjustment through sliders for smoothness and clarity – smoothness is responsible for motion fluidity, eliminating judder, while clarity improves the sharpness of fast scenes, reducing blur.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

When it comes to motion blur, the television performs well. A slight glow may be visible in darker scenes, but overall the impressions are very positive. Additionally, the television is equipped with a BFI feature that works properly, with no noticeable side effects, which further enhances the smoothness and clarity of motion.

Console compatibility and gaming features

7.8/10

ALLM: Yes
VRR: Yes
VRR range: 48 - 120Hz
Dolby Vision Game Mode: Tak (wysoki input lag)
Correct implementation of HGIG: No
1080p@120Hz: Yes
1440p@120Hz: No
4K@120Hz: Yes
Game bar: Yes

Sony X85L offers a quite solid set of features for gamers, making it an attractive choice for gaming enthusiasts. First and foremost, the television has a 120 Hz panel, which translates to smooth and dynamic image display, ideal for both fast-paced action games and more demanding sports titles. It is equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports with full bandwidth of 48 Gb/s, allowing for the full utilisation of next-generation consoles. Additionally, Sony X85L supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology, which helps reduce stuttering and artifacts during gameplay, providing a smooth experience. The television also supports G-Sync, which is particularly beneficial for gamers using NVIDIA graphics cards, allowing for the synchronisation of the screen refresh rate with GPU performance, eliminating screen tearing. It is worth mentioning the Game Bar feature, which facilitates quick access to the most important gaming-related settings, such as VRR, brightness levels, and display modes, which is convenient and useful during gameplay.

However, there are certain limitations. The television does not support HGiG, which may be a downside for some gamers, as HGiG optimises HDR effect rendering in games, providing a more authentic visual experience. Additionally, while the Dolby Vision mode is available, it is not practical for gaming due to the very high input lag.

Input lag

9.1/10

Generally speaking, the input lag on the Sony X85L is very good, which is crucial for smooth gameplay and quick reactions in games. In standard modes, especially when using HDMI 2.1 and playing at a resolution of 4K at 120 Hz, the input lag is minimal.

Unfortunately, the Dolby Vision mode is an exception to this rule. In this case, the input lag reaches as much as 95 ms. Such a high level of delay makes the Dolby Vision mode virtually unplayable, as the responses to commands are noticeably delayed.

SDR	HDR	Dolby Vision
1080p60: 18 ms	2160p60: 18 ms	2160p60 DV: 95 ms
1080p120: 9 ms	2160p120: 9 ms
2160p60: 18 ms
2160p120: 9 ms

Compatibility with PC

5.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): No

Font clarity: Poor

Readability of dark text and shapes: Poor

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

Matrix subpixel arrangement: BGR

Max refresh rate: 120Hz

G-Sync: Yes

The collaboration of the television Sony X85L with a PC is a bit of a balance between image quality and user comfort. If we want to use the television for work, where clear fonts matter, we need to set the refresh rate to 60 Hz. In this mode, the text looks good and doesn't strain the eyes, which is crucial if we intend to spend a longer time in front of the screen.

On the other hand, if the television is to be used for gaming, where we can take full advantage of its capabilities at 120 Hz, we must bear in mind that the readability of fonts noticeably decreases. The image becomes less sharp, and the text harder to read, which can be frustrating. In short – Sony X85L will perform well for occasional connections to a computer, but if we need it on a daily basis for work and gaming, this compromise may not appeal to everyone.

Viewing angles

3/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 67%

The viewing angles on the Sony X85L, as is often the case with VA panels, are not the best. The picture looks great when viewed directly, but as soon as you move to the side, you notice that the colours lose intensity and the contrast significantly weakens. This can be an issue if the television is meant for viewing in larger groups, where viewers are seated at different angles. For those who usually watch solo or from one central spot, this won’t be a major downside, but when watching from the side, the picture quality unfortunately declines.

TV efficiency during daytime

6.5/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Average

Black levels during daytime: Very Good

The performance of the television Sony X85L during the day is quite decent. Its satin screen coating handles light reflection moderately well, meaning that in bright rooms there can be some glare, but it is not bothersome enough to significantly interfere. The brightness in SDR mode at 570 nits is sufficient for comfortable TV viewing during the day, even with natural light coming in through the windows. This ensures that colours remain vivid and the picture is clearly visible, making the television suitable for everyday use.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Sony X85L: 571 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: PKG6.7612.0875EUA

Image processor: mt5895 3gb ram

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Backlight Type: PFS LED

TV features

7.8/10

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):
Backlit remote control: No
Teletext: Yes

Sony X85L runs on the Google TV system, which is a substantial advantage for many users. The television offers wide access to applications, and using streaming platforms is smooth and user-friendly. The interface is intuitive and easy to master, allowing quick switching between applications and searching for favourite content. Google TV allows for personalisation of the home screen, enabling each user to tailor it to their preferences. The Google Assistant further enriches the experience by offering voice control and quick changes to settings or searching for films without the need for a remote.

In terms of user features, Sony X85L offers many useful options. The television has the capability to record programmes, which is a significant convenience for those wanting to watch their favourite content at any time. AirPlay support allows for seamless content streaming from Apple devices, which iPhone and iPad owners will appreciate. Additionally, thanks to the built-in Bluetooth, various devices such as headphones or keyboards can be connected. However, one of the shortcomings is the PiP (picture-in-picture) function, which may disappoint users who prefer multitasking on screen.

The design of the Sony X85L television, while perhaps not among the thinnest, is solid and elegant. The metal stand with adjustable feet is one of its stronger points, allowing the height and width of the television to be adapted to various furniture and spaces. This practical solution enhances the interior and adds a modern character to it.

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

Sony X85L easily handles playback of most popular file formats from USB, which is a big plus for those who often access external content. However, it should be mentioned that there is a small downside – the built-in player does not allow for changing the font colour in subtitles, which may be troublesome for some. Fortunately, thanks to the extensive Google TV system, users have a wide range of options. Alternative media players can be easily installed, offering more personalisation options.

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 in Sony X85L is good – it is clear across the entire range, allowing enjoyment of both dialogues and music. The bass, though light, is noticeable and adds some depth to the overall sound. However, it should be emphasised that this is a subjective assessment – some may find such a sound profile satisfying, while others might need additional audio equipment to fully experience stronger tones and a more spacious sound.

Full Array LED Matrix with local dimming: This technology provides precise control over the backlighting, resulting in deeper blacks and better contrast, enhancing picture quality.
4K HDR Processor X1™: The advanced processor analyses and optimises the picture in real time, delivering clear, detailed, and realistic content in 4K resolution.
120 Hz Refresh Rate: The high refresh rate ensures smooth motion, ideal for dynamic content such as sports broadcasts or video games.
TRILUMINOS PRO™ and Live Colour™ technology: These offer a wide colour range, making images vivid and realistic with natural hues.
HDR Support: Compatibility with HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision formats provides a wide dynamic range, offering more realistic and detailed images.
Google TV™ Operating System: An intuitive and fast Smart TV system offering access to a wide range of applications and streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video.
X-Motion Clarity Technology: Improves the smoothness of fast-moving scenes, eliminating blurring and stuttering, which is particularly important when watching sports or action films.
Dolby Atmos Sound: Spatial audio technology provides immersive audio experiences, making sound envelop the viewer from all directions.
Gaming Features: Support for VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) ensures smooth and responsive gameplay without delays and stuttering.
Sleek design with narrow bezels: A modern look with minimal bezels around the screen, increasing the display area and the aesthetics of the device.

Sony X85L – the ideal TV for the living room?

Sony X85L is a model that works great in the living room thanks to its elegant design and slim bezels. Its 55-inch screen ensures high picture quality, as confirmed by numerous Sony X85L reviews from users. The Google TV system offers broad access to applications and streaming services, and the Sony KD-55X85LAEP test shows good screen brightness, allowing for comfortable viewing even in bright rooms. Additionally, the VRR and Game Bar features make it an excellent choice for gamers.

Will X85L work well in the bedroom?

Thanks to its 120 Hz matrix, X85L Sony ensures smooth picture quality, which is essential for evening screenings. The intuitive Google TV interface allows for quick content retrieval, as confirmed in the X85L test. Compact dimensions and the ability to mount it on the wall make the TV perfectly suited for smaller spaces. Importantly, Sony X85L reviews indicate that the device operates quietly, which does not disturb nighttime peace. However, it is advisable to adjust the screen brightness to avoid straining the eyes when watching in the dark.

X85L Sony and home cinema – is this model for film lovers?

With a 4K resolution and HDR support, Sony X85L offers vivid colours and deep blacks. The Sony 55X85L test highlighted very good colour reproduction, which contributes to a high-quality movie experience. The sound system, while decent, cannot replace a full home cinema; however, the KD-55X85L test demonstrated that the TV works well with external speakers. Support for various multimedia formats and the ability to record programmes are additional advantages for film enthusiasts.

Does Sony X85L perform well with spatial audio?

The spatial audio in Sony X85L performs well, although the built-in speakers do not compare to home cinema systems. The X85L test indicated clear and distinct sound, but for a better effect, investing in a soundbar is worthwhile. Sony X85L reviews suggest that the TV supports spatial audio technologies, which, when combined with appropriate equipment, provide an immersive experience. The Sony KD-55X85LAEP test confirms that the TV offers solid audio quality, but additional speakers can significantly enhance the experience.

Sony X85L

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 X85L – the ideal TV for the living room?

Will X85L work well in the bedroom?

X85L Sony and home cinema – is this model for film lovers?

Does Sony X85L perform well with spatial audio?