Compare LG OLED C4 vs Sony X90L

The LG C4 stands out in its price range, likely offering little competition for many users. With its versatile features, it is perfect for movie and series enthusiasts, as well as gamers. The advanced WebOS system, paired with a remote that functions like a mouse, ensures an excellent user experience, making it a compelling choice for long-term brand loyalty. The OLED panel, built on over a decade of expertise, continues to impress with its ability to deliver a dynamic and immersive viewing experience. The brightness performance on HDR content is exceptional, with a deep and vibrant image. The dynamic tone mapping function is particularly noteworthy, making HDR10 content nearly as stunning as Dolby Vision.

Additionally, LG's televisions are well-suited for calibration, offering flexibility for home users with basic settings and professionals using 3D LUTs. For gaming enthusiasts, the LG C4 is a top choice, like most of the manufacturer’s OLED models. Thanks to HDMI 2.1 support and features like VRR, ALLM, FreeSync, and G-Sync, the gaming experience is incredibly smooth. The panel’s 144Hz refresh rate and advanced motion smoothing make it ideal for high-performance sports broadcasts. Overall, it’s hard to fault the LG OLED C4, as it offers exceptional features at a competitive price.

Sony X90L is a higher-end model from the Japanese manufacturer, which premiered in 2023 but will continue successfully in 2024 as well. The Sony brand and the name Bravia are associated with excellent picture quality, and this model confirms that reputation – it offers great brightness and very good black levels. Despite having fewer local dimming zones than its competitors, it makes up for it with an advanced algorithm. Additionally, after calibration, the television presents very well-rendered colors, resulting in a natural and cohesive image reminiscent of IMAX theaters. In everyday use, X90L performs excellently, mainly thanks to the image processor that effectively scales lower resolution content and the recording function from the built-in tuner, which is becoming increasingly rare in today’s televisions. Sony is also closely tied to the world of PlayStation, and in this regard, X90L Sony does not disappoint. It is equipped with HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, and a convenient Game Bar, making it a good choice for gamers who expect smooth gameplay and quick response. However, even in such a successful model, there are some drawbacks. Gamers may be disappointed by the lack of support for HGiG, which could improve image quality in HDR games. Additionally, Sony has not yet released an update that would reduce input lag in Dolby Vision mode – something that has been achieved in the higher model, the A95L. Those who prefer slimmer devices should know that although Sony X90L looks elegant due to its aluminum frame, it is not among the thinnest televisions on the market. Even though X90L has already been on the market for a year, it remains a solid device that combines good picture parameters with functionality and support for gamers. It is a successful choice for those looking for a versatile high-end television.

The LG OLED C4, as the name implies, utilises an organic matrix developed in-house, making it one of the most recognisable series on the market. With over 10 years of experience producing self-emissive panels, LG has continually refined its designs, and the 2024 models are the pinnacle of this progress. An OLED screen ensures flawless contrast and black levels, immersing viewers in the director’s vision. OLED technology stands out for its lack of traditional backlighting, instead relying on current flowing through organic pixels. This design allows for precise image control, eliminating issues like dimming of fine details or halo/blooming effects.

In our test scenes, two standout features were immediately apparent: perfect light separation and an abundance of detail in "The Revenant." Crucially, the C4 displayed the distinct green tint some televisions attempt to correct, without issues. The LG OLED C4 excels in delivering exceptional contrast, resulting in incredible depth and richness. Test results confirm that the black levels are flawless, particularly in high-contrast scenes. Ultimately, the LG C4 offers an unmatched contrast ratio, delivering a visually stunning experience whether watching movies or gaming.

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

The HDR performance of the LG OLED C4 is impressive, firmly placing it in the higher tier. Most films exceed 700 nits, delivering a highly realistic image. While none surpass the 1,000-nit mark, the combination of these results with the TV’s infinite contrast and perfect blacks significantly enhances the visual experience. The final scene, with a full-screen flash of sunlight, is slightly less bright than the others but still maintains a solid level of brightness. Another highlight is the excellent DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage, which ensures incredibly vibrant colours. The HDR technology in the LG OLED C4 delivers exceptional colour and detail reproduction. The dynamic tone mapping feature optimises brightness levels, ensuring ideal light reproduction in every scene, even in the most demanding high-dynamic films.

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

The best factory mode on the tested television was "Filmmaker," which served as the basis for all evaluations. In terms of colour reproduction, this mode performed reasonably well; however, certain flaws significantly detracted from the overall viewing experience. The most fundamental issue was the white balance, which exhibited a noticeable dominance of red, skewing the image characteristics. This resulted in a pronounced yellow tint to whites and a general shift of all colours towards warmer tones.

The gamma, an equally crucial—if not more important—aspect, was notably lowered, leading to a marked reduction in contrast. Additionally, the television frequently lost detail at the start of the gamma curve. These issues were most apparent in SDR content.

When examining HDR materials, the same yellowing effect in the white balance was observed, as seen with SDR content. However, the EOTF curve, which replaces the gamma curve for HDR, was near perfect and left little room for criticism.

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

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

As mentioned, LG televisions come with advanced tools to facilitate an accurate calibration process. By utilising these tools, we meticulously adjusted the image to align with the director’s original vision. Without overstating, the results were outstanding. Both SDR and HDR content now achieve a level of visual fidelity that reflects how films are intended to be seen.

Examining the colour accuracy on the "ColourChecker" palette reveals impressive results, with almost all colour errors falling below a delta of "1," aside from two minor exceptions. Post-calibration, the LG OLED C4 demonstrated a marked improvement in colour reproduction, particularly in SDR and HDR modes. Testing the TV after calibration highlighted its capacity for delivering exceptionally accurate colours, underlining the high calibre of this model. The LG C41LA offers a stunningly precise colour palette, sure to satisfy even the most discerning viewers.

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

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

The fluidity of tonal transitions in LG TVs has long been a delicate issue, as the manufacturer, despite excelling in many areas, has consistently faced challenges in this aspect. However, the tested TV performed notably well in this regard. Issues were primarily confined to darker scenes, particularly the final two, where imperfections were more apparent. Interestingly, this model delivered better results in tonal transitions than LG's flagship model, the G4, showcasing a commendable improvement in this area.

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

Let us revisit the function responsible for smooth gradation and consider its role in improving lower-quality materials. The default smoothing of tonal transitions, while decent, can be further enhanced. The feature includes a slider for adjusting its strength, and we recommend selecting the first option. This setting strikes a balance, offering excellent results without compromising important details through unnecessary blurring.

The image scaling on the LG C4 is commendable, though not entirely without flaws. By default, the image appears slightly sharper, though not to an intrusive degree. While jagged edges on elements like trees are occasionally visible, this issue is relatively minor compared to similar offerings from other manufacturers.

The Sony X90L TV features a tone transition smoothing function known as Smooth Gradation, which is incredibly effective. Even at the "low" setting, the effects are satisfactory, but at the "medium" setting, it works like a dream – we recommend using this option for the best results. The image scaling on the Sony X90L is simply excellent. The image is not overly sharpened, which gives a natural effect and makes everything look cohesive. It is evident that the engineers really put effort into this aspect, creating a solution that impresses and works well in everyday use. Because of this, even when watching content like regular television or YouTube, where the image is not inherently stunning, one can enjoy a smooth, cohesive, and visually pleasing experience.

The LG G4 supports a maximum refresh rate of 144 Hz, achievable only when connected to a high-performance PC. Otherwise, the television operates at a maximum of 120 Hz, the recommended setting for viewing sports or content with fast-paced motion. For those prioritising smooth image quality, LG has included a versatile motion smoothing feature called "TrueMotion." This function is split into two adjustable sliders: De-Blur, which sharpens moving images, and De-Judder, which reduces jitter. Both sliders offer a range of settings from 0 to 10, enabling users to fine-tune the motion smoothness to their preference.

The LG OLED C4 boasts an impressive average response time of less than 1 millisecond, as confirmed by our measurements. This results in exceptional image clarity, far surpassing LCD televisions, which often have response times of several milliseconds. This clarity is evident in tests like the "UFO Test," where no trailing blur is visible behind moving objects.

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

The LG C4, like nearly all OLED televisions from the manufacturer, excels in its compatibility with consoles and PCs. With the inclusion of four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 48 Gbps, the TV incorporates a range of features to enhance the gaming experience. Notably, it offers simultaneous support for FreeSync and G-Sync, making it an ideal choice for gamers using AMD or Nvidia graphics cards. For those seeking the best possible gaming quality, the integration of HDR Dolby Vision and HGIG mode is particularly impressive. HDR Dolby Vision operates with remarkably low input lag across all settings, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay.

A standout feature in LG's televisions is the GameBar, which allows users to adjust settings in real-time without leaving the game. This includes options for customising the image for viewers with visual impairments, a thoughtful addition. Additionally, enabling VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) does not result in a loss of contrast—a benefit of the OLED panel's self-emissive technology, eliminating the need for conventional backlighting. While some slight flickering of grey tones may occur, this is a characteristic of VRR technology across all manufacturers.

In summary: The LG C4, like the brand's other OLED models equipped with high-refresh-rate panels and HDMI 2.1, provides a seamless and immersive gaming experience. For gamers demanding top-tier performance, this TV is an outstanding choice.

Sony X90L is a television that performs well in terms of compatibility with consoles and features for gamers. Its 120 Hz panel and two HDMI 2.1 ports with a bandwidth of 48 Gb/s allow for smooth play in high resolution and at a high frame rate. Gamers can also take advantage of the ALLM feature, which automatically switches the TV to low latency mode, and VRR, which provides smooth gameplay without screen tearing. Game Bar is an additional advantage – an intuitive tool that allows for quick access to the most important settings and gaming features, making it easier to control gameplay.

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

The latency time of the LG C4 is exceptionally low across all scenarios, making it a standout choice for even the most dedicated gamers. At demanding settings of 4K 120 Hz with HDR, the input lag is an astonishingly low 5 ms, ensuring an incredibly responsive gaming experience. Notably, this low latency remains consistent even when Dolby Vision HDR is enabled—a feature that competitors often struggle to maintain without increasing delay.

This consistency and performance firmly position the LG C4 as a top-tier option for gamers seeking high-quality visuals and minimal lag. It undoubtedly earns the highest rating and strong recommendation for gaming enthusiasts.

The input lag on the Sony X90L can be rated as decent, although it is not exceptional. In Dolby Vision mode, the television operates only at 60 Hz, and the high input lag complicates matters as it makes gameplay practically unplayable. For games at the popular 60 Hz frequency, the input lag is around 25 ms – this is an acceptable result, but for more demanding players, it may be disappointing.

However, those more advanced players who have equipment that supports higher refresh rates can expect better results. With a 120 Hz signal, the input lag drops to around 12 ms, providing significantly better responsiveness and smoother gameplay, meeting the expectations of more demanding users.

When paired with a PC, the LG C4 delivers excellent performance, largely due to its impressively low latency of 13.5 ms, ensuring a near-instantaneous response between the mouse, eye, and screen. This makes it an ideal choice for tasks requiring precision and speed.

One of the most crucial aspects of using a TV as a monitor is text readability, and in this regard, the LG C4 excels. The text appears sharp and clear, although enabling the passthrough option in the settings is necessary to optimise font sharpness.

The RWBG pixel layout is another advantage, as it does not significantly affect the clarity of fonts or letters—a notable improvement compared to Samsung's QD-OLED panels. Whether using Windows or macOS, the LG C4 ensures a smooth and satisfying user experience for work or general PC use.

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

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

One of the undeniable strengths of OLED panels is their exceptional performance for group viewing, allowing for consistent image quality from a range of viewing angles. The LG C4 upholds excellent contrast, colour saturation, and fidelity, ensuring a satisfying experience for viewers in different seating positions.

While it lacks the enhancements provided by MLA (Micro-Lens Array) technology, the C4 still delivers impressive results that most owners are likely to find highly satisfactory. However, at sharper angles, a slight greenish tint can sometimes be observed. This is a known characteristic of LG’s WRGB panels without micro-lens technology and, unfortunately, is an inherent limitation that cannot be mitigated.

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

The maximum brightness of the LG C4 in SDR content reaches 367 nits, which is an impressive result for an OLED television and ensures comfortable viewing, even during the day. Two notable aspects enhance the experience. First, the glossy coating on the panel effectively contains light reflections, preventing them from spreading across the screen and disrupting the image.

Secondly, the brightness of the screen at 100% white fill measures approximately 220 nits, a significant improvement over earlier OLED models, which often struggled to achieve even half this level. This enhancement provides an excellent viewing experience, particularly for bright and vibrant content such as winter sports broadcasts.

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

LG has used its well-established proprietary WebOS system, a staple in its televisions for many years. This system provides access to virtually all major applications, with only a few notable exceptions, such as CDA or KODI. Additionally, the modern web browser and the remote control with a built-in mouse make streaming services easily accessible, even when specific apps are unavailable. One of WebOS's standout features is its ability to operate using a cursor that appears when the remote control is moved, offering great convenience when entering queries or passwords.

WebOS also includes screen mirroring, AirPlay, and Bluetooth headphone connectivity. For users with hearing impairments, it’s worth noting that WebOS allows the simultaneous use of headphones and the TV speaker, providing added flexibility. For sports fans, the system has a handy alert feature that notifies users of an upcoming match, ensuring they never miss a game.

Another highlight is the home panel, which enables users to control all smart devices connected to their home network. For example, a completed washing cycle will trigger a notification in the upper right corner of the screen.

In conclusion, while WebOS may not be as widely known or feature-rich as Android TV, it offers stable, fast performance and supports the majority of functions that users need. It is a solid and reliable option for those seeking a simple, effective, and user-friendly operating system for their television.

Sony X90L offers a rich set of features, starting with the Google TV system, which is the heart of entertainment. This solution provides access to a huge amount of apps and streaming services, and the interface is intuitive and clear. With voice assistant support, using the TV becomes even more convenient – just one command is enough to find your favorite movies, series, or music. Google TV operates smoothly and allows for full customization, making daily use enjoyable and hassle-free.

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

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

The default file player on the LG C4 handles various photo resolutions without issue, making it a reliable option for viewing images. It supports nearly all popular video formats, including Dolby Vision, ensuring compatibility with high-quality content. However, the television does not support H.266 VVC codec, which is relatively rare at this stage, so this limitation is not a significant drawback.

A notable omission is the lack of support for subtitles in the .txt format, which could be inconvenient for users who prefer using text-based subtitle files. In terms of photo formats, the C4 supports only three: JPEG, PNG, and HEIC (the latter being particularly useful for Apple phone users). While this is somewhat limited, it covers the most common formats for everyday use.

The TV excels in audio file compatibility, with no issues playing a wide range of audio formats, ensuring seamless music and sound playback without any compatibility warnings.

Sony X90L easily handles playback of most popular file formats from USB, which is a big plus for those who frequently access external content. However, it is worth mentioning a slight downside – the built-in player does not allow for changing the font color in subtitles, which can be problematic for some. Fortunately, thanks to the advanced Google TV system, users have a wide range of options. It is easy to install alternative media players that offer more personalization options.

The LG C4 audio system is well-tuned, providing strong bass and balanced mid and high tones. It stands out as one of the better-sounding televisions in its price range. However, most buyers will likely already have a dedicated audio setup. The presence of DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Atmos codecs enhances the overall experience, offering high-quality sound for those who rely on the TV's built-in speakers.

The sound in Sony X90L is pleasant and clear, and the presence of bass makes the sound fuller. The TV performs well in playing music, offering satisfying audio experiences. An additional advantage is the support for Dolby Atmos and DTS technologies, which provide a more spatial and immersive sound. As a result, movies, games, and music gain depth and realism, creating a better experience for the user.

LG OLED C4 vs Sony X90L

Advantages

Disadvantages

Our verdict

TV appearance

Where to buy

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