A spectacular TV throughout. This is how I would define this proposal from Sony if they asked me what it is like. Because during the weeks that I have been able to test the Sony A90J Bravia XR I can not say anything else. And it is that, between the generous 65 inches of it, its image and sound quality, it is difficult not to fall in love with it. Still, let me tell you everything you need to know about him.
Video analysis Sony A90J
Sony A90J Bravia XR: technical characteristics
El Sony A90J Bravia XR is a high-end smart TV and that is something that is intuited as soon as you see it and, of course, know its price. Because it will not be a television that anyone is going to buy, but whoever does will get an elegant proposal, well finished and with quality materials.
However, before talking about all this and what it offers at the level of experience, let's review its main technical characteristics:
- 65-inch screen with technology 4K UHD OLED with 10-bit color depth and 120 Hz refresh rate
- HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision
- Available in 55, 65, and 83-inch sizes
- Operating System Google TV and 16 GB of internal storage
- WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth 4.2, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay
- Connections: 2 HDMI 2.1 (VRR/ALLM), 2 x HDMI 2.0, Composite video, Ethernet, RF, optical audio out, headphone jack two digital and one analog tuner
- Price 2599 euros for the 55-inch model and 3599 euros the 65-inch analyzed
A minimalist and very stable design
We usually say about mobile phones that today they are boring in terms of design and if it weren't for the possible changes that some manufacturers make to the back, they would all look practically the same.
Well, this also happens in televisions and especially in high-end models. Because it is in this type of models where the screen is sought to have the greatest possible role. That implies reducing the frames to the maximum, so that what is left is basically the panel. So to attract a little attention or play with the thickness, the design of the back or the bases or feet.
Even so, the thickness can be striking the first time, but then it is not something especially important if sections such as sound are sacrificed with it. The design of the back is more or less the same, because if you also place it against the wall, it is not even visible. And the bases or feet... well, if it's on a piece of furniture, it can be striking, but hung again it loses meaning.
So, with all this, the only thing I can say about this Sony television is that it is elegant, sober and makes the image the real protagonist along with its sound quality. Two sections of which I will tell you in detail later.
Of course, here what we said about the bases or foot, this time Sony has opted for two side feet that give the screen a lot of stability and allow it to be placed flush with the surface where it is placed. Which is interesting simple.
Any negative aspects of being at ground level? Well, we might think that there would not be enough height to place a sound bar, but believe me, this television does not need a start.
Google TV as the center of the experience
Sony decided a few years ago to bet on Android TV, a very wise decision that now continues with the adoption of Google TV. And that is interesting for the user, because he feels that he has the latest in terms of user experience, possibilities and more. So much so that it could be said that Google's operating system ends up being the center of the experience that is later provided by the OLED panel that it has.
Regarding Google TV, it is not necessary to give many explanations, because it is still based on Android and that allows you to do everything that could already be done with Android TV. Like, for example, accessing a very complete and varied catalog of applications that ranges from streaming platforms to games and many other utilities. So, even if you want to share what you see on your smartphone with the TV, you can even control home automation thanks to the integration with Google Assistant.
The Google voice assistant and voice control gives this TV multiple options when it comes to controlling it or controlling other compatible devices connected to the Google platform. Although if you want you could also install the Alexa app.
Finally, some additional details that you will surely be interested in knowing about all your options at the software level:
- Offer native support for Chromecast, so you can easily send content from your mobile
- Support for AirPlay from Apple, so you can send audio and video from your iOS, iPadOS and macOS device
- Bravia Core It is the new Sony service with which they offer audiovisual content with which they seek to compete with platforms such as Netflix or Disney +. Interesting proposal to see how it evolves. For now you have a generous catalog with material in 4K HDR and when you register they give you 10 free movies.
One last detail, along with all this, Sony incorporates a new remote control No, although it doesn't break the mold, because it maintains the classic aesthetics of a conventional control, there are interesting details such as having a backlight, the possibility of backlighting each button so that it is much easier to find the one you want in the dark.
In addition, the remote includes a button to activate the microphone and thus be able to use Google Assistant. So everything is fine in terms of the experience of using this Sony television.
a screen that shines
I have tested and seen high-level screens throughout all these years, but it is undoubtedly now when OLED technology begins to be much more refined and solves one of its few limitations: the maximum brightness level.
Compared to screens with LED technology, the high-end ones, it is true that they are still at a disadvantage, but now it can be said that they overcome one of their weak points. Because on this occasion the OLED panel used by Sony here is capable of achieving a higher maximum brightness level than what we were used to seeing until now (up to 1.500 nits) and that translates into remarkable image quality.
By having more brightness and added to that depth of blacks characteristic of OLED, the contrast is greater and better quality is enjoyed in both the dark and bright areas of the image. There is no doubt that it is an exquisite screen in every way. I could not fault it in practically any section, because in terms of color, brightness, contrast and saturation, as well as definition, it shines.
Furthermore, the serial calibration is very good And if you don't want to complicate yourself doing the process manually, you can opt for modes such as Netflix, IMAX Enhanced or Dolby Vision modes that are very well defined for series and movies.
Therefore, if what you are looking for is image quality, here is a worthy candidate for the best screen this year. One that is also enhanced by the use of a new Bravia XR chip that, through machine learning techniques, improves the experience itself and the way of treating the images that are reproduced.
go with the sound
The advantage of these large-inch screens is that you always have more space to count on. more complete sound systems, top. Here exactly that happens and the quality must be said to be surprising.
It had been a long time since a television had such a sensation when listening to audio directly through its speaker system. Here Sony not only offers a sound that complies in most situations, it is that it has body, punch and a bass that if you are not looking for the best of the best or a more immersive audio experience, you will not need to buy a sound bar or equipment additional.
Los two 10W speakers plus two 20W subwoofers together with support for Dolby Atmos and content with good soundtracks, they make it sound incredibly good. In addition, the automatic acoustic calibration option optimizes the experience based on the size of the room and its own acoustic characteristics.
A perfect TV for everything, even games
La Sony A90J Bravia XR is an impressive screen from the first moment you take it out of the box and assemble it. The image and sound quality it offers is so high that you won't even miss going to the movies.
What's more, in the same way that the barista prefers coffee that is prepared at home, if you go to the cinema it will be more for socializing than for image quality and experience. Because that is already offered to you by this television, which is truly amazing.
Still, it also has its downsides. The first is that it does not offer support for content HDR10 +. Maybe this matters to few, especially since most services are committed to Dolby Vision, but it must be taken into account.
The second is that although it serves perfectly to play, having only two HDMI 2.1 ports It is something that some users in particular can see as something that could be improved. Being a high-end television, it would have been great if the four HDMI connectors were 2.1 to offer the possibility of playing 4K content at 120 Hz and not just two and the other two at a maximum of 4K/60.
However, they are details that, as always, are sought with the aim of evaluating to the millimeter a proposal that is not economical to say. Although in general terms I have to admit that right now it is one of those screens that if I could buy I would do it with my eyes closed, without regrets and knowing that I am going to enjoy an outstanding experience.