Sony X90L

X90L

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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 that premiered in 2023, but it will successfully continue into 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 this with an advanced algorithm. Additionally, after calibration, the television presents very well-rendered colours, resulting in a natural and cohesive image reminiscent of IMAX cinema. In everyday use, X90L performs excellently, mainly due to the image processor, which 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 linked with 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 times. However, even in such a successful model, there are some drawbacks. Gamers may be disappointed by the lack of support for HGiG, which could enhance image quality in HDR games. Furthermore, Sony has yet to introduce an update that would reduce input lag in Dolby Vision mode – something achieved in the higher model, the A95L. Those who prefer slimmer devices should know that although Sony X90L looks elegant thanks to its aluminium frame, it is not one of the thinnest televisions on the market. Even though X90L is already a year old, it remains a solid piece of equipment that combines good picture parameters with functionality and support for gamers. It is a successful choice for those seeking 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
Support for 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 customisation
TV programme recording function without the need for an external decoder
Natural image scaling – the image without excessive sharpness presents itself realistically

Disadvantages

No support for HGiG
Cannot enable VRR and Dolby Vision simultaneously
Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, including 1 e-ARC
The television isn't 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

Competing TVs in this price range

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Sony Bravia 7 (XR70) 85”

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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

Viewing mode Game mode

7.6/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 88 (11 x 8)

Review Sony X90L Contrast and black detail

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

Result

87,500:1

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

14,400:1

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

Result

99,250:1

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

9,550:1

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

Result

6,300:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

The Sony X90L television is equipped with a VA panel and in the tested size of 65', it has 88 local 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 excellently. This is clearly visible in the first and third test patterns, where the contrast reaches nearly 100,000:1. In more demanding scenes, the X90L does not achieve such spectacular results – a contrast level of 6000:1 is just fine. Light separation performs really well, as confirmed by a scene from the film "Oblivion." However, the small number of dimming zones means that the halo effect is noticeable, especially in the test film from "Sicario 2," where the lights of the helicopter cause quite a significant flare over a large portion of the screen. Despite the limited number of dimming zones, the Sony X90L manages to reproduce blacks quite well. Although it does not match the highest series of miniLED or OLED televisions in terms of black depth and contrast level, it offers solid results that are sufficient for most demanding users.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

6.5/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 96.0%, Bt.2020: 76.0%

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

912 nit

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

Result

680 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

678 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

640 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

797 nit

HDR on the Sony X90L TV looks promising. The luminance chart showed that the television has a solid power reserve, reaching a maximum of 1000 nits in synthetic tests. However, how does this perform in real-world scenarios? In scenes such as the opening of Life of Pi or the final sequence from The Meg, the TV is able to deliver this power on HDR content, reaching about 800 nits. Unfortunately, displaying small light elements on a black background, as seen in the scene from Sicario 2, poses greater challenges for the X90L – here the results drop to around 600 nits. Despite this, when compared to competing models with mini-LED technology, the effect looks very good and can shine just enough to impress us. Notably, the colour gamut coverage is commendable, with a score of 96% for DCI-P3 and 76% for BT.2020, indicating good colour reproduction in HDR content.

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

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

The Sony X90L TV demonstrated its capabilities during tests 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 light effects appear, the X90L Sony superbly reproduced bright points, ensuring they did not merge into a uniform blotch. It effectively separated the lights, adding depth to the image and allowing for the capture of the finest details. The same was evident in Billy Lynn, where the television rendered fireworks in the distance with impressive precision, presenting realistic and well-diversified bright points. The Sony X90L not only excelled in dynamic scenes but also displayed high colour accuracy, contributing to authenticity and enjoyment when viewing. Even if the images may seem 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. Through correctly implemented dynamic tone mapping, lost details in bright light effects are effectively recovered. It is thanks to 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 for enjoyment of 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 picture on the Sony X90L often appears brighter, which stems from the pursuit of maintaining the maximum brightness value. This model does not artificially enhance 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 horses, details remain clear, bright areas are better controlled, and the overall appearance is more realistic and natural. Dolby Vision provides a better balance between light and dark elements, making the image look more polished.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Smoothness of tonal transitions

9.2/10

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

Review Sony X90L Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

8.5/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

The Sony X90L television features a tone transition smoothing function known as Soft Gradation, which is extremely effective. Even at the "low" option, 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 provides a natural effect and ensures that everything looks cohesive. It's clear that the engineers really focused on this aspect, creating a solution that is impressive and performs well in daily use. Because of this, even when watching content such as 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 an excellent choice for both gamers and cinema enthusiasts. The television is equipped with the Motion Flow smoothing feature, which allows for adjusting motion fluidity using two sliders: "smoothness" and "clarity." The "smoothness" slider controls the level of fluidity in motion, which helps reduce image stuttering, while "clarity" is used to minimize blur and enhance motion sharpness, which is particularly useful in dynamic scenes.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

In terms of motion blur, the X90L performs really well. There is no excessive blurring, although slight imperfections can be seen on dark backgrounds. Additionally, the television has a BFI function, which works quite well, although with very careful viewing, one can notice that a fast-moving object, such as our test alien, has a slightly visible trail behind it.

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 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 playback of high-resolution games at a high frame rate. Gamers can also take advantage of the ALLM feature, which automatically switches the television to low latency mode, and VRR, which ensures smooth gameplay without image stuttering. The Game Bar is an additional advantage – an intuitive tool that provides quick access to the most important gaming settings and features, facilitating control over gameplay.

Unfortunately, when it comes to HDR in games, the Sony X90L has its limitations. There is a lack of support for HGiG, a standard that many gamers consider crucial for precise HDR reproduction in games. While the television supports Dolby Vision, which could theoretically 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 alongside VRR. This means that despite its numerous advantages, gamers seeking the ideal HDR in games may feel a sense of disappointment.

Input lag

8.7/10

Input lag in Sony X90L can be assessed as decent, although it is not outstanding. In Dolby Vision mode, the television operates only at 60 Hz, and the additional high input lag complicates matters as it makes gameplay practically unplayable. For games at the popular frequency of 60 Hz, the input lag is about 25 ms – this is an acceptable result, but for more demanding gamers, it may prove disappointing.

However, those more advanced gamers who have equipment supporting 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 television supports chroma 4:4:4, which ensures quite good font visibility, important while working or browsing content on a large screen. Although there are minimal issues with font legibility on a dark background, it is not bothersome enough to pose a major 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 the effect of stuttering or tearing, which significantly enhances comfort and the gaming experience.

Viewing angles

2.9/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 64%

The viewing angles on the Sony X90L are unfortunately very poor, which is typical for VA panels. The picture quality degrades when viewed at an angle, which can be problematic when watching from a greater distance or with a larger group of people. It's a shame that the manufacturer did not use a coating to widen the viewing angles, which could significantly improve this aspect and make the television 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 television Sony X90L during the day is very good. The satin matrix effectively dampens reflections, which minimises glare and keeps the image clear even in bright rooms. An SDR brightness level 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 will perform 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

Software version during testing: PKG6.7612.0875EUA

Image processor: mt5895 3GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

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
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

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 vast array of applications and streaming services, and the interface is intuitive and straightforward. With the support of a voice assistant, using the television becomes even more convenient – just one command is enough to find your favourite films, series, or music. Google TV operates smoothly and allows for full personalisation, making everyday use enjoyable and hassle-free.

The television also offers a number of user-friendly features. It supports AirPlay and Miracast, enabling easy content sharing from mobile devices. Additionally, other devices can be connected via Bluetooth, which enhances versatility and user convenience. For those who prefer traditional television viewing, there is even a recording feature available without the need for an external decoder, which is a significant advantage for fans of live shows.

In terms of design, Sony X90L may not be the sleekest, but its appearance is impressive thanks to a metal frame that adds elegance. The television is equipped with a base that can be positioned in three different ways, allowing for adjustments according to different spaces and user preferences.

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 X90L handles the playback of most popular file formats from USB without any issues, which is a big plus for those who often access external content. However, it is worth mentioning a slight downside – the built-in player does not allow for changing the font colour in subtitles, which may be problematic for some. Fortunately, thanks to the extensive Google TV system, users have a wide range of options. Alternative media players, which offer more personalisation options, can be easily installed.

Apps

10/10

Sound

7/10

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 on the Sony X90L is pleasant and clear, and the presence of bass makes the audio richer. The television performs well when playing music, offering satisfactory 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, films, games, and music gain depth and realism, creating a better experience for the user.

Cognitive Processor XR™: An advanced processor analysing images in a way similar to human perception, optimising 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: Technology that expands the colour palette, enabling the display of more vibrant and natural colours, resulting in richer and more realistic images.
XR Contrast Booster: A feature that enhances contrast by precisely balancing bright and dark areas, achieving deeper blacks and brighter whites.
Acoustic Multi-Audio™: A sound system in which additional high-frequency speakers position sound so that it seems to come from the correct location on the screen, synchronising audio with the image and creating a more immersive experience.
XR Motion Clarity: Technology that improves motion sharpness, reducing blurriness in dynamic scenes, providing smoother and more realistic experiences while watching sports or action films.
Google TV: A Smart TV platform offering access to a wide range of applications and streaming services, enabling personalisation of content and integration with Google Assistant.
Ambient Optimization: Technology that automatically adjusts brightness and sound balance depending on lighting and acoustic conditions in the room, ensuring optimal viewing experiences.

Sony X90L test – the ideal choice for gamers

As shown by the Sony X90L test, this model is an excellent choice for video game enthusiasts, offering a wide range of features that enhance the gaming experience. The TV supports HDMI 2.1, VRR, and ALLM, ensuring smoothness and low response time, crucial for dynamic scenes in games. The Sony XR-65X90L test also indicates excellent performance of local dimming, increasing contrast and image depth, providing better visual experiences. It is 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 demonstrates that this model impresses with picture quality thanks to local dimming technology and algorithms optimising contrast. According to the Sony X90L test, the TV offers excellent brightness in SDR mode, making it an ideal choice for rooms with plenty of daylight. The Sony XR-85X90L test confirmed that the smart TV features operate smoothly and intuitively, further enhancing user comfort. The X90L test also showed that the TV is an excellent choice for watching films in HDR quality due to its realistic colours and deep blacks.

Sony X90L

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 X90L test – the ideal choice for gamers

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