There are plenty of television models on the market, and picking the right one for you can be a daunting task. There are several things that you need to keep in mind, but if you are brand-loyal to Sony, you’ll already know what excellent quality the brand offers.
With decades of experience in consumer electronics, it can be difficult to choose between Sony’s models, as all will provide quality at their price point. But if you want to go all in for the best viewing experience for movies and video games, then you don’t have to look any further than the Sony BRAVIA XR OLED 4K Ultra HD TV.
What to know before you buy a Sony TV
Sony TV display panel type
Sony televisions are made in a variety of display panel types. You should consider which display will be best suited for your viewing environment, and what kind of content you will be watching, before making a choice. OLED and QLED have the best clarity, while LED and LCD don’t do so well in bright rooms or in direct sunlight.
Sony TV display size
When it comes to TVs, bigger isn’t always better. While it may be tempting to grab that 75-inch TV for your small bedroom, it could prove to be too much TV for the space. Consider what size will be best for your viewing area and try to find the balance between a smaller screen that could leave you squinting to see on-screen text and a larger screen that takes up a whole wall and leads to other eye strain issues.
Accessories and add-ons
Sony TVs have a lot of connection ports and accessories slots. Before you start planning on your TV room’s layout, consider which cables and connections you need. If you want to connect the Sony TV to your home theater system, make sure that the TV supports the cables and connections of your current devices. Similarly, consider if you have Bluetooth accessories that will naturally need a Bluetooth connection from the TV to work.
Sony TV features
Sony’s Cognitive Processor
Using Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR, most of the company’s televisions deliver better visuals and audio than others. This is because the processor emulates what the human eye can see, and adjusts the contrast and colors according to what is on the screen. The aim of the processor is to provide the most natural-looking colors for content.
Sony’s BRAVIA Core
Internet-connected Sony TVs have access to BRAVIA Core, Sony’s own streaming and renting service. You can redeem your Core credit for some of the latest films, streamed in high definition. The streaming service also gives you access to timeless films that can be watched at any time.
Streaming content
Speaking of streaming services, most Sony TVs are smart TVs, meaning they come pre-loaded with several streaming apps and an internet browser that can be used as long as an internet connection is present. No third-party streaming device is required to watch your favorite shows and movies and, what’s more, these TVs support the Google and Amazon voice assistant services.
Sony TV cost
The cost of a Sony TV will depend on the display size, the technology used and what type of display it is. A good starting point for a Sony TV is around $400, while the top-tier television sets can retail for nearly $3,000.
Sony TV FAQ
Can a Sony TV be mounted on a wall?
A. Yes, a Sony TV can be mounted onto a wall. However, you would need a specific mounting bracket designed for the display size in order to do so. Also, depending on the surface material that you are mounting it to, you would need special bolts as well.
What’s the difference between LED and OLED?
A. LED technology is an older form of display panel, but the main difference is that the pixels in OLEDs are self-illuminating. The LEDs in an LCD display is what lights up the LCD display. OLED TVs have a wider viewing angle and brighter colors.
Which Sony TV should I get?
Best of the best Sony TV
Sony BRAVIA XR OLED 4K Ultra HD TV: available at Amazon
Our take: For the best picture and sound, this one has it all.
What we like: Coming in at 55 inches, this TV is big enough for gaming, movies and television shows. It incorporates Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR for stunning visuals, and the XR Triluminos Pro system makes sure that you see the correct balance in contrast and brightness. The display panel is an OLED 4K, so you know that everything will be sharp and crisp. It is compatible with Google Home and Amazon’s Alexa and also gives you access to third-party streaming apps like YouTube and Netflix.
What we dislike: It is only available in three different sizes, so you are somewhat limited if your preferred size isn’t available.
Best bang for your buck Sony TV
Sony 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV: available at Amazon
Our take: An affordable option for 4K content streaming and live TV.
What we like: This TV is one of Sony’s most affordable models that delivers a powerful punch. Measuring 75 inches, the massive LED display panel uses Sony’s processors for the best quality contrast, brightness and color variation. If you are a gamer, the TV also features a Game Mode that boosts the response times for smoother graphics. The TV is compatible with Google and Amazon’s smart assistants and can be connected to Apple devices through Apple AirPlay 2 and Home Kit.
What we dislike: While the visual quality is excellent, some users have complained that the viewing angles should have been a little bit wider.
Honorable mention Sony TV
Sony BRAVIA XR LED 4K Ultra HD TV: available at Amazon
Our take: A great choice for movies and video games in 4K splendor.
What we like: The LED 4K display panel is powered by Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR as well as the XR Triluminos Pro system. Just like the other top-tier models, this makes sure that you see the correct contrast, brightness and colors for the human eye. The model has a refresh rate of 120Hz, which makes it perfect for fast-paced action and video games. It has BRAVIA Core built in, and it also gives you access to third-party streaming apps like Netflix, Google TV and YouTube. Like the others, it is also compatible with Google and Amazon’s virtual assistants.
What we dislike: Due to the display panel being LED, there can be some glare when the TV is used in a brightly lit room.
Charlie Fripp is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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